I keep this blog as an accountability tool toward my writing goals, so it only makes sense that I participate in “Round of Words in 80 Days” (aka ROW 80), the writing challenge that acknowledges that I have a life.

I want to make sure that my goals are realistic, especially since I’m barely home long enough to sleep, let alone read or write. Usually, maintaining a semblance of a routine is fairly simple for me, but I want to to ensure that this holiday season, I’m set up for success!

The priorities that I want to balance are:

• Finish the rough draft of my current work in progress. I love my WIP, but am lacking direction right now.
• Read the ARCs/galleys I’ve received, and write reviews on the ones I love. Though I’m thoroughly addicted to reading, I seem to put off reading books with deadlines/review obligations for some reason. I’ve had the galleys of the books on my Book Love schedule forever, but haven’t read them (though I’ve been dying to read them all), and yet, have found time to read tons of other books.
• Go to my gym three times a week

GOALS

My Work in Progress…

• Borrow Save the Cat from my library this Wednesday (Oct. 5), and refresh myself on the beat sheet principles.  Create chapter summaries for part 2  and 3 of WIP2.

• Set aside a consistent time each evening to develop my story, whether it’s adding pages or creating character histories. My schedule has become more variable than it has been in the past (that’s saying a lot, considering I held down two retail jobs through last year!). So, starting October 9, I plan on writing every working day from 11PM-12AM. On days I don’t go to my day job, I will write for longer.

Book Love…

• On my first day off in the week, read the next book on my review schedule. Write down my thoughts and impressions right away so I’m more motivated to review the book. On my second day off in the week, write the review and post it.

Gym…

• Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 10pm-11pm. I have a set training routine that I have for each day that I won’t post here.

HOW

• I have written out my daily schedules a week in advance, and plugged it into my iPhone calendar, complete with event alarms, so I don’t always feel like I’m forgetting something.

• Also, my support system via social networks will provide encouragement and motivation! A fun example is the Rock the ROW Twitter party this Wednesday, Oct. 5!
  

REWARDS

• For each week of consistently balancing my priorities, my reward will be a guilt-free afternoon (on my second day off in the week) to catch up on all the fun TV shows that I’ll miss with my consistent writing/gym-ing.

• I will also reward myself with an off schedule book.

I look forward to supporting all my fellow ROW-ers/writers.

• October 5th Check In
• October 9th Check In