Back in the Saddle

Mark the date, peeps: August 17, 2009. Gretchen McNeil remembered she has a blog.

Getting back into the swing of blogging is easier than it sounds. I've discovered its a state of mind, viewing the world around you with an eye for regurgitation. Yes, as I writer I suppose I do that automatically, subconsciously even, but for blogging I need to be in the right frame of mind.

I'm there. I'm back. I'm in it to win it.

First up on Monday's agenda - GOALS. Now, I hate goals. I'm not a "work for the dangling carrot" kinda gal. More like "Shiny new thing! Shiny new thing! Must do it! Must have it! Must... OOOOOooooo! Shine new thing! Shiny new thing! Must have it!" Okay, I'm not that ADD, but my illustrative point is that I'm motivated by my excitement for a project, not because I've set an arbitrary goal. Because in the back of my mind, I know it's just that - arbitrary.

That said, I need some. Perhaps I can deceive my inner slacker by referring to them as "deadlines" instead of "goals." Deadlines are more concrete, more finite and imply consequences for missing their exit on the Interstate.

Um, okay. So.... First up on Monday's agenda - DEADLINES.

1. I need to finish The Escape. I'm close. I moved into the ramp up for the big shoot 'em up climax scene this weekend. I've got the last two chapters all set in my mind, so if I can just figure out how to get there, I should be set. I have about 25K words to go which I can probably churn out in a few weeks.

2. I need to do some revisions for The Witch's Eye. Nothing major, just some tweeking. I've been thinking about them, allowing them to percolate, and now I just need to get them out of my head and into the manuscript. Easier said than done, however. I find it tough to switch between novels, or work on more than one at a time. It's like throwing a big rig into reverse while its careening down the steep side of Mont Blanc. My brain is the transmission in this analogy. Big, hot mess.

3. Speaking of multiple WIPs, I sort of started a new one. I say "sort of" because while I wrote the first chapter, I have no idea of the Who, What, Where and Why of the novel. Not letting myself think about it right now, however. See #2 above, re: big rig transmissions. That said, maybe I'll post some of it for Teaser Tuesday tomorrow?

4. Let's not forget Operation Swimsuit. Oy vey. I'm heading to Puerto Vallarta the second weekend in November for a friend's wedding and realized, with appropriate horror, that these thighs should not be seen on a beach. Ever. So I've instigated a diet/workout/lifestyle regimen with the goal (grrrrrr, there's that damn word again) of dropping 20+ pounds by the flight. Lord help me.

Deadlines, not goals. Keep me honest, people.