After some reorganization, I’ve reverted to posting Row80 updates as blog posts. It’s more convenient and easier for me to remember, so my updates will occur on Sunday evenings until further notice.
Things are percolating rapidly. I have four manuscripts in active play and have finally gotten a handle on juggling them. Two are in active critique by group, the third is being dissected by a plotting workshop, and the fourth is still in the first-draft stage.
Per my goals: I’m doing okay.
I’m reading a craft book each week, editing previously written chapters, and scouting out potential query recipients. I continue to lag with the query focus but until the editing is completed, that’s less of a necessity. The editing for Novel #1 will be finished before the end of this round and I’ve been fortunate to have acquired an editor and a professional read-through by an established writer…so woohoo me!
I’ve decided to reduce some of my time commitments and lighten my workload in order to concentrate on writing. That means less time spent on social media, less participation in flash fiction, and better use of my dedicated writing time.
A recent health check suggests some serious re-alignment of behaviors needs implementing in my life. Like everyone else, healthier diet and more exercise is gaining prioritization in my day-to-day. One of the first things on my list of stuff-that-needs-doing is a concentrated job hunt in order to cut my annual travel by about 30,000 miles.
Stick a fork in me baby ’cause I am so done with this commute.
Lesann Berry 
#1 by Natalie Hartford on January 30, 2012 - 4:54 am
Wow – that’s a lot of travel Lesann – you definitely need to address that. I have no idea how people who travel that much for work get any exercise or healthy eating in. Here’s to getting on the healthy lifestyle band wagon!
Great week on the WIP – woot woot! Keep up the fab work!
#2 by Leslie on January 30, 2012 - 8:15 am
I love traveling but in the last five years I’ve done so much work-related stuff that traveling for pleasure seems less fun. That’s just backward! Your right, too. It’s hard to get good rest or exercise or have a decent diet, so that’s my greatest downfall for the moment. I’m totally jazzed about the writing progress though – I just finished the plotting for the second in a series and it’s shaping up well!
#3 by Marion Spicher on January 30, 2012 - 10:10 pm
Lesann, pulling for your successful reorganization … for me, the exercise was always a good place to start because it improved the blood flow to the heart, lungs and brain, and the result was an improvement in mental and physical energy … then the other health endeavors fell into place more easily. Congratulations on the upswing in writing. Way to go!
#4 by Leslie on January 31, 2012 - 11:02 am
Thanks Marion!
I started a regular exercise regime last September….using a loose definition of regular and regime…but the upside is I HAVE been exercising more and I like it. I feel better and have more energy. It’s a big shift to move into a different mindset and I know it takes time to change that and the behavior, so I’m going with baby steps and lots of patience. I mean, it’s got to be easier than getting an agent, right? lol
#5 by Ali Dent on January 31, 2012 - 3:05 pm
I admire your willingness to drop back on the time suckers and pour your valuable time into your writing project. I wish you well.
#6 by Leslie on January 31, 2012 - 4:45 pm
Hi Ali!
Thanks for the support. I can feel the clock stretching and stretching and know something has to give. I enjoy doing it all but I just can’t. I rescued your comment from the spam people – hopefully that won’t happen again!
#7 by TeacherWriter Suzanne Lilly on February 1, 2012 - 5:53 am
Good luck on your health goals. I always feel that they should be #1 on the list, since if you don’t have your health, how will you do anything else? Your commute is a killer. I hope you’re able to change that too. It looks as if your writing is going well and you’re finding ways to save time. Way to go, you!
#8 by Leslie on February 1, 2012 - 6:13 pm
Hi Suzanne. Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment!
I like your point about health superseding all else and my thoughts are definately centered there. Small steps should add up to big changes. I tend to be very single-minded about projects so once I get started, hopefully it’ll go as well as the writing efforts. Thanks!