Obsession

I have an obsession. I am obsessed with watching my word count while typing. No matter how hard I try, I can't break myself of the habit. Sometimes it's a good thing, other times it will drive me batty (probably not a far trip for me).

A friend gave me the link for a fabulous Excel spreadsheet created by Kresley Cole and her hubby that allows you to enter your author information, the title of your book, the word count needed, and the date you start and date you need to finish by. You also have the opportunity to add little motivational sayings for when you do and don't reach your daily word count. This keeps track of how much you have written that day as well as how much more you need to write in order to keep up with your daily goals.

I am now using this on every book, novella, and short story that I write. It's a great way to keep myself on track, and also make me want to tear out my hair when I don't meet a daily number.

Right now I am in the clutches of an upcoming vacation and deadline hell. I have a novella I want finished no later than tomorrow (Sept 14) as well as ten pages of a novella I am co-authoring with Stephani Hecht for eXtasy Books, as well as get us ready for vacation, the critters ready for critter care and all the other little things that plop themselves in the midst along the way.

Yesterday I barracaded myself in the house and vowed to write. And I did. I managed 3900+ words, along with laundry, loading music on my mp3 player for the trip, email,and vacuuming. I was very pleased with my progress, but as always wished I could have done more. Of course by 6:30 last night I was totally brain dead and looking for chocolate (of which I had none). So I settled on a bowl of vanilla ice cream with chopped nuts as the topping.

Today I am off in a couple hours to celebrate the book signing of a friend. It's her first big release and she is over the moon thrilled. So I know my writing time is limited. But I will be back at it tonight. Tomorrow will bring more of the same.

But no matter what I do, I constantly am checking my word coount. I try to write an entire scene before looking at how much I've written and then adding it to the chart. This morning was no exception. I was staring at it to determine where I wanted to be by the end of tonight.

Now those of you who know me, know that I am not a night owl. Far from it, if truth be told. I am normally in bed by 8 with a book or the tv remote. That's just me. I've never been one for staying up late unless I absolutely have to. But if I am writing and on a roll, then midnight can come and go and I'll keep on going. So tonight may be one of those nights.

Well, better close and get ready to roll. Don't think anyone wants to see me show up in my jammies (G), though it would be quite comfortable. Oh yeah and gotta find my Borders coupons too, just to be safe of course.
Till next time.