I’ve always worked better when I set goals for myself. I do that for the “day” job and writing should be no different. There’s more to it than just saying, “Self, do this by Friday or else!” I need to make sure that my working habits are healthy. Random internet research says that it takes roughly three weeks to form a new habit. I have begun setting aside consistent time to write every day. One hour at lunch, ignoring telephone, email, and instant message. That doesn’t mean I’m limiting myself to an hour/day. I’m just ensuring that I write for at least that long. This was day two and the progress is wonderful. I’m half-way through revising “Recycled Dreams”.

Workshops:

I’ve decided to apply to two other workshops this year. James Gunn’s SF Workshop is a two-week workshop held in Lawrence, KS, June 25th through July 5th. Immediately following the workshop is the Campbell Conference and Heinlein Centennial. I was talking to Dena about going to that anyways. Heinlein is my favorite author.

The second is Viable Paradise, a one-week workshop held September 30th through October 5th on Martha’s Vineyard. I’ve spoken with two of the Semi-Os who have been to VP and both of them highly recommend it.

There is a catch with the workshops. In order to get the most out of them and not waste the instructors time, the stories I submit should not be in circulation anywhere else. So until they have been rejected or through the workshops, I won’t be sending them out elsewhere. I think the benefit of going through the workshops far outweighs sitting in a slush pile somewhere. I want them to be the best I can do before I send them into the wild.

Goals for May:

• Write every day
• Finish revisions of “Recycled Dreams” and “Narang” (and find new title for the latter)
• Complete first draft of new story
• Apply to Viable Paradise and the James Gunn’s SF Workshop