Ready. Set. Write! – Page 2 – Elodie Nowodazkij

Ready. Set. WRITE! is a summer writing intensive that encourages goal-setting and accountability, and provides an opportunity for us to cheer each other on wherever we’re at with our writing projects—planning, drafting, revising, or polishing. This year, your RSW hosts are Alison Miller, Jaime Morrow, Erin Funk, Katy Upperman and myself. (For the detailed information about RSW, including the wonderful buttons created by the lovely Jaime, click here)

And don’t forget, if you’re on Twitter, we check and cheer each other on using #RSWrite

Hope everyone had a wonderful first week!

1. How I did on last week’s goals.

~~Finish revising A SUMMER LIKE NO OTHER by Tuesday night (since on Wednesday, I have pretty amazing plans :))~~ –> YES!
Continue reading on ways to improve my writing & do writing exercises. Learning is great! –> I really love what I’m learning, but this needs to be a continuous goal 🙂
~~Spend a lot of time reading as soon as my revision is finished! (–> after all to write, one must read)~~ –> YES!
And run 3 times (twice at least 5k) –> I ran Tuesday and Thursday..but today was way too humid.

2. My goal(s) for this week.

Rewrite the first two chapters of my thriller in 3rd and in 1st to see which one works best
Possibly start revising A SUMMER LIKE NO OTHER and if not make the revision plan of YOU ARE MINE and revise at least 3 hours a day.
Business side of things: detailed business plan
Finish reading the book for book club on Friday
(and run 3 times this week)

3. A favorite line from my story OR one word/phrase that sums up what I wrote/revised.

“She ‘s more truthful on paper.” (–> a line from A SUMMER LIKE NO OTHER)

4. The biggest challenge I faced this week (ex. finding time to write).

Roller coaster of emotions: one day, in love with my writing and the next, thinking everything is crap.

5. Something I love about my WiP.

The fact that it’s DUAL PoV and that I get to dig into both Nick & Emilia’s heads. Sometimes, it is also something I hate (see above)

I am SO very much looking forward to reading all about your progress!

Don’t forget to add your update via the linky 🙂

Uncategorized

Time to set the goals for Ready. Set. Write! #RSWrite

June 7, 2015June 8, 2015 Elodie

It’s time! Time to set up the goals for Ready. Set. WRITE! Edition of 2015…and we’re so happy you’ve decided to join us.

(For the detailed information about RSW, including the wonderful buttons created by the lovely Jaime, click here)

In short, RSW is a summer long writing intensive through which we write/revise/plan like crazy, cheer each other on, and hold one another accountable with weekly brief updates (to save words for the WiP).

And there are a lot of other fun things planned too!

Twitter parties! Katy (@katyupperman), Erin (@ErinLFunk) , Jaime (@MorrowJaime) , Alison (@AlisonMiller20) and I (@ENowodazkij) will be hosting Twitter writing parties (feel free to kick-start your own too!)…And our hashtag is….#RSWrite
Do you want to be added to the the Ready.Set.Write!2015 list, let me know by tweeting me 🙂
Writerly care packages!
And at the end of the summer, we’ll be rewarding ourselves with what we call “Manicures and Manuscripts”
AND LOTS OF PROGRESS!

And since today, we are kicking things off for the summer…

I’m sharing my goals for next week and what I want to accomplish during the summer (my plans, my dreams…)

My goals for next week?

Finish revising A SUMMER LIKE NO OTHER by Tuesday night (since on Wednesday, I have pretty amazing plans :))
Continue reading on ways to improve my writing & do writing exercises. Learning is great!
Spend a lot of time reading as soon as my revision is finished! (–> after all to write, one must read)
And run 3 times (twice at least 5k)

My overall goals for the summer?

Publish A SUMMER LIKE NO OTHER at the end of July
Publish translations of ONE DREAM ONLY & ONE TWO THREE in German and ONE DREAM ONLY in French
Revise my psychological thriller (New Adult) by mid-July
Revise ALWAYS SECOND BEST (which is the follow-up to A SUMMER LIKE NO OTHER)
Oh and of course, become a NYT best-seller 😛 or rather not disappoint my current readers and having new people discover my books too.

Those are my writerly goals for the summer…I have a lot of personal ones too:

Run my first 5k ever end of Jun
Clean my office & clean the garage
Find new areas to discover close by
Start taking pictures again
Find ways to give back
Create memories, enjoy the small moments because they really are the big ones…:)

Are you joining us? Don’t forget to leave your link and share your goals with us 🙂

Next week (Monday, June 15th) we’ll be posting our first update using these headings…

How I did on last week’s goals.
My goal(s) for this week.
A favorite line from my story OR one word/phrase that sums up what I wrote/revised.
The biggest challenge I faced this week (e.g. finding time to write, finding inspiration…)
Something I love about my WiP.

Looking forward to cheering you on!

Uncategorized

Are you ready for the Summer? Ready, Set, Write is back :)

May 25, 2015 Elodie

I am so excited to be participating and hosting Ready, Set, Write this year. I couldn’t do it last year and I missed it oh so much!

RSW6

(Disclaimer: thanks Alison for drafting this post :P)

Ready. Set. Write! will kick off with an initial goal-setting post on Monday, June 8th, with the first check-in on Monday, June 15th, and subsequent check-ins each Monday throughout the summer. RSW will conclude on August 31st.

Here are the headings we’ll be using:

1. How I did on last week’s goals.

2. My goal(s) for this week.

3. A favorite line from my story OR one word/phrase that sums up what I wrote/revised.

4. The biggest challenge I faced this week (ex. finding time to write).

5. Something I love about my WiP.

**As mentioned, Week #1 will only be goal setting.**

Accountability and goal setting are super important, but we don’t want RSW to detract from writing, which is, of course, the whole point of this summer intensive. With respect to our weekly check-in posts, THE BRIEFER THE BETTER. Your hosts will be limiting their answers for each heading to 2-3 lines at most, and we encourage you to do the same. (Save the words for the WiPs!)

Each Monday there will be a linky sign-up on all of the host blogs. Leave the link to your check-in post, hop around to other participants’ blogs, and spread encouragement like sunscreen. (This is a summer writing intensive after all. ☼)

On Monday June 8, we’re going to kick things off with a post of our first weekly goals, and we encourage you to do the same! That day, post your weekly/summer goals, sign up on the linky on one of the hosts’ blogs, and then hopefully have a super productive week. Then, each Monday after that, we’ll post updates using the headings above, link posts to the linky thing, encourage one another, and then . . . MORE WRITING.

We’re SO EXCITED, guys! Just like last summer, we’re going to have Twitter parties (using the hashtag #RSW2015) and giveaways and SO MUCH FUN. And writing. ALL THE WRITING.

And . . . AND there are RSW 2015 buttons! WE HAVE ALL THE BUTTONS (Thank you, Jaime!) Choose one, choose them all, and use them as your RSW heading. Below, you’ll find a few of them – check out Jaime‘s blog to see ALL OF THEM 🙂

RSW9

We hope you can join us back here on June 8 for an awesome summer of writing!

Ready Set Write, revising, What´s Up Wednesday

What´s Up Wednesday? The results of our giveaway edition…

September 4, 2013 Elodie

What´s up Wednesday is the brainchild of Jaime and Erin. It´s a weekly meme geared toward readers and writers, allowing us to touch base with blog friends and let them know what’s up. Should you wish to join, make sure to leave a link to your What’s Up Wednesday post in the widget on Jaime´s blog.

Results of our Ready. Set. WRITE! giveaway

(totally copied this from Jaime’s post so Jaime: THANK YOU!): To acknowledge your hard work during Ready. Set. WRITE!, we’ve selected FIVE winners for our 10-page “fresh eyes” giveaway:

1. Carrie-Anne
2. Prerna Pickett
3. Robin Moran
4. Liz Parker
5. Dawn Allen

Winners, please email Katy (katy.upperman [at] live.com) with your double-spaced ten pages as an attachment by October 31st. Congratulations to our winners and THANK YOU to everyone who participated in Ready. Set. WRITE! with us this summer. ☼

What I´m reading

I just finished CHILDREN OF LIBERTY by Paullina Simons. I loved her The Bronze Horseman trilogy so I was looking forward to the sequel. While I’m not as enthusiastic (there are times where the pace is a bit problematic in my view, and then the characters weren’t as likable as what I thought they’d be), I’ll still pick up the next one 😉

But now I have the greatest problem of all times, what to read next? I am thinking either an e-ARC (I have ROSE UNDER FIRE waiting for me) or I boutght PREP SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL. Tough and very different choices. I think I’m going to go for ROSE UNDER FIRE, so I can put a review before its publication.

What I’m Writing

I’m revising. I’m so scared of finishing this revision or not being able to pull through to what I want to achieve in those pages.

But…I’m still moving forward.

What else I´ve been up to

I worked out.

Yes, you read correctly. I’m working out again. It’s about time.

What inspires me right now

I’m going a bit on a decorating spree these days. Including some stuff for the Fall 🙂

But this quote is now hanging by our front door and every single time I look at it, I smile.

I can’t wait to check all your posts and see what you’ve been up to 🙂

Ready Set Write, revising, What´s Up Wednesday

What´s Up Wednesday? And a Ready. Set. Write. thank you!

August 28, 2013 Elodie

What I´m reading

I just finished reading THE CATASTROPHIC HISTORY OF YOU AND ME. I promised myself that I would start tackling this growing TBR on mine and I wasn´t disappointed. The voice was amazing and the story surprised me. Full review to come soon.

What I’m Writing

It´s the last week of Ready Set Write. Can you believe it? You guys have been awesome and so supportive. Thank YOU so much!

RSW Giveaway: We (Alison, Katy, Erin, Jaime and I) would like to thank you for participating and we want to celebrate your success by offering fresh pairs of eyes on your work. While we all agree that we’re no experts (i.e. agent, editor, freelance editor…), we know how helpful beta readers can be. So each one of us is offering feedback on the first ten pages of your story. Yes–that’s FIVE critique giveaways! The same rules apply as our last giveaway: Open internationally to RSW participants only. It runs until Tuesday, September 3rd and the winners will be announced during What’s Up Wednesday the following day. Click below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Weekly update: I revised a bit less than one chapter. But…I´m so so happy with the way this chapter worked out. Plus, I made the stakes a bit higher and I have one BIG chapter to revise next. it´s going to be a tough one but I think one that will make the reader even more connected to the story.

What else I´ve been up to

Hubby and I were in France last weekend…and had a great time (and a yummy one too :-))

My hubby got me a new Kindle. Yes, my husband is awesome!

What inspires me right now

Working out again! No, really, it´s about time 🙂

My husband training for his first 10k. His dedication is very inspiring.

I can’t wait to check all your posts and see what you’ve been up to 🙂

Ready Set Write, revising, What´s Up Wednesday

What´s Up Wednesday? And a Ready. Set. Write surprise :)

August 21, 2013 Elodie

What´s up Wednesday is the brainchild of Jaime and Erin. It´s a way to keep in touch in just four headings…Go check out Jaime’s blog to add your link if you’re participating…

Ready Set Write Surprise: We’re organizing something special for you next week! RSW ends in one week. I know, crazy. The summer passed by quite quickly and so many things happened in just a few months! We (Alison, Katy, Erin, Jaime and I) would like to thank you for participating and we want to celebrate your success by offering fresh pairs of eyes on your work. While we all agree that we’re no experts (i.e. agent, editor, freelance editor…), we know how helpful beta readers can be. So each one of us is offering feedback on the first ten pages of your story. Yes–that’s FIVE critique giveaways! All you have to do is pop in next Wednesday (August 28th) and enter via Rafflecopter. The giveaway will be open internationally but only to RSW participants 🙂

THANK YOU AGAIN SO MUCH!

And now let’s tune in to your regular programming…

What I´m reading

I’ve just started a new book (thanks to Netgalley) called POOR LITTLE DEAD GIRLS. I do find myself analyzing the plot and structure a tad more than usual. Like my writer brain is focusing on the details I might normally overlook because it’s in full revision mode. The start is a bit slow but I’m intrigued and am looking forward to find out more about the story.

What I’m Writing

I revised one chapter this week! Yay! I know it’s less than what I wanted to achieve BUT getting back to my manuscript felt great and I feel like this revision is taking my WiP to a better place.

What else I´ve been up to

Last week, the Chemical Engineer and I were in Tuscany. It was simply gorgeous (see pictures here).

Sunday I celebrated my birthday. My amazing hubby took me out for a great brunch..

Yesterday we celebrated our wedding anniversary…We’ve almost been together for 10 years (married for two) and this is the man I want to grow old with. The one who makes me laugh, think, smile, who challenges me and supports me. My best friend. My love.

Every single time I look at this picture, I smile!

The Chemical Engineer brought me flowers on the eve of our Wedding Anniversary :) — The Chemical Engineer brought me flowers on the eve of our Wedding Anniversary 🙂

What inspires me right now

Getting back on track with my revising.

I can’t wait to check all your posts and see what you’ve been up to 🙂

Ready Set Write, revising, What´s Up Wednesday

What´s Up Wednesday? The vacation edition…

August 14, 2013 Elodie

What´s up Wednesday is the brainchild of Jaime and Erin. It´s a way to keep in touch in just four headings…Except today it´s going to be only one for me.

VACATIONS

There was no reading and no writing.

So my Ready, Set, Write goal of this week will be to revise two chapters once I´m back home.

I was in the South of France last weekend. Hubby and I got to spend some time with my sisters, their families and go to Saint-Tropez. We are now in Tuscany until the end of this week. We´re having a wonderful time and I´ll share more pictures once back (I´ve been using my camera a lot :P)

I hope you´re all doing well!

The beautiful view from our hotel :) — The beautiful view from our hotel 🙂

Ready Set Write, revising, What´s Up Wednesday

What´s Up Wednesday? And a Ready. Set. Write. The slow progress edition.

August 7, 2013 Elodie

Basically another week passed that reminded me prioritization is important and that I love spending time with my husband 🙂 If you’re reading this, hubby, I love you!

What´s up Wednesday is the brainchild of Jaime and Erin. It´s a way to keep in touch in just four headings…

What I´m reading

Well…I’m beta reading a WONDERFUL manuscript by Erin. Really, talent runs in this family because both Erin and Jaime are a delight to read. They have different styles but I get so engrossed in their story and their world…loving it.

I’m also reading another non-fiction book, still researching for my novel: THE SOCIOPATH NEXT DOOR by Martha Stout.

What I’m Writing

One step at a time.

Slowly but surely.

All those apply to my revision…and my goal to revise one chapter a week is getting me there. Thanks Ready. Set. Write! for kicking my butt to sit on the chair.

What else I´ve been up to

Re-learning how to prioritize and…looking forward to our vacations.

What inspires me right now

This. If you haven’t seen it yet, Christa’s work is inspiring and I know I want to help raise funds for this.

The rain.

No, really, the fact that the temperatures cooled down is pretty cool 🙂 That was the view from my office yesterday as the wind slammed against the buildings.

Beta reading.

The memories we’re creating.

I can’t wait to check all your posts and see what you’ve been up to 🙂

Ready Set Write, revising, What´s Up Wednesday

What´s Up Wednesday? And a Ready. Set. Write. The reminder edition.

August 1, 2013 Elodie

This week has been busy and not entirely easy…And it has been also a reminder to try to balance things a bit better. So this What´s up Wednesday which comes on a Thursday in my time zone is a bit on the light side. I´ll make sure to do the rounds and cheer you on 🙂

What´s up Wednesday is the brainchild of Jaime and Erin. It´s a way to keep in touch in just four headings…

What I´m reading

A non-fiction book. Gasp. It´s a book that my hubby highly recommended and I love discussing with him the different points. And…I think it will help my revision a bit.

THE PSYCHOPATH TEST by Jon Ronson. This book is interesting and disturbing in a way and raises many questions.

What I’m Writing

Still plugging away at my revisions.

I cannot wait to send this manuscript for feedback.

I´ve done one chapter last week and I think that will be my goal for the rest of the summer. It will be slow but steady progress. Revise at least one chapter a week.

What else I´ve been up to

Refocusing a bit and spending time with my husband.

What inspires me right now

This post by Jessica Love. Because she describes perfectly how I feel sometimes…

And many more….

I can’t wait to check all your posts and see what you’ve been up to 🙂

Ready Set Write, revising, What´s Up Wednesday

What´s Up Wednesday? And Ready. Set. Write Winner Edition

July 24, 2013July 24, 2013 Elodie

Hello!

*Waves* *Smiles* . If you´re participating in Ready. Set. Write!, don´t hesitate to add the link to your What´s Up Wednesday post on Jaime´s blog here. From there, you can also discover new blogs and encourage other writers! What´s up Wednesday is the brainchild of Jaime and Erin. It´s a way to keep in touch in just four headings…

And before moving on to our usual program, here´s the winner of our Ready. Set. Write! giveaway:

Raven Moore

Congrats!!!! We will send you an email shortly with more details….

What I´m reading

I´ve been diving into Romantic suspense novels (Adult ones *gasps*) – it´s helping me with my writing at the moment…

What I’m Writing

Okay 6 chapters might have been a *tad* too much to revise. Just a tad. But I did revise 4 chapters!!! Which right now feels BIG. Plus these revisions are kind of a lot of rewriting since I changed something at the beginning that made me add a LOT. Since my first drafts are usually on the short side this is good…

And I got to write a kissing scene, are you ready? Please remember: it´s totally a draft!

Malik grabs my hand and pulls me toward the lockers. My back´s pressed against one and he puts his hands on both sides of my body. He´s so close that if I wanted to, I could simply lean forward and kiss him.

“You were saying?” I try to sound flirtatious but my tone´s husky and expecting.

“I used to think you were hot.”

“Huh?”

“And funny. And okay pretty smart.”

“In that order? Really? Smart comes last? I beat your ass so much during practices.”

His fingers stroke my jaw and I shut up. He smiles, his half-smile, that shows only one of his dimples and there´s a pressure in my chest, the good kind, the kind that makes me feel full despite everything.

“But you know what else? You´re simply wow!”

I giggle at this word. “Wow. Not gorgeous, beautiful inside out, amazing, strong…”

His hand gets lost in my hair and he pulls my face closer to him. We´re totally going to be sent to the principal´s office for PDA.

He whispers “Nope. You´re wow.” And his lips find mine. One of my hands rests on his chest while the other finds its way to his shoulder. He presses into me a bit more and the kiss deepens but oh too soon the bell rings.

My goal for next week? Revise two chapters.

What else I´ve been up to

Last week, I mentioned on my blog my idea of a “Writer´s Appreciation Pledge” and I´ve heard great feedback! I´ll try to come up with a button soon and maybe we can spread the word. I´ve sent two emails already and one of the writers replied. I can´t tell you how happy this made me! But this pledge isn´t about getting answers (even though it´s simply WOW when it happens), it´s to remind the writers whose works we loved so much that they´re appreciated and that their words mean something to us…

Public Service Announcement:

Oh and in case you haven´t seen Jenny Han is running a giveaway right now Here you can enter a contest for a signed Burn for Burn paperback: http://jennyhan.tumblr.com/post/55364939141/burn-for-burn-paperback-giveaway

And here you can pre-order a signed hard cover copy of Fire With Fire (the sequel out next month), WITH a 20% discount! http://www.mcnallyjackson.com/product/fire-fire-signed-jenny-and-siobhan

What inspires me right now

My reading.

The story I´m creating.

And these news…really these news make me SO happy and really inspire me to move forward with my dreams. And I already pre-ordered Push Girls! Congrats again Jessica!