WriterRecharge

#WriterRecharge 2015 – Wrap-up

March 2, 2015 Elodie

First of all, THANK YOU so much to everyone who participated and to the lovely Sara Biren, Katy Upperman, Alison Miller, Liz Parker, for letting me co-host this year’s #WriterRecharge…it’s time for the wrap-up!

#WriterRecharge Wrap-up

READ/REREAD
I want to schedule some more reading time…When I used to commute, it was easy to read LOTS of books in the train and I want to read at least 4 books this month, including a book that my husband recommended based on a show he heard on NPR: Ghost Boy –> I did schedule more reading time but not enough to fulfill this goal. However, on the positive side? Plato The Dog is now more adjusted to our home so I should be able to get some more reading done. HALF-YAY!

STRETCH
Continue learning Photoshop. I’ve been teaching myself a few tricks but I’d like to explore a bit more and become familiar with more of the features available. –> I’m having LOTS of fun with Photoshop. Love it. ALL-THE-WAY YAY!

SELF
Working out again. It’s been forever since the last time I worked out. I hurt my ankle, then got a bad cold and now am just lazy. Time to get my butt moving. I need to work out at least 3 times a week in February (not counting walking Plato the dog). –> Definite yay! While I didn’t get as many “formal” workouts as I wanted, I still did pretty well in this area!

CONNECT
Writer’s Retreat. I still cannot believe that on this Friday, I’ll be heading down to West Virginia with some amazing writers for a weekend retreat (so looking forward to meeting all of them in real life :)) –> Yay, yay, yay! This was really amazing and refreshing and everything Can we go back?

FUN
Plan a few outings with the husband: going for walks, maybe the movies and I think, I think he’s taking me to a nice restaurant on Valentine’s Day (he hinted upon it several times) 🙂 so I’m looking forward to that. I’d also like to start taking more pictures again. –> This was a definite yay too! 🙂 While the nice restaurant changed into Waffle House (common decision and fun one too), we did go on some walks and spent some quality time together. Plus I got to take more pictures 🙂

Did you participate in Writer Recharge?
Don’t forget to visit Sara’s blog to link your wrap-up post! And thanks again SO MUCH for participating!

On top of it, because Sara is all kind of awesome, she has put together an adorable and oh so practical care package (pictured below and including: a cream scarf, a mug, Earl Grey tea, Pink Pineapple nail polish, Beachy nail polish, a 4-pack of Always Anna notebooks, and notecards).

Anyone who has participated in #WriterRecharge via Twitter or their blog will be automatically eligible. Winner to be drawn March 6th!

WriterRecharge

#WriterRecharge 2015 – Update Three

February 23, 2015 Elodie

IOnce again hosted by Sara Biren, Katy Upperman, Alison Miller, Liz Parker, and me, Writer Recharge is your chance for a four-week jump start in the middle of a cold, dreary winter. Set goals for yourself, check in once a week, and connect with other recharging writers

#WriterRecharge Update Three

READ/REREAD
I want to schedule some more reading time…When I used to commute, it was easy to read LOTS of books in the train and I want to read at least 4 books this month, including a book that my husband recommended based on a show he heard on NPR: Ghost Boy –> I read a few words of GHOST BOY…more this week for sure, and I’m deep into THE HIT LIST. Next on my list? MORE THAN COMICS by Elizabeth Briggs (which comes out today).

STRETCH
Continue learning Photoshop. I’ve been teaching myself a few tricks but I’d like to explore a bit more and become familiar with more of the features available. –> I am now more familiar with some of the Photoshop features…but still haven’t made a full cover.

SELF
Working out again. It’s been forever since the last time I worked out. I hurt my ankle, then got a bad cold and now am just lazy. Time to get my butt moving. I need to work out at least 3 times a week in February (not counting walking Plato the dog). –> Ended up taking Plato the Dog of longer walks than planned (in the snow, so definitely a workout) and also worked out one additional time. A YAY again this week.

FUN
Plan a few outings with the husband: going for walks, maybe the movies and I think, I think he’s taking me to a nice restaurant on Valentine’s Day (he hinted upon it several times) 🙂 so I’m looking forward to that. I’d also like to start taking more pictures again. –> I’d like to take more pictures this week. Let’s see if I can make that happen. Hubby will be very busy at work so…

Participating in Writer Recharge?
Head over to Sara’s blog to link your update post.

WriterRecharge

#WriterRecharge 2015 – Update Two

February 16, 2015 Elodie

#WriterRecharge Update Two

READ/REREAD
I want to schedule some more reading time…When I used to commute, it was easy to read LOTS of books in the train and I want to read at least 4 books this month, including a book that my husband recommended based on a show he heard on NPR: Ghost Boy –> I finished reading LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT and it was AMAZING! Now I will be starting GHOST BOY (almost did last week but then didn’t happen.)

STRETCH
Continue learning Photoshop. I’ve been teaching myself a few tricks but I’d like to explore a bit more and become familiar with more of the features available. –> Hmmm…I was supposed to learn how to make a full Photoshop cover. Didn’t happen. Doh. So…trying to do it this week.

SELF
Working out again. It’s been forever since the last time I worked out. I hurt my ankle, then got a bad cold and now am just lazy. Time to get my butt moving. I need to work out at least 3 times a week in February (not counting walking Plato the dog). –> Walked the dog a lot and did one 30 minutes workout. So, I am counting this as a YAY. For this week, let’s do two 30 minutes workout, especially since I am not going to take Plato The Dog on loooong walks with this cold. He doesn’t like it much and I’m ready for Spring.

FUN
Plan a few outings with the husband: going for walks, maybe the movies and I think, I think he’s taking me to a nice restaurant on Valentine’s Day (he hinted upon it several times) 🙂 so I’m looking forward to that. I’d also like to start taking more pictures again. –> We changed our Valentine’s Day plans and instead of going to a nice French restaurant, we drove 30 minutes to go to a Waffle House. It was fun 🙂 I’ve also been taking some pictures. Our dog is a good model, now if I only can make him realize I am the pack leader, it would be good.

Participating in Writer Recharge?
Head over to Sara’s blog to link your update post.

WriterRecharge

#WriterRecharge 2015 – Update One

February 9, 2015 Elodie

#WriterRecharge Update One

READ/REREAD
I want to schedule some more reading time…When I used to commute, it was easy to read LOTS of books in the train and I want to read at least 4 books this month, including a book that my husband recommended based on a show he heard on NPR: Ghost Boy –> I am really starting this week, getting Plato The Dog acquainted and comfortable in our home kept me quite busy last week. And I was going through a bit on a reading slump. But I just cracked LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT by Dahlia Adler open and I AM LOVING IT. This week, I am also going to start reading GHOST BOY.

STRETCH
Continue learning Photoshop. I’ve been teaching myself a few tricks but I’d like to explore a bit more and become familiar with more of the features available. –> I haven’t opened Photoshop last week. This week’s goal? Learn how to make a full cover.

SELF
Working out again. It’s been forever since the last time I worked out. I hurt my ankle, then got a bad cold and now am just lazy. Time to get my butt moving. I need to work out at least 3 times a week in February (not counting walking Plato the dog). –> I have decided to count walking Plato The Dog, when it’s over an hour. Last week, I took him for long walks (60/90 minutes…). This week, I am planning of doing two 30-minutes workout on top of those long walks.

CONNECT
Writer’s Retreat. I still cannot believe that on this Friday, I’ll be heading down to West Virginia with some amazing writers for a weekend retreat (so looking forward to meeting all of them in real life :)) –> I want to go back. This weekend was truly inspiring and fun and refreshing and amazing. And the company was all those things too and more ❤

FUN
Plan a few outings with the husband: going for walks, maybe the movies and I think, I think he’s taking me to a nice restaurant on Valentine’s Day (he hinted upon it several times) 🙂 so I’m looking forward to that. I’d also like to start taking more pictures again. –> I started taking pictures again this weekend. And it was definitely fun and inspiring too. Trying to tell a story via the lens.

Participating in Writer Recharge?
Head over to Sara’s blog to link your update post.

WriterRecharge

It’s time for #WriterRecharge 2015…

February 2, 2015 Elodie

It’s February, which means it’s time for Writer Recharge!

Once again hosted by Sara Biren, Katy Upperman, Alison Miller, Liz Parker, and me, Writer Recharge is your chance for a four-week jump start in the middle of a cold, dreary winter. Set goals for yourself, check in once a week, and connect with other recharging writers.

This year, we’ve come up with a few categories you might want to consider when making your goals. You can choose a goal (or goals) for one or some or all:

WRITE/REVISE – Choose writing goals for the month.

READ/REREAD – Read a book that’s been on your TBR forever or reread something that had a great impact on you.

STRETCH – Do something outside your comfort zone, from reading a genre you typically avoid to trying a new food or rock climbing when you’re afraid of heights – that kind of thing.

SELF – Do something good for your mind or your body.

CONNECT – Find a way to make a difference in someone’s life. Make a connection, via social media or in person. Initiate twitter writing parties, have a real-life write-in with writers in your town, or offer to critique or beta read someone’s work.

FUN – Make a goal to do something super fun and exciting that you can look forward to.

How Writer Recharge works:

First week of February: Post your goals for the month on your blog, website, or Twitter. Use the hashtag #WriterRecharge. Link your blog post on Sara’s blog.

Every Monday in February: Update your progress via your blog or twitter. Link your blog posts on our Monday posts.
Throughout the month: Use the hashtag to connect with other writers, have writing parties, and cheer one another on!
Friday, February 27: Post your final update via your blog or twitter.
Anyone who uses the hashtag or links their blog posts will be entered to win a fabulous prize package at the end of the month.

My goals – On my side, I will be focusing February on a few of the categories.

STRETCH
Continue learning Photoshop. I’ve been teaching myself a few tricks but I’d like to explore a bit more and become familiar with more of the features available.

We hope you’ll join us for our annual Writer Recharge Challenge – here’s to a productive, rejuvenating month!

WriterRecharge

Thank you #WriterRecharge!

March 2, 2014 Elodie

It´s the last post for #WriterRecharge this year and wow, time really does fly! Don´t forget to post your update on Sara´s blog.

How did I do?

This past week, I did pretty well (except in the exercising part) but I used the bonus weekend to revise and edit ONE, TWO, THREE…I spent about 10 hours on it and I still have quite a bit to do, but I AM SO EXCITED about the changes I´m currently making. There´s still a lot to do afterwards: sending it back to my editor, and then to my copy editor for another read before the final proofread.

I was able to do a lot this weekend thanks to my wonderful and patient husband.

This was our conversation on Saturday morning

My hubby is the best ever.
Me: I still have to clean the kitchen.
Him: I´ll do it. You need to go revise and edit.#lovehim

— Elodie Nowodazkij (@ENowodazkij) March 1, 2014

What did I want to achieve?

Follow a writing schedule (I need to write 5 days a week)
Revise 8 chapters of my YA thriller DADDY’S LITTLE GIRL (two chapters a week)
Write 10 000 of a new YA contemporary romance (companion of ONE TWO THREE) called ALWAYS SECOND BEST (I need to update my projects’ page very soon).
I need to work out at least twice a week. How is this writing related you may ask? Well…my word for 2014 is balance and making sure I get some exercise in will help me with my balance and thus, with my writing.

And?

I did follow a writing schedule (4 to 5 days a week)
I revised 4 chapters of my YA thriller
I wrote about 6000 words of ALWAYS SECOND BEST
Worked out at least twice a week (almost managed, yay!)
AND….I revised + edited 11 chapters of ONE, TWO, THREE…

February has been really productive! Thank you so much Sara for including me in this, thank you so much to the other wonderful co-hosts ( Katy Upperman, Alison Miller, Liz Parker) and to everyone who joined us! (yes this sounds like an Oscar speech :-))

Let´s make March even greater (whichever way we feel is right for us!)

WriterRecharge

Brainstorming, drafting and working out…#WriterRecharge Update Three!

February 24, 2014February 23, 2014 Elodie

If you want to learn more about #WriterRecharge, just click here. The short story: brainchild of Sara Biren, it´s a way to keep motivated during the month of February. Your hosts and cheerleaders: Katy Upperman, Alison Miller, Liz Parker, Sara Biren and me. Every Monday in February, update your progress via your blog or twitter. Link your blog posts at Sara’s Monday posts. And throughout the month, don´t forget to use the hashtag to connect with other writers, have writing parties, and cheer one another on!

How did I do?

Hmmm I had a wonderful weekend in France but the trip there took a bit longer than planned…so no writing time for me. But I enjoyed the time with my family and ate a lot of yummy food. The rest of the week was productive and even the drive to France included brainstorming with my husband…

Did a lot of plotting this week…
Wrote 2000 words in my new YA contemporary: ALWAYS SECOND BEST (yay! new words!)
Worked out two times (I had planned two so :-))
Wrote or revised 4 days during the week (yay!)

What are my goals for this week?

I will need to edit, edit, edit and edit this week. My wonderful editor is sending me back my manuscript with I’m sure very helpful notes.
Write 2000 words in my YA contemporary
Work out 3 times this week (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday)
Write or revise 5 days this week

Can’t wait to cheer you on! 🙂

WriterRecharge

#WriterRecharge Update Two!: Drafting, revising and jogging..

February 17, 2014February 17, 2014 Elodie

How did I do during my second week?

I´m still amazed by the on-going support: THANK YOU! I haven´t done as much as I wished this week. As most of you know, I announced my self-publishing adventure…I I took a bit of time to work on my Facebook page and made sure to reply to all amazing comments on my little blog, on Facebook, on Twitter or per email. Really, I´m so grateful!

So, here´s what I did:

Revised 1 a chapter of my YA thriller: DADDY´S LITTLE GIRL (a bit less than planned but progress nonetheless)
Wrote 1000 words in my new YA contemporary: ALWAYS SECOND BEST (not as many as what I wanted. But I did do some planning which will help.)
Worked out two times (I had planned three. Doh!)
Wrote or revised 4 days during the week (yay!)

Here´s an excerpt of ALWAYS SECOND BEST. It´s in drafting mode, i.e. not yet edited. It´s the companion novel from ONE, TWO, THREE…and will come out in October 2014.

“I´m so happy you´re here! I´m trying something new and you need to taste it!”

I shrug off my coat and she eyes me up and down. “Actually, I´ll give you two, you look too skinny.”

I shake my head. While I pay attention to what I eat, that´s another thing playing against me: I don´t have the typical ballerina body. I´m slim but not that thin and I´ve got boobs. “One will be fine, Nonna.”

“Two.” She frowns. “I saw a movie on Lifetime the other day about a ballerina who was throwing up everything she ate. You don´t do that, right?” She takes my face between her hands. “Because you are beautiful. Bellissima.”

It´s hard to articulate, when she holds my face like this, so I mumble. “I don´t.”

My Nonna´s addicted to Lifetime movies. My Nonno used to say he came fourth in her heart. “First, the bambini. Then, the movies from that channel she loves, third the restaurant and forth…me.”

I believe he always came first.

“Come.” She pulls me into the kitchen and my mouth gapes open. There´s a guy there. In my kingdom. Sunday morning´s my time with Nonna.

“You need to meet Lorenzo. His cannelloni are to die for.” Nonna winks at me. She´s either matchmaking me to yet another Italian American or he really is a good cook. Nonna only winks for love or for food.

What are my goals for this week?

Revise one chapter of my YA thriller
Write 3000 words in my YA contemporary ALWAYS SECOND BEST
Work out 3 times (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday)
Write or revise 4 days this week

Can’t wait to cheer you on! 🙂

WriterRecharge

Drafting, revising and working out…#WriterRecharge Update One!

February 10, 2014 Elodie

How did I do during my first week?

Honestly, WriterRecharge kept me motivated. Waking up to tweets of people encouraging one another is pretty awesome and did push me. So, THANK YOU!

Revised 1 and 1/2 chapters of my YA thriller: DADDY´S LITTLE GIRL (a bit less than planned but progress nonetheless)
Wrote 1500 words in my new YA contemporary: ALWAYS SECOND BEST (yay! new words!)
Worked out three times (I had planned two so :-))
Wrote or revised 5 days during the week (yay!)

What are my goals for this week?

Revise two chapter of my YA thriller
Write 2000 words in my YA contemporary
Work out 3 times this week (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday)
Write or revise 4 days this week

Can’t wait to cheer you on! 🙂

WriterRecharge

Join us for a month of #WriterRecharge!

February 3, 2014February 3, 2014 Elodie

January is in the books and you’ve had to deal with:

a) polar vortices
b) ice storms
c) mountains of snow
d) gray skies and general malaise
e) all of the above

We thought our writer friends might be in need of a little boost. A jump start, if you will. A recharge.

We’d like to invite you to join us for Writer Recharge 2014, a month-long motivational challenge similar to last summer’s Ready. Set. Write! So many of us benefited from setting goals, connecting with other writers, and social media-based accountability. So, hey, let’s do it again! Whether you’re delighting next to the crackling fireplace of a Shiny New Idea with a warm cup of tea and a sleepy puppy at your feet or spinning out on the ice-covered roads of revisions in an attempt to avoid the snow-packed ditch, we want to write with you! What do you want to accomplish this month? Hit a daily word count? Revise a certain number of pages or chapters each week? Complete a draft by the end of the month? Let’s get this party started!

Writer Recharge 2014

Your hosts and cheerleaders: Katy Upperman, Alison Miller, Liz Parker, Elodie Nowodazkij, and Sara Biren

The timeline:

First week of February: Post your goals for the month on your blog, website, or Twitter. Use the hashtag #WriterRecharge. Link your blog post at http://www.sarabiren.com/2014/02/writer-recharge-challenge.html
Every Monday in February: Update your progress via your blog or twitter. Link your blog posts at Sara’s Monday posts.
Throughout the month: Use the hashtag to connect with other writers, have writing parties, and cheer one another on!
February 28: Post your final update via your blog or twitter.
Anyone who uses the hashtag or links their blog posts will be entered to win one of 5 query or 3-chapter critiques.

Sound easy enough? Set your goals and get started! We’ll see YOU at #WriterRecharge.

My goals for the month?

Follow a writing schedule (I need to write 5 days a week)
Revise 8 chapters of my YA thriller DADDY’S LITTLE GIRL (two chapters a week)
Write 10 000 of a new YA contemporary romance (companion of ONE TWO THREE) called ALWAYS SECOND BEST (I need to update my projects’ page very soon).
I need to work out at least twice a week. How is this writing related you may ask? Well…my word for 2014 is balance and making sure I get some exercise in will help me with my balance and thus, with my writing. 🙂

Can’t wait to cheer you on! 🙂

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