Living in a college town, there are certain cycles of life that, as a year-round resident, are always entertaining to watch—like the way, twice a year, in spring and fall, the town fills with U-Hauls and parents, helping their kids move in and out.
This week it was move-out, and the town was a sea of trailers and families, helping their students pack it in for the summer. A portion of those students remain over the summer, but most are heading out for the season. It’s just part of life here, the ebb and flow of a college town. (On my way back from running errands this weekend, I also spotted a guy wearing a pink, frilly dress over his running clothes while out for a jog–clearly, someone lost a bet.)
ROW80 check-in
1.) Writing:
- Finish the second draft of the novella I finished in Round 1, “Good Old-Fashioned Magic.” Went through my editing notes for eight chapters this week and made most of the changes. I’m going to send those chapters off to critique group and await my crit partners’ responses before I do the next round of edits on those sections.
2.) Read 4 books on the craft/business of writing.
- 4 of 4 books read. Finished reading “Sometimes the Magic Works: Lessons from a Writing Life” by Terry Brooks this week. It was easily the best book I’ve read all year. If you haven’t read it yet, I strongly recommend it.
3.) Social media:
- Check in on Twitter daily. Missed Tuesday and Friday, but target met for other days. If you haven’t tried it, there’s a weekly Twitter chat using #StoryDam on Thursdays at 8 p.m. Eastern. It’s a great gathering of writers—a very lively and welcoming group.
- Comment on 3-5 blogs per day, Monday-Thursday. Target met.
- Blog 2 times a week. Target met.
A Round of Words in 80 Days is the writing challenge that knows you have a life. It’s also a blog hop!
What about you? How are your goals, writing or otherwise, coming along this week?
I grew up in a college town, so I know exactly what you’re talking about with the cycles. Sometimes, I kind of miss it. It put the world in a really interesting rhythm. Great job on the goals, Denise. I might have to check out that Terry Brooks book; my father is a huge Brooks fan and I could stand to read more craft books these days.
Thanks! I really hope you’re able to read “Sometimes the Magic Works.” If you do, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Have a great week!
Sounds like a lot of upheaval for college kids! Though the college life in America has always bee really interesting to me 😀 It is such a big part of American culture, in England going to college or University is just kinda meh. Wish we had more of the attitude you guys have towards it!
It’s all part of the adventure of college life in America, I suppose. There are a lot of students who stay over the summer for classes, internships, etc., but a lot of them go home, so the town is definitely quieter in the summer months (a fact most of the locals don’t mind!).
Thanks for stopping by!
I’ll check out that Terry Brooks book. It sounds interesting. You had a very good week.
I was surprised to see that I wasn’t following you on Twitter. That has been rectified. 😉
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Thanks for the follow, John. If I’m not already, I’ll be sure to follow you back.
Your guy jogging in a dress reminded me of a bet that happened when I was in high school. Guy (can’t remember his name) bet Dude (can’t remember his name either) that Dude couldn’t get his dad to let him have the Delorean (BACK TO THE FUTURE car) for prom. Dude got it and Guy had to mow his 2 acre front lawn in a dress. A picture of it made it into the newspaper.
I loved Terry Brooks’ Word vs Void trilogy (I refuse to acknowledge the book that ties it to his fantasy series). So, I’ll definitely be looking out for that book.
You seem to be doing great with your goals. You do great at keeping up with them! Keep on keeping on with all that awesome.
I love that story! I bet that guy wasn’t too thrilled to be in the newspaper in a dress. LOL.
I actually haven’t read any of Brooks’ fiction, but after finishing “Sometimes the Magic Works,” I went out and bought “The Sword of Shannara.” Looking forward to reading it. “Magic Kingdom for Sale–Sold!” also sounds interesting.
Thanks, Gloria!
Good for you! Those are no small goals.
Thanks for visiting my blog. 🙂
Thanks, Melissa! 🙂