Moving into "Falltime" - an update/progress report

Yeah - I know. Fall doesn't start for a few weeks yet. But the kids are going back to school next week, so in MY book, it's Fall (or will be sooner rather than later!). Tomorrow is actually September 1. So, as I do every month right about now, it's time to look back at my writing goals for August, and set some new ones for September.

I'd have to say that this month has been a good one, and I'm looking forward to having more time to spend on Ailing Body, Nourished Soul once the kids are back in school (theoretically, anyway. We'll be putting our house on the market in VERY short order, so that could take up some time I'd normally devote to my book).

Anyhow, straight from my last update, here were my goals for August:

During the month of August, I plan to:

1. Work almost (see #2) every day (at least ten minutes) on showing/beefing up my book manuscript up, beginning from where I've left off and continuing until the end (planning to finish this edit this month!).
2. Concentrate on learning all I can from the Faithwriters' Conference on August 7 and 8, with a focus on what I need to make this book a success (these are the days I'm NOT working on my book manuscript this month).
3. Assuming I finish this showing/beefing edit before August is over, begin a read-through for repetition/flow and other such things.

So, how did I do?? Well, I DID finish the showing/beefing up "edit" of my manuscript as of August 9. I increased my word count to 54,208! And I DID work on my book every day I planned to, with one exception (but that's okay :D).

As far as the conference, I DEFINITELY learned several things I'll be able to apply to my book. Some, in fact, I already have applied. The conference is going to help me IMMENSELY with this book I'm working on.

The second read-through is going VERY well. I'm looking for repetition and flow, as well as making a list of people mentioned in the book (so I can change names and/or get permission) and highlighting possible "problem sections" (a la It's A Risky Business from the conference). I'm on chapter 15 out of 33, and it seems to be going quite well. Most days, I've worked 15 minutes minimum on it.

And so, for my September goals, I'm kicking it up a notch.

During the month of September, I'm planning to:

1. Work every day on my flow/repetition/names read-through of Ailing Body, Nourished Soul - at least 20 minutes each day.

Yup. That's it - but it's a big one for me! I still have at least a couple more read-throughs after this one before I send it off for its professional edit, and I've set myself a deadline of November 30 to get it to Deb Porter's Finesse Writing & Editing Services so she can do her "magic" on it. Gotta keep plugging away!


Thanks for your support and prayers. I truly appreciate it.