2,000 words

One of my favorite authors, Diana Gabaldon, wrote on her website that she's keeping a pace of writing 2,000 words a day.  For those that don't know what that translates into, it's about 7 pages, size 12 Time New Romans font, double-spaced.  I find that mighty impressive.  The last time I sat down and wrote a new scene in my book, I got to about 875 words and it took me about 3 hours to do so.  I've written 140k + words towards my first book and the story has only been half told.  I've still got a war to get down on paper. 

While I should be focused on getting my unwritten content written, I've found myself reviewing and editing the work I've already played with several times over.  Reading other books really helps.  It gives good perspective as to what is entertaining, and what is just too much.  While rewriting, I've discovered I've told more than I've showed, and I've given details that really don't add to the story.  The reader doesn't need a full description about all the freak accidents.  It's better to let the imagination build up the chaos inside the person's mind. 

So far, I've gotten through my prologue and 5 chapters.  They're posted in the X-cerpts portion of my book site if you'd like to read them.  I have my husband's assurance that the post-editing versions are better.  He reviewed chapter 1 for me.  I saw him smile in a couple parts.  That pleases me.  I like it when I can entertain.

Inspired by Diana Gabaldon, I've decided I'm going to set my goal at 2,000 words a week.  I figure that's a reasonable goal as a full-time working mother.  Feel free to hold me accountable, but know hat my first draft is usually not the best one.