Progress. Progress. Progress.
Every step, whether a baby step or a giant leap gets me closer to publication. This past week was a bit frenzied. I stepped and leapt in several different directions! I’m participating in the New Jersey Romance Writers 30K Challenge for the month of February, JeRoWriMo. In anticipation of the event my mind took off racing with all the things that I needed to accomplish before the month of February so that I could simply write for February.
I’ll just point out here that I’m well aware of the term “setting myself up for failure.”
I had this brilliant idea that I’d get as many of my guest posts for my Friday blogs prepped and scheduled to go live.- did not happen.
I would finalize my marketing plan.- did not happen, though good progress was made on the draft.
I’d find a cover artist.- not even close.
I’d select an illustrator to design the Eva Prim logo. – well on my way, but not completed.
I’d figure out Pinterest.- I finally set up my account and I’ve pinned a couple dessert pics, but I haven’t the slightest idea how to find specific people, things, etc.
I’d read the latest installment of my critique partner’s really awesome WIP.- nope. Must be able to focus on her work to provide the best critique. (No half-assed attempts!)
On top of all that I continued to work my full-time job, one that doesn’t include sitting at my desk at home and writing or promoting my books, maintained a marriage, cleaned the house, did the laundry, and played with the dog. 
I managed to clean off my desk, do a Walmart run and get my money back for Groupon gone bad. Oh- and my edits came back from Judy, filled with fabulous points, ideas, comments and corrections. I read through everything she sent, accepting or making the easy edits and then closed the document.
Okay, I didn’t close it. I just minimized it so I can see it there on the side bar waiting for me. Some things are hard to let go!
I’ll work on the more detailed edits later, probably the first week of March because I need to be focused on that manuscript when I do them.
February is JeRoWriMo and I’m committed to hitting the 30k mark on my second Eva Prim book so there’s no way I can focus on writing anything else, except my blog posts, which I tend to think are a clear indication of my inability to control rambling thoughts! 
For the first 2 days of February I wrote 3161 new words on my manuscript. The goal is to end the weekend with 8k new words. I’ll let you know how that turns out next week.
For this week I’ll write, write, write because really I want to hit 40k instead of 30k. I’m hoping to finalize the illustrator and 
update my marketing plan, which I believe might be a living “thing” as it continues to morph with each day. Plus I have this weird idea that I might figure out Pinterest, though I’m afraid to go near it since I’m pretty sure it’s more of time-waster than Facebook, which is saying a lot!
If you’re participating in JeRoWriMo or a writer working on a new book,- Write On! If you’re on your way to self publication, I’d love to hear about where you are in the process. Jordan
Jordan,
The learning curve to figure out each “new” site that is a must have it daunting, and I wonder how worthwhile some of them are. You might want to check out this site for cover art. She has a different take http://www.lisadesimini.com/
Thanks for your post,
Rebecca
Hi Rebecca. I have no idea how useful any of the social media sites are at this point. I just know they’re fun. I love twitter. Facebook isn’t my favorite, but I certainly spend a fair amount of time there. I’ve spend a little time on Pinterest and I really like it, but not because I think it will do great things as part of my marketing campaign. It’s just fun. The pics, recipes, ideas. Thus- it’s a total time waster. I realize I can’t spend much time there at all or I’m going have huge regrets. Thanks for the link. It’s cool to find out who’s making covers for best selling authors. Jordan
Lofty goals, my friend. Must eat that elephant one bite at a time as they say:-)
On Pinterest: If you plan to use it as a marketing tool and not get side tracked by all the time sucking potential, I suggest you create just a few pin boards. One with all things Eva Prim. Post all the pics of what she would wear, where she likes to “dine”, or places she might frequent. Once you get your covers nailed down, this would be the “cover” of your Eva Prim board. You could post pics of actors you’d like to play your characters, Eva’s favorite books, or her favorite recipes. You might want to also have a board for your author persona, sharing pics of your dog, your writing space, conference and book signing pics, etc. Try to stay focused on what will grow your Pinterest audience. You might try following a few boards of “vampire” lit lovers or other authors who write similar books. Have fun, but budget your time…set a timer for 20 minutes so you don’t get swallowed up:-)
Hi PJ. Thanks so much for the Pinterest idea. I went ahead and started an Eva Prim board and pinned a bunch of things she’s love to it. I’m planning to start one for me, too, mostly with dog pics! Can’t resist! Jordan