Note for new arrivals: The 10K Day starts on the morning of Thursday, July 16. Your exact starting time is up to you.
WELCOME TO ALL those plucky writers who are participating today!
This is the place to post your check-ins.
If you develop a case of writer’s block—or if you need some extra ideas about what to write—you’ll find links to inspiring resources compiled below.
DON’T FORGET TO HAVE REGULAR BREAKS!
You’ll regret it later (when you’re feeling fried) if you don’t take regular breaks. Even if you’re on fire with your writing, take your scheduled breaks. Every two hours is recommended. Breaks are also for posting check-ins.
WHAT SHOULD YOU POST FOR YOUR CHECK-INS?
Comment moderation will be turned off for the day so your posts should appear right away. If you don’t see yours, try refreshing your screen.
Keep check-ins fairly brief:
1. You can mention your word count if you want to. If you’d rather not, please provide a general comment about your progress thus far.
2. You can also describe what you’re working on.
3. Feel free to mention how you’re feeling and how the day is going for you.
4. It’s always fun to hear what people are drinking, snacking on or listening to.
5. Check-ins only. Please DO NOT post your writing! (The comment section will become unwieldy if people try to post stories/chapters from their novel.)
6. If you have any special revelations or remarkable experiences, please give the MINI-version. All of you are invited to write about your 10K Day on the Fear of Writing blog after it’s over. Save your juiciest anecdotes to base a guest blog post on.
DON’T FORGET TO log out of forums, Facebook, Twitter, email, etc.
Go gettum, Tigers! – Milli
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RSVP Page for the August 13th 10K Day
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RULES & TIPS
Survival Tips, Productivity Tricks
GOT WRITER’S BLOCK? TRY THESE . . .
Featured Warm-Up Prompt Vintage Typewriters and Deviled Ham from our very own Tumblemoose (10K Day participant)
Use the Whiplash of Your Inner Critic to Make It Across the Drawbridge
Here’s an example of doing the above but with a fictional character instead, by our very own Patti Stafford (10K Day participant). Look for the second entry on this page; it’s entitled writer’s lament.
Four of Milli’s Fun ‘Fertile Material’ prompts
10 Tips for Using the Fertile Material Writing Prompts
New Writing Prompt: Sparkling Beasts & Glimmering Gods
Milli’s Zodiac Writing Prompts based on Sun Signs for Writers by our very own Bev Walton-Porter (10K Day Participant):
Aries / Taurus / Gemini / Cancer
11 Fun Writing Challenges from Sunflower Ranch (50-word challenges, but you could easily use any of these to write a short story)
MOTIVATIONAL ARTICLES
Writing Dialogue: Don’t Freak Yourself Out
How I Am Overcoming My Inner Critic and My Fear of Success by Lois Eighmy
A Writer Kissed by Inspiration
10 Things to Celebrate About Being a Writer
Rocky Balboa’s Speech to Writers
Wow! Am I really first? Where's Al? I miss his comments!
I've caught up on my e-mails, posted my dailies over at LiveJournal and now I'm getting ready to fix myself some tea and breakfast, then I'm going to sit down and start work on the "Cottage" novel.
Good luck! Happy writing, everyone!
Lois
Lois, Do you sleep? LOL. I'm up and here, but can't say I'm started yet. Have to get through email first.
Write On!
I didn't RSVP but I'm here!! My goals are to finish School's Out 4Ever (about 8K to go) and edit those last chapters so I can turn it in by the end of the day.
I'm all geared up with my big mug of coffee, a lovely bunch of coconut chocolate (Mounds rules!) and you guys!
See you at 8:30 my time
Warmly,
Jenny:)
Hi all, I'm here finally after getting a link form Milli 'cause I'm well, never mind. I also expected to find a whole book from Al already. I got up with a stray cat fighting with my cats this morning, so I let the dogs out to chase the stray away, (neighbors cat) and protect my kitties. 5:00am. Fed them, gave the dogs a treat, and fed the horse fed me and ready to rock and roll.
Milli, can we count words in the bolg as part of our 10K? Just kidding.
To all the other writers, "My you all be enlightened, inspired, and uninterrupted". Blessings.
Marilyn
Hi all – I also forgot to RSVP so apologies for that. I've also got a slight problem in that my youngest is having his school sports day – today! That's right, in less than half an hour I have to go up there and cheer them all on for a couple of hours… So I'm not expecting a huge word count (from me) today
I'll check back later though to see how you're all doing.
BFN
Pippa
'Morning, my lovelies! Lois, Patti, Jenny, Marilyn & Pippa!
I had some computer problems but got that all sorted out (thank goodness!). I plan to start writing by 8:30 EST.
About Al from Down Under. I miss him too! He was going to be traveling today for some kind of audition (he's a DJ so it may be about that) so couldn't join us this time. But he said he'll be back.
Pippa, I hope you can still write with us for part of the day. The word count doesn't matter as much as the friendship and creativity! I hope your son wins some medals (whether in the spirit of the day or physical ones :~)
I'm at almost 600 words, but that's not too bad since I've only been working at it for about half an hour. And those 600 have felt awesome. It's not about the count its about the feelings.
執筆冒険は行く! Okay! Gonna start by kicking my screenplay into gear again. As well as seeing what else my mind can come up with. See you in 2.
I hope Milli doesn't mind, but I'd like to share a link to the blog post I added yesterday. It's called, "The Best Thing About Being a Writer", and I thought the 10K Day would be a nice time for you to visit and leave us a comment telling what you think is the best thing about being a writer.
Yes, it does go towards your word count. Thanks!
http://pattistafford.com/blog/2009/07/15/the-best-thing-about-being-a-writer/
Morning all – Research is almost done for 2 article. I have a call into the Governor's office, and am waiting to see if she’ll talk to me so I can finish the article on the health bill she vetoed last week.
As soon as the articles are finished, I plan to actually spend the day on, The Clean Up Crew.
I wrote 3239 words, bringing my novel up to a grand total of 66,362 words. I'm good on the count now for a YA (I like to keep them around 65K) and I'm looking forward to writing these ending chapters. There are a few climatic moments ahead, a quiet hospital scene and then the end.
It's going to be a wild ride for the next 2 hours!
Welcome, Wolfen and J. Francis! I got so involved in my writing, I forgot to check the blog – LOL!
Patti, that's great about the link to your blog article, "The Best Thing About Being a Writer." I'll go visit during my first break and check it out.
I've finished a guest blogger article for Inkwell Alley for a count of 1,232. Yay! It was fun to write.
I'm at 3,005! almost a third of the way there. Off to take a little break.
Karen, welcome! That's awesome about your word count so far. Especially with your back being sore and you being confined to the couch with your heating pad.
Do you think your blog team member, MeganRebekah, knows about the check-in page? I didn't tell her about it directly. Can you please let her know? Thanks!
I'm going for my first break. Word count so far: 1,823. Good thing I'm an old lady (I'll be 50 this January). That's my excuse for not being as speedy as all these young'uns I'm surrounded by.
ROTFLOL!
Hey Milli,
Started at 6am local.
Working on novel "Diner"
Very slo going so far, hard to not edit as I go…
George
Wow, didn't realize I was at 3000. It's most likely gonna slow down from here. But I like what I'm seeing so far.
I'm at 2031. I'm going along with the age thing Milli said. LOL.
I've had a few other things to work on too, not writer related. But not disappointed with the word count. I pulled out an old storyline and been playing with it.
Tumblemoose, welcome!
Don't worry, once the 10K Day magic bites you (and it could be at a later stage) you'll be liberated from that temptation to edit. And we don't have to be fanatical on that rule either. If I see a spelling mistake in a sentence above the one I'm writing, I'll correct it in a jiffy. The trick is to keep it way down to a minimum.
There are also times where I go slow because I need to think vs. writing helter-skelter. I try to allow myself that leeway.
Glad to have you here!
Wolfen – Patti – way to go!!
TWITTER ALERT:
Hey, can everybody here who's on Twitter please RT this entry? Some of the folks who RSVP'd don't know about the check-in page yet. Thanks!
10K Day for Writers | Event Page for 2-Hourly Check-Ins | for those writers joining us today: http://tinyurl.com/nqmogq
Hey, where is everybody? Hum. Whew, taking a break. I'm at 4777 now and so amazed. Mikey dog is hanging out with me in spirit. I really am having fun with this and I can't believe how many words I've written already. And I haven't cried yet. I need a snack and I'll check back in a little while.
Marilyn
Ok that was wierd. My computer is doing some goofy stuff. I just read everyone's notes after I posted my last.
Go, Marilyn! I'm so pleased Mikey Dog could join us in spirit again this time.
XOXO
Second break chime in!
Total only 1942 this time around cuz the kids wanted to eat and I had to explain to hubby what food was–sheesh 
Anyhoo, that brings my total so far to 5181 and I'm eager to write the next scene. This is the part where Kaylee gets to meat the "big boss" monster in the story. I think she's going to end up in the hospital, but I'm not sure.
I know one other girl is, she's already down so time is running out. I love these books
Congrats to everyone on their word counts and accomplishments!! Truly, it gets easier not to edit when you begin letting yourself just be "in" the story. You can fix the bad stuff up later
Okay, I'm off to tweet, stretch, have some chocolate and refill my coffee mug
Warmly,
Jenny:)
Hello everyone,
Your posts are inspiring. It's great to see how well everyone is doing today.
I'm starting late as usual. I finally managed to get everyone out of the house. I'm alone with my thoughts for a fabulous afternoon of no interuptions.
I will be working on a short story based on a screenplay I wrote.
Good luck everyone.
TTYL
Well research is completed and I have 215 words written so far. Talk about off to a slow start.
Time for lunch and a short break, then see what I can get accomplished.
I think this is going to be a very long day.
I think I will change gears. I need to write a letter to one of my friends who shut her phone and internet off–think she went mad. LOL.
So today is a good day for that. I keep putting if off to get work done, but I'm going to use it as my writing day.
Wow! Everyone's doing so great!
I'm currently at 3,079 words. I've been writing the "Cottage" romance/ paranormal, but I'm about to switch to Zane Greywolf. I should start speeding up, now. I love Zane Greywolf.
Good luck to everyone and I'll see you in a bit!
Welcome, BellaVida – a late start still works! I'm expecting another late starter, Saundra_M, to arrive eventually. I'm not a morning person and would probably not start until 11:30 or noon if I wasn't the host ;~)
J. Francis, hang in there. Participating the first time is the main thing. Everybody hits their own stride with a 10K Day and it can happen over time.
I'm up to 2,712. Belly growling means I'll need to take my second break 45 minutes early.
Ok, I'm breaking again. I'm now at 7425. I'm going to take a shower. Cool my fingers off and crack it again.
I love to hear about everyone's books, and screenplays and so forth. I hope we all get a chance to read them. They all sound interesting.
I am missing my Texas connection and local writing buddy, Susan. She is planning her daughters wedding which is this Saturday.
I'll be back in a jiffy all squeaky clean and fresh. Whew, this is work but I love it and I love having knowing everyone else is writing away. Congrats to all.
Marilyn
Wow, Bean, you and Mikey Dog are burning rubber, woman!
I'm at 3412. The letter to my friend is at 1381 (part of that grand total) and I'm probably not half way done with it. We have months to catch up on.
Going to check FB and a few other things and then get back to it.
Great work everyone!
Thanks for the email, Milli!
I'm at 3,457 and I've been going since 6:38 this morning with couple breaks so far. It's now 1:29. I'll be pressed to make my 5,000, but I am editing as I go as I want as many usable words as possible.
This is a story I want to shop at the ACFW conference so I don't have a lot of free revision time planned (just August). But I get how some would drive forward without editing, it's just not for me with this ms.
This challenge is awesome. If hubby is at work tomorrow too, I might do it all over again tomorrow and see if I beat today's total. I'm trying to finish this first draft by the end of the month.
Welcome, Eileen! Sounds like you are making the 10K Day work for a specific purpose. That's a great plan!
Patti, another unusual and creative use of the 10K Day. Sounds like none of us are afraid to think outside the box. As it should be!!
The self editing is killing me…
George
I feel you on the self editing thing. I'm just bouncing between different things now. I'm just sit and focus on the screenplay again in a few.
Checking in again
I only got 1883 done this time, have to focus more and not get sidetracked on my breaks 
But, that brings my day total to 7064, so not too bad 
My book is at 70,187 and I've got about two/three chapters left to write (10 pages per approx.)
Looks like everyone is having a productive day!
Remember too, you can always self-edit tomorrow 
I mean–who's gonna see it before you edit it anyway, right? 
Warmly,
Jenny:)
George, I've got a suggestion re: the self-editing.
Sounds like you're working on your novel and that may be causing severe expectations for higher quality. It might be a good idea to break off from your novel for just a bit today. Try to allow yourself to have a free-fall experience writing some fiction just for fun. And then come back and apply that same feeling to your novel.
As Jenny says, you can always fix the iffy stuff later. She has tons of experience with 10K Days and that's one of her main secrets for success.
My writing prompts are designed to help you have a fun, free-fall experience. There are also some other suggestions up in the main body of this blog post (under "Got Writers Block?").
Here's the link to four of my prompts. You must promise not to over-think. Especially, don't try to be a "good" writer. Just have fun! Let yourself suck, even, if that's what comes out.
Four Fertile Material writing prompts
Okay George,
I am secretively an OCD "edit as I go" fiend. I know what you're going through but I am slowly breaking myself from the habit.
I give you permission to open a blank document and just write some total crap. Write about how you feel about being OCD, write about how much of a weirdo that Patti Stafford is–just go write some total crap.
Chances are, when you get done writing and go back to read it, it will need some edits, but it won't be crap.
You can do this, you're a big man. Breathe in, breathe out–turn off that squiggly line setting or use notepad–that's it, write in notepad.
Another tip is to make your window only tall enough to see about 3 or 4 lines of your work, so your eyes are focused on where the cursor is at and not busy glancing around to look for boo-boo's.
Hope this helps
Good work everyone!
I've had to reschedule my 10k for next week, but popped in to send good luck to everyone! Looks like you're all doing great!
To combat self-editing, I find that blindness works. For me, it's about taking off my glasses, but blindfold, closing your eyes, wearing a hat with a big rim, sunglasses — or as Patti said above, making the window to small to see anything — can all help.
Okay I made it up to 2,225 words and now I really need a break.
I love reading what other peeps are writing about.
My story is about two cousins reminicing about a summer they lived together on the eve of ones wedding.
Continued success to everyone.
Kellie, thanks for stopping by to let us know! I see you've written a humorous article on your new blog re: taking off your glasses to combat self-editing.
Here's Kellie's article:
Writing blind: Rough drafts, glasses, and a pair of lazy eyes
Kellie, I hope you can join us for the August 13 10K Day. Here's the RSVP page:
10K Day for Writers: RSVP Page for August 13
I finished my book
The last 1925 words are written, giving me a grand total of 8989 for the day, and an overall word length of 72,112. I'm excited! And I'm going to let it rest over night before turning it in. The last few chapters are probably really rough, but that's okay because the content rocks!
I'm going to work on the next episode in the Saturday Serial Bella Vida are doing together next
But first, some chocolate to celebrate and HOT coffee–mine's cold! 
Good luck everyone!
Warmly,
Jenny:)
P.S. You can turn your monitor off too, if you don't want to see the mistakes
CONGRATS, Jenny-Bug, on finishing your book!!
Enjoy your choco-moment. You've certainly earned it!!
XOXO
Hey all, I'm off and running. Too nice out to not take my 5 kids to the park, but my trusty notebook is filling up quite nicely. It may be really late by the time I get back on the computer, but I'm hoping to hit that 10K mark. Have fun, everyone!
Welcome, Tracy! Sounds like fun, writing in the park in a notebook!!
Glad you could join us today.
Hi guys! Milli, as you know, I'm a late-nighter, so I just got up to get started about an hour ago. Today's plan: several blog posts, working on finishing a nonfiction book proposal that I already have an editor waiting on, plus writing on Shadowman's Bride, a paranormal romance novel I started way back and shelved. Time to dust it off!
By the way, Jon's already writing, too. He's working on his screenplay.
Today when I got up, we had a scare. My beloved cat, Osiris, was missing. He's my HEART (and my daughter's). After frantically searching for him and crying lots, Paul found him outside the house in the breezeway, propped up on a shelf. The cat was scared to death! I guess last night when we did the fire pit outside, some of the teenagers who came over (friends of my son's) left the door open and my cat got out. So Odie (his nickname) had been out ALL night! He's an inside cat and not used to the outdoors. Anyway, we found him (thank goodness!) and I was able to dry my tears and get ready for 10K Day. However, I have some new fodder for a story due to this incident!
Okay — enough writing here. I'm off to dive back in.
Sounds like everyone's doing a great job. Congrats, all!
Welcome, Bevarooni!! So glad you and Jon could make it. We now have two young guys here who are working on screenplays (SexyWolfen's the other one).
I'm so glad your Odie is OK and that you've already processed it into story material. That is so like a writer!
I'm a fairly slow writer and I might still be here at midnight, trying to reach 10,000 words. At least we'll have each other for company after everyone else has signed off ;~D
XOXO
Since my roomate is actually awake… it's gonna be difficult to get anything else done… ughh… oh well. I shall persevere.
Hang in there, Wolfen!
Since it's now after five o'clock here in Ohio, I've poured myself a quarter glass of red wine. This has cheered me up enough to soldier through some computer frustrations I was having and start a new piece of writing.