Purpose

There are multiple purposes for this blog. First, I'd like to share with you how mental illness can interfere with or enhance the writer's life. Second, I want to explore a more disciplined approach to the writing life. This blog will hold me accountable as I navigate story throughout my battle with mental illness.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Book-A-Week & Outline-A-Month

I'm sure the Blogosphere is bound to be buzzing like busy bee's considering this is the time that many will be posting their goals, resolutions, and projects for the upcoming year. This is a good a time as any to throw my lot in the mix and reacquaint myself to the Blogosphere. I've decided to undertake another New Year's resolution/challenge. This is but one of many, however, I would like to have some accountability for this one. And since it involves writing, I'll make that intention here.

I haven't been doing much writing or reading for that matter. OCD and ADD can do that to you. Couple that with being undisciplined and I'm a complete disaster.  It's a long and slow journey. Like the Chinese philosopher Laozi said  "A Journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step".  

I am going to attempt to read at least one book a week during this calendar year of 2013. I hope that the practice will carry on to my remaining years. There is so much to read and so little time. For me, this seems like an olympic leap than a small step, however, because I'll be focusing mostly on the reading and the outlining (and exercise of course) I will push some of these other worries, burdens, and aspirations to a dark hidden crevice in my mind. That's right. I said aspirations. I have so much I want to do and learn and because of the OCD and ADD, it precludes me from this. So it stands to reason that this may actually help with my OCD and ADD since I'll be narrowing my focus by not taking on too much of a variety of things. Reading and Outlining/Writing Novels. That's all I'm about this year. To hell with everything else, I say!

I've already made some selections that I'll read for sure.  I'll post a tentative schedule soon. Feel free to comment about my choice of selections and the selections themselves. And if you would like to join me in your own Book-A-Week, let's get in touch.

I plan on reading from a fairly broad variety of both fiction and nonfiction books. Most of the fiction will be from the Science Fiction and Hi-Tech Thriller genres. There is some fantasy I want to delve into.  On the nonfiction side, I'll be reading mostly popular science and philosophy books. Those I have chosen or will choose will be books that I find relevant to the research I need for my novel and story ideas.

This week I'll be reading WWW:WATCH, the second of the WWW trilogy by Robert J Sawyer. The first I read about 2-3 years ago. I plan on finishing Sunday at the latest.

I'm also going to begin a nonfiction writing book, Where do You Get Your Ideas? by Fred White. I'm allowing up to 2-3 weeks to finish this one, although I'm shooting for 1-2.

My first day has now begun, but the week will usually begin on Monday and end on Sunday.

I'm also planning on completing one novel outline (detailed, if possible) a month. 

I hope to post more often in the future. I'll certainly have more writing related posts to share. 
So... if you'd like to join me on this adventure, I'll be happy to have you on board. 

Happy New Year to all and good luck with all your goals and resolutions...

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