Row 80 Goals–Round 1/2012
It’s round one of ROW 80 and I hardly know where to begin. As usual, I have a ton of things I’d like to do NOW. My dreamer side is busy throwing out ideas and my inner overachiever is salivating at the prospect of accomplishing superhuman feats on a daily basis. Those two often get me in trouble. I end up setting goals that are way too big. Then when it doesn’t work out, and it rarely does, I’m left feeling at a loss. But that’s not what ROW 80 is about, is it?
Nope. So, I sent the dreamer to see the pragmatist. She wasn’t very happy about it, but it had to be done. After lots of arm folding, whining, finger wagging, hair pulling , and tears, this is the plan:
- Writing at least 250 words every single day.
- One finished short story.
- I’m so ready to be done with the plot drill. That requires analyzing 3 1/2 novels this round. This is my main focus. I need to finish this before I really move on to other areas of study.
- One non-ROW related blog post per week. I’m thinking Thursdays and it will most likely be focused on wellness.
- Read Story Engineering by Larry Brooks.
The dreamer and the pragmatist are not quite friends yet. Dreamer keeps staring longingly at the overachiever who is standing outside the window with her nose pressed up against the glass. The pragmatist doesn’t take it personally. She knows that dreamer will always have a flair for the dramatic and that the overachiever understands dreamer in a way that she never will. The pragmatist bides her time knowing that dreamer will learn to appreciate her contribution one day. The dreamer is skeptical, but she’ll be a believer sooner than even she thinks.
Let’s Rock the ROW!
Posted on January 2, 2012, in ROW 80 and tagged plot drill, Row 80, writing goals, Yolanda Early. Bookmark the permalink. 17 Comments.
Yolanda Early's Blog 
I hope you share your thoughts of Story Engineering when you finish. Sometimes it’s hard being a dreamer when you have to live in the real world. I definitely have that problem, too. Good luck!
Thanks Stephanie. Nice to meet you fellow dreamer. ROW 80 is a great way for us to get grounded and get some things done. Glad you’re here!
I am reading Story Engineering as well! I love it so far but it just makes me want to write, not read more…the lure of the shiny. Good luck on this round!
Don’t look directly into the light! I have heard nothing but great things about the book. Glad you’re here. Good luck to you too.
Oh, Yolanda, you make me laugh so much! The dreamer and the pragmatist…the overachiever — I could literally see them, the expressions on their faces (I think the dreamer made a face at you when your back was turned)!
Those are great goals — what the hell (pardon) is the “plot drill?” Because, I think it’s driving you insane. Remember how long it took you to read One of the Undead and un(whatever) books?
But the other stuff is all good. I keep thinking I should read Story Engineering, I follow his blog…hmmm. Off to check it out!
Amy, I’m starting to think that you are my long lost sister from another mister. The plot drill is a an exercise outlined in James Scott Bell’s book Plot & Structure. It requires you to analyze six novels.
I read the book a while ago, but never finished the drill. I have succumbed to the bright and shiny more than I’d like to admit. I’m already a little nutty. I don’t think it’s making me any crazier than usual. I hope anyway. š
“As usual, I have a ton of things Iād like to do NOW. ” Oh, that is so true to me too. I’m a very impatient person and want everything done NOW lol
Great, achievable goals. Good luck!
Thanks Juliana! Glad you’re back too!
I follow the philosophy of going right into that shiny light, cause that’s where my passion is……
May the dreamer find the delights she craves, the overachiever be able to survey the scene and declare ti good, and the pragmatist learn that faith and passion have their places in life, too…..
Looking forward to reading about how they’re all getting along…..
Aww Shan, thanks for the writer’s blessing. I love it! I believe in following passion as well, but I have to look at the big picture. And when I do that, I choose to do what’s going to support my overall vision the best. That’s not always where the bright and shiny would lead in the moment.
I share in your NOW pain. LOL! We are definitely on a very similar ROW80 page with our goals. I am working my way through James Scott Bells Plot and Structure. Stalled through Xmas season and am psyched to get back into it. Like you though, chomping at the bit to get writing. š I’ll be interested to hear how you like Story Engineering!! I am going to read Save The Cat by Blake Snyder….I’ll keep you posted on my thoughts! š
Good luck with your goals and here’s to knocking it out of the park!
I am laughing so hard right now. Save The Cat is also on my to-be-read list for craft books this year. Oh, how I love ROW 80. This is going to be fun!
Great goals! It’s always great to see you in the ROW80 list. I need to get my dreamer and pragmatist together way more often. Actually my husband tries to play that role, but I don’t listen to him as often as I should (don’t tell him I said that).
Looking forward to checking in on your progress this round with some writer support. ROW80 rocks!
Happy 2012!
Interesting and achievable goals here I think… good luck to you š
You can do it! I’ll have to make sure I drop by on Thurs to see how you progress. š Good luck!
I could picture the dreamer and the pragmatist, too. I completely relate to the push pull effect! You’ve got some great goals listed. Good luck!!
Thanks guys!