Self editing - read it out loud.

The first step in self-editing is to read the whole manuscript out loud. The best way I found of doing this is to read it to the voice recorder on my smartphone. I tried having a robot voice read it (some editing software offers this feature), but it is clunky and sounds unrealistic. Having a friend or a family member read it is also a possibility but I don't like to impose at this stage because I often want to make changes as I read. Reading it yourself allows you to stop, pause, reread a section that sounds off, revise your manuscript, and continue when you are satisfied.

This method of self-editing should tell you if your sentences and paragraphs flow or not. You'll notice repeated words and overly long sentences. I noticed that my chapters were too long, so split several into shorter ones. I find that a chapter of approximately 2,000 words that can be read in 10 to 15 minutes satisfies quite well and can be accomplished while commuting, waiting for an appointment, or while at the airport. Make sure that your chapters end on a cliff hanger and you'll find that your readers will be eagerly wanting to read the next one as soon as possible.

Full moon and completion of another book.

Super moon

We are having a super big full moon this week. The moon is at the closest position to the earth. Big tides and big storms. Also, the full moon represents completion, the height of power, the realization of one's desires and the peak of clarity. It is a time to celebrate your growth, take note of what progress you have made and to reflect on how far you have come. 
I finished the final (hopefully) rewrite of my second book, Atlantic Crossing. Yes, I thought I was finished last September, but other things took over my life and I wasn't ready to publish. I lost my drive for most of the winter for some reason. 
But, my energy, drive, and self-discipline have returned and it is now time to polish it (again) and send it to some (more) beta readers. Four of my friends agreed to do it, we just need to negotiate the price or trade. I prefer to trade but we'll see. The usual offer is a signed copy of the published book. Three of my friends already told me they liked the first chapter. Keeping my fingers crossed they like the rest.

I also sent it to New York Book Editors (who in fact are located in Florida, not New York) for a quote. Given that I am not expecting this book to be a best seller or a life changer, their quote is quite a bit out of my budget. However, it is good to give it a try. Perhaps the next book will be more marketable.
They sent me the name and CV  of an editor who is interested in taking a look at my manuscript, but it doesn't look like she has any experience sailing, so no, it won't do.

Logbook from Atlantic Crossing

I compiled the manuscript into one file and while I am reading it, again, I keep finding a better way to say things. Also, while sorting things on the boat, I found my old logbook and some notes from the crossing. I will definitely have to read it and see if there is anything I can add to the book. 
Will this ever end with me being satisfied with the result? 
I so look forward to finally seeing it in print.

Reading 50K to Writing 50K app

"There are plenty difficult obstacles in your path. Don't allow yourself to become one of them." Ralph Morrison

Since I couldn't find a motivational app for writers that I like, I decided to write one myself. I am using a calendar to remind me each day that I need to write, a stopwatch to time the writing session, and a tape recorder.

The app is modeled on the original C25K (Couch to 5 km) running app but is adjusted for the life of a writer who is suffering from the often praised malady of reading too much and not getting anything written - thus the name: Reading 50K to Writing 50K.

During week 1, the program involves a 3-minute preparation, then two segments of 10 minutes of writing with a 3-minute break in the middle, followed by a 3-minute finishing up. Participants are encouraged to use it every day.

Here is the beta app to help you write regularly:

I am now working on week 2 (increasing the time writing) and packaging the app for marketing. 

Keep writing!

Writing prompt: 300 words starting with, "I blame the quarantine."

This is not my idea, it belongs to Dr. Karen Boren a professor at Rhode Island College. Check the link to send your entry in. 

Here is mine: 
I blame the quarantine for getting me to write again.

It has been a long time, over six months since I've opened the Scribner project file for my second book, Atlantic Crossing. I was having an extended writer's block. It started soon after I had my writing group read it and make comments. It was much too soon. Stephen King said that he writes the first draft with the door closed and the second with it open. Even then, it is only his wife that gets to comment on it. I better remember this advice in the future.

There are other reasons why I didn't write for so long. I live on my sailboat in Greece. In spring I have many boat maintenance projects to tackle. With a helper to assist, we clean, sand, varnish, and paint leaving the writing simmering on the back burner of my mind.

In summer it gets even harder to get any work on my book done, because there are so many other, more fun things to do, such as suntanning, swimming, and hanging out in a cafe with friends.

I promise myself to write in the fall and winter when the weather deteriorates and I spend more time inside my boat. But this past winter, I fought and lost this promise, and instead played on my new keyboard, read, cooked, napped and of course, browsed the Internet.

In mid-March, Greece went into lockdown due to the Coronavirus and for the first two weeks, I followed the developments online. But now, I see that this will be a long quarantine and so have accepted the inevitable lost summer of sailing. After reading that Shakespeare wrote King Lear during the plague, I have finally set up a schedule to work on my soon to be a bestseller.

I blame it on the quarantine.

Be More Productive In 7 Days, by Phyllis Korkki

While we are all under lockdown due to the Coronavirus, I'm trying to get a few things done instead of spending most of the day browsing the Internet. However, while browsing last night, I found an article in The New York Times, "Be More Productive In 7 days," by Phyllis Korkki. Perfect! I love learning new things. 

The form of the article is simple: 

Day 1: Commit to 10 minutes. 
It means setting a timer for 5 minutes to work, then one-minute rest followed by another 5 minutes of work. That's easy, I said to myself. I've been wanting to finish this book I started a couple of years ago and keep postponing. But I can do something for 10 minutes even if all I get done is open the Scrivener project file. And what do you know? I actually went through several sections of chapter 8 that I've been stuck on. 
Once the timer goes off marking the end of the work, you're supposed to stop and so I patted myself on the back for getting through my writer's block. Interestingly enough, on another app I've been exploring, I received a quote by Confucius, "It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you don't stop." Very fitting. I signed up for reminders to the productivity plan and this morning received a message from Phyllis with day two assignment. 

Day 2: Make a Realistic To-Do List. 
This means a specific list with fewer than 12 short tasks that can be accomplished in 10 minutes and each with a visible result. I'm using Google Tasks and Calendar for reminders, of things to do so I went through the list for today and adjusted the items to be shorter and more specific. I am happy to report that I completed most of them. 

Day 3: Connect Your Body and Mind. 
This is about posture and how good posture and deep breathing encourages good productivity while at one's desk. Also, the need to take regular breaks. Dr. Korkki recommends working for 10-20 minutes and then taking a physical break to stand up or walk around before resuming work. I do slouch while writing on my laptop and bend my head down to see the screen. Not a good idea but I'm not sure how to correct that except to work at a stand-up desk. Perhaps I'll put the laptop on the top companionway step... not easy to type this way. But taking a regular break is an idea I will definitely adopt. 

Day 4: Rise Above the Noise. 
This one is not as easy as it sounds. It involves turning off all distractions such as email, Facebook, news updates, phone, walk-ins, and so on. The best way to deal with those is to check them on your schedule, not when something pings. Dr. Korkki suggests every hour, but I think I can manage three times a day. The rest of the time, I am free to get some work done. Of course, as per assignment for day 1, all I need to do is 10 minutes of work per day. 😇 

Day 5: Find a Partner. 
This is not so easy. I've never had success with accountability partners. They either flake out or couldn't care less if I get things done as they're too busy living their life. Dr. Korkki also suggests posting one's measurable, specific goal with a deadline of today or tomorrow on social media and then posting once it's done. I've been doing this with my runs on Strava but there isn't anything like it for writers. I need an accountability partner who is a writer. Now, which goal should I choose for this assignment? Finish my book! 

Day 6: Extend Your Focus. 
This assignment is about working on a bigger project and focusing on a single task for two hours with two or three unscheduled breaks if necessary. The purpose is to focus on working longer but not worrying about quality, just quantity. Many of us are perfectionists and get blocked because we worry about not getting it right. "Focus on quantity and let God worry about quality." It is hoped that you will reach the state of flow where you lose track of time and accomplish much more than you expect. 

Day 7: Look to the Future. 
This is about just looking over the past week and seeing how you did. What worked and what didn't. What have you learned and did you notice the benefits of following the assignment's suggestions? Write down three new things you did this week that could potentially be carried over into new and permanent habits over time. Place the list on your desk in view, so that it could help you get you back on track next time your mind starts to stray from your work. Ok, so I set up a timer for 5, 10, and 15 minutes to get my scheduled projects done. I wrote an app to keep me writing regularly, recorded a video of me playing piano for a talent show, and asked a friend to be my cheerleader. 

All good. A worthwhile set of assignments to become more productive. 

By the way, Phyllis Korkki is the author of The Big Thing: How to Complete Your Creative Project Even if You're a Lazy, Self-Doubting Procrastinator Like Me. 

Can't wait to read it AFTER I finish my own book!

C25K for writers

I've been running for over a year now using C25K (couch to 5km) app to motivate and encourage me. The first week I used it, it told me to run/walk three times a week, with more walking and less running. It beeped at me to change from one to the other. During the following 8 weeks, the app told me to progressively run more and walk less until, by the end of the program, I was able to run the entire 30 minutes. I have graduated now to the next app, the C2 10K and have developed the habit of getting out and doing my run every second day. 

I am also using another app to motivate me. It is called Strava and it maps my route as well as gives me the distance I've covered, my pace and the time I've been training. I can post photos and there is an online community of people who can give me kudos. There are milestones I can sign up for and achievements for which I get a virtual medal.
Together with Spotify for music, I am all set. 
I feel lost if I am not able to run due to weather or some other factor. I have developed a healthy habit.

I want the same thing for my writing. I want an app that reminds me to write for 30 minutes every day, with breaks after 10 minutes of work, increasing my goal each week. I want an app that will track my word count and a community that gives me kudos for each page, scene, chapter I finish. I want assistance in developing the habit of writing and editing
.
I use Scribner to organize my manuscripts and there is a project as well as session target function that I can set up but that's not enough to get me into the habit of sitting down for a set time to write. I want a C25K/Strava combination for writers.

I have now set up a reminder on my calendar to work on one small part of the book each day: a specific, achievable goal and then set the timer for 10 minutes. At the moment, 10 minutes is all I can do, but plan on increasing it every week. I've approached a friend who is also a writer and with whom I hope to exchange our successes of words written and editing done. This plan has worked, but I prefer the verbal cues of the C25K rather than the beeps. So, I've recorded a similar voice message with encouragements and reminders and count down.

Coronavirus benefits the planet.

The year 2020 will be known for the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic throughout the world. It was discovered first in China and then spread to Europe, the Middle East, and North America, soon followed by the rest of the planet.
Perhaps it is Mother Nature's attempt to save herself from human exploitation and damage. Already, by mid-March, pollution has decreased, especially in China. The water in the canals of Venice is crystal clear. Flights throughout the world have been reduced if not completely canceled - again a good thing for the environment. People are advised to stay at home. Some are quarantined. They work less, pay better attention to their health and spend more time with their loved ones. The economy suffers as we shop less, consume less, do less but as a minimalist, I see that as a good thing for the planet. The whole world is on the same side of this war against a common enemy, so wars against nations ease. I don't see a downside for Mother Nature.

Floating garden

Who says I can't have a garden on my boat?

Leave a legacy

After you've finished working and raising your children, comes longed for retirement. No more early morning commute, no more snarky boss. You can do whatever you choose. So, you sleep-in, spend the whole morning eating breakfast and reading the paper. Then perhaps go out, shop and meet friends for lunch. Afternoon nap takes care of an hour or three. Soon, the sun is going down and it's dinner time and then a bit of TV or a Netflix movie before sleep.

Is this how you want to spend the rest of your life?
Perhaps while it's a novelty, you do. Later, and if you have the extra means, you decide to travel or check off your bucket list. You catch up visiting family and friends. And then what? Perhaps you decide to sell your big house and buy a condo in a 50+ building. Reduce your footprint before you turn to dust. And then what? What will people remember about you? What will you leave behind?

If this is important, perhaps you need to think about leaving a legacy. Not just money that's left after you're done with your bucket list and after you've sold your house and given away the extra furniture you no longer need. By legacy, I mean something more.

When I think of my ancestors, I am disappointed at the legacy they left. My grandfather on my mother's side, left a small house and garden in the country when he died of lung cancer. His first wife died young in the war. His second wife raised children. I don't know anything else about them - my mother rarely spoke of that time.

My grandfather on my father's side died in a concentration camp for his involvement in the Polish rebellion. My grandmother lived a quiet life and besides some hand made dried flower pictures, didn't leave much. What the war didn't destroy, she left behind when she moved to Canada with my parents. In Canada, she helped my aunt with housework and watched T.V. in the evenings.

My parents similarly didn't leave much. My mother, a few knit sweaters (she was a wonderful knitter) and my father a book of quotes that he gathered and that was full of hate and anger at the world. My sister and I threw it out as soon as he passed on. They left a condominium and some furniture behind but nothing really meaningful that changed the world in some way. Sad.

On the other hand, I look at the world and people I admire and wonder what some of them had contributed. Politicians, philanthropists, business people, doctors, judges, movie stars, sporting heroes. Some of those contributions had a negative impact on the world as well as a positive one: Einstein for example, who invented the atom bomb. Or Marie Curie-Sklodowska who studied radium. Or Nobel who invented dynamite.

So, is it better to live quietly and go gently into the night leaving as little as possible behind? Or is it better to go out with a bang and change the world, be remembered, have a statue built or a monument to remind the world of your passing through this world?

And what is worthy of leaving behind? A tree planted? A Mona Lisa? A musical score of Joy to the world? War and Peace? Yes. Yes. Yes.

Do not go gently into the night,

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And leave something behind.

Whatever you love to do, do it well and pass it on. If you are a good cook, leave a book of your recipes. If you are handy with tools, leave a birdhouse or a coffee table you have built. If you are a knitter, give away scarves and hats and write down the patterns.

And so, as I fill in the blanks in my daily journal that sits open on the table, daily thicker on the left and thinner on the right, I ponder how I can contribute in a meaningful way knowing by now that I am no Leonardo, Beethoven or Tolstoy. Through my writing, I hope to inspire others to also stretch their imagination and do something, anything well.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said: "The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you lived and lived well." -  Did I contribute something meaningful? How can I use my gifts and talents and the things I love to do, to improve the world and lives of others?

Leave a legacy.

Writers' Group in Lefkas, Greece

I've decided to organize a Writer's Group in Lefkas this winter, beginning in November. The group will initially meet at Porto Cafe at the Lefkas Marina. Day and time still to be announced. If this doesn't work, we can also meet onboard my sailboat, Eidos which will be docked at the marina. Everyone is welcome, whether you've been writing for years or just beginning. The group will be free to join - you only need to buy a coffee at Porto as a thank you for hosting us. Click on Writers' Group for more information.

Atlantic Crossing - update

It looks like my second book, Atlantic Crossing is finally heading for the finish line. I'm halfway through this present edit, and not having to change much anymore. 
I've had a number of people from Scribophile critique most of the chapters over these past few months and one friend has read the entire manuscript in one go. I am planning to send it to two or three additional beta readers before finally sending it to a professional editor. If I can find a publisher, I will go that route, otherwise, I'll self publish as with my first book, Salt Water In My Veins.

Example of a cover letter that works

The following cover letter has been my standard for many years, and it has worked with most of the editors that I've sent my work. It is brief, has a hook in the first line, and gives the editor all the information that is needed. 

Flow

I've been struggling recently, trying to edit for the umpteenth time my new book, Crossing Atlantic. I've joined a critique group on Scribophile and I've gone through the first draft once already. I think I need to take a break now and get some perspective before going through another edit. Meanwhile, I will catch up on some articles that I want to send out into the world.
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi in his book, Finding Flow, would say that the editing part is not challenging enough and that I am bored.

The routine of writing

What helps you be most productive when it comes to your writing? I know we're all different, but what works for you? 
I get out of bed, put the coffee on, open my laptop, then my Scrivener file, and start typing before my brain wakes up and says, "wouldn't you rather check your email, the weather, or the news?" 

My afternoon run

Now that my broken foot has healed, I started running again. I follow a C25K (couch to 5 Km.) program which begins with a five-minute warm-up, followed by eight one- minute runs alternating with one-minute walks. At the end, there is a five-minute cooldown. Total of about half an hour. I do this every second day.