I apologize for the silence this past week. My computer hard drive went caput on me and with it, I lost about 80% of what I've been working on this year. After taking the computer in to see what all could be recovered, I ended up with about 20% - the rest are corrupted files.
Fortunately one of the files of my novel didn't get corrupted, but the ones with all the edits I've been doing - is no more. Meaning, I have to start over. That has been hard to take. Also gone - 3 steampunk short stories, my steampunk novella, and several files with research and information that I'd wanted to utilize for my steampunk novel series. By some miracle the steampunk zombie novel I started is also there.
This has set me back. It devastated me to see all my hard work just vanish. My confidence isn't where I need it to be. Because I'm stubborn and don't know how to give up, I know that I need to get started (again) on editing my novel. It's just that my headspace isn't in the best place. Which leads me to being very grateful for the next round of ROW80 starting. I am going to need to reach out to the wonderful people and ask for some cheering on and some much needed (but gentle) pushing to get me over this unexpected loss.
After the last round, which in many ways I now don't have much to show for since almost all of what I did no longer exists, I learned that I expected far too much for myself in terms of goals. There are things to take into consideration as I start with new beginnings. A new season - autumn - my favorite. I love to bake and cook new foods. I'm learning to cook to the seasons and that takes time and food preparation. Somewhere this will need to fit into my schedule. Also in October is my birthday, my wedding anniversary, Halloween, and of course the holidays are looming.
Typically this is the season where I am most productive. But even knowing that my goals need to be realistic. So here is what I've come up with:
On the personal side:
1) Work out for no less than 30 minutes 4 to 5 times a week
2) Eat healthy
3) Get adequate sleep
4) Unplug most evenings
On the writing side:
1) Update my blog more often
2) Push on and restart the edits of my novel
3) Write and submit 2 short stories
4) Follow, cheer on, and get to know more of my fellow ROW80ers and writing campaigners
5) Add another 20,000 words onto my steampunk zombie novel
The last one is a hoped for bonus. I may come up short or I may go beyond that number, but either way I'm happy with any progress.
I look forward to the twice weekly check-ins and will work hard to get myself into a more positive, hopeful headspace.
Marie
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I'm so sorry to read about your lost work. I can only imagine how disheartening that must be. On the plus side, I think you have a great set of goals lined up here. I think that, once you get going again, you'll find that the edits roll out more easily than you expect. Your brain already knows, on some level, what it wants to change.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, good luck with your goals and happy writing! Zombie steampunk sounds awesome.
Wow, that's tough Marie. But you've come to the right place for support. So Rock The ROW!!! Good luck.
ReplyDeleteI love that your goals include cheering on your fellow ROW80ers!
ReplyDeleteI don't normally write Steampunk, but I decided to step outside my comfort zone and give it a try. I like the way the story is coming along, but I really need to read more so it has the right feel.
Good luck!
So sorry to hear about your lost files! That's terrible. That's great that you're going to start up again. Good luck! Make sure you back up everything you write, just in case. :)
ReplyDeleteAlong with everyone else I'm sorry about your files. Maybe some guru can find them.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your goals this round, I'll be keeping an eye on you.
Oh my. What a nightmare! Way to stay positive. I'd still be lying in the fetal position. When you really think about it, disaster can happen in any aspect of life, you have to learn to roll with it, I guess?
ReplyDeleteBe strong.
I felt my stomach sink as I read about your lost work...I am so sorry and I totally appreciate how disheartened you must feel.
ReplyDeleteBut on the HUGE positive side, here you are letting us all know so we can hold your hand and encourage you to keep going and move forward. You could have stayed away but you didn't and that is such a positive thing.
Have a great week.
So sorry about the loss of your work. {hugs} Good luck with your goals and I look forward to getting to know you in round 4 :)
ReplyDeleteHi Marie. I'm here from Rachael's campaigner blog, and am now your newest follower, so:
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you!
However, this post is terrible! I'm so sorry to hear about your lost work.
I'm sorry to hear about your computer troubles! The same thing happened to me a couple of months ago, though not to that extent. Wishing you extra sparks of creative energy as you work/rework your stories.
ReplyDeleteMarie, this is such upsetting news. Like Dawn, I had this happen a couple of months ago, but didn't lose anywhere near as much as you have. Please feel free to draw on the support of the ROW80 group, and sing out if you just want to vent.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
My heart goes out to you. Like so many others out there I've had this happen before. It felt like a piece of me had been taken away. It was the biggest set back I've ever encountered, but it allowed me to take a step back from the novel and gain new insight on what was/wasn't working. I hope good things are in store for you after such a devastating experience.
ReplyDelete