So, let’s look at my goals and what I’ve been doing:

• Write at least 3,000 more words in my WIP. This is looking like a much less hectic week, so I think it’s definitely feasible. Although I did write a lot on my WIP, I didn’t write 3,000 words. I wrote 2,483. More than last week, but not my goal amount. The reason for not writing as much as I thought I would is revealed in the next two goals, which took up a lot more of my time than I predicted.
• Complete assignments in my editing class to help me figure out if my first ms needs further revision. The assignments in the class aren’t mandatory, but I think they’ll be really helpful. They have been very helpful, and a little time-consuming as well. But I’m not complaining – they’ve really gotten me thinking about changes that need to be made in the ms. Working on them does cut into my writing time, though.
• Start reading The First Five Pages. I should be done with The Lost Symbol within the next day or two, so this will be possible. It should be a nice complement to the course I’m taking. Again, this book has been really helpful for me in thinking about my first ms. But it does take a lot of time to do the exercises at the end of each chapter. Very helpful, but time-consuming.

This was a pretty good week for writing, all things considered. I met two of my goals and almost met a third one. The weather helps – I love the chilliness in the air. It makes me want to spend hours in front of my computer, sipping tea and thinking about writing.

Goals for next week:

• Write at least 2,500 more words in my WIP. This is approximately what I was able to do this week, and based on my experience, it’s doable.
• Continue completing assignments in my editing class. I’ve already done today’s assignment and should be getting a new one on Wednesday. I shouldn’t have any problem making this goal, and it definitely helps me with my first ms.
• Continue reading The First Five Pages and doing the exercises in the chapters. The exercises have proven extremely helpful in thinking about my first ms. I don’t know how much farther I’ll get into it. I’m currently working on the exercises in chapter three, so I’d at least hope to be at chapter four by next week.