It’s been two weeks since I left work. It’s felt like a holiday as Easter took up a large chuck of it but it has already been a productive writing time. Sitting down to write every day hasn’t felt like the chore I was worried it could turn into. I’ve been able to sink myself fully into my manuscript, producing about 4 – 5,000 words a day. The story is really taking shape in my mind now and although it will need revisions, the first draft is pouring out of me and it’s exciting. I feel more focused than I have since I started this writing journey. And I like what’s emerging.
But as ever I’m keeping a lid on my excitement because what looks and feels good to me right now might prove not to be when I finish the story or when my crit partner in this Elizabeth tells me it isn’t 
It’s always scary believing in a project in case it all ends in disappointment but I know that my writing and story telling is improving with every page and all writing experience is a good thing. It all helps brings us closer to that publishing goal.
Literary agent Rachelle Gardner in heer post “will your first book be published ?” says that writers should write several books before seeking publication to give you practice and confidence and so you know you can write more than one book. My WIP will be the fourth book I’ve written along with countless starter stories that never quite reached novel length. I agree that with each one I’ve grown in confidence and skill. This along with feedback from crit partners and agents, has meant I’m in a much better place as a writer than I was when I started.
I don’t think writers ever stop learning their craft. You learn every day that you write and I’m still learning. Best if all, I’m enjoying it and I still feel the need to do it. I want to, I have to write. And hopefully, this new focus on it will pay off in the end.
Victoria
xoxo
BC Brown
/ April 16, 2012Glad that your vacation is going smoothly enough for you to write! Let’s hope your Muse continues to be so gracious and cooperative. lol I have no doubt She will however, so BREAK A PEN! And I do have to say that I wholeheartedly agree with writers needing to pen several novels before seeking publication. Without practice, how do we learn how to improve?
Victoria-writes
/ April 17, 2012Break a pen – love that phrase
It’s true – musicians have to play every day to get better, we should do the same!
suzicate
/ April 16, 2012So happy to hear your time has been productive.
Victoria-writes
/ April 17, 2012Thanks Suzi!
The Other Watson
/ April 16, 2012Awesome to hear the writing is flowing so well! I agree with you as well, I think you need to write several novels before trying to get published. It took until my third novel before I wrote something that I actually felt happy with (for a first draft), and it will probably take a couple more before I start to look at getting something published. But it will be worth it.
Good luck with it all!
Victoria-writes
/ April 17, 2012Thanks! And congrats on your writing too, I look forward to hearing your publishing success one day soon
EmmaMc
/ April 16, 2012Great to hear that it is going well for you and that you are managing to get so much done. Very impressive. I’d never even thought about the fact you need to write a fair few novels before looking for publication – I still haven’t finished my first. Yikes! Makes perfect sense though.
Victoria-writes
/ April 17, 2012Thanks Emma! I guess it’s just about making your writing as good as it can be, I’m sure some get their first novel published (eg Twilight) but it’s a longer journey for others. Good luck with yours!
E.Arroyo
/ April 16, 2012I agree about learning as we write and we oftentimes have to get those other stories out of the way to get to “the one”. =)
Victoria-writes
/ April 17, 2012Ah “The One”. Here’s hoping we find ours soon
leashieloo
/ April 16, 2012Congrats on getting so much accomplished! I have so many WIPs that it is almost depressing. On the plus side, I am focusing on finishing the short stories first and an artist friend and I are collaborating on a children’s story. If I can’t finish something as short as that, then I know there is no hope for me.
Victoria-writes
/ April 17, 2012As Liz says in her comment, sometimes you have to get through other stories until you find the right one. Good luck with your writing, all sounds exciting!
Rach @ This Italian Family
/ April 16, 2012I love that you are so passionate about writing and really think it’s true what you said about how writing skill grows as it is honed.
Victoria-writes
/ April 17, 2012Thanks Rach!
Anne Van
/ April 16, 2012So happy for you Victoria! Nothing feels better than when words pour out onto the page!
Victoria-writes
/ April 17, 2012Thanks Anne! I’m always a bit nervous though in case they dry up
elvishjesusfreak
/ April 16, 2012That’s so exciting! Congratulations and I’m so glad you’re getting to write so much!
Victoria-writes
/ April 17, 2012Thanks Hope!
racheldeangelis
/ April 17, 2012I love all of the good writing advice I’m getting from your blog! Glad to hear that things are going so smoothly!
Victoria-writes
/ April 17, 2012Thanks so much Rachel!
Tien
/ April 17, 2012I admire your commitment towards your passion for writing Victoria! All the best to you
C.B. Wentworth
/ April 17, 2012Keep at it and don’t give up!
No one ever said writing was easy, but where there is passion there is fortitude.
Victoria-writes
/ April 17, 2012Thanks CB, wise words
4amWriter
/ April 17, 2012You’re absolutely right, writers never stop learning. That’s great in that we will never get bored as long as we keep wanting to improve! I’m so glad you’re enjoying your writing time.
Victoria-writes
/ April 17, 2012I hope I never get bored of writing, that would be sad. Thanks Kathryn!
GJ Scobie
/ April 17, 2012It is good to hear that you are moving your writing on and making good progress. I agree with what you say about always learning and the way to do that is to continue writing.
Victoria-writes
/ April 17, 2012Thanks Gj. Well said!
D...
/ April 18, 2012Wow that sounds fantastic. I think it’s awesome that you’ve adjusted to the writing lifestyle so well.
Victoria-writes
/ April 20, 2012Thanks D, lets hope it continues
nrhatch
/ April 24, 2012Way cool! Write on . . .
Victoria-writes
/ April 24, 2012Thanks Nancy!