ROW80 Week 3: Restored

(other ROW80 participants)

I put my writing goal on hiatus this week, due to illness and stress. Combined with a reasonably calm weekend, that gave me the time to get my other goals under control:

First of all, I looked at two more houses. I haven’t made a decision yet, but my understanding of what I can get — and for how much — is improving.

Secondly, I read through Arrow’s Flight, by Mercedes Lackey — book two of The Heralds of Valdemar.

What I really liked about the the first book (Arrows of the Queen) was the way it was driven by internal conflict, rather than external fighting or romance (although those did happen); the second one, didn’t disappoint me.

I also got a small amount of writing done over the weekend. From today, I’m diving back into my writing goal: five evenings a week, including two short stories.

Good luck and happy writing!

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ROW80 Week 2: Cost

(other ROW80 participants)

This has been a productive week, but also a stressful one.

Progress

Writing went well: five evenings’ worth, including one short story, and one dream that might possibly become a story.

I also had another look at the house I was planning to buy. It wasn’t up to the standard I was hoping for, so I may not be buying it after all — but the learning experience was well worth it.

I’ve spotted a couple more houses I’m interested in, so I’ll make it a goal to see both of them in the next two weeks.

There’s nothing to report yet on my reading goal (which means I’m now a week behind).

Plans

I didn’t come out of this week in good shape. Work is a bit stressful at the moment, I had a busy weekend, and I seem to be coming down with a cold. While I did get writing done, it really felt like I was forcing myself to do it.

As a result, I’m putting my writing goal on hiatus for this week — hopefully I can focus on getting some sleep and generally recovering.

Good luck and happy writing!

Allies of Need

They were the brave, who stood against the Beast;
They were the fools, who rushed to fight and fall.
The honour of their names has never ceased;
Their scoundrels' hearts are scorned in every hall.

Confronted with their crimes, and told "Atone",
They swore to serve, and shield us all from doom.
We had them vow to leave the past alone;
But even then, they planned to sack the tomb.

They slew the guards around the ancient stones,
They broke a seal that bound all mortal kin,
With angry tools, they smashed the honoured bones;
They ground to dust the lich that laired within.

And then they fled, and past our laws survive,
While we are ruined, shattered, but alive.

ROW80 Week 1: Measureless

(other ROW80 participants)

I didn’t quite meet my writing goals this week: one short story got edited (and posted here — yay!), but I haven’t started another one; and I only did writing on four days (out of a goal of five).

Partly, this is because I spent the weekend working on a programming project instead. This project is a bit of an unstated goal for me; I’m half-considering adding it to my ROW80 goals, but I need to decide how to measure it first.

House-wise, things are going more or less to plan. With any luck, the inspection will be done some time this week.

Good luck and happy writing!

The Last Word

On a certain island, there lived a Master. He was well known; many sailed far to study with him.

Some asked, “Master, can you teach me the arts of the map, and the helm?” And he replied, “No, for I am a master only of men, and not of machines.”

ROW80 Goals: Round 3, 2015

A Round of Words in 80 Days is the writing challenge that knows you have a life.

This is my seventh round of the challenge, and I’m joining the other participants by stating my goals for the next 80 days:

Firstly, I’m aiming to write at least five days each week, and to draft or edit two short stories in that time. In the long term, I’d like to post the occasional short story on this blog.

Secondly, I plan to read a book every two weeks.

I’m also in the process of buying a house. My next step at the moment is to get a proper inspection of the building, which I’m hoping to do in the next couple of weeks.

Good luck and happy writing!

Where the Night Wind Blows

Once I was mighty, in my home of old.
In cloak of night, I wrapped my mortal frame,
Strode forth intending deeds of daring bold,
And gladly took Ill Omen for my name.

On less than ash and air, I learned to feast,
And went to walk atop a mountain wall;
But in that lonely land, my strength decreased.
I loosely held my cloak, then let it fall.

Beneath, there stood a creature of no name,
That shivered in this high and airy place;
That found no comfort in its wisps of fame,
But longed for laughter and a kind embrace.