Thursday, March 1, 2012

SPEEDBO BEGINS!



Today begins your one month opportunity to complete a book.
 31 days to focus on your dream. 
31 days to begin a daily writing/revising habit.


Rules of Speedbo:

1. Sign up anytime in the next 31 days to have your name added to the Speedbo Hall of Fame.

2. Writers who sign up today are entered into  *The Speedbo Starting Line Opportunity.*

3. Daily writing goals are maintained by the individual writer. You may share or not. Your choice.

4. Check in is not required, but those who comment will be entered into the weekly drawings.

5. Writing, or revising? Fiction,or  non-fiction? Genre of your choice. No rules Just write.

6. WRITE! "A little less talk and a lot more action."-Toby Keith. "Just do it!"-Nike 






To be added to the Seekerville Speedbo Hall of Fame (= signing up) simply email us at seekers at seekerville dot net.  Please include your full name and address. Only your first name and the first initial of your last name will be posted. All entrants will be added by midnight EST of each Speedbo Day. Your name will appear at  Seekerville.net. We will send you an confirmation email with a Speedbo Participant jpg to add to your blog or website.


*The Speedbo Starting Line Opportunity* means if you sign up by midnight tonight (by Thursday at 11:59 pm) your name is entered into a drawing for a $25.00 Amazon gift card. Winner announced in the Weekend Edition.


Each week we'll pick one reader who will win an incredible box of books-five weeks, five winners. 

We'll also pick five -yes, 5, Speedbo participants for prizes. 


All writer and reader prizes may be claimed starting April 1st. During March participants are WRITING not mailing, not critiquing! Winners will be announced weekly in the Weekend Edition.


Speedbo Participant Prize Breakdown:


  • First ten pages critique of an inspirational romance (to include YA, Women's Fiction, Suspense, Historical, Contemporary). Double spaced.

  • A short synopsis, double spaced and not to exceed five pages



  • Minimum thirty minute phone chat about your writing career.


March 4:
Mary Connealy critique
Janet Dean critique
Sandra Leesmith critique
Ruth Logan Herne Chat
Cara Lynn James synopsis critique

March 10:
Mary Connealy critique
Tina Radcliffe critique
Missy Tippens critique
Debby Giusti Chat
Ruth Logan Herne synopsis critique

March 17:
Tina Radcliffe critique
Myra Johnson critique
Cara Lynn James critique
Julie Lessman Chat
Janet Dean synopsis critique

March 24:
Mary Connealy critique
Tina Radcliffe critique
Ruth Logan Herne critique
Pam Hillman critique
Julie Lessman synopsis critique

March 31:
Mary Connealy critique
Audra Harders critique
Glynna Kaye critique
Tina Radcliffe Chat
Myra Johnson synopsis critique

One final point of clarification. In a perfect world you will sign up for Speedbo and write every breathing moment for the next 31 days. The rest of us will be doing our own Speedbo that works for our lifestyle. Weekend warrior perhaps. Give up evening television for a month to write. Get a babysitter Saturday afternoons for a month so you can write. Get up one hour earlier for a month so you can write. Whatever you do, stretch yourself. Get out of your comfort zone.  

Every time you start to cave, remind yourself, 
it's only for a month. 
YOU CAN DO ANYTHING FOR ONE MONTH.


So sign up, comment... and to get the inspiration flowing, post your favorite quote on the topic of inspiration, encouragement, determination, and success. Please put your quote in caps so we don't miss it in the comments.


Oh, and did we mention that every single Speedbo Hall of Fame writer will receive a Seekerville Speedbo Certificate of Achievement in the mail?  Almost as exciting as a pink Seekerville pen!


That's it!

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!







147 comments :

  1. And away we go.

    To quote Jackie Gleason.

    Good luck, good writing and Happy SpeedBo!

    ReplyDelete
  2. You have to sign up to be in.

    So go sign up,ladies.

    ReplyDelete
  3. SQUEEEEEEEEEEE!

    Here we go!!!!

    I'm in! It's even on my blog [there's a teeny bland counter on the main page - but there's a way cool Seekerville Speedbo Progress page too].

    My goals for the month:
    *Finish this rough draft of one MS [need about 6K overall, but 2K should finish the rough]
    *Taxes [blech]
    *Clean the office
    *70K on a new MS

    Because two weeks on narcotics meant I didn't get the first 3 done in February :p. But it's all good. Spring Break is this month, after all ;).

    Now to figure out if I'm for sure, for reals, signed up or if I need to send an email somewhere...

    :D

    ReplyDelete
  4. My email is sent.

    My goals:
    Finish revising a requested mss.
    40,000 on a new historical.

    And much gratitude to Virginia for humoring me while I tried
    To figure out which book to work on.

    Thanks, Tina.

    ReplyDelete
  5. You are amazing, Carol!!!

    Way to go ladies.

    I am talking every Friday off in March to write Speedbo!!

    Book in a Month for me!!!

    Woot!!! Woot!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm in. :)

    I don't have a quote.... :/

    ReplyDelete
  7. Argh, starting off sick! just felt it coming on. Boo.

    Um, I wanted to get my plotting all done by today, but didn't and have decided I will continue on and do that before starting, giving myself 3 more days, that's it!

    My main goal is to stop wasting time and just do it. I'd like to finish the whole book which should be a 90k book so my rough draft would be around 65k (I write short with stage direction and talking heads :) So let's go with 65k, yeah, that sounds good. 65k - minimum, finished - wonderful.

    And I think I reeled in 3 more people to join us, yeehaw.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I've rigged a perpetual coffee pot for the month of March. So have a cup any time it's needed.

    Helen

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  9. Hi Tina:

    Please sign me up. It is not 12pm yet in Tulsa. :)

    I am going to write and finish a first draft of Rewards Per Page.
    Good luck to everyone.

    Vince

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'm in, my email will be following shortly!

    My goal is to finish my WIP - 45,000 words to go - and get another 10,000 words started on the next one.

    April is reserved for editing!

    Here's my quote:

    "THE ONLY WAY OF FINDING THE LIMITS OF THE POSSIBLE IS BY GOING BEYOND THEM INTO THE IMPOSSIBLE."
    Arthur C. Clarke

    And my goodness, are those some FABULOUS prizes your Seekers are offering! It's going to be a great month!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Signed in.

    But going to take some time off for my anniversary for a couple of days, I figure after 32 years I'm allowed. I'll be working on Tamed or Changed By Mercy, haven't decided on the final name. Hope to get er done.

    As for quotes... Right now the only things that comes to mind is a scripture verse:

    I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

    ReplyDelete
  12. My speedbo quote:

    IT IS PERFECTLY OKAY TO WRITE GARBAGE--AS LONG AS YOU EDIT BRILLIANTLY.
    C. J. CHERRYH


    All right, rev your engines, off to write garbage and write it abundantly!

    ReplyDelete
  13. HEY EVERYONE!
    TOMORROW WE BEGIN!
    I SENT MY EMAIL...WHETHER TINA WANTED ME TO OR NOT

    ReplyDelete
  14. I'm totally in. Emailing momentarily.

    Working on an historical romance, cause the characters just won't leave me alone. Enough already! Get on the page (or, er, screen).

    It's too late for a quote, 'cept maybe "YAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!" (I'm sure somebody said that some time on Seekerville)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Does anyone know where to get a widget like the one from Nano that is a chart that shows you with a diagonal line for each day where you should be (if you are behind or not)? I really liked keeping my count above that line. All I'm seeing is simple bars.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Yaaay! I'm so excited! I'm doing the "Getting up an hour earlier, so you can write" thing mentioned in the blog. Guess that means I should hit the pillow pretty soon. Hmmm. Favorite inspiration quote...

    Here's one from Jane Austen:
    "I AM NOT AT ALL IN A HUMOR FOR WRITING; I MUST WRITE ON TILL I AM."

    And a new-to-me fun one I found from Mark Twain's Notebook:
    "THE TIME TO BEGIN WRITING AN ARTICLE IS WHEN YOU HAVE FINISHED IT TO YOUR SATISFACTION. BY THAT TIME YOU BEGIN TO CLEARLY AND LOGICALLY PERCEIVE WHAT IT IS THAT YOU REALLY WANT TO SAY."

    lol. Happens to me every time.

    Goodnight--er, morning, all!

    ReplyDelete
  17. YOU MUST SEND YOUR EMAIL TO SIGN UP DUDES AND DUDETTES!!

    seekers @ seekerville dot net


    YOU CAN DO IT!

    ReplyDelete
  18. WHEEEEEE!!!!

    Looking at all those critiques and prizes... My heart just jumped into my throat. That sort of 'prize' is INVALUABLE. Seriously. People pay big bucks for the kind of help that Seekerville GIVES AWAY.

    Oh, and a box of books??? No wonder I just love you guys. It's not just for the pink pens. Even if I said that before. Really. :)


    Off to register...

    ReplyDelete
  19. Mary, so funny!

    I thoroughly enjoyed hearing you thrash out your writing plan. I don't really have peeps to chat with like that. Even words like 'contemporary' throw the folks around here. So, it was a pleasure!!

    Ok, the writing garbage and editing brilliantly? HILARIOUS! That's me!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oh, a quote? Hm. This one always makes me smile.


    HAPPINESS IS EXCITEMENT that has found a settling down place. But there is always a little corner that keeps flapping around. – E.L. Konigsburg

    ReplyDelete
  21. "THERE IS NO RULE ON HOW TO WRITE. SOMETIMES IT COMES EASILY AND PERFECTLY; SOMETIMES IT'S LIKE DRILLING ROCK AND THEN BLASTING IT OUT WITH CHARGES." [Ernest Hemingway]

    I know that's not exactly inspiring, but I think it helps to hear that even successful authors sometimes struggle with their writing.

    Now I'm about to head off and begin struggling with mine. :) Happy writing to all, and to all a good night.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Oh, P.S. I sent my e-mail but I suppose I should be brave and mention my paltry goals here, too. I want to review and polish one novel that's been hanging around far too long, and then add at least 10,000 words to my current w.i.p. I also want to write and query a fresh magazine article sometime during the month.

    It's not wildly ambitious, but if you could see how little I've done in the past few months you'd know this is huge for me. :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. I'm all signed up and rearing to go! I have set myself a [hopefully] realistic target of getting my WIP to 40K (currently at 17K). It works out at about 1K a day, 5 days a week. Sounds a bit lame, but you must understand it's taken me about 8 months to write the first 17K. So if I double that in 1 month, I'll be happy!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I just sent my e-mail, and I'm excited to jump in the challenge tomorrow (i.e. later today)! :)

    I'm hoping to finish (or at least make good progress on) my current WIP, which is my second manuscript (the sequel to my first).

    Best wishes for all the other Speedbo participants!

    ~Amber

    ReplyDelete
  25. I have officially signed up...

    I am officially over-the-top excited....

    I hope everyone sees that you need to send an e-mail to:

    Seekers@seekerville.net

    and that will be your official sign up!!!!

    Go do it!!!!!

    Also.... I love Teeeensters examples about how to get around the family/day job/time constraints.

    Plan your work. Work your plan.

    KISS

    Keep It Simple, Silly! (Okay, my original said "Stupid" not silly but that didn't seem nice and if nothing else, I'm going to play NICE during Speedbo... Except with WALT. With Walt, the gauntlet's been thrown IF HE DARES TO SIGN UP!!!

    BWAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

    Melissa Jaegers, I find it easier to do the plot if I jump in and write the first few chapters.... Yes, they get major revisions (or sometimes scrapped) but it puts me in the 'zone' for that book and then I can put together a plan of sorts.

    That might help. And it thrusts you forward!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I'm up in the wee o'dark hours to get my SpeedBo on.

    My quotes (I have two):

    A PROFESSIONAL IS AN AMATEUR WHO DIDN'T QUIT. (Richard Bach)

    and

    WRITE IS A VERB. (William Hudson O'Hanlon)


    Happy SpeedBo Day!

    ReplyDelete
  27. AND THEY'RE OFF!!! For 31 days of writing fun and productivity!

    AND REMEMBER: Don't just tell us in the comments you want to sign up. YOU MUST SEND YOUR EMAIL WITH THE REQUIRED INFO TO:
    seekers @ seekerville dot net

    ReplyDelete
  28. Love this idea. I'm in! I need a deadline and some encouragement to finish my story. Happy writing, all!

    Quote: "I HAVE FOUND THAT THERE ARE THREE STAGES IN ANY GREAT WORK OF GOD: FIRST IS IS IMPOSSIBLE, THEN IT IS DIFFICULT, THEN IT IS DONE." ~J. HUDSON TAYLOR~

    ReplyDelete
  29. Up at 4:30 this morning to sign in and do some online housekeeping before I begin writing at 5:30 am. See that? Them thar are RUTHY hours! Starting out SpeedBo on the right foot...and the left foot...

    Thanks to Tina for such clear directions,and to Seekerville for this great opportunity.

    Good luck to everyone!

    EVEN IF YOU ARE ON THE RIGHT TRACK, YOU WILL GET RUN OVER IF YOU JUST SIT THERE. WILL ROGERS

    ReplyDelete
  30. Oooo, I'm so excited! And here's my contribution...

    The elevator to success is out of order.You'll have to use the stairs...one at a time. - Joe Girard

    It's one day at a time, 1K1HR at a time, one step at a time. We can do it!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. I forgot to say THANK YOU for this opportunity! I needed a kick in the..er, pants!

    And I LOVE the prizes...you all are so generous. :)

    ReplyDelete
  32. Carol J Garvin, THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS PALTRY!!! YOU GO!!

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  33. I have been successful probably because I have always realized that I knew nothing about writing and have merely tried to tell an interesting story entertainingly.
    - Edgar Rice Burroughs

    This might not be the most clever quote I ran across, but it sums up (not the successful part!) what I'm going to do this month. Write a story.

    I'm excited, I'm signed up and ready to start.

    Happy writing to all of us!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. I plotted a little on a story, but now I've decided to write a simple romance that has lived in my head for years. Yay! So excited to birth characters.

    HELEN: Thanks for the perpetual coffee pot. I'm gonna need it.

    RENEE: I love, love LOVE your quote. Never heard it before.

    98% OBEDIENCE TO GOD IS STILL SIN. - SCOTTY ALLEN. (local preacher)

    God wants all or nothing. Now let's go finish our books.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Just signed up, and my characters are already chatting away!! Unfortunately, I must focus on my "real job" right now, so they'll have to wait their turn.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Love all the sign-up so far.

    Remember to sign in at seekers at seekerville dot net

    WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE

    Way to go Speedbo

    Best wishes to all of you.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I am in. With God's and Seekerville's help!

    Melissa, your quote made me laugh because it is so close to the truth. Ruthy reminded me that whatever I write is more than I have written before now. From one pantser to another.

    I just want to get a story out of my head, one all my writing and reading friends keep telling me I need to write because I can do it.

    My banner for the month is this quote from Toni Morrison,

    "If there's a book you really want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it."

    Peace, Julie

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  38. You expect a librarian to curb her favourite inspirational quotes to just one?????? Argh!

    I narrowed it down to two -- all from Madeleine L'Engle.

    WE CAN’T TAKE ANY CREDIT FOR OUR TALENTS. IT’S HOW WE USE THEM THAT COUNTS.

    I'm grateful for Speedbo which is giving me the push to use my talent.

    INSPIRATION USUALLY COMES DURING WORK RATHER THAN BEFORE IT.

    This is highly comforting since my mind is blank at the moment. :-)

    Rushing off to sign up now!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Fun to see we're all excited and raring to go with the launch of SpeedBo!!

    Love all the terrific quotes!!

    Thanks Helen for the round the clock coffee.

    Wishing all participants a great first day. Off to write.

    Janet

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  40. Just signed up...and that makes it official!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Good morning Seekers, fellow Speedbo participants, and friends!

    I have an actual word count goal, but my real goal is to write every day. If I could keep that up for two months, I might get somewhere. ; )

    I’m going to share three quotes because I LOVE quotations:

    NO TEARS IN THE WRITER, NO TEARS IN THE READER. NO SURPRISE IN THE WRITER, NO SURPRISE IN THE READER. – ROBERT FROST

    THERE ARE NO LAWS FOR THE NOVEL. THERE NEVER HAVE BEEN, NOR CAN THERE EVER BE. – DORIS LESSING

    KEEP AWAY FROM PEOPLE WHO TRY TO BELITTLE YOUR AMBITIONS. SMALL PEOPLE ALWAYS DO THAT, BUT THE REALLY GREAT MAKE YOU FEEL THAT YOU, TOO, CAN BECOME GREAT. – MARK TWAIN

    Success to you all today in your writing. I’m going to get ready for the day job now. :p

    road_to_avonlea_17(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Whitney

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  42. This is so exciting to see who all's joining us!! Woo hoo!!

    ReplyDelete
  43. /backflip/ I'm ready and so is Mom!! Let's go!

    Thanks for the opportunity Miss Tina and everyone!!

    ReplyDelete
  44. WHOO-HOO!!! Just signed up and am BEYOND EXCITED that edits count in SPEEDBO!!!

    So I am officially signed up, although as mentioned in previous comments, for me, it will be more like SPEEDHALFBO!!!

    Melissa, soooo sorry you are not feeling well. Saying one for you, girl ...

    Hugs,
    Julie

    ReplyDelete
  45. Exciting everyone - Love reading everyone's goals!

    May and I have May2 in progress, must finish the first draft all the way through (and stop editing!!!), and get it ready to turn in to our fab writing coach, Sandra Byrd, by May 1st.

    That's our goal.

    There.

    We said it.

    Can't thank y'all enough. God's timing is perfect.

    (Love the Toby Keith quote. HA!)

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  46. Just noticed the "chats" are limited to thirty minutes. That is going to be a challenge in and of itself!

    Not naming names though.

    Off to write,

    Julie

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  47. I'm going with Mary C's quote:

    WRITE IS A VERB. (William Hudson O'Hanlon)

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  48. my quote is always the same:

    Ask yourself if what you are doing today is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow.

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  49. I'm so excited, I'm ready to quit my job, LOL!

    Not really. Would like to, but maybe not now : )

    Let's get this Speedbo show on the road!!!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Ooops, forgot my quote.

    "Don't be stingy with your encouragement. Your words can be a catalyst for untold change in the lives of others." -- Josh S. Hinds

    ReplyDelete
  51. Sent my email and I'm ready to start this morning. My goal is to start a story that has been rolling around in my head for a few months.It's a romance that I think would be perfect for Love Inspired. Finally I've come up with an original story with a great twist/conflict.

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  52. Woohoo! I'm so in!!! I have a project to finish this month!

    ReplyDelete
  53. I sent my e-mail. 30K words to finish the WIP this month. Also, I found a GREAT counter. If anyone's going 50K words you can use the graphic one, moods and everything!
    http://www.writertopia.com/toolbox/meters

    DO OR DO NOT. THERE IS NO TRY. - Master Yoda

    ReplyDelete
  54. I'm in!

    I will do this!

    I'm starting at 15,573 words on a 75K-85K length novel.
    I long to see how far I can get on Tiffany's story this month.

    Obligations I have this month:
    ~ Writer's meeting.
    ~ Parenting Seminar with hubby
    ~ Seekerville blog guest, March 6th
    ~ Save files from my website as the host is shutting down.

    Redeeming time:
    ~ Cutting internet time down!

    My quote, "EVERY WORD WRITTEN IS ONE MORE WORD UNWRITTEN!" ~Linnette R Mullin

    Happy SpeedBoing! :D

    ReplyDelete
  55. Prayer. Somewhere while scrolling, the word pray caught my eye. Thanks for the reminder. Feeling overwhelmed this morning, I needed the reminder to pray!!!

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  56. I am so amped! My goal is 30K words added to the second book in my historical romance series.

    WRITING IS MY TIME MACHINE, TAKES ME TO THE PRECISE TIME AND PLACE I BELONG. ~Jeb Dickerson,

    ReplyDelete
  57. The Message:
    YOU CAN DO ANYTHING FOR A MONTH
    is so rock solid.
    I do this all the time when I'm not in the mood to write. (Your mood doesn't come into it, get your backside in that chair!!!!)
    I tell myself....just one page. Just one sentence. Just start. Add a little if not a lot.
    That gets me STARTED and then who knows how long I'll go, but I will at least done one page or one sentence.
    It adds up.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Here's my quote.

    "If you need to believe in the muse, let's say, fine and dandy. Whatever works for you. But don't tell me you can't work today because the muse has left you. Go track down that fickle slut, drag her back, chain her to your keyboard, and GET TO WORK." --- Nora Roberts

    ReplyDelete
  59. Love those quotes


    WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TODAY TO MAKE YOUR DREAM COME TRUE?


    and...

    IF YOU DON'T TALK TO YOUR CAT ABOUT CATNIP WHO WILL?


    OOPS..that one was for the cat to mom chat we are having today.

    ReplyDelete
  60. I signed up. Need all the push I can get write now. :)

    ReplyDelete
  61. I am so loving these quotes and copying and pasting them down.

    Thanks!!

    And happy to have our reader cheerleaders too!!! A box of books awaits them!!

    ReplyDelete
  62. And I'm beginning a new book today.
    My commitment 2000 words a day five days a week. At the end of the month I hope to have 40,000 words done of an 80/90,000 book written.

    No title yet but I'm calling it. BURNT OFFERINGS
    About woman running a diner in the old west......who can't cook....but she's so pretty the cowboys come in anyway.......and they can't cook either so their lives are better....somewhat.

    There's more to the story than that. Murder, mayhem, bad guys, a series of unfortunate events. (wait that might not be my book?!)

    ReplyDelete
  63. LOL ... just had to share something funny my hubby said after I told him about SPEEDBO!!

    I said, "Seekerville is starting SPEEDBO today, which is writing a book in a month, but I joked that for me it's SPEEDHALBO."

    Would you believe that little brat looked me right in the eye and said,
    "You mean SPEEDCHAPBO?"

    Grrrr....

    Hugs,
    Julie

    ReplyDelete
  64. Okay, I seriously had to work to figure that out Jules. Then I cracked up.

    He was saying Speed Chapter...as in it will take you a month to write a chapter

    very funny!!!!! Slap him silly.

    ReplyDelete
  65. This is my favorite writerly quote:
    “If you have any young friends who aspire to become writers,” Dorothy Parker once wrote, “the second-greatest favor you can do them is to present them with copies of ‘The Elements of Style.’ The first-greatest, of course, is to shoot them now, while they’re happy.”

    You have to admit, that's funny! But it isn't all that encouraging, so I'll choose another. I really like this one from Karen Kingsbury:

    "My dad always told me, "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you are right." This is especially true for us writers. We must work hard and we must pray, believing that God is taking our writing to the place where he alone can showcase it. Wherever that place is, and however many people eventually read what we've written--we must always be hardworking and hopeful."

    Go, go, Speedbo!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  66. Hard-working and hopeful. Possibly the two most important characteristics of a writer.

    ReplyDelete
  67. Okay, I’m in. This is a crazy month for me. Mother visiting for the next 5 weeks, grandson having surgery and lots of activities at church, but I haven’t written in a while and really need to get back to it. Looking forward to writing and interacting with writers again.

    My blog is yackyjan.blogspot.com

    Not sure what I’ll be writing yet, but will be praying about it at work today and plan to sit down and start this evening.

    Hey, God...I need some quick inspiration here.

    Love Seekerville!

    Jan Christiansen

    ReplyDelete
  68. The fun is starting! There's a buzz in the air! Good luck everyone! Have fun!

    ReplyDelete
  69. "WRITING A NOVEL IS LIKE DRIVING A CAR AT NIGHT. YOU CAN ONLY SEE AS FAR AS YOUR HEADLIGHTS, BUT YOU CAN THE WHOLE TRIP THAT WAY." E.L. Doctorow

    I am signed up and ready to start! I had planned on getting up early this morning, but I've been suffering a severe cold since Tuesday, and thought an extra hour of sleep would be good for me. Thursday is my regularly scheduled writing NIGHT, though, so I won't fall behind on the first day!

    I don't really have a word count goal, but just a determination to write a little bit each day. Thanks for the encouragement, Seekers, and the prizes look awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  70. Love the energy and enthusiasm here! I will officially join when I get home. Don't want to use my work email!

    My goal is minimum 40,000 words on a new historical. Hoping more of the plot will come as I write!

    Thanks for these great prizes, ladies! And for the opportunity for us all to challenge ourselves.

    Great idea for the perpetual coffee pot, Helen! I'll need it.

    Cheers,
    Sue

    ReplyDelete
  71. Well you know, March 31st will be here whether you Speebo or not.

    SO WHY NOT?

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  72. SPEEDBO SPEEDBO. And maybe by March 31 I can spell the word.

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  73. Last time I wrote to the newspaper with my comments because I knew they would publish pretty much anything-but bah humbug they told me I should keep my day job. So now I will dust off the cobwebs and try again!

    ReplyDelete
  74. Well Mr or Ms Anonymous,

    You can write with us.

    Hugs from Seekerville.

    ReplyDelete
  75. I'm in!

    And I hear keyboards across the country click-clacking as folks pound out their stories.

    Exciting, isn't it!

    YAY, Seekerville!!!

    I am a writer!
    I am a writer!
    I am a writer!

    ReplyDelete
  76. No they aren't limited to thirty minutes, Julie. Re the chats. We guarantee a minimum of 30 minutes.

    So if you don't talk...WE WILL!!

    ReplyDelete
  77. This is too fun, so I'm coming on board with my new project. I'll share one of my all-time favorite writing quotes, from the iconic Ernest Hemingway:

    There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.

    Gritty but true, at least for me :)

    ReplyDelete
  78. Nancy - I sent you a FB message and posted on last night's comments how you CAN use that widget regardless of your word count goal :D.

    JULIE! I love it!!

    MAMA!!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!

    But grandson having surgery?! I must have missed that... Will have to call!

    [For those who don't know - Jan C is my 'other mom' :D]

    And now to get some edits/writing done on the old WIP so I can start the new one later :D.

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  79. Just sent my e-mail entry. Now off to the desk!

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  80. Julie, Keith was being bad, but it WAS funny!

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  81. Dorothy Parker - I HATE WRITING BUT I LOVE HAVING WRITTEN.

    C J Cherryh - IT IS PERFECTLY OKAY TO WRITE GARBAGE - AS LONG AS YOU EDIT BRILLIANTLY.

    ReplyDelete
  82. I'm loving on this activity!!! And I'm sure Julie must mean that TEEEEEENA is a talker (not!!!) on the phone, because she couldn't mean me...

    Or Julie Lessman....

    :)

    I'm setting a BIG TIMER!!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  83. ROF, LOL!!! Wishing I could hug Keith Lessman RIGHT NOW....

    SpeedChapBo!!!!!


    Oh, rolling...

    My tummy hurts!

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  84. Love all the excitement goin' on in Seekerville today! Wish I could jump in right away on my next wip, but I have exactly 2 weeks to finish revisions on a ms. due March 15, so that HAS to take priority.

    But as soon as that's done, a new book is calling my name, and the ideas are already spinning through my head.

    Patience...patience...

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  85. Soooo exciting!! I'm ready to GO! Thanks again for ALL the motivation, encouragement, and inspiration--Seekers are the BEST!! ~ Okay, I have no idea who said this but this little phrase has helped me get started on projects many times over the years: ONCE BEGUN IS HALF DONE. For me that means just getting myself going on a project (cleaning a closet, etc.) is half the battle, and once I start I KNOW I can follow through. ~ Okay, heading over now to sign up! Happy SPEEDBO everyone! Blessings, Patti Jo :)

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  86. Thanks, Carol! I'm totally going to check that out tonight. Got a few minutes before lunch to come keep up with the comments =)

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  87. I'm in--email sent. Busy month but I know my goalS.

    Quote: NOTHING IN LIFE JUST HAPPENS. YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE STAMINA TO MEET THE OBSTACLES AND OVERCOME THEM. ~GOLDA MEIR

    and my old favorite:

    EVEN IF YOU ARE ON THE RIGHT TRACK, YOU'LL GET RUN OVER IF YOU JUST SIT THERE. ~WILL ROGERS

    This morning I read Isaiah 37 and saw how the king of Assyria used doubt as part of his attack on King Hezekiah. But it didn't work because Hezekiah took it straight to the Lord and laid it out before Him. Just what I needed to hear. =]

    Happy writing!
    =]

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  88. "YOU CAN'T WAIT FOR INSPIRATION. YOU HAVE TO GO AFTER IT WITH A CLUB." ― Jack London

    This quote fits with my cave dwelling tendencies.

    Just signed up.
    Oh, what have I done?

    Good luck all.

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  89. Cara, lol. WHAT HAVE I DONE?

    You are cracking me up!

    No pain. No gain.

    No risk. No reward.

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  90. and...

    No guts. No glory.

    This Seekerville gem is still posted above my computer.

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  91. I signed up.

    Question. I write two genres. Do I have to work on my inspirational book for SPEEDBO?

    IN A MOMENT OF WEAKNESS, I HAVE WRITTEN A BOOK. --Margaret Mitchell

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  92. *Reads comments, then tip-toes quietly back to her desk...

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  93. Yay!! Got the Speedbo Participant badge on my blog. Word count goal for the day exceeded by 137 words! Praise the Lord!! :)

    Goal for the month:
    30,000 words & "The End"
    1200 words per day--except Sundays

    My goals aren't very high, but it's better than what I've been writing for the past month--nothing.

    Thanks, all you wonderful ladies @ Seekerville! You gave me the motivation to get this thing started!!! Speedboing is so fun! :)

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  94. LINETTE!

    Okay, we'll let you hide at your desk - as long as you're getting words out!!!

    then come back and join the party!

    Now I'm tiptoeing back to my desk - I want to get another pile of words done before lunch...

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  95. Hi Tina:

    I finally followed instructions and mailed my sign up.

    I also sent you a photo of my workspace. I think it might make an interesting post to show people’s workspaces. I think nothing says more about a writer – quicker -- than what his/her workspace looks like.

    I’d like to add to my goal. Finish the RPP book in 20 days and then finish the second draft (clean it up so it reads ok) of my NaNo “Straded in a Cabin” book. Getting the RPP book done will then act as an incentive to get to finish the really fun book. After all, we have 31 days. : )

    Below are a few of my favorite writing quotes:


    “The problem with the writing school of hard knocks is that by the time you graduate, you’re punch drunk."


    "If characters really took on a life of their own, there would be a lot more murdered authors".



    "I’d rather know what to write than write what I know".


    "I write comedy because I like being entertained when I work".

    "Ideas are like stars: they are all pretty much the same until the writer joins them into constellations".


    "Libraries are where they keep the books no one has time to read".

    "Authors who have nothing to say are usually better at saying it."


    Just for fun!

    I just pulled down my ‘project management’ board. Should have my work ‘work’ done by 2 pm and then ‘full speedbo ahead’!

    Vince

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  96. LOL, Linnette.

    Vince you are intimidating me!!!!

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  97. Melanie!!

    That is the funniest quote ever! My daughter, who wants to write a book (or is writing, depending on the day and her confidence level) reallylaughed!

    I really like Speedhalfbo!

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  98. Been gone for the last week. I'm not participating this month, but I'll pray for those of you who are. Happy writing, everyone. You. Can. Do. It!

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  99. Can someone tell me how to explain SPEEDBO to my dog?

    We've covered spouses and children, but the dog just sits here whimpering, wanting me to play catch.
    *sigh* He's so cute when he's doing it though.

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  100. “Write without pay until somebody offers to pay”
    Mark Twain

    I'm good at that, Mr. Twain! Okay, so I am polishing one of my Genesis entries, just in case I need to have it ready. My goal for the month is to have a complete read-through and edit done. Some of it is rewrite, too. 100,000 words.

    Awesome motivator, this contest.

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  101. Check in time for me! I wrote 1088 words on my new story. This challenge is a great motivator. Back tomorrow!

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  102. I'm at work now, but will add anyone else who email today, tonight.


    GO SPEEDBO!!!!!

    Tina Radcliffe

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  103. Well, no words written yet. With 2+ months of taking care of sick people, Tiffany has been ignored. So, I spent my writing time rereading to refresh myself on what I've done, where I'm at, and now I'm ready to go. I have to say, though, my heart is so full of aching for Tiffany that it's near to bursting. This is one hard book to write!

    ~ TTFN!

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  104. Good luck to all.
    I changed my mind on cleaning I lasted one day! I am thinking it would be a good way to get a cross stitch done for a lady. if I average an hour a day It would be half done.

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  105. Okay--deep breath--I can do this :)...I'm in!

    Bought a little sign at my favorite thrift shop while dropping off donations today. It reads: DREAMS DO COME TRUE. Gonna hang it above my computer and get to work.

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  106. Okay, I'm in and will be sending my email as soon as I finish my post. My favorite quote is from Anthony Robbins, THE ROAD TO SOMEDAY, LEADS TO THE TOWN OF NOWHERE.

    Blessings to everyone!

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  107. 2,000K words today. That's a lot for me! I may write more tonight. I'm really happy I kept going. I also walked a lot. It was a gorgeous day in nw Florida!

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  108. I'm signed up.

    Need to write about 30k to finish my cureent wip.

    This advice helped me write what I love...

    Bill O'Hanlon, "...what you would write if you weren't afraid or if no one would would read your writing. If you told the whole truth and nothing but the truth and wrote exactly what you feel you should write, what would that writing be?"

    Connie

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  109. Since writing is my dream....

    Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you imagined. -Thoreau

    AND....

    Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in you sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. -Mark Twain

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  110. I'm in! I am still plotting, but I plan to jump in with both feet by the weekend. Next week is spring break and I hope that helps with my word count. Good luck to all!

    Piper

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  111. I just signed up and can't wait!

    My goal - min of 1k new words/day (depends on day job, unfortunately)

    Plan - Writing one WIP, revising other WIP

    Quote:
    “All we have is to decide what to do with the time that is given to us. " J.R.R. Tolkien

    I agree with Jan - It's going to be a great month!

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  112. Oops, I still can't always figure out how to make a decent comment.

    Anyway, Jeff Foxworthy said, "Watching a baby being born is a little like watching a wet St. Bernard coming in through the cat door." And that's what it feels like sometimes when I try to write. But I will do it!

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  113. Day one of SPEEDBO 2000+ and KFC for dinner. I could get used to this :)

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  114. Oh my stars, what a wonderful day! Can you just feel the enthusiasm????

    Yippee Ki Yi Yay!!!! ;)

    Love seeing all these hard at work people. And the smiles....

    :)

    Or is that just GRITTED TEETH I'm seeing, LOL! Hey, I've got fudge for the masses... chocolate almond and peanut butter chocolate swirl.

    Dig in for a little late night energy! Congratulations on jumping in the water!

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  115. Ok! I'm in. Just sent the e-mail.

    Now I better get to writing. :)

    Tami

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  116. Here's our quote (on the wall next to the computer):

    "'BEGIN AT THE BEGINNING,' THE KING SAID, VERY GRAVELY, 'AND GO ON TILL YOU COME TO THE END, THEN STOP.'" - Lewis Carroll

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  117. Love the quotes! I'm cutting and pasting! So many, so good!

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  118. I ended up deleting just over 1K today :(. I knew I would b/c as a pantser I wrote three different beginnings but each one started earlier than the last so it meant some of it was repetitive and no longer appropriate where it was. I have two new files - just over 1k in the 'don't think i can use' file and 1800 in the 'think i can use but have to figure out where' file.

    BUT once I didn't get edits done last month, getting through this section where it settles down was my goal.

    And I've done that.

    So tomorrow, on to Speedbo! And will work on more edits on this one as time permits here and there :).

    And now... even though it's 'early' - I think it's bedtime... :D

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  119. About a 1000 today, after the cutting and pasting. And a lot of thinking about the story on my way around the lake in 80 degree weather.

    Man O got back into town and I spent a good deal of time explaining Speedbo, what I was writing, and what type of book. Nice to have a guy who is interested!

    Peace and good night, Julie

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  120. Okay CArol, you delete more in a day than I write in a day.

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  121. I'm ready. I will use Speedbo to finish my revisions. I'm in.

    It will be done.

    My SpeedBo Quote

    Forrest Gump
    "I just felt like writing."

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  122. And, if it hasn't been mentioned yet, I pre-orderd Eva's book and have it as of today. Does this mean I need to wait a month to read it?

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  123. Nice! Eva is our guest next week btw.

    And congrats for joining Speedbo Walt.

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  124. I'm so proud of everyone. At this point 84 writers have signed up.

    You are all so brave!!!


    I am clapping my hands in your honor.

    WOOOT!!!!!!!

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  125. Count me in. My goal - finish my WIP - will need roughly 40K I think. I am pumped.
    Can't think of any quotes right now - it's too late. Maybe tomorrow :)

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  126. Make that EIGHTY FIVE!!!

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  127. 86!!

    And another Aussie joins us!

    Welcome Sandra!

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  128. 87 and A BIG SEEKERVILLE WELCOME TO KARA from New Zealand.

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  129. Day 1 - My goal is to finish a draft of a novel, Whispers from the Dust, that I started several years ago, but laid aside to finish another novel. I spent the first day rereading what I had done so far, and then wrote 2258 words. Not a lot, but a start. My inner editor's jaw is sore from clamping down to keep from going back, changing words and sentences. I've never written this way, but I can see it will have its benefits.
    Excelsior!

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  130. I so didn't want to be at work today! I wanted to play and write the Speedbo crew!!

    What fun are we having?? We've got international acclaim running here, LOL! I love it.

    And I love all the quotes! I've been cutting and pasting my little heart out.

    Ha, Julie! Speedchapbo!! What a hoot. You prove him wrong, girlfriend.

    A pretty good start with 1240 words today. Even though my progress meter on my blog says 100,000 words, I'm shooting for 40,000 this month.

    I better make use of every minute I can!!

    Good job everyone. We're going to be rolling words!!!

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  131. Way to go, Lois!!!!!

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  132. Okay, Tina. "Paltry" has been officially tossed out the door. Oh, and Mary? Could you toss the ball out the door and quickly close it before the dog comes back? Either that, or give up and take him out for a wild game of fetch, and hope he'll be too tuckered out to bother you for the rest of the day. (Oh, but then you might be too tuckered out to write. Hmmm....)

    Added that widget to my blog and cranked out a less-than-impressive 740-ish words to record. But I'm not complaining. Not at all. Those three pages got me into a scene that should be easy to pick up tomorrow.

    That's after I get six hours sleep tonight. I'm heading there now. Good night or good morning, depending where you are. :)

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  133. I love our "across the sea of shining waters" crew! Welcome aboard!

    87 and counting!

    I'm popping into yesterday's blog to say "Hey" and then skipping to Friday's to say "Hey" again...

    After I see what Katie and Trooper Russ are up to in Allegany County! ;)

    "My trust is in the Lord who made heaven and earth..." but his faith is in me to use the talents so freely given!

    God bless you, writers!

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  134. Can't believe I missed day one! But I was having a memorable parent moment. My oldest son's team won a high school basketball championship yesterday, first ever in school history. Hard to come down from the excitement. Almost forgot today was a work day. But I'll get to writing tonight.

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  135. Day 2 went well - not prolific, but progressive and productive. 394-word blog, and 1258 words on WIP.

    Cybercheers to all!

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  136. Congratulations, Patricia! As a baseball mother (moons ago) I know your excitement and pleasure!

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  137. O.K. thanks to my BFF Lois H, I'm joining and will force myself to write every day (sorry tobe leaving you Law & Order!). Barbara Witcher

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  138. Each week we'll pick one reader who will win an incredible box of books-five weeks, five winners.

    Pick me! Pick me! I would like to win a box of books to read and review!!
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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  139. Okay, I'm way late in the game, but I'm not here for prizes, just a swift kick in the butt.

    Favorite quote- "EVERYONE WHO GOT WHERE THEY ARE, HAD TO BEGIN WHERE THEY WERE." -author unknown

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  140. It's great! so much to do and so little time. :)

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