The Block, that one for the writers

OK, the last two weeks I've been running, running, running. Wow, I've been so crazy that I didn't even realize that this second week is only half done.

Anywho, I have to send in two feature stories to a bridal magazine this week. It was one of those things where the editor said, "Here are the stories we need and you've got first crack." Of course I'm thinking, "Well, that deadline is super far away, I can do two! I can work on one during the first half and then the second the second half before the deadline!"

He writes back, calls me a "rockstar" and I proceed to do anything and everything but the story. I worked on interviews for two weeks (the two weeks before now, that is) and then I'm writing them now. Due Thursday.

I just couldn't get motivated before I had the deadline breathing down my neck. Although, I am getting better. I plan to finish the writing today so I can reread them before I send them in tomorrow.

No, seriously, that's good for me.

I have to admit, however, that I've become crazy about word counts. I see the necessary number of words as my finish line. I keep track with my little word count button in Microsoft Word and monitor it closely.

I know it takes the romance out of writing and I do still love writing -- I'm just not a person who writes long. I'm a short and sweet gal. I blame it on the 10-inch Gannett ceiling. I once did an enterprise piece on domestic violence and had a victim who was willing to talk about it. The mainbar was 13 inches. The photo illustration was bigger than the story.

So, that being my first job out of college, I was trained to write short and it's plagued my life ever since.

Now I've got one story done (at the prescribed number of words), but I'm just cracking open the second. Um, that is after I finish this blog entry. Honest. I promise.