ROW80, Round 4, Check-in 7: Home

We're baack! Two hour time change notwithstanding, after a 14-day cruise, the suitcases are unpacked, laundry is finally clean, and we've made one food run to the grocery store. I have renewed appreciation for internet, television news, and the daily paper. And privacy.

But the real question is: Did I get any writing done?  The short answer is yes! The longer answer is, as my three-year-old granddaughter would say, "Some." I'm working on Dylan and Moira's story. Have made great progress in organizing, plotting, and drafting a few scenes. Up to about 12,000 words and setting up for NaNoWriMo.

Here are my Round 4 goals:

1. Writing: Complete revisions and write wrap-around materials for Rivers of Stone by year-end. No progress here last 2 weeks. Prioritize writing projects (Prequel + Memoir). Done. Prequel taking front and center. Write at least 30 poems by end of October. Some progress. Wrote 10 poems in 2 weeks.
2. Blogging: Post in Writing blog x1 and ROW80 blog x2/each week. Read other writers x6. On hold last 2 weeks. No Internet.

3. Reading: Read 10 books a month. Review 1 book each month. Ooops. Probably read 6 books during last 2 weeks. Deep in Barbara Kingsolver's The Lacuna (set partly in Mexico) and loving this rich story that features Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.

4. Marketing: Work on release of Rivers of Stone before the end of 2017. Work on marketing 3 hours each week. No progress last two weeks. Did hand out a few bookmarks.
5. Other: Write 2 articles a month. Prep for writing workshop early November. Continuing: SASP Publicity. Quilt, exercise, maintain healthy balance with family, volunteering, and all else. All these on hold until tomorrow!

Too much red above, but tomorrow beckons. What was the most exotic thing we saw during the trip? 

Toucans, parrots, and other mystery birds flying in the wilderness of a tropical forest. 

Orchids growing in a tree in a botanical garden.

The nightly towel-creature awaiting us in our room on the Norwegian Pearl. 

In Cartagena, flower-filled patios, but humidity and heat so high, we could barely walk.

Now, why not check in with other ROW80 writers to see what's up this week for A Round of Words in 80 Days? Have a great week!