Okay, so the last time I wrote an entry for this goal I mentioned my unfortunate habit of spending too much time in the Internet’s publishing industry community. I cautioned myself that such a thing was an easy procrastination device, and one that has a way of making an aspiring writer feel productive. Self, why didn’t you listen to your wise Self of two months ago? I’ve discovered that one can pretty much burn all free time by reading author and agent blogs, perusing message boards, memorizing every agent listed in AgentQuery, etc. I suppose I have learned some useful stuff. I know a whole lot about query letters, agents’ timetables, and current trends in the industry. But I still don’t have a finished manuscript, and I’m not much farther along on my manuscript than I was last time I moaned about it to 43T.

So that’s it. I’m declaring a moratorium on my time spent reading about the publishing industry. I know enough about it now. I know who my favorite contemporary authors’ agents and editors are. I’ve read too many other people’s triumphant stories of publication. No more! I’ve got to work on my own book, or I’ll never have a reason to put all my pub. industry knowledge to good use!

Adam challenged me to have the novel’s first four chapters finished and polished by next Monday. If I don’t, I have to buy him a package of bacon. (Ick.) It’s a tight deadline, but if I stay away from the blasted Internet, I think I can make it.