Back when I started writing (actually when I was 8 and then again when I was preggers with brat boy #4) I did it longhand. Had a notebook and a writing utensil–boom–a story was born.

The notebook was okay when I was just starting out, but now I don’t have time to write everything out and then enter it into the computer. Now, I have an Alphasmart and my trusty–getting rusty–laptop.  (The sync and transfer… oh so quick!)

Ames, set up a challenge just as school was getting out (I agreed to write 100 pages in June, I think other’s may have varied). I thought it was a good idea to keep my mind in the writing game. With all the kids home, multi-TVs going, along with video games, their computer and however much chatting they’ve got going (not to mention how the dogs freak out EVERY time the doorbell rings, which is often–sheesh!), it can be downright daunting to write.

As it stands, with the challenge, I have gotten 75 pages done and still have about a week left to go to reach the 100 page quota–YAY ME! (It’s amazing how easy it is to write 3.5 pages a day when you make an effort to sit a do it) The Alphasmart is a life-saver I have to say. I know I *can* turn off the computer Internet–and not open Solitaire or any other distraction–but that is one of those self-pacing, self-motivation things I haven’t managed to master.

I took it with me to the mechanics last week and wrote the entire time (maybe only 30 minutes, but still…) my car was getting inspected. I took it to my brother’s hs graduation (but didn’t have to nerve to use it during the 530+ kids crossing the stage–mostly because my 25-y-o brother was sitting next to me and I was afraid of him reading over my shoulder as I wrote *VBG*). I covet my friend’s netbook, but all the gizmos, gadets and aps, I fear, will once again distract me.

We’ll see….

…OH and… I should have my new cover (for THE COWBOY PLAN) to show you very, very soon. I *heart* it more than I can say!