I am doing the indoor rowing 30 minutes at a time. 3x per week. It is not getting any easier but I am going further.
When I finish now my legs are jelly.Some day soon, I will start to feel my stomach contracting.
It will work. I know it will. Except why oh why did I let myself get in this state to begin with?
It is much easier to row with music on. I find it better to listen to the songs and sing along, so have knicked my daughter's number one musical cd. Nice. Jolly. Upbeat.
I have been requested not to play it at other times...
Showing posts with label indoor rowing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label indoor rowing. Show all posts
Monday, May 03, 2010
Sunday, January 11, 2009
reader feedback
I was very pleased to discover in my post yesterday morning an email from Coffeetime Romance about Viking Warrior, Unwilling Wife. I have a lot of time for Coffeetime and their policy (along with several other review places) of sending the author the review is a good one. It makes it easier for me to send the review to my editors. The part that did my ego good was: Viking Warrior, Unwilling Wife has all the greatness that surrounds an excellent read. The dynamic characters really light up the pages with their actions and emotions – reaching out and grabbing the reader, pulling them into the drama. Michelle Styles pens a terrific mesmerizing tale. Sela is a powerful character who grows more forceful as the story continues. With great pacing, a star-studded cast, and well-crafted plot, this story is awesome. There were times I could visualize the whole events as they came into play, especially the scenes with Sela and Vikar. Weaving in the ailing father, and the small child, really made this story dynamite. Action-packed, with intriguing romance, and energy charged moments, left this reader wanting more of this dazzling read..
I also recently had a review from Merri about Gladiator's Honour. Again it made my day and made me remember why I loved writing that book. Merri has recently started another review hub -- Book Illuminations. It is the bring together of several independent book reviewers so that they can review a wider range of books. I wish them all the best in their endeavor.
I love getting reader feedback. It is great to know that there are readers out there enjoying my books. I always try to pass on the reader feedback to my editors as well as they are always interested. With series books, a certain amount of sales are automatic, and they do like to know which stories hit home etc. It helps with future marketing. In fact, Harlequin Mills &Boon maintains special panels of readers in order to get feedback and so they can market the books better.
Sometimes after reading the letters, I worry about the next book -- will it be strong enough. Will it give the read that readers expect when they pick up the book? Will they be able to escape in the world I have created for a few hours? And the letters do spur me on to try. Other times, I just bask in the fact that the hard work has paid off. Also I am not so egotistical to think that my books will speak to everyone. So many factors can go into whether or not a book appeals. It is also interesting to see what people pick up on...
Anyway I do always to try answer emails or even personal letters.
IN OTHER NEWS:
The problem with the electric has come back and I will have to get the electrician out again. This time, the hall lights have not blown, but they do keep blowing the mains if switched on. Rather worrying that.
And I am starting to lose weight again. It takes a long time but indoor rowing does work, plus we have not been having as many treats. It is all about lifestyle changes rather than dieting. One of the things I have been doing with the intervals is one quick interval followed by a slower one. It does make legs become jelly but I think it works. Apparently it burns two different types of sugar. The other good thing about rowing is that afterwards, my core temperature stays up for awhile and as we are in the dark cold days of winter, this is a bonus.
I also recently had a review from Merri about Gladiator's Honour. Again it made my day and made me remember why I loved writing that book. Merri has recently started another review hub -- Book Illuminations. It is the bring together of several independent book reviewers so that they can review a wider range of books. I wish them all the best in their endeavor.
I love getting reader feedback. It is great to know that there are readers out there enjoying my books. I always try to pass on the reader feedback to my editors as well as they are always interested. With series books, a certain amount of sales are automatic, and they do like to know which stories hit home etc. It helps with future marketing. In fact, Harlequin Mills &Boon maintains special panels of readers in order to get feedback and so they can market the books better.
Sometimes after reading the letters, I worry about the next book -- will it be strong enough. Will it give the read that readers expect when they pick up the book? Will they be able to escape in the world I have created for a few hours? And the letters do spur me on to try. Other times, I just bask in the fact that the hard work has paid off. Also I am not so egotistical to think that my books will speak to everyone. So many factors can go into whether or not a book appeals. It is also interesting to see what people pick up on...
Anyway I do always to try answer emails or even personal letters.
IN OTHER NEWS:
The problem with the electric has come back and I will have to get the electrician out again. This time, the hall lights have not blown, but they do keep blowing the mains if switched on. Rather worrying that.
And I am starting to lose weight again. It takes a long time but indoor rowing does work, plus we have not been having as many treats. It is all about lifestyle changes rather than dieting. One of the things I have been doing with the intervals is one quick interval followed by a slower one. It does make legs become jelly but I think it works. Apparently it burns two different types of sugar. The other good thing about rowing is that afterwards, my core temperature stays up for awhile and as we are in the dark cold days of winter, this is a bonus.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Kick starting writing
Kate Hardy has found a new toy to help concentrate your mind when writing the first draft --Write or Die Note to Kate whose soundcard does not work: it is a grating sound and you are forcibly reminded...
The basic premise is that you set your word count, and time. Then you set Dr Wicked as either gentle -- a small reminder, normal -- blazing lights and sound, or kamikaze -- will eat your words. You type your words into the box. When you falter for more than a few seconds, you are met with your reminder. The only way to stop it is to start writing again. Apparently there is a surprising demand for the kamikaze mode. So a step up from the alarm clock trick as it actually senses when you are not typing.
This is all about writing, rather than editing.
Bad pages can be fixed. Blank pages need to be written.
Does it work? Short answer: yes, it focuses your attention and forces you to write rather than worrying about the correct word. However, when you are a terrible typist like me, it comes as a shock that you just have to keep typing and not worrying about the spelling etc. It does make for interesting editing, but once I got the hang of it, quite enjoyable.
I am going to try using it for my current wip and seeing if it helps bring some of the joy back into writing as I was amazed at how much time I spend editing, rather than simply writing after doing the exercise properly. But it is only a tool. And it is only good for the first draft.
In other news:
After being ill for two weeks or so, yesterday, I finally started rowing again. Even though my time was slow, it felt good to be doing something again. The Cold has really knocked me around.
The basic premise is that you set your word count, and time. Then you set Dr Wicked as either gentle -- a small reminder, normal -- blazing lights and sound, or kamikaze -- will eat your words. You type your words into the box. When you falter for more than a few seconds, you are met with your reminder. The only way to stop it is to start writing again. Apparently there is a surprising demand for the kamikaze mode. So a step up from the alarm clock trick as it actually senses when you are not typing.
This is all about writing, rather than editing.
Bad pages can be fixed. Blank pages need to be written.
Does it work? Short answer: yes, it focuses your attention and forces you to write rather than worrying about the correct word. However, when you are a terrible typist like me, it comes as a shock that you just have to keep typing and not worrying about the spelling etc. It does make for interesting editing, but once I got the hang of it, quite enjoyable.
I am going to try using it for my current wip and seeing if it helps bring some of the joy back into writing as I was amazed at how much time I spend editing, rather than simply writing after doing the exercise properly. But it is only a tool. And it is only good for the first draft.
In other news:
After being ill for two weeks or so, yesterday, I finally started rowing again. Even though my time was slow, it felt good to be doing something again. The Cold has really knocked me around.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Indoor Rowing update
It has been nearly three months since I started indoor rowing. Somehow the Olympics seems a long time ago. This means six weeks to Christmas is a blink of an eye btw -- a very scary thought.
So what has happened since August? My energy levels have gone up. I am losing inches and have started to fit into jeans that I had given up on. I have stopped weighing myself. I dare say that I could lose more weight, but I like to eat. I have noticed that my appetite in general is less greedy and I am less likely to start raiding the fridge when I am working. The fact that my clothes are either getting looser or are starting to fit again, shows that my over all body shape is going in the direction I want it to go in.
My mind is working less sluggishly. And there is a certain amount of satisfaction in rowing.
It was hard in many ways to come back after being holiday. Getting an airplane cold did not help. But I did noticed the increased energy level on holiday and want to keep up the rowing.
The other good thing is that because we are keeping our central heating off, I have found rowing raises my core temperature. This means not only am I warm during the workout but I feel warmer for hours afterward. Surely this is a good thing as well.
Because I have a bad back, I have kept the resistance low (3) on the machine and this appears to work. I am getting a lot of benefit from it. Too often I think people are tempted to put the resistance up, thinking that they will get a better workout. Low impact workouts that involve aerobic exercise can be great. The key is NOT to get injured.
Also I would advise getting the deluxe padded seat. It may be plastic, but goodness, it does help.
The key to this getting fit is in finding something that I am willing to do often. I am very aware of how easy it is to give up on things and to let things slip. So it is onwards towards Christmas.
So what has happened since August? My energy levels have gone up. I am losing inches and have started to fit into jeans that I had given up on. I have stopped weighing myself. I dare say that I could lose more weight, but I like to eat. I have noticed that my appetite in general is less greedy and I am less likely to start raiding the fridge when I am working. The fact that my clothes are either getting looser or are starting to fit again, shows that my over all body shape is going in the direction I want it to go in.
My mind is working less sluggishly. And there is a certain amount of satisfaction in rowing.
It was hard in many ways to come back after being holiday. Getting an airplane cold did not help. But I did noticed the increased energy level on holiday and want to keep up the rowing.
The other good thing is that because we are keeping our central heating off, I have found rowing raises my core temperature. This means not only am I warm during the workout but I feel warmer for hours afterward. Surely this is a good thing as well.
Because I have a bad back, I have kept the resistance low (3) on the machine and this appears to work. I am getting a lot of benefit from it. Too often I think people are tempted to put the resistance up, thinking that they will get a better workout. Low impact workouts that involve aerobic exercise can be great. The key is NOT to get injured.
Also I would advise getting the deluxe padded seat. It may be plastic, but goodness, it does help.
The key to this getting fit is in finding something that I am willing to do often. I am very aware of how easy it is to give up on things and to let things slip. So it is onwards towards Christmas.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Rowing again
I have now been doing indoor rowing for about 8 weeks, and according to the monitor have rowed over 200,000 meters. My times are slowly but steadily improving. My weight is again slowly improving (hooray) and my measurements shrinking. My stamina is also improving. I have far more energy and I do think my mental capacity has been improved. Certainly, rowing is great for relieving stress levels.
There remains a long way to go but I did manage to find a swimsuit at bravissmo and so am set for my upcoming holiday. There are tangible rewards to exercising. Bravissmo is wonderful for the well endowed woman. Tops rather than being cut like tubes actually have a bit of shape to them.
The wip is coming on and will be finished before I go on holiday. It suffers from a failure to precisely decide the back story before completeing the first draft and a lot of repetition. In other words, I am working on toning its sagging middle. But I need to keep my eye on the doughnut and not the hole.
There remains a long way to go but I did manage to find a swimsuit at bravissmo and so am set for my upcoming holiday. There are tangible rewards to exercising. Bravissmo is wonderful for the well endowed woman. Tops rather than being cut like tubes actually have a bit of shape to them.
The wip is coming on and will be finished before I go on holiday. It suffers from a failure to precisely decide the back story before completeing the first draft and a lot of repetition. In other words, I am working on toning its sagging middle. But I need to keep my eye on the doughnut and not the hole.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Rowing update
In Britain there are two pronunciations of the word -- row. Row (pronounced roe) means to pull at oars. Row ( pronounced so it rhymes with ow) means to argue. An American friend who had a part in a British play once had people unintentionally in the aisles when he spoke his one line -- about having a row (roe) with his girlfriend. Two countries separated by a common language.
Anyway, the indoor rowing goes fine. My times for 500/meter splits are decreasing. I feel stronger, but I still come off the machine with legs and arms like jelly. My family are being very kind and say that I look thinner. I keep telling myself that the weight and the lack of fitness did not happen over night, so it will not disappear over night. The important thing is to keep at it.
I do find that my stress levels are decreasing and my energy levels are increasing. If I row in the evening, I find that I stumble to bed much earlier as I am completely exhausted.
My daughter has insisted though that we get swim suits next week so we are ready for Sorrento at the end of October....It is one thing braving the rowing machine. It is quite another braving the swim suit shop. All I want is a basic black suit that holds bits in.
The revisions will be done this week. I am not entirely happy with the ending at the moment. But I think once I have put the other tweaks on, then everything will come good. I know why the ending has to be the way it is. And I suspect that I might need an epilogue.
Anyway, the indoor rowing goes fine. My times for 500/meter splits are decreasing. I feel stronger, but I still come off the machine with legs and arms like jelly. My family are being very kind and say that I look thinner. I keep telling myself that the weight and the lack of fitness did not happen over night, so it will not disappear over night. The important thing is to keep at it.
I do find that my stress levels are decreasing and my energy levels are increasing. If I row in the evening, I find that I stumble to bed much earlier as I am completely exhausted.
My daughter has insisted though that we get swim suits next week so we are ready for Sorrento at the end of October....It is one thing braving the rowing machine. It is quite another braving the swim suit shop. All I want is a basic black suit that holds bits in.
The revisions will be done this week. I am not entirely happy with the ending at the moment. But I think once I have put the other tweaks on, then everything will come good. I know why the ending has to be the way it is. And I suspect that I might need an epilogue.
Monday, September 15, 2008
contest winners and indoor rowing
I have drawn the names for the September Newsletter contest. The names out of the hat were
1. Amber Packard who wins a hard back copy of A Question of Impropriety
2. Melissa Keith who wins a paperback copy from one of my backlist.
Both winners have been contacted via email. Many thanks to all who entered. The next newsletter goes out in November.
I have been rowing for about four weeks now. I enjoy it. My times are coming down and so I suspect that I am getting fitter. My waist measurement etc are slowly coming down and my clothes are getting looser. My weight is slowly decreasing, but given that I am revising and this is when I tend to put on weight -- this is good.
The most important (and unexpected) benefit has been in the increased energy. My mind feels sharper and less sluggish. So it is good thus far, but it takes six weeks to make a habit of exercise.
And my book is becoming so much better. Or at least I am far happier with it. I really did take a horrible wrong turning before. In some ways, it could have worked but I decided that I wanted to do other things and so the revisions are extensive. But fingers crossed the book is much stronger and will ultimately be a better read. The most important thing is to give the reader the best read possible.
1. Amber Packard who wins a hard back copy of A Question of Impropriety
2. Melissa Keith who wins a paperback copy from one of my backlist.
Both winners have been contacted via email. Many thanks to all who entered. The next newsletter goes out in November.
I have been rowing for about four weeks now. I enjoy it. My times are coming down and so I suspect that I am getting fitter. My waist measurement etc are slowly coming down and my clothes are getting looser. My weight is slowly decreasing, but given that I am revising and this is when I tend to put on weight -- this is good.
The most important (and unexpected) benefit has been in the increased energy. My mind feels sharper and less sluggish. So it is good thus far, but it takes six weeks to make a habit of exercise.
And my book is becoming so much better. Or at least I am far happier with it. I really did take a horrible wrong turning before. In some ways, it could have worked but I decided that I wanted to do other things and so the revisions are extensive. But fingers crossed the book is much stronger and will ultimately be a better read. The most important thing is to give the reader the best read possible.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Indoor rowing -- week 3 and duckling update
The rowing is continuing and the benefits are clear to see. I can now row for 30 minutes without stopping and my time has been improving. This has caused me to be able to fit into some of my trousers again. I also feel far more energetic and alert.
My creativity appears to have returned or at least I am seeing things more clearly. Why I could not have seen them six months ago is a vexing irritation but now, I am excited about the possibilities.
It remains early days but I am ever so glad that we subcumbed and got one.
The three ducklings are now at the fluffy dinosaur stage. If you want prehistoric beasts, you should see them. The mother duck will occassionally go off with justo ne duckling, leaving the other two on the lawn. The garden echoes to the sound of weep, weep, weep.
I am starting to get a handle on my revisions -- in part thanks to the rowing -- it should be excellent once it is done and dusted. Sometimes, I think I am like Thomas Edison and have to find 9,999 ways it doesn't work first until I finally find the right way. But really, what I was thinking about? Fundamental to good story telling is The Hero Leads and does not simply react. Make the turning points active. Luckily I have nice editors who trust me to turn it around.
My creativity appears to have returned or at least I am seeing things more clearly. Why I could not have seen them six months ago is a vexing irritation but now, I am excited about the possibilities.
It remains early days but I am ever so glad that we subcumbed and got one.
The three ducklings are now at the fluffy dinosaur stage. If you want prehistoric beasts, you should see them. The mother duck will occassionally go off with justo ne duckling, leaving the other two on the lawn. The garden echoes to the sound of weep, weep, weep.
I am starting to get a handle on my revisions -- in part thanks to the rowing -- it should be excellent once it is done and dusted. Sometimes, I think I am like Thomas Edison and have to find 9,999 ways it doesn't work first until I finally find the right way. But really, what I was thinking about? Fundamental to good story telling is The Hero Leads and does not simply react. Make the turning points active. Luckily I have nice editors who trust me to turn it around.
Monday, September 01, 2008
Contests and Indoor rowing update
First of all, my thoughts are with all those threatened by Gustav and my prayer is that if it does hit New Orleans the levees hold.
There are a couple of contests on for An Impulsive Debutante -- at Liz Fielding's blog and also at Unusual Historicals. Leave a comment and you will be in the running for a copy.
My newsletter should be going out later today. And its big contest will be for a hardback of A Question of Impropriety. The paperback will be on sale in November. Set in 1813, it is a proper Regency but as it is set in the North East and has to do a little bit with the development of the locomotive, it is also different. You can read an excerpt here.
The newsletter will also have my recipe for plum chutney. The Victoria plum tree is once again overloaded. The tree is the best in the neighborhood for producing Victoria plums and we regularly get over a 100 lbs worth. Yesterday's culinary discovery was that plums make a good substitute for apricots in Moroccan dishes. It is the sweet tartness.
After the second week of indoor rowing, my weight continues to go down and my energy levels increase. Mentally I feel sharper and more focused. A recent study in the US showed that people are more mentally alert after 30 minutes of exercise. Another study (this time from the University of Pittsburgh)showed at overweight women needed to do 275 minutes exercise per week to achieve sustained weight loss. This is about twice the current recommendation. I have been reading my dh's Runner's World.
For a number of reasons, I have now ordered the deluxe seat. The current seat gets uncomfortable when you are rowing for longer than 15 minutes. I have resorted to sitting on a small pillow...
I have also discovered that intervals are killers but are useful. As my times are going down and my ability to row for lower periods is going up, I feel that I am achieving something. But the thing is that it must be kept up. It takes 6 weeks for something to become a habit.
My weight and poor fitness did not come on overnight and it will not disappear overnight, but through steady work Patience and perseverance.
My current wip is almost finished. I can just about taste the end. I think when all is said and done, it will be a good story.
There are a couple of contests on for An Impulsive Debutante -- at Liz Fielding's blog and also at Unusual Historicals. Leave a comment and you will be in the running for a copy.
My newsletter should be going out later today. And its big contest will be for a hardback of A Question of Impropriety. The paperback will be on sale in November. Set in 1813, it is a proper Regency but as it is set in the North East and has to do a little bit with the development of the locomotive, it is also different. You can read an excerpt here.
The newsletter will also have my recipe for plum chutney. The Victoria plum tree is once again overloaded. The tree is the best in the neighborhood for producing Victoria plums and we regularly get over a 100 lbs worth. Yesterday's culinary discovery was that plums make a good substitute for apricots in Moroccan dishes. It is the sweet tartness.
After the second week of indoor rowing, my weight continues to go down and my energy levels increase. Mentally I feel sharper and more focused. A recent study in the US showed that people are more mentally alert after 30 minutes of exercise. Another study (this time from the University of Pittsburgh)showed at overweight women needed to do 275 minutes exercise per week to achieve sustained weight loss. This is about twice the current recommendation. I have been reading my dh's Runner's World.
For a number of reasons, I have now ordered the deluxe seat. The current seat gets uncomfortable when you are rowing for longer than 15 minutes. I have resorted to sitting on a small pillow...
I have also discovered that intervals are killers but are useful. As my times are going down and my ability to row for lower periods is going up, I feel that I am achieving something. But the thing is that it must be kept up. It takes 6 weeks for something to become a habit.
My weight and poor fitness did not come on overnight and it will not disappear overnight, but through steady work Patience and perseverance.
My current wip is almost finished. I can just about taste the end. I think when all is said and done, it will be a good story.
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