My idea...When Mr. Barker first spoke to us about Genius Hour, this was the first project that popped into my head. Writing has always been one of my passions, so why not include it in my project? Actually, reading was what always interested me. I could finish a 700 page book in a day, and immediately pick up another novel and start reading. Although I have my favorite types of books (science fiction), I'll read almost anything. My problem with reading is that I always wish something was just a little different than how the author wrote it. That is when I realized, why don't I just open my laptop and write it myself? A few years ago, I would write short stories (that were never very good). Using writing prompts I found on Instagram, I would sit down and write about two and a half pages of grammatically incorrect non-sense. Since my short story days I have improved a lot. I took an academic writing class through Duke Tip, which was extremely helpful even though I wasn't writing fiction. Around two years ago I got it in my head that I was gonna write a book. It didn't happen. I wasn't motivated and was far to concerned with normal 8th grader things. Now that I am participating in Genius Hour, I have a source of motivation. I also have a goal to reach, and I intend to reach it. My plan, successes, and failures...So far my book is progressing well. I have split my book plot up into "acts" instead of chapters, so I can have broader goals to reach. I am supposed to write 600 words per day, but I plan to not be to hard on myself about daily goals. If I write less than 600 words per day it is okay, and if I write more that is fantastic. My goal is less of the need to meet a word count, and more of making myself sit down and write each and everyday. This is my plan to not become burnt out. I have found that it isn't the best idea to start from the beginning of the story, as you'll give too much away. You have to understand that the reader doesn't know the plot, and you can't just list out all the facts to them. I decided to start writing at one of the main tragic events in the story. This will not only keep me motivated, but allow me to go back and slowly unveil the important events. As piling them all on at one time, will lead to the book becoming boring at some parts. One of the main problems I have run into is that I have so much other school work. I am motivated enough to write, I have solid ideas, I just can't find the time. Starting next week, I am going to try to wake up and work in the mornings. On online school days I will wake up at 7 and work on my book until I feel that I have accomplished something. I feel that designating hours to work will allow me to progress faster. On school days, I am going to set aside smart lunch to write. I am a bit hesitant about this because I normally use smart lunch to finish my homework. I don't want to be so caught up in writing my book, that I have a pile of homework to do at night. Overall I feel that I have a good understanding of the methods I will use to reach my goals, it is just a matter of working towards them. I know that throughout this writing process I will have to be hard on myself to meet deadlines, while giving myself a break from time to time. My Mom is actually very excited about my endeavor, and I know that she will continue to motivate me. I hope to be this happy with my progress every week, and will continue to tweak and observe which methods of working are best suited for me. - Madi Rogers
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