Well, “life” has happened to me again. My husband called in a panic yesterday morning because our laptop had contracted a virus. It’s probably more like malware. It’s that stupid MS Tool that makes you think it’s really an anti-virus program and wants you to buy it because it found so many viruses on your computer. And you can’t do anything. No icons will work. The desktop background is gone. I restarted the computer in safe mode, but you can only do so much that way. You can’t save a Word document with any other name or location than the original. Luckily, I have my manuscript backed up on a flash drive. And, also luckily, I know the guys that work where I took my computer to get it fixed, and I trust them not to mess with my files. The big drawback (except for having to pay for the work) is that I’ll be without my computer for THREE DAYS. Yikes! What about my writing? My plans are to load my WIP on my work computer and spend my lunch hours the next two days writing. I hope no one messes with my plans! Grrrrrrrr! Anyway, I refuse to be beaten down by this setback.
On the bright side…I’m about 360 words over my cumulative goal of 500 words per day.
lauralynnelliott.com 
That virus is the worst! Hope you are able to keep it going. There’s always pen and paper. I know, I know..
I took the computer to a company I trust to fix it, so it should be fine in a few days. As far as pen and paper…my hands hurt really badly sometimes. I wouldn’t last one page.
That is not. Right. Sorry, Lauralynn. But at least you’re ahead of your goal and I’m sure you’ll keep it that way.
Andrew, I hope I can write during my lunch hour and that people will leave me alone. I close my office door, but people seem to ignore that sometimes. I may have to lock it. LOL
Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Gah, what a pain for you. I hope it’s an easy fix and that nothing else gets in your way for this round. Good luck ❤
Hi Lilimist. It is definitely a pain. I think it probably is an easy fix, but the place I took my computer is always busy, so that’s why I can’t get it back until Saturday at the earliest. Grrrrr. But I know these guys and they’re the only ones I trust with the manuscripts and other personal info on my computer.
Oh…that bites! We got a similar bug on a couple of our computers last year. Isn’t it amazing that hackers can put so much energy into disrupting people’s lives? What a shame they can’t put that brainpower into doing good. I hope your computer gets well soon 😦
Thanks, Michelle. This particular bug is probably more like malware than a true virus. It’s one of those that pretends to be an anti-virus program and pretends to scan your computer, finding all kinds of viruses. Then it wants you to buy the service. But none of my icons work and I can’t do anything because this thing kept popping up. The guy I took my computer to was very familiar with this malware.
Viruses are evil and should be squished with a bloody great hammer. *lends you mine*
You’ve done great so far though, so there’s that! Good luck on your continued progress, hope the computer issues don’t stay issues for long.
S. J., you just don’t know how much I want to pound the virus with a hammer. Or maybe the person who created it? (Or at least a swift kick in the rear.)
I’m determined not to let this stop me from meeting my goals!
Oh no! And thanks for reminding me I need to back up my own files.
At least you’re still trying to write though – I always let setbacks like that get the better of me. Hopefully it will be sorted soon for you.
Claire, I had such a hard time the last round that I’m determined not to let anything get in my way this time. I may have to eat my words, but not if I can help it! :0)
Yes, definitely back up your files. VERY important.
Ugh Viruses are such a pain in the proverbial. Luckily you had your story backed up on a USB though. And you’ve reminded me I need to back up all my files as well, I’ve been a bit slack lately ^_^
As for office interruptions, you could try putting a do not disturb sign on your door hehe
Hi Rebecca,
I actually have put up a sign before that said, “I am writing, do not disturb”. No one bothered me yesterday, so that was good.
Yes, back up your files! Either on a flash drive or email them to yourself. I used to be so paranoid about losing a manuscript, that I had it backed up in at least four different places. LOL