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Writing about Italian exams, word count

Firstly, can’t help bragging: I cleared my CELI 3 exams in Italian!

Secondly, and (not so cheerfully), here’s my word count for the last week:

19th Feb: o (Revised a story though)

20th Feb: 317

21st Feb: o (did not step near computer or notebook)

22nd Feb: 418

23rd Feb: 1211

24th Feb : 891

Damyanti Biswas

Damyanti Biswas is the author of You Beneath Your Skin and numerous short stories that have been published in magazines and anthologies in the US, the UK, and Asia. She has been shortlisted for Best Small Fictions and Bath Novel Awards and is co-editor of the Forge Literary Magazine. Her literary crime thriller series, the Blue Mumbai, is represented by Lucienne Diver from The Knight Agency. Both The Blue Bar and The Blue Monsoon were published in 2023.

I appreciate comments, and I always visit back. If you're having trouble commenting, let me know via the contact form, or tweet me up @damyantig !

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  • Lofter says:

    Wow! Big congrats on your exams! I agree with Kym on the word counts… after all, it’s not the quantity of your words that matter – it’s the quality, or power of those words and what they convey. Think of it this way…

    “I love you.”

    Word count: 3
    Power: Infinite

    Hang in there, my friend! I still think you’re great! :->


    Thanks for visiting me after all this time Lofter, and your kind words, I really appreciate it.

    I’m still quite kicked about passing the exams, I wasn’t sure I would!

    As to word counts, problem is first drafts are all about quantity, the quality seeps in from the subconscious on its own. Then, you take those quality bits and begin to put together the second draft of a story, which is hopefully, a lot more quality. At least that is how I ‘m looking at things at the moment.

  • Kym says:

    Congrats on the grade and don’t worry about the word count–just keep on trying. You’re building a habit.

    Thanks, am thrilled about the grade, cos it is a worldwide open exam for all foreigners learning Italian. I worry about the word count because I’m afraid I’ll slip if I don’t, and will suddenly have a week without writing!

  • legendoftheprotectors says:

    Okay, Party for passing the exam!!!!! Way proud of you, dearheart!!!!!
    And for your writing, Great job! Revising story counts as writing time, so be happy with that. And the other day was hubby day, so yea for that.
    You’ve cleared 500 words on two days, and WHOOHOO!
    So cheesecake all around!
    <3 ya

    Sure, I wish we could actually party together! I can now go to Italy and get a job if I want (not that I will, but it is nice to know I can), and who knows, right?
    Thanks for your kind words , Sarah, you’re such a trooper. I’ve cleared 500 words today as well, heading towards a grand!

  • DarcKnyt says:

    I still think you’re doing great. And the days when you don’t go near the computer? That’s fine too. EVERYONE needs a break!

    Keep it up! You’re doing fine!

    Darc, thanks for the kind words. I’m struggling to be better tho. I need to make writing as necessary as breathing….oh ok, at the very least as necessary as lunch!