NaNoWriMo 2020

Does everyone know what month it is? It's National Novel Writing Month!!

This will be my 15th consecutive year participating (my crystal anniversary, apparently), and hopefully my 11th win. I had decided in early October that I would finally finish one of my already started and possibly more sellable novels this month, but then an intriguing YA sci-fi idea that's a mash-up of many of my favorite tropes burst into being in my brain this last week and so I think I might just try my hand at it instead. That said, I'm infamous for changing out my story within the first few days, so who knows what I'll finally end up working on.

Because I will be writing 1,667 words every day this month, I do want to warn, as I do every year, that my blog may go rather quiet during November. But I'll still try to post as much as I can (you can at least look forward to a blog tour post mid-month!), and I hope you'll stick with me for many more novel and manga reviews to come in December and beyond.

To those of you who are also participating in Nanowrimo: good luck to us all, and happy writing!

NaNoWriMo 2019

It's that time of year again: National Novel Writing Month is upon us!

This will be my 14th consecutive year participating (wow), and I plan to make it my 10th win. I'll be writing the 2nd in my 5-book sci-fi adventure series (Project HA2), and with a partial outline at the ready this draft may actually come out decent the first time (fingers crossed).

Because I will be writing 1,667 words every day this month, my blog may go a bit quiet during November. But I'll still try to post as much as I can, and hope you'll stick with me for many more novel and manga reviews to come!

To those of you who are also participating in Nanowrimo: good luck to us all, & happy writing!

Nanowrimo 2017

It's that time of year again!

Although most years I typically say I won't participate in National Novel Writing Month (Nanowrimo) and then reluctantly do, this year I've been completely on board for months now! I'll be assisting my local library in launching their Nanowrimo Young Writers Program, and this November plan to start writing the first book in a new sci-fi serial series whose main character I am completely potty about. In general though I've been itching to write and this is the perfect excuse to finally throw myself into it without feeling [too] guilty about neglecting life and blogging.

So heads up, dear followers: as I plot and plan for Nanowrimo this month and then furiously write the next, posts will be spotty as I have less time to read and work on reviews. I'll see if I can't try to schedule some giveaways though, to hold you over until December. ;)

Are you participating in Nanowrimo? Find me here!

NaNoWriMo 2014 (+ Giveaway!)

Every January I tell myself this is the year I won't participate in National Novel Writing Month. It's no longer for me, I don't have time, I need to take my writing more seriously than speed-writing a 50,000-word novel-shaped thing in a month. And then October rolls around, and I have to admit to myself that for the past 10 months I never took my writing more seriously, and now I'm allowing yet another year to go by without pursuing my dream of becoming a published novelist. Suddenly, the craziness of Nanowrimo doesn't seem like something I've grown out of - it looks like a lifeline to getting some writing done this year, even if it probably won't be publishable. But better something than nothing at all! So I log into nanowrimo.org, update my profile, pick a story, and impatiently count down the days until November 1st.

My last two Nanowrimo attempts have been fails, though. Life and health and blogging got in the way, as they do. But this year, I'm determined to do this - 50,000 words in 1 month. The thought of it scares the heck out of me (a good day generates about 1k words for me - how am I going to keep up 1.6k a day??), but I have done it 6 times before so I know I'm capable of participating in and winning this madness! Somehow.

Unfortunately, the biggest competitor for my writing time is this blog. So it is with apologies that I announce I am taking a blog hiatus in November. Rest assured it won't go completely silent - I think I have a tour or two already scheduled, and if I make word count and still have the energy to move a mouse I'll see about doing some of my regular features. But unless I'm able to schedule them before November, there probably won't be any reviews. I hate to do it, but they eat up the most time, and sacrifices must be made. I hope you'll stick with me in the interim.

So what will I be writing this November? I've decided to go in with a Contemporary Fantasy entitled Driving Mr. Wizard - you can check out the summary here. Of course anyone who knows me knows that I don't tend to stick with the same story over the month, but I have high hopes for this one so we'll see what happens. ;) Follow me on Twitter (@skyelyte) for possible updates on my progress (again if I still have the energy to move a mouse), and Buddy me on Nanowrimo if you're participating! I'm nekowriternyan.

Speaking of participating, who else is doing Nanowrimo this year?? Sound off in the Comments below with a link to your Nanowrimo profile and you'll be entered to win this Nanowrimo prize pack! (It has NINJAS and STICKERS and a BUTTON - YOU KNOW YOU WANT IT.)

Includes "write your own story" notecards, various Nanowrimo stickers,
"Imagination Activated" Nanowrimo button, and 2 plastic ninjas.

I used to be an ML (Municipal Liaison, aka leader) for my local Region, and over the years I've accumulated leftover Nanowrimo contraband and prizes and the like. So I thought I'd pass some of it along to my readers this year! (My overflowing closet insists.) I'll pick a winner the first week of November and DM them through their Nanowrimo profile. (US only)

Only a few more days until November! Let's do this.

Enter NaNoWriMo

I've been in a serious writing slump the past month or two. Not from lack of wanting, but simple blockage, blogging obligations, and life in general. So I decided drastic measures were called for.

Enter National Novel Writing Month. I've done Nano seven years straight with only one failure (last year, due to health issues and group leader responsibilities), so I thought perhaps this year I'd sit it out, take a break. But after struggling to write all summer and into the fall, when a good story idea struck me in mid-October I scribbled a few notes, updated my Nano profile, and prepared for a serious pantsing project. I'm going back to my roots, attacking an idea with nothing more than a handful of sentences and half-empty character profiles.

I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am!!

My presence online shouldn't change much, and the blog shouldn't suffer - I actually have most of my reviews already Scheduled. (IT'S A MIRACLE I KNOW.) And I'll have at least two giveaways, possibly three, so be on the lookout for them. I don't know how much I'll talk Nano here - maybe I'll do a weekly update on my progress? We'll see.

If you want to find me on the Nanowrimo site, I'm nekowriternyan. As for my pantsing project, I've chosen to start with a NA Sci-Fi Thriller (details on my profile). I say "start" because I have a tendency (more like a tradition, really) of switching stories on November 3rd...and I already have an idea lined up for it. (A YA Fantasy that's pretty awesome, so yeah, not looking too good for the NA Sci-Fi right now.) We'll see what happens.

So who's doing Nano this year? Sound off!

Currently...Curious

Between yet more health problems, Nano ML responsibilities, and life in general, I've been totally swamped. But I finally give you another entry for my "Currently..." segment, in which I let you know what I'm currently up to on a number of highly important topics.

I AM CURRENTLY...

READING:

Novels: In the middle of The Curiosities: A Collection of Stories, which I've been looking forward to for a while. I usually don't like short story collections (at all, really), but I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one, and it really hasn't disappointed.
Manga: Have 5 volumes of Bakuman saved up (had to wait forever for Volume 12 from the library), and now I'm enjoying reading through them all at once. Each volume takes three to four times longer to read than regular manga, so they are always a treat. And they are such an inspiration for my writing resolve.

WATCHING:

TV: I was in need of a new old 1/2 hour comedy favorite, so of course I turned to The Addams Family. For drama, I finally, finally got my hands on Downton Abbey Season 2. As promised, it's even better than Season 1.
Movies: Watched Breakfast at Tiffany's again. I thought I remembered a bittersweet ending (i.e. she didn't end up with the guy), but she did so I was happily surprised. Only cried during the Cat alley scene, though.

Worth Mentioning: The Neighbors is my favorite new show this season! If you haven't seen it, DO - it's the funniest thing I've come across in a long time. I already plan to buy the DVD the day it's released.

WRITING:

Project P: Haven't made much progress until this week - just passed 7k for this month's Nano. I reached a point in my outline where I had nothing planned, so of course I threw them into a horribly dire situation I had absolutely no idea was going to happen until they got there. Always such fun. :) Yesterday had to re-do my timetable for the fourth time though, which took over 40 minutes of crazy math, but it was worth it. As long as it's now correct...I hope...
Project NB: I printed out what I have so far (39 pages) and re-read it. While a complete mess, the important bits are really good and I'd really love to finish it someday. It's literary fiction (with a supernatural-esque element), which is totally not what I normally write but I love it to bits.

NANOWRIMO:

Almost halfway through Nanowrimo 2012. Two of the three October programs went really well (one was a huge success, actually, to my surprise), and now I'm just trying to keep up with my duties. Luckily I've gained a helper this year (Shari is the bee's knees, guys, the bee's knees), so things haven't been as crazy as they could have been (considering I've been sick for most of my own November programs).

As for making 50k by December, I've given up all hope of winning. My record shall stand at 6 consecutive wins.

That's it for me. What are you "currently" up to?

Currently...Mediating

Another entry for my "Currently..." segment, in which I let you know what I'm currently up to on a number of highly important topics.

I AM CURRENTLY...

READING:

Novels: Shadowland by Meg Cabot, the first book in The Mediator series. I've been dealing with Restless Reading Syndrome again, but when I suddenly thought of them I got really excited - even though I've already read them twice. ;) I've been trying to get through Defiance by C.J. Redwine, but I've gotten to the point where I'm seething with frustration and don't want to pick it up anymore. No idea why, but it's the characters, for some reason.
Manga: xxxHolic series. It was time for another re-read. So good. Highly recommend.

WATCHING:

TV: Person of Interest Season 1. One of the best shows ever - can't wait for the 2nd Season to start later this month. Also Castle Season 4, the other best show ever. :) And for a little splash of comedy, Hot in Cleveland Season 2. Don't judge.
Movies: Just finished Mirror Mirror, which if you overlook the stupid beginning and ending (a Bollywood musical number to close, seriously?), it was pretty good. The set and costumes were amazing, and the mirror world and puppets were original and awesome.

WRITING:

Fell out of the habit of writing (so easy to do) and couldn't get back to it for several weeks. I literally forgot how, which was a little scary. But happily I'm back at it, and making some progress!

Project P: It is once more in play! I am halfway through Day 1 (the middle part is broken into 7 Days), and it's going well. Am currently at just over 31K. For the next scene I am researching New Museum and climbing gear. Spoilers. ;)
Project V: I have shelved it once again. So close, yet so far. One day, one day...

PLANNING:

Aside for a few snags, my Nano2012 East Valley Region planning is coming along nicely. I have several new programs lined up for October, including a Q&A panel (which I will be on, gulp) and a Story 101 workshop I'm putting together with two awesome local authors. Breaking down the basic elements of writing is hard (especially for three discovery writers), but hopefully we'll be able to pull it off well enough. I also have four local authors lined up for pep talks (they are so awesome, squeezing us into their super-busy schedules!), so we're in for a star-studded November. ;) Thank goodness I have 100 tiny plastic ninjas helping me, though, or I'd never get it all done in time!

That's it for me. What are you "currently" up to?

Currently...Spellbound

On the recommendation of web-buddy Gina, I am starting a new segment entitled "Currently...", in which I let you know what I'm currently up to on a number of highly important topics.

I AM CURRENTLY...

READING:

Novels: Spellbound by Rachel Hawkins, the 3rd (and final) book in the Hex Hall trilogy. While not exceptionally original, they are easy to read, well-written, and entertaining enough to keep my interest. Just finished: The Unnatural Inquirer, Book 8 of the Nightside Series by Simon R. Green. Blatant infodumping and the sloppiest plotting I've ever seen, but his description of the world (and the world itself) just keeps getting better and better.
Manga: Kamisama Kiss vol. 10 - aside from Skip Beat, my favorite manga series to date. Just finished: 5 Centimeters per Second, a melancholy romance about people who love too deeply. A beautiful story, but what is it about Japanese endings that it isn't worth telling unless it makes your soul hurt?

WATCHING:

Leverage Season 4, one of the best shows ever. Although if they were to replace Nate and Sophie, it most certainly wouldn't be the end of the world (Elliot, Parker, and Hardison totally make the show). Also watching the last season of Eureka - loved the "Smarter Carter" episode. And then I'm re-watching the 2nd season of White Collar, the 1st season of Human Target, the 2nd season of Sherlock, and random episodes of the 1st-3rd seasons of Leverage. Just finished: Warehouse 13, another awesomesauce show. Gotta have some variety, and television is my movies. :)

WRITING:

Project BW: I have a huge stack of research books from the library, the first few chapters are written and the first 3rd sort-of outlined, most of the main players are in place, and the world is coming along nicely. I'm even generating a few ideas for the 2nd book.
Project V: Finally called for my attention again, so I printed out what I have so far and am reading through it to see if my interest truly sparks. So far I'm pleasantly surprised with how good it is. I really would like to pick it back up, so fingers crossed it sticks.

PLANNING:

Nano2012 for my East Valley Region! I've got bigger plans this year, especially for October. I let time get away from me, though, so now I'm in a bit of a mad rush to get everything moving. Never put off today what you really should have done a month ago.

That's it for me. What are you "currently" up to?

Nano Day 30: All's Well That Ends

Dear Diary,

I write this, my dearest of dear friends, from the comfort of my home. Sipping tea in my favorite chair. Eating chocolate-dipped cookies. Surrounded by the hundreds of red pens that were showered upon me at my return. Life has never been so sweet. 

I emerged last evening to discover not the fancy party I had imagined, but an indoor luau in full swing. The glasses clinking were filled with brightly colored liquids and umbrellas. The snapping flames from the tiki torches and fire in the barbeque pit. The delicious smells that of smoke-roasted meats and fruity salads. 

And instead of being chased out, I was welcomed with applause and cheers, despite my appearance and atrocious odor! (Thankfully the odor was quickly remedied by a quick dip in a nearby wading pool.) Then they showered me with red pens like confetti, which hurt a bit but was well worth the pain.

As I was ushered deeper into the room, my host (she which imprisoned me) approached in pajamas and wide-brimmed hat and said: "Ah, there you are. Good, good. I sent a car for you..." She eyed the state of me. "But apparently you found your own way here. Anyway, it's good you're back - we have so much work to do!" Then she raised her sky blue drink and yelled, "But for now, let's par-tay!"

And so I enjoyed myself immensely, eating and drinking and talking and collecting every red pen off the floor into a nice weaved handbag I picked up...somewhere. Then, once we were sufficiently sloshed, my host (or, her driver) brought me (us) home, where I now lounge, happy and content.

So my dear friend, this is my last entry. After I sign off I shall tie you up and hide you away somewhere never to be seen a-more, lest you bring back horrible memories that I do not wish to contemplate ever again.

Although I could've sworn I overheard my host discussing "next year's hostage plans" with a ninja at the party last evening. I pray it was only the fruity drinks talking...

Yours no more (I hope),
Inner Editor

Nano Day 29: 50K? In the Bag.

Dear Diary,

I am close!

I was able to dig away just enough brick and mortar to squeeze through and found myself under what appears to be the floor of some type of large room. There is a lot of noise above me - people chatting, glasses chinking, those little lit cans of fuel snapping under hot pans of food - the smell of which is making my mouth water.

I am taking a quick moment to catch my breath and smooth out the wrinkles and filth from my clothing, then I shall approach the trapdoor I discovered at the other end of the crawl space and face my fate.

Pray that I shall be able to grab at least a crab puff before they chase me out.

Here goes nothing!
Inner Editor

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Nano, Day 29

I reached 50K! XD *throws confetti* It was a tough month this year, but I made it. Somehow.

Nano Day 28: The End & Start

Dear Diary,

I HEAR VOICES. And I do not believe they are only in my head! I am quite elated.

The sewer finally gave way to a dirt tunnel that every so often is topped by a manmade substance, such as the brick and mortar I am currently sitting under. And I can clearly hear voices coming through!

After digging the last bits of jelly from my last jar I will begin using my trusty spoon to dig out some of the bricks. It's time to come up for air!

Yours on the rise,
Inner Editor

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Nano, Day 28

It is official - I FINISHED ASAU.

With about 3K still to go.

But I dove right back into Project V without taking a breath. It has been a bit of a rocky start - I haven't read or written a word of it in over a month. But I'm already up almost 1K - only a little more than 1K to go! XD

Concerning Project V, it feels REALLY good getting back to it. I am ready to get down and dirty and finish it already! Curious, I glanced at my notes and discovered I came up with the idea for it the end of May. Such a short time ago! This has to be a record story turnaround for me. But that was the plan in the first place.

ALMOST there!

Nano Day 26: The End Draws Near

Dear Diary,

I feel I am quite hopelessly lost, my dearest friend. I have been wandering about these sewers for days without any sign of light or an exit, and fear the worst. Can you imagine? Those banked words may never see a red pen...

I did hear a great noise a while ago - it sounded like the pounding of many feet, as if rushing about with great urgency. It shook the tunnel walls and set the water sloshing around me. My pants are now soaked up to my shins, and it is very uncomfortable - I do hope it doesn't happen again.

I have been subsisting on an underground food storage I stumbled across (perhaps a few days ago? I don't know), filled with dried meats and bottled jellies. While it made for quite a meal, the way out was bricked up tight with no sign of busting or digging through. Whoever they were, they were quite accomplished in masonry along with their mastery of food preservation.

I fear I shall never find my way out, and shall spend the rest of my life down here, gnawing on turkey jerky and talking only to you.

While the company is quite pleasant, I would kill for a good candy bar.

Yours lost and possibly forgotten,
Inner Editor

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Nano, Day 26

Thanksgiving should have been a good word day, but alas when I sat in front of the computer after not writing a single word Wednesday I had lost all (and I do mean ALL) interest in ASAU and was repulsed by even the thought of the story. So I did the second thing a writer would do in the situation - I turned off the computer and left it for another day, even though I was behind word count. (What is the first thing a writer would do, you try to remember? That would be ditch the story and begin a whole new one. But so close to both the end of my story and the end of Nano, I wanted to TRY and stick it out.)

Thankfully, after some Black Friday shopping in the morning, Friday proved kinder to me, and spread out on the couch (and not at my desk) I got back into the story and passed word count.

As for today, after a nice afternoon with an amazing and lovely Word War taskmistress (where has she been all month?), I am now at 44K! Only 6K more to go. But there is a problem: I am in the middle of the LAST SCENE. With 6K to go. And it's mostly action. Rut-roh.

The last thing I want to do is go back and try to ADD to ASAU. I never want to see this story again - I have been writing it on automatic for weeks now. I thought of perhaps trying to fit in a short story, but there are only a few days left and I have another deadline to think of: Project V - 12/31/11.

So the plan is, if I don't make word count when ASAU ends, I hit the ground running right back into Project V. I have been DYING to get my hands on it again - I even started questioning character motivation instead of falling asleep last night. It is screaming to be finished, and I'll be damned if I don't answer the call.

Viva la noveling! XD

Nano Day 22: The Final Scenes Approacheth

Dear Diary,

Do pardon the smell, but as they say: I have struck gold!

Well, "gold" is a horrible term for the stroke of luck that has befallen me. More like "filth," for I have indeed struck filth in every sense of the word. But while I have assured myself that I shall scald my skin and burn every article of clothing on my person afterwards, it is a blessing.

You see, before I could begin tunneling up towards possible freedom, I broke through into a sewer tunnel. While the smell is quite atrocious and makes me gag, you can understand my elatement: no more digging on my part!

The sewer tunnel continues with no end in sight to either side, but after several days of crawling about in the dirt, a nice jaunt through raw waste will do me good.

The "jaunt" part. Not the "through" part. The "through" part will take all my willpower and much breathing through the mouth.

Yours up to her knees in unmentionable liquid,
Inner Editor

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Nano, Day 22

No writing yesterday during or after work, but I got in a nice 3K+ afternoon today. My story is moving at a breakneck pace now - I have decided to stick to only the major scenes planned in my head, so it is simply pouring forth from my fingers.

I have already made the two trades (for the son and for the spy father), filled the spy father in about everything, and now they are currently entering HQ. Soon: the final scene.

Keep your fingers crossed I'll get 10K out of it somehow...

Nano Day 20: 35K & Change

Dear Diary,

I apologize for the radio silence the past few days, but I wanted to make as much progress as possible before they figure out where I have gone.

I am happy to report that my progress is very good. I believe I am under the cell wall now, but shall proceed several more feet before I begin tunneling up. I most certainly do not want to emerge still inside the walls - or, worse, pop up into an abandoned cell where they will never know to deliver an evening meal. As it is I subsist on old crusts of bread, bits of cheese, a bottle of water, and a party pack of Smarties I was given for "good behavior."

Little did they know that their reward would subsist me through this ultimate betrayal. Good behavior indeed...

Yours no longer behind bars,
Inner Editor

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Nano, Day 20

Productive Write-Out yesterday - which was good because I got nothing written Friday and feared today's required word count. But yesterday got me past today's count.

And as of today, despite a carry-over migraine from yesterday, I am now caught up to Tuesday, so if for some reason I cannot write at work (and my boss would do that to me, just because I think she won't), I can skip tomorrow if need be.

As for my story, they have the terrorist for trade, but now the boy has been kidnapped. Holy conflict Batman! As I am over 35K I decided to just hit the major scenes, and if I come up short word-wise after the story ends I'll figure it out then. But I have to: make the trade for the boy, make the trade for the spy dad, then a big HQ scene, then the spy dad goes and rescues the assistant. I figure that should fill 15K, don't you?

Nano Day 17: The Big One (and Smiting)

Dear Diary,

I apologize for whispering, but we must be quiet. I can hear the guards above in the cell, trying to decide if they should look for me in the Fortress of Solitude or respect my privacy and hope I will come out when I get hungry enough. I added a Postscript to my DO NOT DISTURB sign, which read:


"P.S. Fasting."


Hopefully it will hold them at bay for at least a few days and give me a head start. When they do finally come after me, though, all they shall find is an empty fortress, for I have begun filling the tunnel behind me with the dirt ahead. 

There is no turning back now.

Yours no matter the volume,
Inner Editor

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Nano, Day 17

Thought I wouldn't get any words in today, but surprised myself with a late afternoon session and now I'm caught up past Saturday! XD I REALLY like keeping several days ahead of word count - it relieves a small sliver of stress from my life.

I am currently on the 2nd half of The Big [Middle] Scene. I thought it all had to be written in one sitting, but thankfully it split itself in two so I could take a breather and eat dinner and watch M*A*S*H and Person of Interest.

As I swore to do I paused at every point while writing and thought, "What would be the worst that could happen?" And then I smote my character with it. Many more words were typed, and some tension wrought. Makes for some pretty good writing, smiting. ;)

Nano Day 16: Ninja Sneak Attack! 8O

Dear Diary,

Forgive the filth, but I have discovered dirt is extremely common underground and sufficiently coats anything it comes in contact with - such as yours truly. Although my cell has a nice sink, and the guards have provided me with plenty of flowery soaps, no matter how hard I scrub it is impossible to remove the many layers of silt I find building upon my person.

It is quite icky. But I shall not be...

Excuse me a moment while I wash just once more.

There. Now, where was I?

I am excited to tell you that my escape tunnel is almost ready! I have successfully delved far enough down to begin progressing sideways, and will start doing so after this entry. Tomorrow, after a light lunch, I shall shift the Fortress of Solitude around the hole and put up a DO NOT DISTURB sign over the entrance.

Then tomorrow evening (after dinner, of course), I bust out of this joint.

Yours like a mole in a hole with a goal,
Inner Editor

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Nano, Day 16

Yesterday I accomplished nothing more than purchasing an almost entire set of Nightside Series paperbacks for half price, and while this filled me with a sense of accomplishment I had no new words to speak of and decided to take the night off to hide my shame.

And I am ashamed to say that today was no different. While being several days ahead of word count relieves some of the stress of writing a novel in a month, it also gives one a false sense of security that they can take a few days leave of their story and come back where they left off.

Alas, this is simply not true. As we speak that dwindling word count is sneaking up on me, like a ninja ready to strike...

4 Truths To Remember

I wrote this for my Regional Wrimos, and thought I would share it here as well. Rules 1-3 pertain to the writing life in general, and should always be kept in mind for a First Draft. May they serve you well.

Truth #1: First drafts are NEVER perfect.

So don’t expect yours to be! All seasoned writers, especially professional ones, will attest this is a universal truth. Any who say otherwise are lying through their hats (whatever that means, but they’re still lying). This month your story will veer helplessly into gray, boring areas. The dialogue will get away from you – as will your characters. But don’t despair! Just wrangle everything as well as you can, and once you’ve got your 50,000 words nice and settled in, you can attack them in January with editing vigor and cut and add and polish them until they shine. First: get your words written. THEN worry about perfection.

Truth #2: “Writer’s Block” does not exist.

So many people talk about the horrors of “writer’s block.” I am here to tell you now: IT DOES NOT EXIST. What we call “writer’s block” is usually one of two things. (1) Merely a hitch in the story, be it an uncooperative character, a plot falling short of its mark, or general confusion as to where the darned story is going! Or (2) pure and simple laziness, which is a disease that can run rampant among aspiring and seasoned writers alike (beware!). So when you find yourself “blocking” and that horrible term pops into your head, remember: it’s all in your head. Step back – peruse your notes and read through the last few paragraphs (but don’t edit!) to see what’s hitched in your story. If you can’t find a solution, skip over the whole section and start writing another part. Maybe once you have a better idea of where the story is going, you’ll see where you went wrong and will be able to fix it later. Or evaluate your state of being – perhaps all you need is a good power nap on the couch. But don’t lie there all day – make sure you’re up and writing after a short while!

Truth #3: Writing rules are made to be broken.

There seem to be so many restrictive rules to writing that we must follow or never be accepted into the “writing community.” But think about it: if everyone followed ALL the rules of writing, would ANYONE be published? Probably not. So this month, forget all the rules! If your writing seems a little crazy, a little off the wall, don’t fret it! Remember: you can always edit it later. You never know what breaking the rules will inspire in your story! And as for grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation – if they’re bringing you down, ditch those too! You can correct your overabundant adjectives and break those run-on sentences after you’re done, so shut off your spellcheck and get typing!

Truth #4: Nano is about getting the idea down into words – and having fun!

Getting the story down is the hard part. Once it’s written, EVERY SINGLE WORD can be changed for the better – so don’t worry about getting it perfect the first time! Just enjoy the thrill of writing and have as much fun as possible. Nanowrimo is an exciting adventure – treat it as such!

Nano Day 14: Still Writing

Dear Diary,

Still digging.

Wish you had a shovel. A rather useless cell companion, aren't you?

Yours up to her elbows in hole,

Inner Editor

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Nano, Day 14

Another quiet day at home writing (and doing laundry). Got in about 3,200 words.

Brother-in-law is about to walk into [good guy] Headquarters and break out a terrorist so they can trade him to the bad guys for the spy dad. Whatever can go wrong probably will - it's my motto for this book. ;)

Nano Day 13: Conflict Adoration

Dear Diary,

Digging.

Wish you had hands.

Yours up to her hips in hole,

Inner Editor

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Nano, Day 13

Quiet day at home. Got in a few thousand words, and plan to get in at least three all together by bed tonight.

Story progressing nicely. A little too nicely this morning, actually. I suddenly realized that my middle was moving WAY too fast, and I needed to slow it down a bit if I was going to make 50K. So I asked myself: What would slow them down? The answer: losing their safe house. And with bad people already after them, how easy was it for said bad people to suddenly appear and chase my characters off?

Peasy, that's how easy.

So now with a shattered windshield they have gone to do business with some unsavory types for a new ride...

Ah conflict, let me count the ways I am loving you this November!

Nano Day 12: Writing Along, Writing Along...

Dear Diary,

It has been a horrid day, my comforting friend. Utterly horrid.

When the guards saw that I was playing with my books without even reading them, they talked to my host and begged for leniency. They were quite excited to tell me this morning all about their success, and presented to me a freshly printed manuscript, a gift to tide me over.

Although it was a distraction away from my mission to escape I did not want to disappoint my guards, so I sat down with the nub of a red pencil they had brought me and began to read...

Ugh, I feel sick all over again, just writing about it...

It is the most horrific manuscript I have ever laid eyes on. And old story, written long ago before even I had any idea of what I was doing. I barely got three chapters in before I could take no more and had to lie down.

I believe my host means to torture me, but she will not prevail. I have written the guards a nice thank you note, and after scribbling all over the pages to make it appear that I have thrown myself into the retched work, I have begun my digging with a new passion.

Yours in fighting spirit,
Inner Editor

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Nano, Day 12

Today was my Region's first annual DAY OF WRITING SAFE & WARM. The official site has their NIGHT OF WRITING DANGEROUSLY, so we created our own. I think it went rather well, and everyone seemed very productive in word count.

I got in a few thousand words of my own today, and am just shy of 25K! The assistant is currently plotting out how to spring a terrorist from agent headquarters to trade for her boss - and so am I. A few minutes of thought will need to go into this caper before I continue.

The little gray cells are calling. Happy writing!