7 Suggestions | NaNoWriMo Prep (part 1)

No. It is never too early to start thinking about NaNoWriMo.

What's that, you may ask? Only the best thing to ever happen to November! If you have been living under a rock don't know about NaNoWriMo, then I am happy to be the first to exlplain the amazingness that is...

National Novel Writing Month

(I hear music similar to that playing in a kings court - just so you can accurately complete the mental picture here)

Huzzah! It's almost here. Only 26 more days left to decide what your NaNoWriMo novel will be! Oh the pressure. Oh the planning. Oh the fun!

For those of you who don't know what NaNoWriMo is, it's simple:

You = Writer
Month = From November 1, 12 AM to November 30, 12 AM
Novel = 50,000 words
Rules = No editing, just writing!

Granted, for some, the idea of writing 50,000 words in one month seems daunting - if not completely impossible. Fear not, fellow writers. You can complete this task! I'd like to propose 6 preparatory ideas/undertakings to aid in your novel writing prep.

7 Suggestions...

1. Imagine
Dream. Create. Think What if? This is the fun part....

2. Plot
You may not naturally be a plotter, and that's okay. Your pantzing prep is just as important. I'd recommend deciding on a world, 1 or 2 main characters, and maybe some type of conflict. Hey, it's a start.

3. Prepare
Goes in line with #2, but take some time to write out a few things. Doesn't have to be much, but maybe a little bit for direction.

4. Befriend
That's right. Find a buddy - or several. No sense in doing this alone! There are awesome group meetups in almost every area. Checkout the Nanowrimo website for more info.

5. Count
Hey, when you break it up, it's only 1,667 words a day. Piece of cake...right?

6. Stock
Fill those pantry shelves with snacky goodness. I'll post my favorite NaNo snacks later, but start mentally preparing now.

7. Shout
Yep. Go ahead. Shout it out with me now, "I am writing a novel in the month of November." Make sure everyone hears, because then there's no going back ;)

Come back next Monday for part 2 of this lovely little NaNo series! 

NaNoWriMo Prep: 5 Keys to success while writing a novel in a month!

From Pinterest

Ah yes...it is almost that time again, isn't it?

The time when thousands of people will go without sleep, exist solely on coffee (and possibly chocolate), and type/pen/carve out 50,000 words formed into a story that, before November 1st, had no existence.

I live for National Novel Writing Month!

I am looking forward to NaNoWriMo (for short) starting November 1st, and have mixed emotions of anticipation and dread. I mean, talk about pressure. Here you are, deciding to put a huge sizable goal in place for all to see. But, seeing as how this is my 5th year, I can say with confidence that it's worth it!

I know there are all sorts of great blogs out there giving writerly advice for NaNoWriMo success, but I thought I'd like to add my humble voice from my own past experience.

NaNoWriMo - 5 Keys to success while writing a novel in a month!

1. Get a Buddy
This is my first year of having a dedicated NaNo buddy and I am so EXCITED! My dear friend Corrine and I have been planning and plotting for a few weeks now - all mental, mind you (oh, hehe, no pun intended!). The anticipation itself will probably be enough to hold is into Week 2. For my first piece of advice, I say find someone who loves to write, and rope them into attempting NaNoWriMo with you. Hey, the worst that could happen is you start a great novel and don't finish it in a month ;)

2. Tell the World 
That's right. Telling everyone and anyone creates an interesting thing. Accountability. Suddenly, every one of your friends who knows you're writing a novel acts as a personal motivator for you! There are good sides and bad sides to this (constant questions about your noveling progress when you're in a bit of a dry spot can be...less than helpful) but I think the good outweighs the bad. Use their excitement to propel you forward and keep you on track.

From Pinterest

3. When all else fails - fake it!
Yes. You read that right. I'm encouraging you to make things up! Oh wait - it's all made up ;) One of the hardest things about writing a novel is all of those pesky details. I often find myself wondering, "Hum, what type of gun would my killer use?" Or, "If she was thrown off a cliff here, would someone see her?" (Don't worry - these are all fictional situations people... I write romantic suspense!).

When you don't know something, skip it! I tend to write things in all caps like: "He took the GUN from her, its cold weight familiar in his hands." So that I know to come back to it. You can also highlight etc. If it's more of a lengthy section, I suggest keeping track of needed research areas in a separate document. Don't do the research during November - it will only slow you down. Just power through and fake it til you make it, as they say.

4. It's a stepping stone
I know you're out there. Those of you who are afraid. So afraid that the minute you put ink to paper (fingers to keyboard) you're idea will lose its creative luster. Do NOT allow those thoughts to stop you from writing. Sure, you're idea may be amazing and sure, you may mess it up by writing it out, but the best part about that is you now have something tangible to work with. Too many people allow this fear to cripple them, stopping them from actually writing, because they are afraid it wont match up with how brilliant it was in their mind. Here's news for you - if it's in your mind, no one can see it's brilliance. Think about that, then start writing November 1st (hehe...)

From Pinterest

5. Put it in perspective
If you've committed to writing a novel in a month, that is a HUGE accomplishment in and of itself. But let's be honest. You can't expect greatness from 30 days of haphazard writing in the midst of a crazy life. The scenario may change if you are a professional writer (please Lord, let me know what that feels like some day) but I'm assuming most of you, like me, have jobs to go to, friends to meet with, and maybe even children to take care of (bless you who do, because I can't image having to balance that with writing and a job just yet). We need to have a healthy perspective about what we are doing.

Writing takes work. To finish 50,000 words in only 30 days (1,667 words a day, mind you) is a huge accomplishment but it's just the tip of the ice berg. Rewriting, editing, critiques and revision are all part of the writing process, so at the end of the month, sit back and pat yourself on the back - you deserve it - but then get right back to it. Finish up the novel, then start back at the beginning again.

Are you joining me in writing a novel for NaNoWriMo? If so, please comment below so we can keep in communication (we'll be virtual writing buddies!). And, make sure you check out their amazing website www.nanowrimo.org to sign up and keep track of your progress.

Day 30 | Changes & Succeses

Day 30 and I've made it!!  I hit 50,015 words at 12:58pm today and am super happy with the novels progress so far.  I've gone through some suspenseful situations, a little bit of romance, and I'm almost to the big action scene I'm wondering how I'm going to write (#writerproblems right??).

I am super excited to keep up as much of the momentum as I can in order to finish this book by the end of December.  I think it's completely possible and, for once, I'm not burnt out at from NaNoWriMo.  For some reason, this year has gone more smoothly than the last 4 years and I feel like I've been even busier this month than any previous.  I guess the sayings are true - if you want something done, give it to a busy person ;)

In addition to all of this, maybe you've noticed my blog changing from day to day?  I apologize for that! I had decided to "freshen" it up a bit and made the necessary change but then suddenly the formatting was all off.  I'm sure there is a perfectly reasonable explanation for it (more than likely having to do with my lack of true tech skills...) but I decided, rather than fight it, I'd change it again.  Hopefully it hasn't thrown many of you off.

Thank you all for coming with me on this amazing journey through National Novel Writing Month and I hope that next year some of you will join me?  I'll leave you with the cover that I created for this years novel - it's just something I whipped up for fund but I thought I'd share anyway!  Be on the look out for more about this book and some fun character sketches too!  Have a wonderful weekend :)

Day 12 | Exciting Developments

A few exciting things have been going on and I thought I'd share!  First of all, I won a CD from a contest on the fantastic blog Mocha with Linda [make sure and check out her blog].  As you all know, I absolutely adore Christmas music and she was doing a giveaway of a few Christmas CD's so I ended up with Josh Wilson's Christmas release "Noel".  I am looking forward to receiving it soon so I can blast it now until Christmas!

In other news, I am plugging away at my novel and it's going quite well!  Current word count is: 20,331 (38 pages) and I've just started Chapter 9.  I skipped a day - oh the horror! - but made up for it last night.  I even got to bed early so that was a bonus. 

On a related writing note, I will soon be doing book reviews for new releases in Christian Fiction (yes, I can hear the cheering now)!  Since I joined the American Christan Fiction Writers group, I have been given some great opportunities to connect with other authors about upcoming releases and reviews.  I am also going to be guest blogging on a few sites and trying to build my audience.  I have really felt the Lord calling me back to writing in these last few months and I am excited to answer that call and forge ahead with as much gusto as possible! 

What do you, my readers, think of this?  I know many of you enjoy Christian fiction so I hope that this blog could become a great resources for you to find new books as well gain insight into other writers, their process, and who they are in a down-to-earth sort of way. 

In addition to all of this, I have experienced some truly amazing theological conversations with some pretty amazing people in my life right now.  All of it has got me itching to do a few more posts on community (remember that first post?) and I will have that up here soon as well. 

Pastor Luis said it best today when he spoke on blessing.  He said that we have been blessed to be a blessing!  I want to be a blessing to all of you in everything that I post and I hope that is evident in my passion for writing and for you, my readers!

Remember the Lords words to the nation of Israel and go be a blessing with His help!

I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land.  I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you.  And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.  And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.

Ezekiel 36:24-27

Day 8 | Music to write by

Fa la la la la, la la - la la!

I will just go ahead and admit right now that my most inspirational novel-writing music is Christmas music!!  I know, I know, I can hear you protest even through my awesome, noise-canceling Skullcandy headphones but you will not stop me!  Sure, it may not be after Thanksgiving and it's definitely not December yet, but I just love my Christmas music so much that I can't help but not listen to it.

For my noveling times I've created a mix titled: Christmas Writing Mix (so creative, eh?)

This mix is composed of awesome instrumental Christmas music that not only spurs me on to write pages upon pages but also creates a bubbling well-spring of joy in my heart for the holidays.  My fondness of Christmas and all things fall/winter knows no bounds.

I heard once that Stephanie Meyer listens to Muse when she's writing.  I've often felt like Imagine Dragons would be the perfect sound track for my current book. What about you?  Do you listen to music when you write?  Can you listen to singing or can it only be instrumental (like me)?

Well, if you need Christmas music inspiration, here are my top three favorite albums from my Christmas Writing Mix:

Our Daily Bread: Majestic Christmas
*I took out the songs that had singing and just listen to the instrumentals.  My favorite is The Wexford Carol!

The Nutcracker
*Have had this (as a CD) since I was in high school and I used to fall asleep to it every night at Christmas.  Now I write by it and it's just as good!







The Boston Pops Orchestra [Arthur Fiedler, Conductor]
*This album was one my Dad gave me and it is so fantastic!  I grew up in a house where orchestra music was (and still is) valued.  There is nothing better than the Boston Pops to get me in a Christmas mood!

P.S. Writing update!!  Word Count: 12,173 :)

Day5 | Synopsis: what's it all about?

Closed the day yesterday at 7,541 words! That's 873 words ahead of my 1,667 word schedule :)  I'm actually a little shocked at how we'll it's going.  Every time I've sat down to write I've been able to press ahead in the story without much pause and without any roadblocks as of yet (knock on cyber wood).  I'm sure there will come that time when I'll think to myself, "Why in the world are the characters here?" or "How was I planning on getting them out of this?" but I guess I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. 

After an invigorating run in the chilly air this morning I am ready to start this week fresh.  Sundays always seem to rejuvenate me and get me ready for the upcoming week if my heart is in the right place, focused on the Lord.  Yesterday was one of those days for me.  I was so encouraged by the message Pastor Doug spoke and challenged to think through a lot within my own heart. 

As I look forward to this week, I know things will be difficult.  I've got two sessions to edit from last week, a few more to schedule, dinner tonight with friends, practice on Thursday, and plans on into the weekend.  To be diligent in every area is definitely a prayer request for me!

Well, I thought I'd share the synopsis (or 'back cover enticement' as I like to call it) with you for my book for this years NaNoWriMo.  The idea is to have you (the reader) dying to read my book after you finish reading the small paragraphs below.  I may or may not have accomplished that, but at least you'll have a small idea about what I'm writing :)

Have a fantastic Monday and remember that the Lord's mercies are new every morning.  Just as I am refreshed & ready to go - you too can experience that by resting in Him!

___________________________________________________

Synopsis 

Set in 4050, Worlds Tour is the first of three books about an exploration tour sent out every 100 years to discover new worlds and potential planets for human habitation.

Serafin finds herself on the Worlds Tour ship in search of her brother Graeme who is supposed to be a participant for this centuries Tour. She will go to great lengths to find him, even committing her life to a Tour she was never meant to be a part of.

Rowan, born leader and potential captain, is starting the next stage of his life as a participant in this centuries tour. He has been preparing for this since he was a boy and has hopes to be placed in charge of his own mission. However, all of his training and natural instincts can't prepared him for what he will face.

Two stories intertwined. A purpose greater than anyone could have imagined. This centuries Tour will test the limits of the known worlds and bring about a change that will affect the future.

Day 1 | Success

It's hard to measure success by numbers in some cases.  But...when you're writing a novel in a month, it's much easier!  Word Count met?  Success!  Word Count missed? Failure.  It sounds harsh, but it really is a mental game you have to play to push yourself.

I was tired yesterday.  So tired, in fact, I almost went to bed without completing my 1,667 word count goal.  There I was - looking at the clock and thinking 5:45am would come very early the next morning.  The temptation was great.  My eyelids were drooping.  I stifled a few yawns looking longingly at my bed.

Then that small whisper tickled the back of my mind.  Just a few hundred more words to go.

A few hundred.  Well, I thought, that's not much.  I admit here and now that for some this number would be stifling... thankfully for me, its a drop in the bucket compared to 50k ;)

Right then and there I knew.  My decision in that moment would more than likely dictate my attitude for the rest of the month.  Things are guaranteed to be busy.  I will inevitably overbook myself.  I will be tired.  I will not want to write.  I'll be uninspired.  But will I press on?  That was the real question.

Well, as you may have gained from the title of this post, I did press on and push passed my tiredness to pen (uh... type?) the last few hundred words to push me just pass my goal for the day.

After I'd closed my laptop and lay there in bed, starting at the ceiling (only 20 minutes passed when I had originally planned to go to bed) I was glad I'd pushed through.  I guess that can apply to many areas in life, but that's another post.

So, for those of you following my plight as a writer in the harried month of November, I assure you my novel is well on its way (for it only being Day 2) and shaping up nicely.  I'll give you the first few paragraphs for your reading enjoyment. 

**Note: I've edited next to nothing on this so its rough, not that pretty, and potentially not that entertaining but I figure if I really want to be a writer I should get used to the idea of people reading my writing, right?
________________________________________________________

Chapter 1

G1

            The night was pitch black.  If it hadn’t been for the illumination lamps spaced every half mile down the road, there would have been no light in the room at all.  The silence saturated the moment, giving Serafin pause.  Was this really the best idea?

            She pushed that thought to the side and slipped to the end of her bed, grabbing the canvas bag concealed there.  She’d escaped into the night a dozen times before, just because she was going further this night didn’t make it any different.

            She eased the dorm room door open a fraction of an inch and waited. 

            Silence.

            She opened it just enough for her slight frame to push through and quickly closed it behind her.  The night guard wouldn’t pass by for another twenty minutes, just enough time for her to climb out the window down the hall and make her way to the garages.  Waiting only a few seconds, she steeled her nerves and went through with her plan.

NaNoWriMo & a little known fact

It's coming...

Actually... it's only 4 days away!

Maybe you guessed what I'm talking about and maybe you didn't, but I'm talking about the biggest event to hit my life every November.  National Novel Writing Month!!
*insert cheering and fist throwing*

It is possible (especially if you aren't a writer) that you've never heard of NaNoWriMo (as I will refer to it).  Well, if you haven't, check out their site and get familiar with what they are about.  I'll give you a brief intro here for fun.

NaNoWriMo started with this really cool guy named Chris Baty who, as an author, decided to write a novel in a month.  At that time he chose July and brought a few of his friends in on the fun.  They challenged themselves with writing 50,000 words (their definition of a novel for this event) and come July 1 at 12:00am they started on their quest.  I regret to inform you that many of them did not cross that invisible finish line on August 1st but they were a heck of a lot further in their novel than they had been before - in some cases, only a page, but still!

Since that time Chris has gone on to write a book called No Plot No Problem (book review coming as soon as I finish it...) and has moved the event to November - which I'm completely happy about!  Though it is one day shorter than July, it's in the fall which is just better all around in my humble opinion. 

Enough about all of that though.  My purpose for writing this post regarding NaNoWriMo is two fold.  First of all, I am challenging myself to write more often on this blog.  It's hard because it competes with my photography blog for my time.  That is an excuse, but it is legitimate since photography is something I'm passionate about and interested in furthering my skills in. 

Writing, however, is also a passion.  As of late (I'm sure brought on by the semi fall-like weather) I'm remembering how much I love to write.  That does seem to happen to me each and every fall!  Grey cloudy skies and rain seem to infuse creativity and inspiration into my veins!  This time it's a little different though.  My second reason for writing tonight is to say that I'm seriously considering pursuing publishing.  Yes, you heard it here first (well, first media wise).  I have 3 books completed, 2 more very much in the works, and about 100+ more ideas... can you tell I have an active imagination!?  It has always been in the back of my mind to publish - I mean, if I'm going to consider myself an author I should have readers, right?  And if I want readers I'll definitely need a platform to get them the material to read.

Publishing is scary.  It's not some cut and dry process that guarantees you anything.  It's also not something to be taken lightly.  Because of that, I am refining my current books while trying to forge ahead on my unfinished manuscripts as well.  Oh, did I mention I work full time and do photography part time among several other things?  To answer your question - yes, I may be partially crazy.  But I'm an organized, motivated, passionate crazy person so it just may work out.  With this season in my life I think it's possible as well as something the Lord is prompting me in.

So, you have been fully briefed on my life at this point.  Come November 1st (probably at 12am...) I will start my next novel!  As a treat to those who actually read this blog and care about what I write - that may be a very small number of you ;) I'll give you a little taste of this novel.

I was just falling asleep one night when, out of no where, I had a dream/vision?  No, nothing like Mary and the angel, but I definitely saw the beginning to this new story in full color with vivid clarity.  It's set in the future and titled Worlds Tour.  Now, I'm not sure on this, but it may be classified as Sci-Fi... but if there are no aliens and little science does it still fit in that genre?  Maybe it's just like what I normally write but set in the future with a  little more action?  Either way, it will be following the story of a woman, Serafin, who is searching for her brother Graeme.  She stows away on a ship headed on its Worlds Tour (to be explained in the book) in order to find him.  As I've been planning out this book I have come to the realization that it's in fact a trilogy!  Lots of action, a bit of romance, and of course, the fight for good vs. evil.

Please feel free to ask me how NaNoWriMo is going - those 1,667 words per day wont write themselves - your accountability will be greatly appreciated.  I will try and post more here to keep you all updated on Serafin's story.  If you write, I'd highly suggest you try writing a novel in a month with me!   Let me know if you decide to join and we can become buddies :)  It's so fun and challenging and nothing feels better than making it to 50k in 30 days!  And let's be honest, even if you don't make it you'll have started something great!