Happy December 1st!!!! Can you believe the year is almost over? Where did the time go???
The beginning of December brings with it the end of NaNo. This year, my goal was 30,000 words, as I knew there was no way I was going to reach 50,000. Life has become much busier since last year, and I needed to be realistic.
Well, I did not meet my goal, but I am OK with that. If I hadn't been sick last week and most of this week, I probably would have reached it, and maybe surpassed it.
I am very happy to report that I had a word total of 20, 994. I completed a MS (and prepped it for edits) and started a new WIP.
How did your NaNo go?
Showing posts with label NaNo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NaNo. Show all posts
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
What a Crazy Week
Sorry I missed you all on Monday-- it was the start of a busy week after a busy weekend.
Friday, with all of us off for Veteran's Day, we headed to New Jersey for the Devil's Capitol's hockey game. And what an experience it was. We had planned to go to the Liberty Science Museum, but traffic delays had us arriving almost an hour later than planned, so it will have to be on a different trip.
We did spend time in the Ironbound district (learning afterward that this is known as Little Portugal). It was fun walking around the shops and eating there.
Then came the game. We had seats 11 rows up from the ice, near the goalie. I love hockey, we go to a few (more now that dear son is playing) AHL games a year, but none of us had ever been to an NHL game before. I cannot tell you how amazing it was. The speed of the game, the agility of the players. I had always known Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitol's Left winger) was an awesome player, but seeing it in person put it in perspective. The speed, the effortless look to his skating, and the stick handling were so much more impressive in person.
Being Veteran's Day, they had several times they honored the men and women who sacrifice and serve to allow us the freedoms we have today. It was so wonderful to see the applause and standing ovations from the crowd.
So, how was your long weekend/week? Share below.
NaNo Update:
11/11- 0
11/12- 1241
11/13- 4781
11/14- 309
11/15- 739 (finished TLP!!! YAY!!!!)
11/16- 1913 (Started Quest!)
Total so far: 16351 (Hmm-- if I keep it up, I might just make that goal after all!)
BTW- thanks for all the support in the comments last week. I really appreciated it. Just want you all to know, I am happy with what happens, no matter the word count. The story is my real goal!
Friday, with all of us off for Veteran's Day, we headed to New Jersey for the Devil's Capitol's hockey game. And what an experience it was. We had planned to go to the Liberty Science Museum, but traffic delays had us arriving almost an hour later than planned, so it will have to be on a different trip.
We did spend time in the Ironbound district (learning afterward that this is known as Little Portugal). It was fun walking around the shops and eating there.
Then came the game. We had seats 11 rows up from the ice, near the goalie. I love hockey, we go to a few (more now that dear son is playing) AHL games a year, but none of us had ever been to an NHL game before. I cannot tell you how amazing it was. The speed of the game, the agility of the players. I had always known Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitol's Left winger) was an awesome player, but seeing it in person put it in perspective. The speed, the effortless look to his skating, and the stick handling were so much more impressive in person.
Being Veteran's Day, they had several times they honored the men and women who sacrifice and serve to allow us the freedoms we have today. It was so wonderful to see the applause and standing ovations from the crowd.
So, how was your long weekend/week? Share below.
NaNo Update:
11/11- 0
11/12- 1241
11/13- 4781
11/14- 309
11/15- 739 (finished TLP!!! YAY!!!!)
11/16- 1913 (Started Quest!)
Total so far: 16351 (Hmm-- if I keep it up, I might just make that goal after all!)
BTW- thanks for all the support in the comments last week. I really appreciated it. Just want you all to know, I am happy with what happens, no matter the word count. The story is my real goal!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Procrastination and NaNo Update
I had hoped to have my current WIP finished before the beginning of November. Due to a series of events, that didn't happen. So, I figured I could finish it up the first week of NaNo and dive into the WIP I want to work on. That didn't happen either.
On Sunday, I told my CP's (for probably the third time) I hoped to have it finished by Wednesday at the latest, then I would send it to them after a quick read through. Yesterday was Wednesday, and you guessed it. It didn't happen. I am closer-- just three chapters away from the end, in fact. But three chapters that need more overhauling than I had thought.
It was bothering me this week that I was behind, and I found myself pushing off sitting down to write. It made me wonder if I was procrastinating because I didn't want to end working on this particular story, or if my mind was telling me I needed more time to work out where these changes were taking me ending. I think it was both, and have learned something in the process. Sometimes it is good to wait for that knot to unravel, but other times, you just need to sit down and write.
NaNo Update:
11/3- 538
11/4- 0 (Yup- but I got to see Jeff Dunham live!)
11/5- 500
11/6- 2007
11/7- 0
11/8- 1540
11/9- 591
For a total of 5176 (as you can see, I am far behind the 1667 words a day and approximately 14000 words a week needed to reach 50,000 words. But, I am OK with that.)
On Sunday, I told my CP's (for probably the third time) I hoped to have it finished by Wednesday at the latest, then I would send it to them after a quick read through. Yesterday was Wednesday, and you guessed it. It didn't happen. I am closer-- just three chapters away from the end, in fact. But three chapters that need more overhauling than I had thought.
It was bothering me this week that I was behind, and I found myself pushing off sitting down to write. It made me wonder if I was procrastinating because I didn't want to end working on this particular story, or if my mind was telling me I needed more time to work out where these changes were taking me ending. I think it was both, and have learned something in the process. Sometimes it is good to wait for that knot to unravel, but other times, you just need to sit down and write.
NaNo Update:
11/3- 538
11/4- 0 (Yup- but I got to see Jeff Dunham live!)
11/5- 500
11/6- 2007
11/7- 0
11/8- 1540
11/9- 591
For a total of 5176 (as you can see, I am far behind the 1667 words a day and approximately 14000 words a week needed to reach 50,000 words. But, I am OK with that.)
Monday, October 17, 2011
To NaNo or not to NaNo
That was the question. Last year I participated in NaNoWriMo and "won", and with November quickly approaching this year I needed to make my decision on participation again. It was a tough one. See, last year I was working part time when NaNo started and easily able to write 2,000+ words a day. Then I went full time, and well, things changed. Some weeks I have time to write. Others, well, not so much. So, what to do?
I really enjoyed NaNo last year, and decided I will participate, but I will not try to kill myself to make the 50,000 word count. I am hoping to finish with my re-writes on The Lost Princess before NaNo starts so I can focus Quest of the Hart (the predecessor to Lost Princess).
Disclaimer: I am re-writing Quest, so I will be trying to use parts that have already been written (as long as the voice fits). I will not be counting those words in my word count. I will only be counting the ones I write during the month.
So, how about you? Are you NaNo-ing???
I really enjoyed NaNo last year, and decided I will participate, but I will not try to kill myself to make the 50,000 word count. I am hoping to finish with my re-writes on The Lost Princess before NaNo starts so I can focus Quest of the Hart (the predecessor to Lost Princess).
Disclaimer: I am re-writing Quest, so I will be trying to use parts that have already been written (as long as the voice fits). I will not be counting those words in my word count. I will only be counting the ones I write during the month.
So, how about you? Are you NaNo-ing???
Monday, January 10, 2011
Hodge Podge
Well, it's official, pending a physical and a drug test (I am certain I can pass both), I have a new job! I have been doing this job since Thanksgiving week (with the exception of 1 day a week), so it won't be a big change to my schedule as it was then. I think I have found a way to juggle my working, my family, and my writing--so, if I don't get a post up in the morning, this is why!
My team went out in the first round of the playoffs-- oh well, there's always next year. I didn't think they were going to make it into the playoffs in the first place.
Last week, I was at Trisha's blog and saw her post on the Comment Challenge. If you haven't seen it yet, check it out! (My current count as of Sunday afternoon was 5 comments for Friday and Saturday combined. I obviously have some catching up to do!)
I did some reading over the weekend on Query Letters, and am doing some research on Middle Grade fiction. I am hoping to be querying again in the next few weeks. Expect to see some posts on these topics in the near future!
Hope you all have a Happy Monday!
My team went out in the first round of the playoffs-- oh well, there's always next year. I didn't think they were going to make it into the playoffs in the first place.
Last week, I was at Trisha's blog and saw her post on the Comment Challenge. If you haven't seen it yet, check it out! (My current count as of Sunday afternoon was 5 comments for Friday and Saturday combined. I obviously have some catching up to do!)
I did some reading over the weekend on Query Letters, and am doing some research on Middle Grade fiction. I am hoping to be querying again in the next few weeks. Expect to see some posts on these topics in the near future!
Hope you all have a Happy Monday!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
End of NaNo 2010
Today is the last day for NaNo. I uploaded my words over the weekend (even though I am still writing). I reached my goal, and am not worried about how far over that I have gone. For my first NaNo, I found it quite fun and look forward to it next year.
I have two more chapters to add to Sleeping Handsome, then I need to go over it all again. I think I am going to be a few thousand words short, so I need to evaluate what to add.
I figure I am about half-way through The Ruby Dagger, and will continue to work on this throughout the rest of this month. Then will come much editing, as I am using this as a detailed outline so I can become familiar with my characters and the plot.
I am plotting a third book idea to go with Sleeping Handsome and The Lost Princess. The working title is A Different Kind of Knight. More to come on this as the plot solidifies in my mind.
How did you do with NaNo? Will you do it again? If you didn't NaNo this year, will you next year? I know some of you were doing NaNoEditMo and NaNoReadMo. How did it go for you?
I have two more chapters to add to Sleeping Handsome, then I need to go over it all again. I think I am going to be a few thousand words short, so I need to evaluate what to add.
I figure I am about half-way through The Ruby Dagger, and will continue to work on this throughout the rest of this month. Then will come much editing, as I am using this as a detailed outline so I can become familiar with my characters and the plot.
I am plotting a third book idea to go with Sleeping Handsome and The Lost Princess. The working title is A Different Kind of Knight. More to come on this as the plot solidifies in my mind.
How did you do with NaNo? Will you do it again? If you didn't NaNo this year, will you next year? I know some of you were doing NaNoEditMo and NaNoReadMo. How did it go for you?
Monday, November 22, 2010
NaNo Update
Well, this weekend I did it. I reached my 50,000 word goal. Does that mean I'm stopping, with the rest of November ti just sit back and relax?
Nope. I am continuing to edit Sleeping Handsome, and will work on finishing The Ruby Dagger (the actual story I began for NaNo.)
How about you? Have you reached your goals? If you did, are you continuing on? Let me know, and good luck!
Nope. I am continuing to edit Sleeping Handsome, and will work on finishing The Ruby Dagger (the actual story I began for NaNo.)
How about you? Have you reached your goals? If you did, are you continuing on? Let me know, and good luck!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
WCC Wednesday
Happy Wednesday Everyone! Hope you are having a nice sunny day. Here it is very gray, and rainy- oh well, it's a bit better weather in my WIP!
So, this week I have been busy with revisions on Sleeping Handsome (formerly Quest of the Hart). I am cleaning up description and adding in some things that are missing. So far, so good.
For NaNo, I am continuing on with The Ruby Dagger. My characters keep taking me down tunnels and passageways I had no idea were there. The most intriguing thing was when Moira (my thief) was handed a parchment by Dax (my knight) and asked if she could read it. Her response was, "It looks to be an ancient form of" and here is where she batted her eyes at me and said, just what language do we speak here in Ravenvale anyway? Hmmm. Several minutes later I told her she speaks Aviaran. And the story continued.
Trisha is moving along quite nicely with her NaNo project, and I am thrilled I get the opportunity to read it. Her writing is like watching a movie play in your mind.
Katie hit a wall in her WIP, but she's moving through it. We've talked about how to clear out some of the back story that was dropped in an info dump, and I know she will be able to fix this.
Fiona has nicely set up a link from the past to the present. Her descriptions still amaze me. Her word choice is phenomenal.
How are your WIP's? Have your characters tossed you any unexpected issues? How did you deal with them?
So, this week I have been busy with revisions on Sleeping Handsome (formerly Quest of the Hart). I am cleaning up description and adding in some things that are missing. So far, so good.
For NaNo, I am continuing on with The Ruby Dagger. My characters keep taking me down tunnels and passageways I had no idea were there. The most intriguing thing was when Moira (my thief) was handed a parchment by Dax (my knight) and asked if she could read it. Her response was, "It looks to be an ancient form of" and here is where she batted her eyes at me and said, just what language do we speak here in Ravenvale anyway? Hmmm. Several minutes later I told her she speaks Aviaran. And the story continued.
Trisha is moving along quite nicely with her NaNo project, and I am thrilled I get the opportunity to read it. Her writing is like watching a movie play in your mind.
Katie hit a wall in her WIP, but she's moving through it. We've talked about how to clear out some of the back story that was dropped in an info dump, and I know she will be able to fix this.
Fiona has nicely set up a link from the past to the present. Her descriptions still amaze me. Her word choice is phenomenal.
How are your WIP's? Have your characters tossed you any unexpected issues? How did you deal with them?
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
When All Else Fails
So, yesterday I talked about inner critic vs inner pessimist. As I shared, I was having problems with my inner pessimist. So, I did what works best for me. I asked someone with no emotional stake in my writing for their opinion, and my inner pessimist disappeared.
So, when all else fails in dealing with your inner pessimist, do you have someone to turn to? If not, give me a shout. Sometimes it helps to have someone without an emotional investment take a look at your work. I know it helped me.
Happy writing. NaNo is halfway through. How are your novels coming?
So, when all else fails in dealing with your inner pessimist, do you have someone to turn to? If not, give me a shout. Sometimes it helps to have someone without an emotional investment take a look at your work. I know it helped me.
Happy writing. NaNo is halfway through. How are your novels coming?
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Fitting it in
So, how do you fit writing into your schedule? Do you get up early? Stay up late? Miss out on family functions?
I usually work out of the house two days a week, which leaves me three days to devote to household chores (laundry, shopping, cleaning chores that I haven't delegated to son for him to earn an allowance on) and writing (not counting weekends where it is a hodge podge of events).
On the days when I work, this month, due to NaNo, I've been trying to write either before I go into work or right after I get home from work (before my husband and son get home). This leaves me free to spend my evenings with them.
Some days, like yesterday, this doesn't work. Well, it does, but it doesn't. Yesterday I wrote before going to a work meeting and eye appointment. While waiting at the eye doctor's, I wrote in a notebook (not the NaNo story that was supposed to go in that notebook, but the one I am re-working). I arrived home just as my son did,and my husband was already here. Fortunately, after dinner, and before we watched Erik the Viking, I was able to transcribe my words and expound on them a bit, leaving me free to enjoy and evening with the family.
So, how do you fit writing in?
I usually work out of the house two days a week, which leaves me three days to devote to household chores (laundry, shopping, cleaning chores that I haven't delegated to son for him to earn an allowance on) and writing (not counting weekends where it is a hodge podge of events).
On the days when I work, this month, due to NaNo, I've been trying to write either before I go into work or right after I get home from work (before my husband and son get home). This leaves me free to spend my evenings with them.
Some days, like yesterday, this doesn't work. Well, it does, but it doesn't. Yesterday I wrote before going to a work meeting and eye appointment. While waiting at the eye doctor's, I wrote in a notebook (not the NaNo story that was supposed to go in that notebook, but the one I am re-working). I arrived home just as my son did,and my husband was already here. Fortunately, after dinner, and before we watched Erik the Viking, I was able to transcribe my words and expound on them a bit, leaving me free to enjoy and evening with the family.
So, how do you fit writing in?
Monday, November 8, 2010
Busy Weekend
Wow! This weekend went by so fast! We had an impromptu dinner and game night with our neighbors on Friday. Saturday dear hubby was up early to buy a Christmas present for the house-- a new bedroom TV (26" flat panel) with an actual working volume control! (I really missed this feature.) I went to the library in the afternoon for a NaNo write-in (was kinda weird, but productive.) Then we watched Kick-Ass Saturday night. (I really enjoyed the movie). Yesterday was football, then Monday came.
So, how was your weekend? Did you get lots accomplished? How's your NaNo going? Share below!
So, how was your weekend? Did you get lots accomplished? How's your NaNo going? Share below!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
NaNo update and More Halloween Pics
So far, I haven't reached my 2000 word a day goal (well, I have, but more in that in a minute), but I have been around 1800+ for the first 3 days.
Today I worked on my NaNo story, The Ruby Dagger, and made my 1800+ word count, then went back to Quest of the Hart and began reworking that based on some comments from Trisha. (She pointed out my story really started much further in than where my beginning was-- too much backstory!) So, here's my question:
If I am working on two works during NaNo, can I count the words from both of them? I mean, obviously if I cut and pasted stuff I had previously written I wouldn't count them, as they are not new. But what about the stuff I am creating now? Any thoughts? Let me know in the comments.
Now, for some more Halloween pics!
Today I worked on my NaNo story, The Ruby Dagger, and made my 1800+ word count, then went back to Quest of the Hart and began reworking that based on some comments from Trisha. (She pointed out my story really started much further in than where my beginning was-- too much backstory!) So, here's my question:
If I am working on two works during NaNo, can I count the words from both of them? I mean, obviously if I cut and pasted stuff I had previously written I wouldn't count them, as they are not new. But what about the stuff I am creating now? Any thoughts? Let me know in the comments.
Now, for some more Halloween pics!
 | |
| Erik's Mom and Dad |
 | ||
| My Mom and Dad |
 |
| The Motley Crew! |
 | ||
| What a couple! |
 |
| Watch out for the gun...I mean viola! |
 |
| This gives a new meaning to hair band! |
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
WCC Wednesday
Well, I am on my third day of NaNo, and so far, so good!
I finished my first draft of The Lost Princess last week and have gotten feedback from Katie and Fiona. In my rush to finish TLP before NaNo I didn't edit the last eight chapters as I wrote them, and the difference was amazing. Description flew out the window, leaving my partners asking me to clarify or put more emotion in.
So, when December hits, I will have some work to do!
Last week I put a shout out for some readers for a short story I was working on and got a response from Trisha Leaver. Not only was she willing to look over my short story, she offered to look at the one I have been querying, Quest of the Hart. I, of course offered to read anything of hers she wanted, and was treated to an awesome ghost story she has just sent off to her agent!
Well, I must confess I am making drastic changes to QotH (may even re-name it) after some of Trisha's comments. This is a good thing! i had been having this nagging feeling in the back of my mind for a short time (which I think is why I wasn't querying widely). So, while I am working on my NaNo story, I plan on doing some tweaking to QotH.
Fiona's story has taken an interesting turn, as the past and present have collided (at least for her MC) and now Lana has to fix something, but she isn't sure what it is!
Katie is polishing some things up and promises she will send me more soon.
So, how is your writing going? Are you NaNo-ing? Is it going well? Share in the comments!
I finished my first draft of The Lost Princess last week and have gotten feedback from Katie and Fiona. In my rush to finish TLP before NaNo I didn't edit the last eight chapters as I wrote them, and the difference was amazing. Description flew out the window, leaving my partners asking me to clarify or put more emotion in.
So, when December hits, I will have some work to do!
Last week I put a shout out for some readers for a short story I was working on and got a response from Trisha Leaver. Not only was she willing to look over my short story, she offered to look at the one I have been querying, Quest of the Hart. I, of course offered to read anything of hers she wanted, and was treated to an awesome ghost story she has just sent off to her agent!
Well, I must confess I am making drastic changes to QotH (may even re-name it) after some of Trisha's comments. This is a good thing! i had been having this nagging feeling in the back of my mind for a short time (which I think is why I wasn't querying widely). So, while I am working on my NaNo story, I plan on doing some tweaking to QotH.
Fiona's story has taken an interesting turn, as the past and present have collided (at least for her MC) and now Lana has to fix something, but she isn't sure what it is!
Katie is polishing some things up and promises she will send me more soon.
So, how is your writing going? Are you NaNo-ing? Is it going well? Share in the comments!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Ready...Set...NaNo!
Today begins NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writer's Month). My goal is to write at least 50,000 words this month and win NaNo. My daily goal is to reach about 2000 words.
I went to our local group's meet and greet on Saturday and was impressed by all the great ideas everyone has for their novels. I was also impressed by the number of high school students participating. We have a ninth grader who is doing her 4th NaNo (she's won 3 of them!!!!)
So, to all my fellow NaNo-ers good luck! You can keep track of my progress with the word counter on the right.
Tomorrow I will be posting pics from our Halloween Party on Saturday (still have to download the pics from the camera). We had a blast! Hope you all had a great Halloween too!
I went to our local group's meet and greet on Saturday and was impressed by all the great ideas everyone has for their novels. I was also impressed by the number of high school students participating. We have a ninth grader who is doing her 4th NaNo (she's won 3 of them!!!!)
So, to all my fellow NaNo-ers good luck! You can keep track of my progress with the word counter on the right.
Tomorrow I will be posting pics from our Halloween Party on Saturday (still have to download the pics from the camera). We had a blast! Hope you all had a great Halloween too!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)