First, second, third, October ideas running into Nanowrimo

As I prepare for Nanowrimo, a few annoying things have been happening and I am wondering if you can identify with me.

First, for the last thirty days of October, new ideas have merged into my old ideas of what to write about. I have notes, character sketches, plot sketches, world sketches galore and it was just a matter of finding and reading them over but I found myself thinking: “Which one can I actually complete with less complications and research and spend all December editing?”

That was my first task.

My next task this month was making sure the notes flowed logically, therefore all I have to do is crank out those words. I know by now that even with notes it can be difficult for most of us and for some reason, every year I stop at 20,000 or so words. Very frustrating.

Thirdly, I have to think about publishing. More than likely self publishing would be best as Smashwords is now in conjunction with Nanowrimo for writers. Totally awesome!

What are you doing today to prepare for Nanowrimo?

3 Things You Must Do While Nanowrim-ing

It’s that time and there are posts giving you tidbits about how to survive this 30 day writing blitz. I promise not to bombard but impart my own wisdom as I join the journey with you.

1. You must get rest. Writing 50,000 words seems daunting, but Nanowrimo.org now has a nifty little stat tool you can click on and see how many words per day you need to actually crank out and many times it isn’t that many. So if you have a family and other commitments, try time management and rest. It helps!
2. When things change, you remain constant. I don’t care if your character didn’t mean to say that or wear this, Do Not Go Back and change a thing just yet. Just stick to the story. If it helps, and if you have MSWord, try opening the comments tab and after you are done typing for the day ass a little “side note” about this particular piece. Only if you have to.
3. Check in with other writers. I have made it a habit to visit other blogs this season and writers via the Nanowrimo site. People have so many encouraging words to say and I welcome them all! I may participate in a local writing gathering. My fingers are crossed.

Any more suggestions? I’m sure there is more you’ve come up with. I’d love to know!

 

Revamping Me For You, Manga Madness, and Writing Tips You’ll Savor

© Megumi Ito | Dreamstime.com

As part of the blogging experience, I believe in sharing the Good News of writing and publishing. But first things first…

Really soon I will be revamping my About Me page really soon to truly reflect what this blog is all about. Secondly, I will be reviewing  manga on this blog as well. For anyone who don’t know me, reading manga and watching Japanese Animations has become a serious(but safe) addiction for me since 2006. So along with the beautiful Self Help books, Christian books, and Spec/Fic, there will be some colorful graphic novels available to glean as well. Yay!

Next order of business. I was traveling to a country called BlogSpace and came across Tori Chase’s blog Called Tori’s Lounge, and thank God for this blogger because she has posted a healthy recap of the ACFW conference and some writing tips she has learned. In fact, what impressed me were the Things You Must  Do In the First 50 Pages of a novel. Please visit Tori’s blog page for this helpful tip.

If you are writing for Nanowrimo this year,  then you know this is good stuff

The Write Web

Tracking An Author…NANOWRIMO May Save the Day, What Are You Doing to Prepare?

It has taken me several seconds, minutes, several hours ,several days, several months to finally get to the end of October as I know it. Have I been writing? Certainly. But writing two kinds of genre at once may not be so smart.

My new short book of poetry will be due out either in Winter 2011/Spring 2012 or perhaps more specifically- December 2011 if all things go well.

Meanwhile, I still have fiction in place in my mind. It bites my dreams and visions throughout the day with music I hear, poetry I read, and meandering thoughts. Nanowrimo begins in 8 days and so here are some things I have been doing to prep for this moment. Nanowrimo comming up is just the kick I may need.

• I took my notebooks and scrap sheets of story notes and have put them together/collated them into neat piles of “What-if” to further my story.
• I began early research…nothing major just a bit of research to help me along the way when actually begin to write November 1st.
• Get proper rest, relax wrists, don’t strain eyes too much..I need these things come November.
• Pray.

What have you been doing to prepare for Nanowrimo? I’d love to hear some thoughts!