Things I learned from NaNoWriMo Outlining doesn’t have to kill creativity (In fact, it can free you to be more creative.) I read a great article about a month before NaNoWriMo 1 in which a confirmed ‘Pantser’ 2 discovered the joys of partial outlining. She realised — and taught me — that you don’t have… Continue reading NaNoWriMo Wrap Up
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NaNoWriMo Lessons for Next Time
I crossed the finish line (50,000 words) of National Novel Writer’s Month after a marathon 5K word day on the Sunday before NaNo actually finished. In the two weeks since then I’ve added less than 5K words to the novel, which is not finish. I left it in the midst of what I hope will… Continue reading NaNoWriMo Lessons for Next Time
Happy HannuChristmaKwanzaaNe’erday!
Tis that time of year again, when people start thinking about peace and goodwill and when some people start kvetching about the term “Happy Holidays”. So, I’ve compiled some simple rules to help you circumvent the arguments: First, remember that there are lots of holidays at the end of the year, especially if you live… Continue reading Happy HannuChristmaKwanzaaNe’erday!
A Muppet Carol
…to get you in the mood (pay attention, Jen. The handbells are for you!)
NaNoWriMo – The Final Push
OK, it’s here: the final push. Eight days to go. Eight days and 16,300 words to go before I can declare myself a ‘winner’. I was so pleased with myself — having so much fun — last Thursday. I had written well all month so far, in the face of some adversity. I was hooked.… Continue reading NaNoWriMo – The Final Push
NaNoWriMo Half Time Report
Well, here we are at the half-way point of NaNoWriMo and I’m still writing. I’m slightly under a day behind on the word count targets and that’s only because a, I spent the day being sociable yesterday b, I’ve been fighting off strep/tonsillitis and c, I spent some time on Friday not writing by trying… Continue reading NaNoWriMo Half Time Report
The Ideal Man
I was making some writing notes this morning and reflecting on heroes and what qualities they should have. I’m not sure the two characters in this story are quite on the same page… “I’ve found him at last: the perfect man.” “What, him?” “Absolutely! OK, he’s a little short, but what a body! And he… Continue reading The Ideal Man
Why It’s Important To Know How Fast You Write (aka More Nano Prep)
In preparing for my first NaNoWriMo, I’ve been trying to write some back stories for my character and world. I’m also trying to get into the habit of writing close to the daily word count I’ll have to reach during November if I want to hit 50,000 words before the end of the month (that’s… Continue reading Why It’s Important To Know How Fast You Write (aka More Nano Prep)
NaNoWriMo – I’m In!
I’m logging my progress as I gear up for my first NaNoWriMo. Don’t expect these entries to be coherent or interesting if you’re not me! Sorry. It has been nine years since my friend Debbie first mentioned National Novel Writer’s Month, a crazy, write-a-50,000-word-novel-in-November venture, in her blog. Every year I have been tempted to… Continue reading NaNoWriMo – I’m In!
Tales From The Lunchroom: What The Hell?!
Four days a week, I bundle my hair up into a hat (my choice, no they didn’t supply me with a hairnet) and stomp off down to the school to slop out food, wipe tables, open bottles of milk for kindergartners and keep the peace among the 1st-8th Graders. I’m accumulating insight and material and… Continue reading Tales From The Lunchroom: What The Hell?!