For me, success relies on goals to aspire and work towards. Without goals (short or long term) procrastination halts all progress and excuses are acceptable. But a reasonable goal can effectively show how far you’ve come and how far you must go. Nanowrimo is a 50,000 word goal in one month with excellent tools to help promote success amongst its participants.
My goal is something different and reasonably suited to the factors that affect my writing; work, travel, husband. Although I am a planner, my life is not. Often plans change at the last minute and my time to write is the first thing sacrificed to accommodate changes to my calendar. However, although I might not have access to one of my computers, not a day passes without me giving thought to the stories I’ve devoted my attention to.
The goal: MAKE PROGRESS EVERYDAY!
What is progress? On Monday my goal might be to research a census from 1880 for character names. Tuesday I update my outline to reflect a minor change to chapter four, Wednesday I write 500 words, Thursday I collect images to assist with a description I might not be familiar with, Friday I organize my sloppy handwritten notes, Saturday I sit at my desk and write for one full hour, and on the Lord’s day perhaps I discuss my story with someone for feedback. Be it a small goal or a big goal, everything combined will help me to write and complete a novel.
Of course there will be those days when I don’t have enough time to even scribble a note for myself, but if I am disciplined and maintain steady progress the occasional day will have little to no effect on the outcome of my story. It’s important to note that when you are making steady progress, it’s also easier to make said progress. If you don’t have days in between writing, you’re not trying to figure out where to go from your last sopping point or what were you thinking when you wrote that.
What happens when there’s writer’s block? Do something… Think of a new title, watch a movie that might be a good source of inspiration, write a rant about what has you stuck. If your new goal is to overcome writer’s block, it might be reasonable to totally step away to gain new and fresh perspective on your work.
Goal Number One: Ask yourself what goals you have in mind and what you hope to achieve on a long term and/or short term basis.
Happy writing and God bless.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
The Break Up
My Nano 2009 novel and I broke-up. Together, my novel and I crossed the word-count finish line on November 31 in dramatic fashion… but then I left it there at the finish line and moved on with my life. But was the finish line I was racing towards a 50,000 word count or a complete novel? Things were very messy between us and did not end well. Whether or not my novel still had more to say, I wasn’t going to listen. I allowed myself to make excuses and quit. I was tired of working through our problems.
No different than a nasty break-up when you decide you just want to be single for a while, I wrote nothing. No novel. No blog. No writing commitment. I wrote nothing more creative than the occasional status update on Facebook or Twitter. But then there was that chance encounter that brought us together again. I was on the commuter train and bored with the scenery, my Blackberry, and my iPod. I fired up my laptop and read through my incomplete draft, abandoned at 50,475 words.
I had convinced myself months ago that because we had broken-up, I could never again have anything to do with my novel. We couldn’t be friends. But as I passed the time on the train, I started to remember all of the things I liked about my novel; an entertaining prologue worthy of publishing, one character I was particularly fond of, and a plot that was slowly revealing its secrets. When I got to the final word written on November 31, I was surprised that I had stopped writing. Dare-I-say it was something I had enjoyed reading?
Since that fateful day that brought us together again a few things have changed. I have since begun extensive research and planning for a new novel that better suits me; less adventure and mystery, more character and drama. I’m not going to write 50,000 words in 31 days. My goal is to write and always be thinking and working towards completing a solid novel.
I feel lonely when I’m not writing and real life is more difficult without having the opportunity to lose myself in writing. I’m taking the time to identify some long term goals, apart from the obvious write & finish a novel, that will help me to become a better and successful writer.
And will I ever finish my Nano 2009 novel?
No different than a nasty break-up when you decide you just want to be single for a while, I wrote nothing. No novel. No blog. No writing commitment. I wrote nothing more creative than the occasional status update on Facebook or Twitter. But then there was that chance encounter that brought us together again. I was on the commuter train and bored with the scenery, my Blackberry, and my iPod. I fired up my laptop and read through my incomplete draft, abandoned at 50,475 words.
I had convinced myself months ago that because we had broken-up, I could never again have anything to do with my novel. We couldn’t be friends. But as I passed the time on the train, I started to remember all of the things I liked about my novel; an entertaining prologue worthy of publishing, one character I was particularly fond of, and a plot that was slowly revealing its secrets. When I got to the final word written on November 31, I was surprised that I had stopped writing. Dare-I-say it was something I had enjoyed reading?
Since that fateful day that brought us together again a few things have changed. I have since begun extensive research and planning for a new novel that better suits me; less adventure and mystery, more character and drama. I’m not going to write 50,000 words in 31 days. My goal is to write and always be thinking and working towards completing a solid novel.
I feel lonely when I’m not writing and real life is more difficult without having the opportunity to lose myself in writing. I’m taking the time to identify some long term goals, apart from the obvious write & finish a novel, that will help me to become a better and successful writer.
And will I ever finish my Nano 2009 novel?
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
NANOWRIMO 2009 WINNER
I DID IT!(sound of crickets)
What did I do?
Improved!
- Validated 50, 475 words for the win... and my story's not finished! I estimate it is about 45% complete. That would throw my word count well over 2008. Tomorrow it continues!
- A week in the hospital for back surgery, left me with only three weeks to produce 50, 000 words instead of the four weeks it took me in 2008.
- Started with approx. 23,000 words on November 25th. More than doubled my word count in 5 days!
- Forced myself to write step by step and have a much stronger and well developed plot. I didn't skip ahead to write the end like I did in 2008, leaving me with gaps and holes I have never been able to fill.
The biggest THANK YOU to my husband for keeping me motivated and giving me a small kiss everytime he asked about my word count and to sacredcrayon (CONGRATULATIONS on 50K) for cheering me from the starting line to the finish line!
Nanowrimo 2009 ends, but I feel like something else begins.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
The Synopsis
The Synopsis:
Elizabeth Flintbury is engaged to marry the handsome and wealthy Robert Chauncey. But when she receives a strange and disturbing letter from her fiancé, she sacrifices her family and reputation to come to his aid. When she learns that he has gone missing, she must investigate the circumstances if she ever hopes to find him. But as she unravels the mystery she discovers that it may be she who is in the greatest danger. She needs the help of a drunken gambler, a fallen naval hero, and a disagreeable stranger to survive.
Remember how I compared Nanowrimo to running a race? Well it's time to start running!Good luck to all those participating in Nanowrimo 2009!
Happy writing!
ETA: I Literally intended to begin my prologue at midnight and just discovered my laptop was dead. Is it a sign?
Elizabeth Flintbury is engaged to marry the handsome and wealthy Robert Chauncey. But when she receives a strange and disturbing letter from her fiancé, she sacrifices her family and reputation to come to his aid. When she learns that he has gone missing, she must investigate the circumstances if she ever hopes to find him. But as she unravels the mystery she discovers that it may be she who is in the greatest danger. She needs the help of a drunken gambler, a fallen naval hero, and a disagreeable stranger to survive.
Remember how I compared Nanowrimo to running a race? Well it's time to start running!Good luck to all those participating in Nanowrimo 2009!
Happy writing!
ETA: I Literally intended to begin my prologue at midnight and just discovered my laptop was dead. Is it a sign?
Saturday, October 31, 2009
October 31, 2009
Happy Halloween
10:43 pm: I begin writing a novel at midnight and have 30 days to complete said task. To prepare, I am giving myself until mid-night (when I will begin my prologue) to write a synopsis.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
T-4 Days: Runners to your marks
"Four! Four days! Uh, uh, uh!
I was a part of the track and field team when I was in junior high school. I participated to hang out with my ex-boyfriend and buddies (good times) not because I was an athlete. When I competed I tried my best, excelling at long jump and reliable in 100m and 200m dashes and relays. Waiting in the starting block was the worst feeling in the world. It was worse than going on auditions, worse than giving speeches, worse than job interviews, performances, and all the attention that special occassions (milestone birthdays, wedding, etc.) ever gave me.
You wait and feel two opposites at the same time. You can feel your muscles twitch in anticipation and your body trying to remain motionless as you wait for the gun. The entire race goes through your mind as you wait and imagine whether or not this might be victory.
Now 16 years later, I no longer take any pleasure running and don't even know if my nearly-30-years-old body could manage. I lost interest with track when I broke up with my boyfriend just before summer vacation in 1992.
So why the anxiety of waiting in the runner's block?
See: www.nanowrimo.org
As November fast approaches I prepare my monthly-mental-to-do-list. Nothing interesting; events I will be attending, work related functions, home projects, special occassions. But it's unique and different than any other month because I intend to write a 50,000 + novel by the 30th.
I did it last year. I won last year (polishes Nanowrimo 2008 badge with sleeve). Confident this year...
But instead of 30 days and nights consumed by writing a novel, I am having back surgery. Minus a hospital stay and time heavily medicated by pain releiving drugs, I imagine I might only have 2 1/2 to 3 weeks to work on my novel.
But that's what makes a challenege. Even though you may have been previously successful, or even if you haven't, you find something to improve upon. Raise the bar, set a higher goal, reach for the stars kind of inspiration. If I did it in 30 days last year, I'm going to do it in 23 days this year. If I have 30 days to do it next year, I want to write 60,000 words.
Goals (and people or causes to enforce them) are what we need to avoid procrastination and help us maintain our focus. It's what we do research for, and post on the Nano forums for, and write out notecards and outlines.
One goal. Get ready.
On your mark, get set...
October 28, 2009: T-4 days to Nanowrimo!
I was a part of the track and field team when I was in junior high school. I participated to hang out with my ex-boyfriend and buddies (good times) not because I was an athlete. When I competed I tried my best, excelling at long jump and reliable in 100m and 200m dashes and relays. Waiting in the starting block was the worst feeling in the world. It was worse than going on auditions, worse than giving speeches, worse than job interviews, performances, and all the attention that special occassions (milestone birthdays, wedding, etc.) ever gave me.
You wait and feel two opposites at the same time. You can feel your muscles twitch in anticipation and your body trying to remain motionless as you wait for the gun. The entire race goes through your mind as you wait and imagine whether or not this might be victory.
Now 16 years later, I no longer take any pleasure running and don't even know if my nearly-30-years-old body could manage. I lost interest with track when I broke up with my boyfriend just before summer vacation in 1992.
So why the anxiety of waiting in the runner's block?
See: www.nanowrimo.org
As November fast approaches I prepare my monthly-mental-to-do-list. Nothing interesting; events I will be attending, work related functions, home projects, special occassions. But it's unique and different than any other month because I intend to write a 50,000 + novel by the 30th.
I did it last year. I won last year (polishes Nanowrimo 2008 badge with sleeve). Confident this year...
But instead of 30 days and nights consumed by writing a novel, I am having back surgery. Minus a hospital stay and time heavily medicated by pain releiving drugs, I imagine I might only have 2 1/2 to 3 weeks to work on my novel.
But that's what makes a challenege. Even though you may have been previously successful, or even if you haven't, you find something to improve upon. Raise the bar, set a higher goal, reach for the stars kind of inspiration. If I did it in 30 days last year, I'm going to do it in 23 days this year. If I have 30 days to do it next year, I want to write 60,000 words.
Goals (and people or causes to enforce them) are what we need to avoid procrastination and help us maintain our focus. It's what we do research for, and post on the Nano forums for, and write out notecards and outlines.
One goal. Get ready.
On your mark, get set...
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Testing the Waters
Research
Before you write the first word in your novel, you should begin with research. Research is essential when you are writing historical fiction (as is the case with my novel) and is a valuable tool for any author to have. While you might think research is unnecessary, it can provide fleshy details and further insight that will provide you with the support you need to write a novel full of detail and accuracy. Some authors may research more than others, but they all begin with research.
No idea what your novel is going to be about? Research! Is your story set in a location where you have never been? Research! Need a Hungarian name for your character’s uncle? Research!
Books are my preferred source of information. This helps to ensure that information I am including in my novel is accurate vs. internet browsing which often produces search results ranging from fan pages to out of date information. But the internet also has many sources that you might never find in a bookstore or library. Use your discretion in determining whether or not the information is relevant to you.
And don’t forget that this is your story. If you want all humans to have tails, make it so.
Recommended Sources:
Library of Congress: http://www.loc.gov/library/libarch-digital.html
Wikipedia: http://www.wikipedia.org/
Ask.com: http://www.ask.com/
From Nanowrimo: http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/3263715
Outlining
Have an idea, or a better understanding of an idea, for your novel now? Try outlining. Outlining helps the author map out the progression of their novel. A to-do list. As much or as little detail can be included and your outline can be formatted however you wish.
Sample Outlines:
I. Chapter One
a. Chapter One Synopsis
i. Characters
ii. Setting
II. Chapter Two
a. Chapter Two Synopsis
i. Characters
ii. Setting
OR
- Boy meets girl.
- Girl hates boy.
- Girl falls in love with boy.
- Boy breaks girl’s heart.
There is no right or wrong way to outline. Create and develop one that suits you. Outlines can be totally random thoughts or organized neatly into step by step detailed instructions for you to follow as you write.
Other Samples:
http://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/870156
http://www.rc.net/hvs/mrv/novout.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_2110891_outline-a-novel.html
Character Development Sheets
Knowing and understanding who your characters are is crucial. Don’t underestimate the fact that characters have a mind of their own and are known to misbehave. Yes, they are fictitious, but their interactions with other characters and their reaction to different situations you throw at them cause different characters to behave in different ways. It’s what makes us unique. It’s what makes your characters unique. It is your goal as an author to know more about your characters than the reader ever will.
Character development sheets are another helpful tool. While there is no single format universally accepted, many will include the obvious biographical details and character stats: Name, DOB, birthplace, father’s name, mother’s name, siblings, etc… After the biographical information, most sheets include a list of questions for you to answer about that particular character. How long does your character sleep each night? What is your character afraid of? What is one secret your character hasn’t told their best friend? What does your character do for dinner: where does he eat, what does he eat, who is there?
Some questions seem pointless in answering, but you might be surprised at what you discover and conclude from your study sheet. Try also to avoid answering questions with a simple yes or no. Explain your answers and get the most from your efforts.
Two other character exercises I have done in preparation for Nanowrimo are:
Write a letter from the author to the characters: What do you expect from your characters?
Write a letter from a character to the author: Does your character simply protest, are they happy, or do they demand that you make changes to their role in you story?
Some Sample Character Development Sheets:
http://www.writerswrite.com/journal/jun98/lazy2.htm
http://www.pameladowd.com/Adobe/CharacterDevelopmentChart.PDF
What else?
Repeating what I mentioned in a previous entry, make a schedule and stick to it. Your story doesn’t write itself.
Always write.
And use your discretion when determining what information you find most useful about novel writing. We are all different and what works for one author, might not for a different author.
Happy writing.
Before you write the first word in your novel, you should begin with research. Research is essential when you are writing historical fiction (as is the case with my novel) and is a valuable tool for any author to have. While you might think research is unnecessary, it can provide fleshy details and further insight that will provide you with the support you need to write a novel full of detail and accuracy. Some authors may research more than others, but they all begin with research.
No idea what your novel is going to be about? Research! Is your story set in a location where you have never been? Research! Need a Hungarian name for your character’s uncle? Research!
Books are my preferred source of information. This helps to ensure that information I am including in my novel is accurate vs. internet browsing which often produces search results ranging from fan pages to out of date information. But the internet also has many sources that you might never find in a bookstore or library. Use your discretion in determining whether or not the information is relevant to you.
And don’t forget that this is your story. If you want all humans to have tails, make it so.
Recommended Sources:
Library of Congress: http://www.loc.gov/library/libarch-digital.html
Wikipedia: http://www.wikipedia.org/
Ask.com: http://www.ask.com/
From Nanowrimo: http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/3263715
Outlining
Have an idea, or a better understanding of an idea, for your novel now? Try outlining. Outlining helps the author map out the progression of their novel. A to-do list. As much or as little detail can be included and your outline can be formatted however you wish.
Sample Outlines:
I. Chapter One
a. Chapter One Synopsis
i. Characters
ii. Setting
II. Chapter Two
a. Chapter Two Synopsis
i. Characters
ii. Setting
OR
- Boy meets girl.
- Girl hates boy.
- Girl falls in love with boy.
- Boy breaks girl’s heart.
There is no right or wrong way to outline. Create and develop one that suits you. Outlines can be totally random thoughts or organized neatly into step by step detailed instructions for you to follow as you write.
Other Samples:
http://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/870156
http://www.rc.net/hvs/mrv/novout.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_2110891_outline-a-novel.html
Character Development Sheets
Knowing and understanding who your characters are is crucial. Don’t underestimate the fact that characters have a mind of their own and are known to misbehave. Yes, they are fictitious, but their interactions with other characters and their reaction to different situations you throw at them cause different characters to behave in different ways. It’s what makes us unique. It’s what makes your characters unique. It is your goal as an author to know more about your characters than the reader ever will.
Character development sheets are another helpful tool. While there is no single format universally accepted, many will include the obvious biographical details and character stats: Name, DOB, birthplace, father’s name, mother’s name, siblings, etc… After the biographical information, most sheets include a list of questions for you to answer about that particular character. How long does your character sleep each night? What is your character afraid of? What is one secret your character hasn’t told their best friend? What does your character do for dinner: where does he eat, what does he eat, who is there?
Some questions seem pointless in answering, but you might be surprised at what you discover and conclude from your study sheet. Try also to avoid answering questions with a simple yes or no. Explain your answers and get the most from your efforts.
Two other character exercises I have done in preparation for Nanowrimo are:
Write a letter from the author to the characters: What do you expect from your characters?
Write a letter from a character to the author: Does your character simply protest, are they happy, or do they demand that you make changes to their role in you story?
Some Sample Character Development Sheets:
http://www.writerswrite.com/journal/jun98/lazy2.htm
http://www.pameladowd.com/Adobe/CharacterDevelopmentChart.PDF
What else?
Repeating what I mentioned in a previous entry, make a schedule and stick to it. Your story doesn’t write itself.
Always write.
And use your discretion when determining what information you find most useful about novel writing. We are all different and what works for one author, might not for a different author.
Happy writing.
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