When Research Creeps You Out, Finding Your Story and Other NaNoWriMo Moments...

It's NaNoWriMo - National NOVEL Writing Month!

I love this time of year. The leaves are turning a new shade, falling to the ground, making crunchy steps along the way.

The view outside is beautiful. Only if there wasn't a blank screen staring back at me every time I sit down to write. That's the problem with starting a new project. So long had I spent editing my last novel that I had grown comfortable with the fact that I HAD a whole novel to sit back on.

It was done. I just had to tidy up a bit!

But this. This blank pageness. It's daunting to say the least.

So I research. Set out to find some material to make word love with, hoping we can produce some sort of baby that will find it's way into every breathing moment of my life, begging and urging me to write until, alas, the novel is complete. 

That's what happened with Waiting for Paint to Dry. I HAD to write it. The damn book wouldn't NOT let me not write it. 

The book I'm working on now is one that demands to be written too, only, I first have to do the research needed to make the story grow on it's own.

And the research so far is creeping me out.

Seriously. I've got the heebie geebies and I'd rather fold laundry and scrub toilets than read into this anymore. And I've tried. I've written the first'ish chapter and done some research then retreated to mundane chores that halt all progress hoping it would also halt the thoughts starting in my head.

But it didn't. I needed to know more. And more. More research yesterday. More today. Even more creeped out now!

But I write Women's Fiction, you say. What is creepy about Women's Fiction? Isn't all about the happily ever after and all that sweet lovin' jazz?

Yes. But it's not always so cut and dry, this love and life, is it?

Nor is it bereft of the supernatural.

No. Not vampires. Not witches. No zombies...although I'm a huge Walking Dead fan and I'd follow Daryl  and Carol anywhere (Rick is an idiot).

Supernatural to me is quite natural. Our souls. Our spirits. They reside in all of us and should have a place in our stories just as we are in theirs. When you read Waiting for Paint to Dry, there's a hint of spiritual direction, and not the kind you think. Can't wait for you to read it. Hear what you think of the added element ;)

But I digress.

This book I'm working on and doing the research on isn't the sequel to Waiting for Paint to Dry. That book doesn't need much research, hence I already have the first 3 chapters written and notes on more to come. But I just don't feel a heart at that story yet. Hence I stopped writing it to pick up on this new one. And when I don't feel it for this one I pick up my children's book writing, and then back to the sequel and so on and so forth.

One of these days, one of these stories is about to take off.

But I don't let the blank page keep me from writing. Instead of lamenting about not knowing what to write about on that particular day for that particular story, I just turn to the next one and write there. Or the next. THere's always something to write. Either the sequel, the next novel, some children's poetry, or even this blog.

The key to writing is to WRITE EVERYDAY. No one said WHAT to write. Just write.

Write everyday.

And you'll be a writer.

:)

The Calm Before the Storm... Or Are My Characters Just Sleeping? Starting a New Novel...

All is quiet.

I woke up to the sound of nothing. Not even a hint of anticipation. It's as though the cloud of heightened energy that collects around me - in my mind - right before starting a new project just vanished, without a trace.

No new plot ideas. No characters babbling. Nothing. Just silence.

I wonder if they're just sleeping.

NaNoWriMo starts in just a few days - National Novel Writing Month. I have participated in the past just for fun, always in the middle of a work in progress to actually use the time for what it's intended for: to start a novel and write, during the month of November, 50K words. No editing. No looking back. Just write.

This year I'm ready to hit the 50K summit. I've got the plot set up in my mind (and in my notes). And I've got momentum plenty as this novel is the sequel to the novel I just finished editing, Waiting for Paint to Dry.

The characters are revved up and excited to finish what they've started.

I just hope they wake up in time.

T-5 days to go. 30 days to write 50K words. Oh, and throw in a holiday or two during that time, and it's not as much time as you think. I've spent the past NaNoWriMo's lamenting over the timing of National Novel Writing Month - WHY NOVEMBER?!??! - but this year I'm determined to put aside my whining and just write. 

Who knows? Maybe I'll write 50,000 words and actually win. Maybe I'll write only 30,000 words. Maybe I'll find I don't like where my plot is going and just write a bunch of crap to be scrapped come December 1st. Who knows...

But the point of writing is to just write. Can't be a writer unless you write! So, write I will.

Just wondering where my characters have run off to without me. Don't hear them in my head today....

Fine. Go ahead. Sleep. Get your rest. Enjoy. I'll be working your tired asses off all next month, so you'll need the energy. Get it now while you can...

Yep.

Writers don't just talk to their characters or hear voices, they even write blog posts of threats to them.

;)

How to Write a Novel during NaNoWriMo, IMO...

Ever wonder how that novel idea in your head will ever make it to those illustrious bookshelves of your bookworm heaven? B&N bookstores, Amazon bestseller list, the library bookshelves. Whatever your idea of where all the good books live, have you ever wondered how on Earth YOU are ever going to get YOUR book there?

Aspiring authors and published authors alike have, at least once at the beginning of their careers, have wondered, hoped, dreamed. I do it too. All day long sometimes. But dreaming and hoping and praying only gets you so far, no matter what it is that you wish to do. 

Write a novel. Write a self-help book. Write a children's book series. Whatever your goal, it's not just to get the words on paper. It's to get them published and up onto that shelf of your dreams.

But the main ingredient that some writers forget that will make their dream come true is something that some writers don't have. 

The guts to do it. 

Fear. Doubt. Self condemnation. Call it what you will, but it holds us all back at one point or another. I see it all the time, in people who have high hopes but not a spine to do anything about it with.

"But this... But that..." So many excuses they could write a book on how to keep yourself locked in a perpetual state of motionlessness.

NaNoWriMo - National Novel Writing Month - starts November 1st. NEXT WEEK!!! It's a great time for all those held back by their fear to JUMP IN with both feet and give their guts a real work out. Forget the fear of failure. Forget the doubting monster keeping you locked up in your writing closet. All you have to do to participate is WRITE!

Just write.

No rules. No editing. No grammar gurus lurking in the shadows.

Just write.

NaNoWriMo is all about getting your words onto the page. Period. And the more the merrier. 50K words in a month is the ultimate goal BUT you don't have to hit the highest peak to summit your own fear of starting something great.

10K words in a month. Even 2k words. It'll be more than you have done now, no? Do you have a novel in you? Do you want to write it? Are your characters banging on the door of your imagination, begging to get out?

Then do it! Write till you heart's content. Everyday, make it a task on your To-Do List and do it.

Just write.

IMO - in my opinion - all you have to do is write and you'll make it. You'll start that writing project you've always dreamt about. And you know what? By writing EVERYDAY, even just 10 minutes a day, you'll find strength, confidence, determination.

And you'll create momentum.

By the end of November, you'll have written the beginning of your novel and you won't be able to stop. The story, the characters, they won't let you stop. And neither will your new self - your writer self - let you stop.

So write.

Just write.

And look me up at NaNoWriMo. If ever you need someone to get out and push because you hit a roadblock or your engine won't start that day, I'll push for you! I'll help you combat your writer demons! I've worked long and hard to keep mine locked up tight, so I know how to do it, IMO.

;)

NaNoWriMo Starts Next Week... Are You In?!

In honor of NaNoWriMo, which begins next week, I wanted to take a few lines to try to drive up the excitement that's igniting the air in the writing world. Novel writing world, that is.

NaNoWriMo, for those who are new to it, is National Novel Writing Month. 

A whole month dedicated to getting those words of your story onto the page, screen, notepad...anywhere that gets them out of your head and into written form.  

And it starts November 1st, NEXT WEEK!!! :))) 

The goal of NaNoWriMo is to write 50,000 words in the month of November. You can start a new novel. Continue writing your WIP. Or just start something and see where it takes you, so long as you write 50,000 words by month's end.

How do you write 50,000 words in one month? 

Simple. You just write! And write. And write! Don't stop for edits. Just keep writing! 

At least that's the way most people do it. The whole point is that all first drafts suck. They do, no matter who you are or how great a writer you can be. Even the best of the best admit that their first drafts suck. And who cares if it sucks! It's a first draft! You're not going to publish your first draft, traditional route or self. You'll edit and rewrite and edit and rewrite until it's polished and shined to be worthy of putting your name on the front cover... Unless, of course, you're the author of the unreadable 50 shades of grey and you have no shame... but I digress...

"I'm not a very good writer, but I'm an excellent rewriter." 

~ James Michener

I think this is a great quote to remember and keep in mind as you write and attempt to summit the 50K words in a month goal. Just write. Keep up the momentum. Don't turn back until you hit your daily goal, whatever you set it to be. 

For the past NaNoWriMo's that I've done, I've been working on and through Waiting for Paint to Dry. This year NaNoWriMo just happens to coincide with my starting a new project, so it's kismet, perfect timing, and all that jazz! I'm a mix between a "seater" and a "panster" so I've got some notes and a rough outline done'ish for Caught By The Sun, the second in the Bell Sisters Series. 

I'm so excited to get started and can't wait to meet some new writer buddies to enjoy the ride with.Are you coming too?!

Just remember... even if you only write 5,000 words or 10,000 words come November 30th, it's more than most people ever write! 

The whole point of NaNoWriMo is this: just write :)

So sign up for NaNoWriMo today and find writer buddies to enjoy the ride with!

:) 

What are Body Memories? And How to Heal Them....

Recently I was invited to be a guest blogger at www.survivormanual.com. My superhero, Angela Shelton, asked me to write up an article. And whenever any of your superheros call on you, you answer! And with a smile :)

And a big ol'goofy grin it was. I have so so missed writing. Anything! It was so relaxing, better than a spa relaxing, to get the draft going, run some research, edit, edit and edit again.

And, what do you know? It's NANOMO again!!! :) That's right - National Novel Writing Month. I've participated the last three years and it's been exhilarating, crazy making fun. This year I'm concentrating on getting back into the grove, though. Not over doing it. That's why I was so thankful that cape-wearing Angela Shelton gave me a ring...eh, email ;). Something simple to get the fingers moving again.

Although, body memories are anything but simple.

Check out the article on The Survivor Manual if you get a chance. Pass it along to anyone out there that may benefit from such a great resource.

What If?... Getting in the Mood for NaNoMo!

What if?.... The question gets me in the mood every time.

To write.

Have you ever had this happen to you? You're walking down the street or sitting in a crowded room, watching what's going on, involved in something or other. Just minding your own business. When, all of a sudden, you see or hear something and wonder for a split second...what if?

What if...? You ask yourself. And, in a split second, you mind swirls around this intriguing idea until - BAM! - you've thought of a story idea for a novel. Or that article you need to write. Poem. Whatever your medium.

If that's ever happened to you, or you've been waiting for inspiration, go out and search for it. Or just let it happen. For my first book - Waiting for Paint to Dry - I was in the airport, trying to hurry through security, and all of a sudden I had to ask myself...what if? What if I were a character in a novel and this very thing that is happening to me in real life happened to her? What would her story be? How would she react? What would have happened right before this? After? What if...? And that's how it happened :)

For my next book - Caught by the Sun - even though it's the sequel to Waiting for Paint to Dry, the idea that sparked the story for the second book came from a what if moment in my own life. I was stacking firewood with my husband, got a piece of wood in my eye, he had to get close to help get it out...once out, there were sparks - oh la la ;) - and I thought, hmmm...what if?... and then - BAM! - my next novel idea was born!

Next month is November and I've decided to do NaNoMo - National Novel Writing Month - this year! Yes, I'm still editing novel #1, but I've learned a VERY important lesson in doing so. Don't take too long writing the first draft because editing it to the point of it being perfect to send out to agents takes sooooo long. Writing a novel in a month sounds like the best plan to me. My goal is going to be 50K words. I've never done it before, but I'm excited!

And once November is over, I'm going to put novel #2 aside, and finish my edits for novel #1. When I'm done with that, I'll read through my atrocious first draft that I wrote during NaNoMo and go from there. All first drafts suck. Why not churn it out in a quick, fun way? If you've never NaNoMo'ed before, check it out. We can be writer buddies ;)

Oh, and check out the synopsis I wrote for Caught by the Sun. I'm super proud of it and super exited to get started!

Hope to see you there :)