The Holiday Season approaches, NaNoWriMo comes to a close

Being that it is officially December the stores are finally justified in playing the same Christmas music over and over and over and over, on a loop and National Novel Writing Month comes to a close.

I'm proud to say that this year I won, completed 50, 000 words, which at time proved to be very difficult. But at the same time it was a lot of fun. I learned more about certain characters and their back story by forcing myself to write--unfortunately, lax writing times produced much garbage that will need to be weeded out. Don't expect to see The Complex on shelves any time soon.

Congratulations to all those that succeeded in their writing endeavors and props to all those that tried. Even if you didn't get your entire goal done in November, don't give up, and still give yourself a pat on the back. You did really well by even trying. Not many people would have. So, celebrate!

With November coming to a close and December 1st finally here, the fact that I can no longer complain about Christmas music is saddening. But other than that this month is off to quite a start. Minor crisis aside, this month--well, if you want honesty I have to admit that this month is looking grim, because as no one actually knows, I'm not a fan of Christmas. And especially as December 12th draws ever closer I feel that same sense of complete dread taking root in my gut. 

But other than that I've got some things to look forward to, mainly appointments with my disability specialist, a couple doctors, and a check up with the surgeon. The thing about this is that you're only really excited about doctor's appointments if you're have any sort of chronic pain problem. Of course, at the same time you almost always leave completely effing disappointed, because, guess what! The doctors can't actually fix you. And rarely do they successfully help you. 

I am looking forward to them though because I have been struggling with a lot of stuff and I do believe that this doc will be able to help me in one way or another. Overall I'm feeling positive about this month, I'll be looking into the possibility of resuming my schooling as well, which believe it or not, I actually love. 

In honor of Nation Novel Writing Month coming to a close I've decided to answer the following questions that were sent out by NaNo staff; reflecting on how the month went and what I learned. 

National Novel Writing Month 

Personal Reflection Time

These questions were taken from a letter sent out from the NaNoWriMo staff; So You Participated in NaNoWriMo...; 

What are you most proud of achieving this month?

This month I'm proud of having reached and actually surpassed my goal of 50 000 words. I'm really glad that I decided to stick with it and write every damn day, even though, some day what I wrote was garbage.  

What did you learn about yourself as a writer?

I learned that I get distracted easily when I don't have an outline or a basic goal in mind for each chapter. Yet, it is almost impossible for me to write an outline. I find that it is really hard and very difficult to do, but when done it can help with keeping the novel and I on track as to where everyone is supposed to end up. I already knew that my stories are all character driven and that my characters are mysteries that I uncover. The characters are very life like in the way that they have there own stories but don't necessarily give up all their secrets at once. Some characters ended up surprising me. 

What excites you about this draft of your novel?

This draft of the novel excites me because it isn't finished yet. I reached the goal of 50, 000 words but the book is yet to be finished. I think that this draft, though, a rough copy, has much room for improvement. I believe that I've learned more about this world and these characters as I wrote it, which helps future me when I get to the revising and rewriting stage.

I think what was most important about NaNoWriMo is that I found out I can do it. I can set word goals and write everyday, even when I'm not feeling particularly inspired. I knew beforehand that I would be able to write 50 000 words in a month if I wanted to, but actually following through with it made it knowing I could very different. It was hard but worth it. The reward and satisfaction afterwards is elation, that feeling of awesome accomplishment really sunk that message in.  

Nano Woes

It is November 15 today, November 15. 


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Let that sink in. It is November 15 and Nano is currently kicking *pardon the language* my ass.

Yesterday I maybe wrote 150 words. No joke. That's it. And now today, is almost over and I've only written about 400. This is a problem. A big problem.

I think the majority of my problem with writing today and yesterday is because family stuff has occurred. And that is very distracting, if you have me on Tumblr, you would know more about that situation.

The story is stalling. It was at this great point; Tay was out but life was overwhelming her, now I need introduce her to Rose--this underground organization of sorts, the ones that helped break her out. But I need more information about them, what they do, there day to day life, and not to mention I need more information on Victorian era fashion. And those that know me, know that when it comes to fashion I am not the brightest.

Oh well, in order to inspire some creativity and motivation to just write--no matter how awful the first draft will be, here are some quotes and images via Pinterest.

Quotes 

To Prompt You Into Writing

"Just like our eyes, our hearts have a way of adjusting to the dark" -Adam Stanley

"Write what disturbs you, what you fear, what you have not been willing to speak about. Be willing to be split open." —Natalie Goldberg

NaNoWriMo Week One

I've had a couple rough starts this past week in regards to NaNoWriMo but the last three days of week one actually turned out to be --really-- surprisingly amazing. Though life is really rough lately, my writing, has been better than it has in a long time.

My novel is really moving well, which is a nice surprise considering pacing and plotting have never been my strong suit.

I've reached this point where when I sit down to write I'm desperate to. I'm excited to start and it doesn't take me that long to really get going. My writing has reached a nice synchronicity and I've achieved a perfect flow. The story is working. The characters are working. And I'm learning more about this world and these characters the deeper I get. There is honestly nothing like that feeling you get when your story is coming together *nearly* seamlessly. The only strange thing is that this story is turning out to be something I didn't plan it to be...it's better than I expected.

And I'll be honest, I'm pretty damn proud of the fact that I've not only reached my words/per day goal but that I've actually surpassed it. So hells yeah. I rock.

NaNoWriMo: I already need a break

NaNoWriMo was off to a great-ish start. 

On November 1st at 12:01am I started writing The Complex--stayed up and wrote until I was too tired to go on. 

As you know, I'm writing a novel called The Complex, about a tough girl who has grown up in a prison/mental institution it is going to be a dystopian novel. 

This story is one I've had floating around my head for awhile now so it had been great starting it and fleshing this world out. 

November 1st was great--everything was flowing and moving and everything seemed to turn out just the way I wanted it to...flash forward to now. Everything is a big horrible disaster. 

I'm being over dramatic, sure; it isn't that bad, fine. 

But the story isn't turning out the way I want it to. It isn't flowing smoothly and that bugs me-a lot.

I'm on par with the suggested word count so everything is okay with that--I'm not behind yet, but it took a lot to force myself to write because so far my writing feels stiff and uneven. This world is a complicated one. 

But there will be days like that I'm afraid. 

It's inevitable. 

I already want a break. 

And another coffee. 

For now, I'll settle for going over to a family friend's house for a 'beading' party and a glass of wine.  

So how about you? How is your novel going?? 

Last but not least I bring to you some pictures and quotes from all over the internet to help you stay inspired. 

NaNoWriMo: The Complex

In the spirit of November I have decided to share the story I will be working on for National Novel Writing Month. 

The Complex

Synopsis

Tay has been stuck in The Complex her entire life. She was born there. And at eighteen, unless she escapes, she will be stuck there--mindless, her entire life as a nursemaid--lobotomized, taking care of other people deemed unfit for society. 

Help comes in an unexpected place when she begins receiving notes on how and when she needs to escape, there is a group outside the armored walls of the complex that want her. 

She has no idea why, she doesn't actually care--she'll accept there help until she's out--and then she'll ditch them, and run. 

Things don't go as planned when she realizes that ditching them is impossible--they'll let her go, sure. But she'll be found within three seconds. Somehow this strange group of rag-tag comrades have the ability and desire to keep her from being locked up back in the Complex. 

She learns the truth about the city, the people, and the government that controls all as she is exposed to the darkest depths of the city. 

Yet, even as she realizes the darkness and despair of the city, she soon realizes that not all is as it seems. And the people she is forced to trust, turn their back on her, smiling. 

Genre; Dystopian with scifi themes

Goodreads and NaNoWriMo

Today this post comes to you in two parts 

Part One: The Goodreads Reading Challenge 

If you do not know what the Goodreads Book Challenge is here is the basic run-down. It is a challenge/goal that you set for yourself regarding how many book you are going to read in the following year. When you join Goodreads you have the option of setting your a goal as to how many books/novels you are going to read in the coming year. If you are an avid reader and active Goodreads user or a giant dork like me, you will know that this challenge/goal can be both very fun but very stressful. As, I do not like not-meeting my goals.

For the past two years I have become an active user and for the two years I have set a seemingly attainable goal of 101 books. Yet, last year when trying read about 107 books I fell short and failed to reach my goal.
It was very sad. 

I, apparently, way over estimated the amount I read. Also, did not think to include textbooks in my profile. 

And this year, according to stupid goodreads, grrr, I am 45 books behind my goal. 

That, you see, is very frustrating for me. As stated, I do not like not reaching my goals. 

Failure seems to be mounting every day. Why is that? I love reading, I adore it. 

Here are my excuses. 

-I had surgery on my wrist--this excuse is valid in my opinion, I fell behind in reading because I could not exactly pick up a book without some difficulty--so fine, I give myself a 'pass' for that one

-Personal problems are vast and are yet unresolved--life my friends is complicated 

-I've changed what I read--I've been reading more classics and books that are more complicated-- some involve doing work

-Some books, specifically Self Improvement books, I don't add to my Goodreads profile  

-By putting so much emphasis on reaching that goal I often stress about it

-And, admittedly, I probably watch too much TV 

The thing is for awhile there I kind of forgot that really it should only be about the quality of what I read rather than putting so much emphasis on the quantity of novels I read...

Of course, I am still somewhat determined to reach that goal. But I am thinking that next year I will rethink adding a number to the Goodreads challenge. It is kind of stressful, logging on to see those big old reminders that 'I AM 45 BOOKS BEHIND' 

So what is there to do? Reading marathon or actually step outside of my house...?
Blah.

Part Two

NaNoWriMo: To write or not to write

If you knew me you would know that really the only thing in life I want to do is write stories that touch and inspire and help people. So Nanowrimo is always a great opportunity for us lovers of words to sit down and write a novel. I have participated in it three times--won twice, lost once. Two years ago for example I met my goal of writing a 50, 000 word contemporary story. This year for some reason, now that I have time to participate, I suddenly felt wary and anxious of doing so. But mainly because this idea that has been floating around in my head is kind of a big one. One I think could actually be pretty great.    

I have been wrestling with making a decision about participating in NaNoWriMo for the past three weeks. Should I do it, should I not. Of course a myriad of excuses had come to my mind as to why I should not do it. I would not be able to keep up--I would end up falling behind in the work I have to do, ect, ect. But I managed to banish them. They were all pretty lame excuses anyways with a very flimsy foundation to begin with. All that is left now is that desire to write. But as well as that, lingering under the surface, I still feel that apprehension that is sort of like fear.

What if I fail? 

What if I get half way through this story and have no idea what to do next? 

What if it is a total disaster!

All those thoughts I believe are completely normal. But they are all just reasons why I have to do it--who knows, maybe this novel I am going to write will be a total disaster the thing is I will not know until I try! And National Novel Writing Month is the PERFECT opportunity to try my hand at writing a novel. God knows, I have the time. 

For all those with similar feelings, rejoice!
For you are not alone. 

There are things you can do to silence those nagging questions or worries. Creating a basic outline of the story, get to know your characters a little better, highlight key points, important moments, things that have to happen in order for the story to move forward. In other words, PREPARE! 

I believe though, that no matter what stage of your writing career you are at it will always be scary to write or start a new story, because at least in my case, writing is a personal thing. You create worlds out of your head, after all, it doesn't get much more personal than that. You usually have to understand life in order to bring a character to life. You will always have that fear that you will fail or let people down. It is just apart of being human, though.

Something else that can be done and something I do quite often is search for inspiration. Inspiration can come on a walk, in the shower, at night or in reading. Quotes from other writers or painters or musicians are some of the best ways to stay inspired. 

So this NaNoWriMo I am going to be writing a novel called The Complex. I invite you to share your experiences and your stories in the upcoming month, and I encourage you to WRITE WITH ABANDON. WRITE YOUR STORY, DEAR READERS, AND I WILL WRITE MINE. 

I wish you a safe journey into the uncharted territory that is the beginning of a new story.  

NANOWRIMO

Alright everyone do you know what time it is?

Writing time!

It is National Novel Writing Month!

Have you signed up already? How many words have you got so far? 

I've got about 800, not too many, not as much as I'd like, but it is only just beginning. 

Overall this year it is estimated that 250, 000 writers will be participating in NaNoWriMo. This is one of the best and most fun writers have all year--not to mention, most stressful. 

NaNoWriMo for those of you who don't know what it is, is a program that helps you get inspired to write. Many people want to write a book--they have something to say, or somewhere to show you, but many of them just don't know how to start. So that is why NaNoWriMo was created. To help you get started. 

Many of the people who praticipated in this workshop have gone on to become best sellers, so buckle up and write.

Are you participating this year? 

If so drop me a line, or share you trails and triumphs online at NaNoWriMo.org. 

Seriously, you should do it. It is awesome.