Pumped Up Kicks - Foster The People
Ah, Tuesdays, update day! Well, first things first then! The new beginning that I added worked out nicely, so nicely that I only had to do a few changes to the old beginning to weave it into my novel. Of course I will have to rewrite most of it to flow a little better, but that is for my second draft/edit, whichever you want to call it. So that brings my shiny word count to 13519. I feel this is good considering everything that has been forced onto my back this month. I have barely been around my computer for practically the first three weeks, then I bought a netbook. And now, even though I have this cute little netbook, I have about 10 minutes to myself before something demands my attention throughout the day. I also have my college courses to complete, and just last week we were issued our final projects, so that has taken a lot of time away from my novel also. Though, no excuses, I will finish this one, partly because I can see the map of it in my head, and partly because I am so sick of not being able to finish one, even though I've probably started a few hundred. Shitty that I keep putting one of my dreams on hold like that, but I feel like it just wasn't meant to be, maybe some space and time dimensional God felt like I wasn't ready, but regardless if that God wants me to finish or not now, I want to!
Second off, I would love to thank Elizabeth Poole and Charity Bradford for creating the Birth of a Novel. I have meet some wonderful people that I am happy to have met. (I know we still have one more Tuesday, but just in case someone doesn't read it next week, I want to make sure they read it now!)
Thirdly, I have some pretty exciting ideas for my blog which I will be implementing come December. I will keep the update Tuesday thing going, simply because I like this, it's a kick in the pants to get out to the world that I will not be quitting. A great way to keep motivated even if in your head your not. I will also continue with the whole NaNo mindset of quantity over quality while writing. I read somewhere that the first draft is just about the creative process, getting your story out; adding description, depth, and your inner editor to your novel is what the editing process is about. I've taken that advice when I wrote for a paycheck, and it still rings true to this day. More to come on what I have planned for my blog probably next week sometime.
I thank you for reading, and I hope everyone has a great week novelizing/blogging!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Get your head out of the mud, baby. Put flowers in the mud, baby
- U2, Zooropa
I sorta have this time thing going now, well really it's me getting used to the new found changes in my life. Unfortunately, I also haven't found much time to write, but I think that is the least of my problems at this point. My homework is done for the week, (and looks like my next chapter due is Nov. 29th)which will leave me a full (well almost full) two weeks of straight concentrating on writing. Granted I still have someone that requires most of my attention during the day and into the early night, I still can write while she's sleeping or watching television.
As far as writing goes, I maybe typed a few hundred words over the course of last week, due to homework and things, so it wasn't a great week my no means for the novel. I finally invested in a small little netbook. (And when I say little, I mean tiny tiny!) Though it does the job. I thought I would have troubles typing on it because it is so small, but I actually like it, though if my fingernails grow any longer, we might have a problem. (Nothing that a nail clippers couldn't fix though)
On to my story...Well, what can I say. It's basically the second week finished, and I am really feeling the self doubt. Granted I haven't written that much, what I do have down is crap. It is flat, unexciting and going really slow. At around 7,000 words, I'm still on chapter 1, with almost no plot happening and seems like we are just following my main character around in her daily life. (I started like this to give a bit of back story, but who likes back story or who even cares about someone they really do not know. Also, not really working on it almost all of last week, really gave me time to think about it. And I really don't like it, I think I would have put it down within the second or third page or so, and for me that's a lot because I usually give a book the first chapter, than if I'm still not interested, I will put it down. Quite frankly, its boring.
So what should I do? I decided that I'm just going to start over. Last week, I had a little bit of time before I went to bed, (actually, I couldn't sleep) so I started plugging away at the keys and I think I have a better start. Is it perfect? No, it is only the first draft, but it is a lot better than the previous start. I wouldn't mind giving more details, but I think I'm just writing for speed right now trying to meet some deadline for NaNo. If it turns out to be semi-decent, then I will rewrite it, and edit the crap out of it.
With the help of my new little computer, and the slack of school over these next two weeks, I hope I will have enough time to type away and maybe catch up? I know that is a tall order! 25,000 words are supposed to be done by today, and that is definitely not happening! I guess I could somewhat cheat, and add the previous start to the one I have now, but I would know I didn't do it, but I did type those words in the time frame given, so we'll see.
Good luck to my fellow NaNoians! I hope everything is going smoothly for you and I can't wait to read your updates!
I sorta have this time thing going now, well really it's me getting used to the new found changes in my life. Unfortunately, I also haven't found much time to write, but I think that is the least of my problems at this point. My homework is done for the week, (and looks like my next chapter due is Nov. 29th)which will leave me a full (well almost full) two weeks of straight concentrating on writing. Granted I still have someone that requires most of my attention during the day and into the early night, I still can write while she's sleeping or watching television.
As far as writing goes, I maybe typed a few hundred words over the course of last week, due to homework and things, so it wasn't a great week my no means for the novel. I finally invested in a small little netbook. (And when I say little, I mean tiny tiny!) Though it does the job. I thought I would have troubles typing on it because it is so small, but I actually like it, though if my fingernails grow any longer, we might have a problem. (Nothing that a nail clippers couldn't fix though)
On to my story...Well, what can I say. It's basically the second week finished, and I am really feeling the self doubt. Granted I haven't written that much, what I do have down is crap. It is flat, unexciting and going really slow. At around 7,000 words, I'm still on chapter 1, with almost no plot happening and seems like we are just following my main character around in her daily life. (I started like this to give a bit of back story, but who likes back story or who even cares about someone they really do not know. Also, not really working on it almost all of last week, really gave me time to think about it. And I really don't like it, I think I would have put it down within the second or third page or so, and for me that's a lot because I usually give a book the first chapter, than if I'm still not interested, I will put it down. Quite frankly, its boring.
So what should I do? I decided that I'm just going to start over. Last week, I had a little bit of time before I went to bed, (actually, I couldn't sleep) so I started plugging away at the keys and I think I have a better start. Is it perfect? No, it is only the first draft, but it is a lot better than the previous start. I wouldn't mind giving more details, but I think I'm just writing for speed right now trying to meet some deadline for NaNo. If it turns out to be semi-decent, then I will rewrite it, and edit the crap out of it.
With the help of my new little computer, and the slack of school over these next two weeks, I hope I will have enough time to type away and maybe catch up? I know that is a tall order! 25,000 words are supposed to be done by today, and that is definitely not happening! I guess I could somewhat cheat, and add the previous start to the one I have now, but I would know I didn't do it, but I did type those words in the time frame given, so we'll see.
Good luck to my fellow NaNoians! I hope everything is going smoothly for you and I can't wait to read your updates!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
What Seemed All Unknowing And Candid
The Age Of The Understatement - The Last Shadow Puppets
Well, this week has been less than stellar for me, someone that I care about deeply went into the hospital and now I am currently taking care of her from the time that I wake up to the time I fall asleep. I'm so very happy that she is still with us, but that also means, I can barely get anything done in terms of writing. (Only time I can write is when she is sleeping and only after I finish my homework, which I haven't done this week yet. No worries though, it's not due until Sunday)
I'm lucky I am actually updating the blog, though I will be falling asleep pretty soon; waking up at 3:30AM will do that to a person. I will have more time on Sunday because someone else will be watching her, which hopefully I will read everyone that is involved with the Birth of a Novel's blog, and leaving comments of encouragement like so many have done for me! (I am also hoping that I get in a few hours of writing Sunday also, I really have no idea how parents do this, time management is quite hard!)
Before Sunday hits, and for all of you out there reading this, I hope your novels are going as smooth as butter (butter that is room temperature that is, if its refrigerated, that stuff is pretty hard!) And hopefully, I will be reading your blog in no time! Happy noveling NaNoians!
Well, this week has been less than stellar for me, someone that I care about deeply went into the hospital and now I am currently taking care of her from the time that I wake up to the time I fall asleep. I'm so very happy that she is still with us, but that also means, I can barely get anything done in terms of writing. (Only time I can write is when she is sleeping and only after I finish my homework, which I haven't done this week yet. No worries though, it's not due until Sunday)
I'm lucky I am actually updating the blog, though I will be falling asleep pretty soon; waking up at 3:30AM will do that to a person. I will have more time on Sunday because someone else will be watching her, which hopefully I will read everyone that is involved with the Birth of a Novel's blog, and leaving comments of encouragement like so many have done for me! (I am also hoping that I get in a few hours of writing Sunday also, I really have no idea how parents do this, time management is quite hard!)
Before Sunday hits, and for all of you out there reading this, I hope your novels are going as smooth as butter (butter that is room temperature that is, if its refrigerated, that stuff is pretty hard!) And hopefully, I will be reading your blog in no time! Happy noveling NaNoians!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Here You Are, You Are Breathing Life In A Ghost Under Rocks Like Notes...
Ghost Under Rocks - Ra Ra Riot
Well, After one of the worst days of my life that involved Paramedics, hospitals and a surgery, I am happy to announce it seems (as of right now) everything is going to be fine! (Actually, they are expecting it to be better than before which is even better news) Though it was really scary! That being said I did not do to much writing on my novel yesterday. When I did try, my mind kept wondering to what was going on, and it was totally hard to concentrate, so I took the day off. I didn't want to, I thought I had a pretty good start and I didn't want to lose that momentum, though I suppose that is one of the reasons why we work ahead, so if an emergency comes up or if we have some plans we simply cannot miss, it will be ok because we are ahead.
That being said, my novel is coming along alright. I'm still on the first chapter though. I have a good "cliff hanger" to transition into Chapter 2, though I fear it might be to far into the story. (My stupid inner editor talking, I told him to go on vacation for the month, but I suppose he loves his job too much, maybe I should have told him it was mandatory!) And the more that I think about the story, the more little scenes I see in my head which is fantastic to say the least. I hate those stories that I start writing and get absolutely no scenes in my head after I start writing it. It creates a dull, lack-luster few chapters in which I give up. (I also don't like it when my mind thinks of too many "scenes" and the book starts feeling crowded) Maybe after NaNo, I will post some helpful tips on how I combat either problem! *Makes mental note*
Well, I'm going to start writing my novel now; now that I know everything is going to be fine and my mind doesn't have to think about that anymore. Happy noveling!
Well, After one of the worst days of my life that involved Paramedics, hospitals and a surgery, I am happy to announce it seems (as of right now) everything is going to be fine! (Actually, they are expecting it to be better than before which is even better news) Though it was really scary! That being said I did not do to much writing on my novel yesterday. When I did try, my mind kept wondering to what was going on, and it was totally hard to concentrate, so I took the day off. I didn't want to, I thought I had a pretty good start and I didn't want to lose that momentum, though I suppose that is one of the reasons why we work ahead, so if an emergency comes up or if we have some plans we simply cannot miss, it will be ok because we are ahead.
That being said, my novel is coming along alright. I'm still on the first chapter though. I have a good "cliff hanger" to transition into Chapter 2, though I fear it might be to far into the story. (My stupid inner editor talking, I told him to go on vacation for the month, but I suppose he loves his job too much, maybe I should have told him it was mandatory!) And the more that I think about the story, the more little scenes I see in my head which is fantastic to say the least. I hate those stories that I start writing and get absolutely no scenes in my head after I start writing it. It creates a dull, lack-luster few chapters in which I give up. (I also don't like it when my mind thinks of too many "scenes" and the book starts feeling crowded) Maybe after NaNo, I will post some helpful tips on how I combat either problem! *Makes mental note*
Well, I'm going to start writing my novel now; now that I know everything is going to be fine and my mind doesn't have to think about that anymore. Happy noveling!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Everyone's So Focus Clearly With Such Shine
- Lazy Eye by Silversun Pickups
Hello fellow NaNoians!
I thought that title was appropriate tonight. Considering the last post received a comment about liking the Silversun Pickups and the song is great. Plus with the start of NaNoWriMo I believe everyone is focused clearly with their shiny new novels.
Today I didn't know when post, being its the first day of NaNo which just happened to land on a Tuesday. Tuesday is the update day for Birth of a Novel Blog Chain (ran by Charity Bradford, and Elizabeth Poole.) I was busy writing all morning hitting 2,000 words even before lunch. Then life happens, and I couldn't get back to writing until after dinner, but here's the twist, I took a nap. And this wasn't some "I'm going to lay down for little while" nap, oh no, this was an epic nap sleeping over four hours! (I guess my body just needed it) I will get back to writing more tonight (I'm a well versed night-owl) though I did want to update the blog with my word count. (I also have two quizzes for school to take, but they are not due until Thursday, but I feel the sooner I get them done, the better)
Tonight I will give you a small synopsis (though a lot still needs to be worked out) of the story I'm writing. It's going along fairly good, with little to no speed bumps.
It's about a woman, Justine, that that lost her child three years ago. "He" (I haven't figured out a name for him yet) was kidnapped and murdered. During the time "he" was missing, her marriage broke apart having both parties involved blame each other. Now she's bitter, afraid to love, and wanting her revenge. Only one little thing about that is the killer committed suicide when he was on trial. Can she learn to forgive the killer? Can she accept that her son was killed? And can she learn to love again and find the happiness she so truly deserves?
I haven't figured out the answers yet, (or even a title for that matter) but I feel that is a good start. Of course there is a twist (or two) with her journey. As you can see it is a very character driven plot but I'm more comfortable with those types of stories. Usually with external conflicts I feel that I lose some of the story, starts being something other than what it was supposed to be, something I didn't intent and I'm not sure why.
Well, I'm going to fight my mind by taking my quizzes, than get back to the thing I really enjoy, writing. Happy noveling everyone =)
Hello fellow NaNoians!
I thought that title was appropriate tonight. Considering the last post received a comment about liking the Silversun Pickups and the song is great. Plus with the start of NaNoWriMo I believe everyone is focused clearly with their shiny new novels.
Today I didn't know when post, being its the first day of NaNo which just happened to land on a Tuesday. Tuesday is the update day for Birth of a Novel Blog Chain (ran by Charity Bradford, and Elizabeth Poole.) I was busy writing all morning hitting 2,000 words even before lunch. Then life happens, and I couldn't get back to writing until after dinner, but here's the twist, I took a nap. And this wasn't some "I'm going to lay down for little while" nap, oh no, this was an epic nap sleeping over four hours! (I guess my body just needed it) I will get back to writing more tonight (I'm a well versed night-owl) though I did want to update the blog with my word count. (I also have two quizzes for school to take, but they are not due until Thursday, but I feel the sooner I get them done, the better)
Tonight I will give you a small synopsis (though a lot still needs to be worked out) of the story I'm writing. It's going along fairly good, with little to no speed bumps.
It's about a woman, Justine, that that lost her child three years ago. "He" (I haven't figured out a name for him yet) was kidnapped and murdered. During the time "he" was missing, her marriage broke apart having both parties involved blame each other. Now she's bitter, afraid to love, and wanting her revenge. Only one little thing about that is the killer committed suicide when he was on trial. Can she learn to forgive the killer? Can she accept that her son was killed? And can she learn to love again and find the happiness she so truly deserves?
I haven't figured out the answers yet, (or even a title for that matter) but I feel that is a good start. Of course there is a twist (or two) with her journey. As you can see it is a very character driven plot but I'm more comfortable with those types of stories. Usually with external conflicts I feel that I lose some of the story, starts being something other than what it was supposed to be, something I didn't intent and I'm not sure why.
Well, I'm going to fight my mind by taking my quizzes, than get back to the thing I really enjoy, writing. Happy noveling everyone =)
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