NaNoWriMo WrapUp
As the National Novel Writing Month closes, I thought I’d fill you in on my progress. I managed to write what I call a test draft for this novel in sixteen days, so I spent the whole month of November, and a tad of October, running through making edits and revisions based on how I thought the story needed to develop. I removed several scenes, changed a major plot and added nearly 10k words. It wasn’t as easy as it sounds. This story has already caused me anxiety, stress and frustration and it’s barely off the ground, so to speak.
However, now that the month is practically over, I have a novel I feel is in a nice first draft form, ready and waiting for betas.
I do have a secret for how this tale came so easily to me, though. I spent years thinking about this concept. And a solid few months developing ideas and characters and so forth before ever writing a single word. Sure, a lot changed as I wrote and some characters surprised me, but more or less, it was what I had envisioned for quite a while.
By not forcing it to happen when it wasn’t ready, say a few years back, or even a year ago, I was able to slip into the character and her world each day and knock out an average of 4k a day. Yup, that’s right. Granted, my editing was much slower and more tedious, but ultimately I came away with a draft I’m happy with and very proud of. Stay tuned for more updates!
A Thankful Writer
This week’s post will be giving thanks to everyone who has helped me in the past year and what I am most thankful for as the beloved American tradition of stuffing our faces rolls around again.
First of all, I am thankful for my wonderful family and friends that put up with endless hours of me talking about my story ideas and plans. They also endure the clicking of my computer keys on a daily basis which if its not music to your ears, must be annoying xP Love you all!
Thanks to my greatest critique buddy, Margaret Alexander who has read everything I’ve ever produced, crap or otherwise. She’s grounded me when I’ve gone off the edge and kindly tagged me in many awards. Her awesome urban fantasy thriller is about to be released, get it on your TBR list!
Another writerly friend I’m thankful for is Summer Heacock who was there when I needed someone to go over pitches with or a shoulder to cry on about the publishing business. And lookie lookie who got signed by an agent 😉
My slew of great blog supporters, Clare, Ruth and Nicole! Kat who was an awesome guest blogger. All of my blog and twitter followers! Each and every one of the twitwits who have helped hone my query and contest entries over the past few months and brought a sense of comraderie to an otherwise individual sport.
I’m thankful for the wonderful job oppotunity I have with Lisa Tener, who by the way, is an award winning book writing coach for any and all nonfiction writers out there. Check her out!
Most of all I am thankful for having such loving people in my life and being able to share my stories with them and others. Happy Thanksgiving!
The Next Big Thing Blog Hop
I was tagged by Clare M Davidson and Margaret Alexander and perhaps some others (so feel free to remind me) to do this blog hop. I thought it would be a perfect NaNo update to let you all know more about my new project! Here we go!
What is the working title of your book? It’s currently a whole jumble of things so Untitled xP
Where did the idea come from for the book? A college class where we were asked about how the world would be different if history had gone in another direction. Clearly I need to thank school for educating me and allowing me time to daydream about wip ideas…
What genre does your book fall under? YA Alt History Mystery! Or Thriller.
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition? Uhm, I dunno. I skipped this last time and I think I’ll skip it again. But I do have a fondness for Emma Stone as my MC.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? In a world where the colonists lost the revolutionary war and the British Empire expanded, a group of teenage citizens are drawn to participate in a celebratory contest for the Queen’s 50th Jubilee and discover there’s more to the contest than meets the eye.
Yeah…it needs work…lol
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency? I’ve heard good rumbling from the agent world for YA Mystery or Thrillers so I’m going to try my luck there again.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? *blushes* 16 days. BUT I am currently using NaNo to put it all together and will take several beta rounds before I feel like it’s a solid story.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? I don’t actually know of many Alt Histories so it’s something I’m currently investigating.
Who or What inspired you to write this book? I guess my Professor inspired me to write it with her question.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? There’s a steampunk background, swoony romance and sherlock holmes style mystery!
Yay! Since I’m late posting this (was tagged weeks ago), I think I will open up the tagging to whoever would like to post about their NaNo wip!
Trick Or Treat?
Writing is a scary business. If you’re not terrified of the idea of writing a story, having others read it and then trying to get it published, you must be a zombie. When you really think about it, the act of writing is like year-round Halloween. It’s also like the Olympics, but that’s another post entirely. The terrifying tasks writers face are either a trick or a treat, but how do you know which witch is which?
New Ideas—Treat! Having an idea grow inside of you and demand to be set free is definitely a positive step for any writer.
Writer’s Block—Trick…The dreaded writer’s block is a horrific crime on creativity. Blocks only serve to burden writers and set them back. They can be defeated though.
Finishing a Draft—Treat! When you’ve completed the winding maze and strung your web of tales together, the feeling of accomplishment and pride is hard to ignore.
Editing—Trick…Changing your story, or cleaning up the text can be a riddle on your brain and send a chill down your spine like a phantom haunting your every waking moment.
Betas—Treat! Fresh meat sent to slaughter…I mean, new readers are a freakishly good thing. New perspectives, opinions and ideas can help give your story heart.
Queries/Contests—Trick…or Treat! Contests and queries are a dark and cloudy road, but those who choose to brave the terror trail could be greatly rewarded.
Publication—Treat! If you self-publish or go traditional, finally reaching your goal is enough to make you howl like a werewolf at a full moon! The spooky journey has come to an end, unless, you come up with a tantalizing new idea…
…And then, the horror and wonderment can begin again…
Pitch Wars Mentee 2014
Awards
