Hiatus from Writing....

After a lot of internal discussion, I have decided to take what I hope is a temporary hiatus from writing. Writing should be fun and lately it has seemed to be a chore.

I need to find the balance again, but right now there are so many things to do and experience here in Ecuador. Things that I have been passing up to keep writing.

I have dropped out of NaNoWriMo. I will still blog from time to time, I especially like doing the Monday Motivation posts for others to enjoy. I may dabble in some flash fiction again.

But for now...novel writing is on hold. I hope my readers understand. I appreciate you all.

#IWSG for November: Writing, writing, writing

Where did the summer go? I'm astounded that another month has passed and it's time for a new IWSG post.

My calendar for November is locked in so the theme for this month's Insecure Writer's Support Group is WRITING, WRITING, WRITING. [snerk]

I've signed up for NaNoWriMo again! For those that don't know, that is National Novel Writing Month.

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to creative writing. On November 1, participants begin working towards the goal of writing a 50,000-word novel by 11:59 PM on November 30.

I participated twice in 2012 - during August for Camp NaNoWriMo and again in November. My first two novels had most of their first drafts during those months.

So in an attempt to FINALLY get book three in my Klondike Mystery Series, "Almost a Touch", I've signed up this year. My goal is to write a minimum of 2500 words on twenty of the thirty days. You can watch my progress bar in the blog sidebar to see how well I am doing.

In addition, my plan is to walk to a local cafe/restaurant that has wifi to do my writing. I find I have too many distractions when at home, plus this will help me get some exercise into each day.

So, email replies may be delayed; Twitter and Facebook will fall to the background; NaNo and my hubby will be my first priorities while I WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!

National Novel Writing Month - 2014 #NaNo

I'm afraid my blogging will be light this month because I am doing NaNoWriMo again. My first year was 2012 and I did both Camp NaNo and regular NaNo (August & November). The result? Two books eventually published. I missed doing 2013 because of travel and moving to Ecuador.

It's time to get book three in my Klondike Mystery series written and this will give me the push I need to get started. "Almost a Touch" starts at the same time as the events in book two, "Barely a Spark", and then continues. Several of the characters from Klondike, PA are included but the main setting is in Kalispell, MT.

NaNo starts on November first and to be a winner you have to have written 50k words by the end of the month. I finally got started yesterday and have a whole 1250 words written, won't get much done this week due to seeing friends but by this weekend, I should be BIC HOK TAM (Butt in Chair, Hands on Keyboard, Typing Away Madly).

So, please continue to drop in from time to time to see my Monday Motivation posts (here is the latest) as well as check on my progress using the sidebar widget for NaNo.

Oh, and if you haven't read any of my Klondike Mysteries, maybe it's time to try book one, "Not a Whisper" - currently the price is reduced to just $2.99!

Indelibles Indie Life for November

This my November post for monthly support group sponsored by The Indelibles, called Indie Life. We get to post anything we want in support of other independent authors.

#NaNoWriMo
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A lot of my writing friends are busy participating in NaNoWriMo and I actually feel left out. So I've been visiting the Facebook support group for NaNo'ers and offering support where I can. I did two NaNo's last year and produced two books. Right now I'm just too busy with personal things to even attempt writing but I hope to jump in again with Camp NaNo next summer. 

I've always worked better with a goal and a deadline and NaNo provides just that. Write 50k words in a month. It's actually easier than it sounds. My first NaNo, I had a dead body - a location setting - a few characters. That was it. I didn't even know who the killer was and while writing the book, the killer changed three times. LOL! I ended at at 52k at the end of the month; the story wasn't complete but I had survived Camp NaNo AND had most of my first novel written.

The other thing that happened during NaNo was the discovery that I could be a pantster, that I didn't have to be a plotter. This was counter to everything I've ever done but it was freeing; it really boosted my creativity.

Do you work better with deadlines? Are you a plotter or pantster? Would you ever or have you ever tried doing the opposite?

NaNoWriMo's Facebook Writing Prompt

I noticed a post from NaNoWriMo in my Facebook feed. Today's writing prompt: take the first line of the Facebook status directly below this one, and use it as the opening to a super short story here in our comments. (Minor changes in the name of privacy permitted.)

Here is my flash story that I wrote off the cuff, without editing. Enjoy! [Thanks to my friend, Betty, who's status, shown in bold, was used.]

"Saw a few flakes just a bit ago. Snowflakes, that is." I can't remember the last time I saw some, well, other than on TV or a movie. I take a sip of tea and warm my hands as my mind floats back to around age five.

"Daddy, look at the snow. Isn't it gorgeous?"

"Yes, baby. Just beautiful. Give me a kiss before I go to work."

I set the cup down before my tears turn the tea salty. That was the last time I saw my father alive. My brother and I moved with our mom to our grandparents in Arizona. Seeing snow falling here in Tucson gave me a sense of comfort; almost like my dad was saying hello.

The Next Big Thing

During NaNoWriMo I was nominated to blog about The Next Big Thing by Sydney Aaliyah. I have to answer a set of questions about a work in progress. I chose my NaNoWriMo novel, "Home Again". Hope you enjoy it.

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What is the title of your Work in Progress?
Home Again

Where did the idea come from for the book?
Over ten years ago I wrote a short story in hopes of submitting it to women's magazines. When I got back into fiction writing in early 2012, I found this on my computer. I updated the story and self-published it on Amazon. The title was 'Lost and Found'. My readers kept telling me that I needed to expand the story. So I did!

What genre does your book fall under?
Contemporary romance

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Hmmm, good question. Here are my picks.
The female lead, Sarah, would be Amanda Seyfried
The male lead, Carl, would be Channing Tatum or Chris Pine
The supporting female, Nancy, would be Kelly Clarkson or Brooke Elliott
The supporting male, Dale, would be Chace Crawford

What is a one-sentence synopsis of the book?
Unemployment, an ex-husband, old friends and a tornado stir things up as Sarah tries to go home again.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
Definitely self-published.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
This is was NaNoWriMo project and I spent twelve actual days on the first draft. Phew! Not a long book with the draft being just over 50k words.

What other books would you compare this story to in your genre?
Going to have to pass on this one, it's been too long since I've had time to read.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?
Definitely the readers of my short story, Lost and Found. Once I started, the story grew in scope quickly, taking on a life of its own.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
Single mom, leaves the big city to return to life in the country. What does she find? Good friends, strong relationships, family values and some romance along the way.

Here are my five author nominations, all NaNoWriMo participants:

• Angela Goff
• Laura James
• Kern Windwraith
• Lisa Shambrook
• Miranda Gammella

#NaNoWriMo Update....a new month, a new location....

For those who have followed my blog for a while, you know I participated in Camp NaNoWriMo in August. Slow and steady was my mantra as shown by the stats below.

[click for larger image]

Here are my stats for November and NaNoWriMo, you can see I met my goal by the middle of the month. I'm not sure if it was because this story needed less research, I had less interruptions (ie; more days spent at McDonald's) or I'm getting faster through practice.

[click for larger image]

But once again, I am a NaNo winner. Will I do it again? Not sure, right now I'd say no but when June rolls around and it's Camp NaNo time again, who knows? For now I will be busy editing both projects, "Not a Whisper", my Camp NaNo mystery, and "Home Again", my NaNo contemporary romance. This is more commonly known as EDIT HELL. LOL!

The other news is that this will be the last blog entry on this blog location. My new blog (where you will still find all the old posts) will be located on my website, HERE. Be sure to change your BOOKMARK, use the FOLLOW ME links and/or use the SUBSCRIBE BY EMAIL link for the new blog. I'd hate to  so you don't miss any posts!


         

#NaNWriMo Interview: Racquel Kechagias

Is this your first year doing NaNoWriMo?
No

How many times have you done it and have you won?
This is my second year doing Nanowrimo. I did not win last year as I had started a job about the same time and it was difficult to manage doing both.

What is the best tip you can give to a first-time NaNo'er?
The best tip that I can give to a first-time Nano'er is re-read if you are struggling and to never stop asking questions. Whether on a facebook page/group or on the Nano-forums, there are always people willing to help you with your story no matter at what point your stuck at!

Got anything you'd like to tell us about this years project?
I was going to go with my second novel in a three-part series for this years Nano however since I didn't have time to plan it, I'm pulling out two very old short stories of mine 'The Fairy Games' and 'Miss Underworlds Journey'.

Got anything else you'd like to share?
If you're not struggling my best tip is just keep writing and don't stop!

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I've been an amateur writer for several years now, my pursuit in this career dating back to 2006. However, it's only been recently that I've really poured myself into my writing. I've been a member of several booksites such as Bookrix, Booksie, Wattpad and so forth. I've also been involved in several writing competitions. This year I will be releasing my first ebook on all the major ebook markets in Late November, early December. I've been able to complete it due to August's Camp Nano! So keep your eyes out for 'The Fire Within' by Racquel Kechagias.


Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Racquel-Kechagias/317977504905141
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/R_L_Kechagias
Website: http://www.racquelkechagias.weebly.com
Book Site: http://www.bookrix.com/-forbidden



         

#NaNoWriMo Interview: Stephanie Parry Coleman

Is this your first year doing NaNoWriMo?

Yes. I have heard of it, read about it, and wondered in the past if I could do it but never officially participated before.

If yes, why did you decide this was the year?
I participated in the August Camp Nanowrimo and it was a great warm-up practice. It is a lot of work but I figured that if I really want to be a serious author, I need to put some major effort and time into my writing. Nanowrimo provides a great opportunity to kick my writing into high gear.

I did get 50,000 words doing Camp Nanowrimo. It increased my confidence in participating this November. I want to do it again.

If yes, what is your greatest fear?
My greatest fear is writing a piece of crap. Obviously many writers worry about producing excellent writing that gets noticed. My concern about trying to do 50,000 words in 30 days was that I would rush and hurry my novel and produce something that is mediocre. I am hoping to combat that by outlining, preparing, and getting my novel's big plot and scenes and characters all mapped out beforehand.

How much preparation do you plan to do before November 1st?
I am currently working on outlining my novel, plotting the storyline and developing all my major characters right now. I don't want to have to wonder or worry about those details while trying to come up with something to write. I want to focus on the story at hand, creating stellar dialogue and description. I want to lead into the next chapters and be able to foreshadow the future as well as keep the reader hooked with cliffhangers.

Got anything you'd like to tell us about this years project?
I'm working on a fiction novel about a teenage girl with Aspergers who is catapulted into instant fame when her savant musical skills are discovered by a bully at her local high school. As she is thrust into the limelight with all of her worst fears before her, she is befriended by a high school boy also with Aspergers who is suspected of stalking and trying to kill her.

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As an English Lit College student and homeschooling mother of 6 kids, I lead a very busy, full life.

I love a good story so I am also a movie buff. Past loves include swing and ballroom dancing and I love jazz and Big Band Music. I was definitely born in the wrong era! I really enjoy reading with my kids and of course my passion is to write any chance that I can.

My writer's blog is stephanieparrycoleman.wordpress.com

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#NaNoWriMo Interview: Sarah Nicholson

Is this your first year doing NaNoWriMo?
Yes

Why did you decide this was the year?
This time last year I hadn’t even heard of NaNoWriMo.

The idea I want to develop has been in my head for a long time, I just keep putting it off. NaNoWriMo will give me the chance to see if it works as a novel.

If yes, what is your greatest fear?
I’ve written lots of flash fiction this year being very precise with the words I use, I’m not sure I can write 50,000 words!

How much preparation do you plan to do before November 1st?
I’m getting worried I haven’t done enough.

Got anything you'd like to tell us about this year’s project?
I’m planning to rewrite a Bible story and give it a modern twist. I’ve chosen the book of Esther, a story with romance, intrigue and tense power struggles. It is about discrimination and standing up for your beliefs.

I am hoping that having a story that is already planned out will make the process easier – I’ll let you know in December if this is TRUE!

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Two years ago my husband died unexpectedly from a heart attack. I was only 42 and left with 2 sons aged 13 and 10 to bring up alone.

Two weeks after Andrew died, on what would have been his 49th birthday I started writing a blog www.unravelling-edges.blogspot.co.uk. Writing both poetry and prose about my experiences helped me process my grief.

 (This picture of oak leaves was the background for my blog in the beginning. They still looked green, and not ready to fall. Yet autumn quickly turned to winter with a lot of early snow that year. Nature was caught out by the change in the weather in the same way I was caught out by my unexpected change of circumstances.)

After a year I started a new blog www.re-ravelling.blogspot.co.uk. There is no opposite word for unravelling so I made up re-ravelling, if Shakespeare can make up words then why not? I wanted to write about how I am putting the pieces of my life back together and creating something new from the loose unravelled threads.

I have continued writing my own story but more and more I have been writing flash fiction, mostly inspired by Lillie McFerrin’s Five Sentence Fiction and Angela Goff’s Visual Dares.

In the last twelve months I have met so many fabulous writing friends on-line. The encouragement and support has been amazing and given me confidence in my ability to write. And most importantly, at this moment in time, a belief that I CAN WRITE A WHOLE NOVEL!

A highlight of the year was having my story “A Moment before Moving” published in the Once Upon a Time anthology.

(Every cloud has a silver lining, or so they say. This photo was taken near the spot we scattered Andrew’s ashes on the first anniversary of his death.)