I don't know about you, but I can't get into gear writing a new novel until the beginning is written and satisfies me. It doesn't matter that I've got all of my character sketches complete, my research is complete, that the roadmap is clear, or that details from other parts of the story are flying around in my head. I know lots of writers who start in the middle then work forwards or backwards or jump all over the place. Not me. I'm a linear critter.
I've been struggling with the start of my new novel, probably because I've been closing and moving classrooms, finalizing school paperwork, and otherwise mentally occupied. School ended yesterday, and last night I was finally able to put down the first five pages - and I'm happy with them. Doesn't sound like much, I know, but it makes a big difference in my writing state of mind.
I think I'm ready to take off with this novel - which is a good thing, since I've publicly committed myself to 25k words by the end of June. I need to write 1200-1500 words a day to accomplish this. Good thing it's summer! Only 23,836 to go...
Showing posts with label Blog challenges. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blog challenges. Show all posts
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
14 Week Novel - because I'm a glutton for punishment
That's right. Stephanie Ruble has challenged all of us to join her in completing a novel in 14 weeks.
Okay. I know that not long ago I posted that one of the things I learned in my first month of blogging was not to make public writing goals. Consider me a slow learner. I'm going to give this a try. This is not Nanowrimo. It's not 50,000 words in 30 days. We're in week 2, so I have about 90 days left. I have a plot. I've completed quite a bit of research, and I have 3500 words written.
For me, this is an exercise in silencing my sergeant of an inner editor. And so:
• I WILL NOT EDIT the 1st draft until it is finished (wimper)
• I have permission to write brief comments in the margins regarding changes, especially if Sergeant Inner Editor is in overdrive
• I can write chapters out of order. The manuscript will not spontaneously combust if I do.
• If Sergeant Inner Editor is starting to win, I will walk away from the computer and run a lap around the block, or work in my garden, or cook dinner for my family (they might appreciate this), or go to bed before midnight (late nights and early school days don’t mix)
I've got my Memorex in my purse and loaded with new batteries. It's much safer recording thoughts than trying to write notes while driving. Um.. not that I've tried that. My laptop is charged so I can write in the van while my daughter spends hours in gymnastics. My flash drive is on its lanyard (because I can't lose it when its around my neck).
I think I'm ready. Stephanie- I'm in!
Okay. I know that not long ago I posted that one of the things I learned in my first month of blogging was not to make public writing goals. Consider me a slow learner. I'm going to give this a try. This is not Nanowrimo. It's not 50,000 words in 30 days. We're in week 2, so I have about 90 days left. I have a plot. I've completed quite a bit of research, and I have 3500 words written.
For me, this is an exercise in silencing my sergeant of an inner editor. And so:
• I WILL NOT EDIT the 1st draft until it is finished (wimper)
• I have permission to write brief comments in the margins regarding changes, especially if Sergeant Inner Editor is in overdrive
• I can write chapters out of order. The manuscript will not spontaneously combust if I do.
• If Sergeant Inner Editor is starting to win, I will walk away from the computer and run a lap around the block, or work in my garden, or cook dinner for my family (they might appreciate this), or go to bed before midnight (late nights and early school days don’t mix)
I've got my Memorex in my purse and loaded with new batteries. It's much safer recording thoughts than trying to write notes while driving. Um.. not that I've tried that. My laptop is charged so I can write in the van while my daughter spends hours in gymnastics. My flash drive is on its lanyard (because I can't lose it when its around my neck).
I think I'm ready. Stephanie- I'm in!
Friday, February 27, 2009
A Bit Needy...
Christy has a fun Meme on her blog. I had to try it!
What you do, is type {your name} and the word "needs" in your google search engine and then list the first 10 things that it says you need. Here's mine:
Nora needs:
1) attention
2) to work on her act
3) a higher rating
4) a new home
5) to get a life
6) a permanent loving family
7) time to get that perfect wedding dress done for you
8) to grow up
9) the City Council
10) your number!
I know you're not supposed to list number 11, but Nora needs money... (this really is # 11!)
What you do, is type {your name} and the word "needs" in your google search engine and then list the first 10 things that it says you need. Here's mine:
Nora needs:
1) attention
2) to work on her act
3) a higher rating
4) a new home
5) to get a life
6) a permanent loving family
7) time to get that perfect wedding dress done for you
8) to grow up
9) the City Council
10) your number!
I know you're not supposed to list number 11, but Nora needs money... (this really is # 11!)
Saturday, January 24, 2009
I'm Plotting Again...
Revisions are done!! (whew), ...at least for now. I'm going to set it aside for a few weeks then read it again with a fresh head. In the meantime, I'm working on a query letter, researching agents, and listening to a new character chatter away in my head. She's great fun and very different from my 1st protagonist. We're spending time together -getting to know each other over pizza and soda. She talks about her trouble a bit, but she's quite interesting. Might be a relationship worth pursuing.
Brenda has nominated me for the Kreativ Blogger award. Thanks, Brenda! I am supposed to list 7 things I love and nominate 7 new people. My list is a bit of a hodgepodge. Here goes:
1. I love my family. My husband is the best, and my children make me proud!
2. I love my students. The kids I work with are terrific. I am fortunate, indeed!
3. Solitude. Don't get me wrong - I love people, but they drain my battery dry. There's nothing quite like a few quiet, uninterrupted hours to recharge.
4. If I have time, I love to cook. I enjoy putting together a nice dinner for my family or making a dessert for friends.
5. I love to write. There is nothing I enjoy more than sitting at my computer and creating an entirely new reality.
6. I love walking in the park when the weather cooperates. I'm looking forward to spring!
7. I love a good book. One that makes me forget who I am and what my to-do list is for the day (or even the week).
I now nominate: chocolateer. As for the other six, I'm a bit late jumping into the game. My blogging friends have beat me to the punch!! But I'll name them anyway:
Brenda's Page
Rena Jones
Kim Kasch- A Writer's Blog
Chocolate for Inspiration
Christy's Creative Space
Bish
Brenda has nominated me for the Kreativ Blogger award. Thanks, Brenda! I am supposed to list 7 things I love and nominate 7 new people. My list is a bit of a hodgepodge. Here goes:
1. I love my family. My husband is the best, and my children make me proud!
2. I love my students. The kids I work with are terrific. I am fortunate, indeed!
3. Solitude. Don't get me wrong - I love people, but they drain my battery dry. There's nothing quite like a few quiet, uninterrupted hours to recharge.
4. If I have time, I love to cook. I enjoy putting together a nice dinner for my family or making a dessert for friends.
5. I love to write. There is nothing I enjoy more than sitting at my computer and creating an entirely new reality.
6. I love walking in the park when the weather cooperates. I'm looking forward to spring!
7. I love a good book. One that makes me forget who I am and what my to-do list is for the day (or even the week).
I now nominate: chocolateer. As for the other six, I'm a bit late jumping into the game. My blogging friends have beat me to the punch!! But I'll name them anyway:
Brenda's Page
Rena Jones
Kim Kasch- A Writer's Blog
Chocolate for Inspiration
Christy's Creative Space
Bish
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Odds-n-Ends
The Christmas rush is over (for me at least), and I now have no excuse for not keeping up with my blog. The Christmas Cantata I directed is over. They did great! The holiday break at school has begun - whew. My Christmas shopping is complete, except for my husband's gift. I know what I'm getting him though, and that's half the battle. So now I get to relax, get caught up on housework, read, finish my WIP, and enjoy my family and friends (not necessarily in that order).
I did finish reading a few books since my last post. I read CORALINE, by Neil Gaiman. I enjoyed it very much, although it was rather creepy. CORALINE is coming out soon as a movie. The film's website is a blast. You can check it out here. Neil has been blogging about CORALINE in his journal.. It's quite interesting and worth the visit.
I also read FOUND, by Margaret Peterson Haddix, the author of the Shadow Children series. The School library Journal blog sums it up best... "Thirteen years ago an airline attendant saw something impossible. When the plane appeared on the tarmac it somehow appeared without anyone realizing it had landed. Stranger still, it contained no pilot, no crew, no adults at all. Just thirty-six babies strapped in their seats. Fast forward to present day when new friends Jonah and Chip check the former’s mailbox. There, resting inside is an unsigned note that simply reads, “You are one of the missing.” A cruel prank? It certainly seems that way until Chip gets the same letter. Then they both get a follow-up that reads “Beware! They’re coming back to get you.” They? They who? There doesn’t seem to be much rhyme or reason to the notes until Chip discovers that he and Jonah have something in common. They were both adopted. And with the help of Jonah’s sister Katherine there’s more to discover. Why does an FBI agent have information about the boys’ birth parents? Why did Katherine see a man appear and disappear in an office one day? Who’s been sneaking around Jonah’s room, looking through his things? And what’s the real story behind that plane? The answers lead the kids to discover their connection to seemingly impossible events." My thoughts? It's a really great read!
And last but not least, Brenda informed me she has tagged me for the Honest Scrap Award (Thanks, Brenda!).
"Scrap means left over, fragments, discarded material. Many times truth and honesty are discarded material, considered fragments and left over. People like us need to tell it like it is, and let the scraps fall where they will. There are 2 guidelines for receiving this award. One, you are to list 10 honest things about yourself. Make them interesting, even if you have to dig deep. Two, present the award to 7 other bloggers."
So here goes:
1. I started writing my novel on a dare from a group of 10, 11 and 12-year-old students. Their point? They said they have to show me their writing so I should have to show them mine. I discovered I really like to write for an audience.
2. I have less than 5 pages to go and the first draft of my first novel will be complete. I'm not sure I want to finish it. What happens if it sells? Can I keep up with the responsibilities? And if it doesn't sell? The disappointment could be huge.
3. I'm pretty blunt sometimes. I don't mean to be. I just am.
4. I have a healthy dose of the bossy gene. It runs heavily on the Taylor side of my family!
5. I work with gifted kids and love it!
6. When I went to college after high school I couldn't decide between graphic design, music or dance. I chose music performance and was doing quite well, but when my son was born I decided I needed to be home - not traveling. It was a good choice.
7. I still think about taking art classes. Maybe Santa will sign me up for one?
8. I usually keep a private stash of chocolate, and I don't share.
9. I hate having my picture taken - even for the school yearbook.
10. I would live in sweats and tennis shoes if the world would let me. Appearance is overrated. Let comfort reign!
CJ, Angie, Chocolateer, Kim, Linda
I did finish reading a few books since my last post. I read CORALINE, by Neil Gaiman. I enjoyed it very much, although it was rather creepy. CORALINE is coming out soon as a movie. The film's website is a blast. You can check it out here. Neil has been blogging about CORALINE in his journal.. It's quite interesting and worth the visit.
I also read FOUND, by Margaret Peterson Haddix, the author of the Shadow Children series. The School library Journal blog sums it up best... "Thirteen years ago an airline attendant saw something impossible. When the plane appeared on the tarmac it somehow appeared without anyone realizing it had landed. Stranger still, it contained no pilot, no crew, no adults at all. Just thirty-six babies strapped in their seats. Fast forward to present day when new friends Jonah and Chip check the former’s mailbox. There, resting inside is an unsigned note that simply reads, “You are one of the missing.” A cruel prank? It certainly seems that way until Chip gets the same letter. Then they both get a follow-up that reads “Beware! They’re coming back to get you.” They? They who? There doesn’t seem to be much rhyme or reason to the notes until Chip discovers that he and Jonah have something in common. They were both adopted. And with the help of Jonah’s sister Katherine there’s more to discover. Why does an FBI agent have information about the boys’ birth parents? Why did Katherine see a man appear and disappear in an office one day? Who’s been sneaking around Jonah’s room, looking through his things? And what’s the real story behind that plane? The answers lead the kids to discover their connection to seemingly impossible events." My thoughts? It's a really great read!
And last but not least, Brenda informed me she has tagged me for the Honest Scrap Award (Thanks, Brenda!).
"Scrap means left over, fragments, discarded material. Many times truth and honesty are discarded material, considered fragments and left over. People like us need to tell it like it is, and let the scraps fall where they will. There are 2 guidelines for receiving this award. One, you are to list 10 honest things about yourself. Make them interesting, even if you have to dig deep. Two, present the award to 7 other bloggers."
So here goes:
1. I started writing my novel on a dare from a group of 10, 11 and 12-year-old students. Their point? They said they have to show me their writing so I should have to show them mine. I discovered I really like to write for an audience.
2. I have less than 5 pages to go and the first draft of my first novel will be complete. I'm not sure I want to finish it. What happens if it sells? Can I keep up with the responsibilities? And if it doesn't sell? The disappointment could be huge.
3. I'm pretty blunt sometimes. I don't mean to be. I just am.
4. I have a healthy dose of the bossy gene. It runs heavily on the Taylor side of my family!
5. I work with gifted kids and love it!
6. When I went to college after high school I couldn't decide between graphic design, music or dance. I chose music performance and was doing quite well, but when my son was born I decided I needed to be home - not traveling. It was a good choice.
7. I still think about taking art classes. Maybe Santa will sign me up for one?
8. I usually keep a private stash of chocolate, and I don't share.
9. I hate having my picture taken - even for the school yearbook.
10. I would live in sweats and tennis shoes if the world would let me. Appearance is overrated. Let comfort reign!
CJ, Angie, Chocolateer, Kim, Linda
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Who Are Those Kids, Anyway?
I've decided to take up Rena's wedding photo challenge. After rummaging through the cobwebs in the crawl space I located the album (and decided I should probably store it someplace other than the crawl space).
Robb and I met at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. We were both kids in college, music majors, working our way through school by performing in the park's shows. I was a singer/dancer, and he played his trombone in the band. Our first date was a ride on the Blue Streak after a show and a quick trip into town for a late night Taco Bell snack. Cedar Point was a great place for two (poor!) college kids to get to know each other. Employees stayed in dorms or apartments (my dorm was a whoppin' $14 a week). We would meet at the beach by the Hotel Breakers around 11 a.m. each day to work on the all-important summer tan. Employees had free run of the park, so we would often take advantage of the roller coasters and other rides. In the fall we would go back to school - he attended the University of Michigan. I was in Ohio at Wright State. We wouldn't meet up again until summer. After our 3rd summer we both accepted a year-long contract from the park to perform in a touring group. Robb proposed the following May, and we married in October. We just celebrated our 23rd anniversary!
Nano update: 6890 Words (sigh)
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