FRIDAY STIR FRY - NaNo Time

Well, it's that time of year again. National Novel Writing Month is nearly here. And, of course, I've signed up. Why? Why? Why? (beats head against desk)

Anybody who reads this blog already knows what NaNoWriMo is. If not here is the link. 

http://nanowrimo.org/

I've failed miserably the last several years. But, so what? That is no reason not to try this year. Yep, I'm a gluten for punishment. And, I'm starting to panic. I have an idea for a story, but since I can't stand to outline, that's about all I have. From past experience, I know at some point, that initial idea will start to wither and die. Usually about 20,000 words in. That's the problem with being a pantser. If the next plot twist doesn't come, you're kind of stuck. 

I already have three unfinished NaNo novels. The one I've been trying to finally complete this year, is going nowhere. I've decided to put it out of my misery. Perhaps it will never get finished. Perhaps it's not meant to be. Maybe this new idea will blossom into a story I can finish and publish. Hope springs eternal and so does insanity. 

FRIDAY STIR FRY - To NaNo or Not To NaNo

I've got just one day left to make up my mind. Should I do this or not? This, of course, is National Novel Writing Month. If you've been living under a rock for the past 15 plus years, here is a link for more information. http://nanowrimo.org/

I signed up. I have an idea. How about a list of pros and cons.

PROS

It's a good way to get words on paper. Even if they're not very good words.

There is a sense of achievement when you get your daily word count.

I may never have a finished novel if it wasn't for this.

I enjoy participating with crazy people like me from all over the world.

What else have I got to do?

CONS

First, it's hard. Much harder than you can imagine. The brain refuses to cooperate after a while.

It's depressing and demoralizing when you fall behind in word count.

I really should finish my current WIP instead of starting another.

To achieve word count, I have to get up early and write. Use my lunch hour to write. And, write after a long day of work. That's stretching my lazy ass to it's limits.  

I have a baby quilt to finish.

Well, it looks like we have a tie. Anybody up for rock, paper, scissors, lizard, Spock? 

Stay tuned and you'll learn my decision next week.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - NaNo Thoughts and Other Stuff

I'm not gonna lie. It's been a rough week of NaNo. I was hoping to get way ahead last weekend. Didn't happen. Stayed barely above daily word count. And then yesterday, I hit a wall. Just couldn't do it. Couldn't get up early before work, couldn't write during lunch and last night only got maybe twenty words. Some would say that's something. I say it stinks. Ahh, the trials and tribulations of NaNo.

The bright side - I think I've added some good stuff to the novel I'm working on. And I have all weekend to write and we are off work Tuesday for Veteran's Day. Thank you veterans!

On a different note, I'm a little angry. Why you ask? Because we are going to get blasted with cold air next week. I think I've mentioned this before but in case you missed it -
I HATE WINTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I hate the cold, the sleet, the snow, the ice. Did I mention the cold?  Okay, I feel a little better now. Just a little.

If you are doing NaNo, let me know in the comments how it is going for you. And if you kept your sanity and are not doing it, comment about anything you like. I love hearing from you.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Why NaNoWriMo?

Yep, I'm going to do this again. Just shoot me now.

You may be asking yourself why I put myself through this if I would prefer to be shot? The answer is complicated but, I'll do my best to explain with a list. Who doesn't like lists?

• This is how I finally wrote my first novel. Without NaNo, I might still be saying "I want to write a novel someday".
• They are such a supportive group and they provide some terrific pep talks from famous authors.
• The forums are both hilarious and supportive. I've actually connected with a few people on Facebook during the rest of the year. 
• It's free, although donations are greatly appreciated and I always donate $10.00. What a deal!
• It's a challenge and what is life without a few challenges along the way? Boring.
• I'm part of something bigger than myself. People from all over the world participate. 
• NaNo is a not for profit and they promote writing in schools with their Young Writer's Program.

There you have it. Reason's why I'll be a little dazed and confused this November. Just pat me on the shoulder and hand me some coffee and I promise not to kill you in my novel. Maybe.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Guest Author

Please give a warm welcome to my writer friend Ellen Harger. We are both members of Ozarks Romance Authors http://ozarks-romance-authors.com/

Her newest release is an incredible book and I am honored to have her on my blog today.

1. People always ask me where I get my ideas. Tell us how you came up with the idea for your current release.

A version of the blog exchange between Mrs. Jones and a mysterious man first came to me in 2007. I gravitated to the idea of the blog because it takes a while before a blogger becomes a person to the reader. At first, it's just words catching viewers in a butterfly net. With enough time, the words produce a landscape that draws the butterflies to feed.

As the story incubated, I recognized similarities to a movie, "The Shop Around The Corner" with Jimmy Stewart and the Nora Ephron modern version, "You've Got Mail." Private correspondence allows for greater sharing of a person's inner truth. 

I was also influenced by Nick Bantock's exquisite book series about a mysterious letter/postcard exchange between Griffin and Sabine. The art and mystery is exceptional and I loved removing the letters from the book to hold as I read. The simple action made me feel like I was reading love letters between two amazing people.

   I've never see The Shop Around The Corner, but I may have to rent it now. 

2. Who or what has most influenced your writing career?

I wish it was one thing but over a course of my life, many things have reminded me to write. I've loved stories since I was too young to scribble. I was an avid reader but it took years to cultivate the belief that I could write a story worth reading. However, one of the aspects I love about my family is their joy of sharing stories about each other. It doesn't matter if we've heard the tale a thousand times, we relish the telling, the cadence and execution. We laugh for hours regaling each other with well worn stories. It's magical.

   Telling stories with family is a great way to pass along our history. I think that's becoming a lost  art.  

3. Tell us a little about your next project.

I seem to be shrinking my word count because the next story will likely be a novella, titled Oak Land. I wrote the draft during my first NaNoWriMo in 2008, pollinating the daily word count like a drunk bee. The result was a memorable train ride for a young woman embracing her potential future. 

   Train rides can be magical. Think of Harry Potter or Agatha Christie. I also am a believer in NaNo.  It's a  great way to get words on paper.  

4. Is your writing area messy or organized?

Yes. I think it's a disaster but twice now I've had a party and showed curious visitors my messy work space only to be told I was crazy. But I don't like to file or shred until there's a healthy pile. And do I love my piles. What I love about my office is it's all mine. Everything in the room is about writing: a giant desk, the majority of my books, a reading chair, a giant cork board, a window and two dog beds. 

   I think it's wonderful that you have your own writing space. 

5. Now, tell us something quirky about you. 

I've always talked out loud to myself. Even after a getting caught and burning with awkwardness. I had imaginary friends as a small child so I talked for them, so now I mutter when I'm deeply engrossed. This quirk has translated well into a technique for writing dialogue. My level of commitment is best illustrated by a story. (See what I did there? Refer to question 2.) I took an acting class with a Hollywood agent/writer. She had us memorize a scene purely by listening to the exchange, no scripts. After several people successfully repeated the conversation, I took a turn and added attitude to differentiate between the two speakers. Mz Hollywood announced that I obviously talked to myself. I smiled because it's true.

   Thank you so much for letting us know a little more about you Ellen. And good luck with your current release.   

Ellen Harger, Author

http://ellenharger.com

Please, tip your author with a review.

Blurb:

An apartment fire costs everything, including the illusion of a tolerable marriage.

Gillian is depressed, her moods shifting like earthquakes raising deep, roiling anger. Convinced her friends and family won’t understand, she turns to strangers through a blog she writes as Mrs. Jones, a nondescript anyone.

Despite exposing herself on the internet, she assumes no one will notice her among millions of voices. Cathartic writing helps her to transform as she makes new friends, seeks help from a non-traditional therapist, and considers divorce.

Then a Mr. Write answers. A strange man who asks questions, who peels away the layers. Gillian finds love, but life is absurdly stubborn. She must confront her husband, Evan, before she can move on.

Also, I have a special feature to share: the blog from the novel lives. A sample can be be viewed at: ellenharger.com/mrsjones

Friday Stir Fry - Camping

Okay, call me crazy. I've signed up for another National Novel Writing Month. But this one is a bit different. It's Camping! Well, virtual camping anyway. I'm not going to pitch a tent in the woods (that would be especially crazy considering our weather lately).

"What's different about camp?" you ask. Well for one, you can pick your own word count goal. Awesome! So instead of the arbitrary 50,000 words in 30 days, we can choose anything over 10,000 words. My goal - 20,000 fantastic words.

"Why 20,000?" you ask. (man, you ask a lot of questions) Because, I need to add that amount of words to my novel Beyond The Horizon to get it to 76,000 words and be more marketable to agents and publishers.

"But, I thought that book was done." Well, it is, Ms Smarty Pants. But, I have discovered that at 56,000 words it is too long for a novella and too short for a novel. Therefore, I am going to add more scenes and descriptions, dig deeper into my characters' psyche. Doesn't that sound like fun!

Another thing about camp is you can work on whatever you want. Unlike November when you are supposed to start a new novel, the camp counselors don't care what you work on. I've seen campers post they are going to work on something new, something old, non fiction, poetry, scripts. You name it, there is a camper planning on writing it in April.

I'll keep you posted each Friday about my progress. Aren't you excited? "Why, yes, yes I am."



 I might put up a bed sheet tent over my computer desk.  :-)

Here's a link if you want to check it out.

http://www.campnanowrimo.org/

EPIC FAIL

Time to admit defeat. I didn't finish NaNo. I only made it through the first week and 10,000 words. My writer friends will tell me that's 10,000 more words than I had before November and while that is true, it's not much consolation. I wanted to win again. I wanted a 2011 winner's certificate. I wanted bragging rights!

Where did I lose my way? Hmmm, my excuses are as follows: I didn't like my story and decided to change it halfway through week one. But, the change didn't motivate me either.  I was attacked by a mean cold. I had a hard time just spitting out words I knew I would have to edit out later. But, let's be honest. I was just plain lazy. I didn't want to get up early in the morning and write. I didn't want to take my laptop to work and write during lunch. I didn't want to go home right after work and write. I just didn't want to do it. I took a wrong turn at Lazyville and couldn't find my way back.

I plan on participating in my local writer's group, Sleuth's Ink, Jano project. It's like NaNo, but obviously in January. And there are prizes and write-ins with people I like. Plus , I can finish a story I was working on before NaNo. So all is not lost. I'll get back on track soon. But, this time I might take a map with me.

Things We Should Be Doing

This year's NaNoWriMo has got me all messed up. Usually at this point I am at least a little ahead or right on the money with my word count. As of today, I am way behind. I mean WAY BEHIND. Like 5,000 words behind. What happened? That's pretty easy to answer. When I should be writing, I have been doing other things. Like laying in bed a few extra minutes in the morning. Like not writing at all on Friday. Like staying for one extra beer at my favorite hang out. Like staring at Facebook waiting for a status update from somebody, anybody.
As human beings, there are lots of things we have to do just for our daily survival. Most of us have to go to work. We have to prepare meals either for ourselves or a whole family. We have to shop for the food for those meals, even if it's just fast food, there is effort involved. We have to do housework and laundry. Sometimes, for me anyway, the whole survival thing gets pretty tiring. My mind and body zone out. I can't seem to get anything else accomplished.
And that's were I come back to NaNo. As a writer, I know  the importance of writing everyday. And NaNo forces you to do that. But, this failure to make the required number of words so far is feeling more like survival mode instead of fun, So maybe I'll ignore the word count for now and just try to write something, anything, between the cracks of everyday living.

NaNoWriMo

My writer friends know what that title means. For the rest of you, I will try not to bore you too much with the details. November is National Novel Writing Month.
Or a challenge for the insane. Because, you see, if you are sane November 1st, you surely won't be on November 30th. The challenge is to write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days. That's 1667 words a day. Words out of thin air, because you are not supposed to actually write anything until 12:01 am Nov. 1st. It's all based on an honor system. There are no judges, no referees, no umpires. You are just expected to follow the rules. And at the end there is no big cash award. Only the satisfaction that you did it. Oh, there is a certificate you can print off and some sponsors who offer items for the verified 'winners'.

"Why would you do this, you ask?"
"I don't know." How's that for a definitive answer. When I first heard about this challenge, I thought to myself, "Self, you should do this. You've always wanted to write a novel. But, there was always excuses. Not enough time. What if I can't do it? What if it turns out to be a load of stinking crap?" But, then I thought, "What better way to kick your butt in gear."
So five years ago, I jumped into the fray. I soon found out I wasn't alone. There were over 100,000 people taking the wild ride with me from all over the world. There is a web site with awesome support and forums where you can commiserate with others. And everyone cheers everyone on.
That first year I only made it to 24,000 words. But, that's 24,000 more words toward a novel than I had October 31st.  Every year after, I've made it to 50,000. My 2009 novel is finished and currently in the hands of an editor in New York. And, I plan on finishing a couple of the other ones.
You would think I would be confident going into this November. But, for some reason, I'm not. Because I know how hard it is. I know that by week two, I'll be exhausted and ready to quit. And, I know that at some point I'll get behind and have to type my fingers bloody to finish on time. My son thinks I'm crazy. And maybe I am. But it's a good kind of crazy. Right?