FRIDAY STIR FRY - Ideas

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Writers are often asked "Where do you get your ideas?" 

I don't like this question because, frankly, I have no clue. Literally no ... freaking ... idea.

Just coming up with something to write for this blog is difficult for me. 

And to tell you the truth, I don't come up with tons of ideas for stories or novels. There are authors out there that have notebooks full of ideas. Visions and stories that seem to float down to them from the heavens. I'm not one of those lucky writers. 

I hate them.  😏

I use writing prompts sometimes. Anything to spark my imagination. But even then, I don't know where the story will lead me, if anywhere. One site I use quite a bit is https://blog.reedsy.com/creative-writing-prompts/. There are also books full of ideas. Just go to Amazon and type in 'writing prompts'. 

After I finish my current novel, I have two others I started during National Novel Writing month. At least those ideas are already formed and just waiting on me to do something with them. Sorry about the wait characters. I'll get back to you soon.  

COURAGE

 I'm really not one for inspirational messages, but this was one I picked up at a thrift store as I was starting my journey as a writer. Plus, I really liked the picture. Who doesn't love a penguin? This image doesn't do it justice. The colors are deeper and richer than they appear here. 

It says: Courage is daring to take that first step, or a different path. It is the decision to place your dreams above your fears. 

At the time, I was hoping to quit my day job and write novels for a living. That never happened. Let's face it, making a living as a writer is near impossible unless you are Stephen King or Nora Roberts or a celebrity with a tell all book. There just aren't as many publishing houses offering new writer contracts with lucrative advances as there used to be. And being single, I depended on a steady income.

But, I still had the dream of writing and publishing a novel. And against all odds, I did.

 I recently found this picture after unpacking some boxes from my move. I immediately placed it on my desk. I want to write more novels, but somewhere along the line I lost my courage. Now is the time to reclaim it. 

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 - I'm With Stupid

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Okay, picture my doppelganger standing next to me and we each have that stupid tee shirt on pointing at each other. That would be me this month. Or like those mountain goats, I made a decision I probably shouldn't have.

Some of you may have noticed I didn't post last week. At least I hope you noticed. The reason - I jumped into the NaNo madness. Yep, I decided to try again to write 50,000 words in 30 days. Ugghhh. I wish somebody had stopped me.

Folks, it is hard. Especially when you are old, your arthritis acts up, work sucks and so does your novel. And you are also on a time limit to complete a hand quilted baby blanket.

The first week was okay. I managed to keep up on word count. But, day 10 I faltered. Didn't feel good. Had to take a pain pill and fell behind. I'm still behind even though I had Veteran's day off from work.

Week two of NaNo is notorious for tripping people up. The beginning excitement is gone and your novel has stagnated. And you wonder what the hell you were thinking. Just like I am now.

Don't get me wrong. I'm still writing every day, just not as many words as needed to make the goal. And I plan to continue writing every day. Because, I know if I stop, this story won't get finished and I want to finish it. No, I need to finish it, just to prove I can.

In the past I have managed to catch up over Thanksgiving weekend, so there is hope. Ever so slight hope, but hope none the less.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Plans and Such

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I'm starting to plan for my retirement from the work place I like to call Hell. I won't be able to draw benefits for a couple more years, but you can never plan too early, right. Plus it's the carrot dangling off the end of the stick to keep this old mule kicking.

One of those plans kinda came out of nowhere. I have done some Beta reading for a few writer friends, with suggestions on improvements. One of them told me I'm really good at it and should start doing it professionally.

I must admit, I like the editing process. Most authors hate it. I, on the other hand, find coming up with the story and first draft hard. Fixing stuff is more fun. I'd really never thought of doing it for money. Hmmm, could I? Should I?

If I could get an editing business going, it would help out when I retire since Social Security isn't all that secure. I'm doing some research now and coming up with ideas for a business name. The first one I thought of is a take off this blog - An Editor Called Wanda.  Some others - Need Edits? - Novel Edits -  An Editor And A Novel  -  Red Pencil, Will Edit.

What do you think about these or do you have any suggestions?

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Sophomore Slump?

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I read an article the other day about having difficulty writing a second novel. In other words - sophomore slump. I've heard this term for the music industry after some one's first album is a big hit. Can they repeat the success on the second one? Or are they a one hit wonder?

Not that my first book is a huge success, but I am quite happy with it and I've received some wonderful reviews. I love the story and the characters. Maybe a little too much. I'm having a hard time loving my current work just as much. I think it's a good story but, I'm having difficulty getting anywhere with it. It just keeps churning around in circles, never coming to any conclusion. I've started and stopped it so many times, I feel like I'm on a carnival ride. Around and around I go until I either throw up or get off.

But, I don't want to get off. I want to finish this and put it out there. I want writing to be my career so I can retire from the day job. That won't happen if I'm a one hit wonder.

You may have noticed the Camp NaNo sign to the right. Yep, I'm trying again to use camp to finish this book. Will I succeed this time? You betcha! (power of positive thinking and all that jazz)

Any advice from all you writers and readers out there? Comments always appreciated.  

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Writing and Other Stuff

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Winter still has a stranglehold on us. Barely above zero today and this weekend - snow, freezing rain, sleet, regular rain. They keep saying Spring is just around the corner. I think it wasn't looking when it tried to cross the street and got ran over by a bus.

So my big plans for Saturday and Sunday - writing and editing.
(and let's be honest - probably some Netflix)

That's my plan, but as we all know, the best laid plans and such. I need to finish a 750 word story for Sleuths' Ink quarterly contest. It would help if I could figure out who dun it. I'm also putting together and editing some of my short stories for a secret project. More on that later. And, of course, I'm still struggling to finish my second novel. That sucker is killing me. 

And speaking of killing, 9 people, including the shooter, dead this morning in a small town about 90 miles from here. What the hell is going on? That's close to 20 people killed in and around this area in the last two weeks. Many of them are being blamed on domestic violence. It is a well known fact this part of the country is a hot bed for abuse. But, I've never seen anything like this. Yesterday our state auditor shot himself. So disturbing and sad. 

My book, Beyond The Horizon, deals with an abusive relationship but at least there is a happy ending. Not for these poor people and their families. 

Perhaps cabin fever is playing a role in all this. Another reason for Spring to hurry up, please. 

   

  

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Jano Time

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A local writing group I belong to does a thing called Jano. It's based on National Novel Writing Month, but we do it in January. Get it? Anyway, the idea came to pass because one of our members thought November was just too busy. And January has 31 days. It's small peas compared to Nano, but it is a very supportive and motivated bunch. It's not too late to join. Check it out here.
http://sleuthsink.blogspot.com/2014/12/almost-time-for-jano2015.html

I'm attempting AGAIN to finish Coming Home, my second book. I don't know why I keep trying to finish it. Well, never mind, I do know why. It's about a woman who comes back home to bury her mother after she dies in a nursing home. I had to place my mother in a nursing home. It was the most agonizing decision of my life. And for the two years she lived there, I hated myself. I questioned if I could have done more for her. Every time she would ask me to take her home. And every time, I left with tears in my eyes because I couldn't. I felt like that boat - adrift and lonely.

My mother died eight years ago and I still feel the pain of my decision. If I don't finish this story, I may never find peace. Here is an excerpt drawn directly from my experience. Maybe you will see why I have to finish this.

 

As they made their way down the hallway, the woman tried drawing Jennifer into small talk.  It fell mainly on deaf ears as Jennifer took in the all too familiar surroundings. She realized this would be the last time she would see the picture of Jesus with the art light illuminating him from above as if he just descended from his heavenly throne. Or, the fish tank with all the colorful inhabitants immune to the sickness and distress around them, the filter bubbling fresh air into their environment. A "Footsteps in The Sand” poem in a gilded frame hung above the fake mahogany table with a silk flower arrangement, the wheelchairs barely missing it as they paraded down the hall three times a day on their way to the dining room.

 Then there were the sounds, the crying and the moaning. The calls for help that the staff learned to tune out but Jennifer never did. The flushing of toilets and the loud radio and television sets all tuned to different stations creating a kaleidoscope of noise. The smell of defeat permeated the air creeping into every fiber of her body.                                                                

 

 

SATURDAY LEFT OVERS - Yep, Did It Again



 

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Yep, I did it again. I was off work yesterday and totally forgot to blog. Makes me wonder what will happen to my time management if I ever do get to retire.

So this time of year we are all supposed to ponder what happened in our lives last year and what we want to accomplish this year. That whole New Year's resolution thingy. Right?

I would certainly be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the wonderful fact that my first novel was published!! That's big. No wait, that's huge!!!!

Other than that, I don't have much. Same old job, same car, same house. There's something to be said for stability right? Or should I call it stagnation? Other than the excitement of Beyond The Horizon's release, my life has been pretty dull. 364 days of dull. Not that I'm a fan of drama. Quite the opposite. I loathe drama. Especially made up drama. You know the kind people invent just to get attention. Count me out.

So, what can I change this year so my life isn't so stagnate? Oh, I don't know, finish my second novel maybe? I'm beginning to wonder if that will ever happen. I have good intentions, but not so good follow through. The problem with writing is, YOU GOTTA WRITE. Yes, I'm yelling at myself because I can't bend my foot back far enough to kick myself in the ass. Maybe I could hire somebody to do that. Oh, wait you have to have money to hire people. And since my book didn't make diddly squat, that hiring thing is not an option.

It comes down to me.

                                                       I'm screwed.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Half Way Point

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Well it's the half way point for NaNo. And I need a compass. Not only am I way behind on word count, but I have no clue how to get to my destination. I know the book will have a Happily Ever After. I'm just having a hard time figuring out how to get my characters there. They fight and kind of make up then fight again. I want to drive them out in the middle of nowhere, drop them off and tell them by the time they get back to my novel, they damn better have a solution.  

                                                            

That's what I get for being a pantser instead of a plotter. I just can't bring myself to outline and plot. It is much more fun to fly by the seat of my pants and just go wherever the characters want to take me. Usually. Not so much when they aren't cooperating. You hear me Jennifer and Ron? I'm tired of your nonsense. Now put on your big girl and boy pants and get this story going. If you don't, you won't get to take off your pants and have some fun. Wink, wink.

Two more weeks to get this sucker figured out. Can we do it? I'll let you know next week. In the mean time, if you see my characters hitch hiking don't pick them up.  

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 - Missing For The Next 30 Days

Yep, it's almost here. November or as I like to call it Insaneber. Because anyone who thinks they can write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days has to be insane right?

Believe it or not it is possible but it takes a lot of energy, courage and caffeine. Here are a few tricks and treats I've learned over the last 6 years I've participated. (notice how I referenced Halloween there?) Happy Halloween/Samhain! Now to my tips.

• Absolutely no editing. This is the first rule of NaNo. Lock that editor in the basement. You have no time for his nonsense this month. 
• Do not use contractions. Don't is one word - do not is two. You can fix it later with find and replace. 
• Everyone has at least two, three or more names. And they repeat their names a lot. Not only does this up your word count but it helps your brain remember all your characters. Again, you can fix later. 
• Have a music play list. This not only sets the mood for your story, but, at least in my case, the words flow easier if there is music in the background. 
• Lots of caffeine and chocolate. Self explanatory. 
• Set a timer for 10, 15 or 30 minutes. Write non-stop until that sucker goes off. You'll be surprised how many words you will get.
• Finally - and this is very important. BACK UP YOUR NOVEL AT LEAST EVERY DAY. I can't tell you how many horror stories I've heard of people losing all their hard work. Don't be that person.

 
I hope you join in, but if not please understand if you don't see or hear from me, I'm probably okay, just busy trying to wrestle a novel out of my brain. You can track my progress by coming by and checking the word count widget to the right.

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 - YEA!!!!!!!!

Today's the day I've been waiting for all my life. No I'm not getting married or getting my driver's license for the first time or taking my first drink at 21. I'm finally a published author. Wow.

I don't expect to make a lot of money. Publishing has changed so much in the last few years, that only the already established authors make big bucks. Us little guys, not so much. All I really want is for people to read my book and like it. That's it.

There are so many people I need to thank. Forgive me if I leave anybody out.

First and foremost, my son Zach. He believed in me and gave me encouragement every step of the way. Even when I was being a recluse at his house during Thanksgiving because I was behind on word count for NaNo.

My beta readers, Nancy Yeomans and Allison Merritt for steering me in the right direction.

Members of Ozarks Romance Authors critique group for their great advice.

Members of Sleuth's Ink who are the best cheerleaders anybody could have.

My editor Amanda Siemen and all the wonderful people at Breathless Press.

And all my friends, especially Rob Evans and Stacy Durst who gave me hugs and beer when I needed moral support.

I'm taking time to enjoy this moment, then back to work on my new novel. If you're in Springfield Saturday June 28th come by Trolley's on the square from 4 to 6 and celebrate with me.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Waiting

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So, I'm not so patiently waiting on my second round of edits. I know my editor (love getting to say that) is busy, busy, busy and I'm not her only insecure author. It's the same thing my clients at work don't understand. I have tons of you people I have to coordinate and appease. Be Patient.

In the meantime I'm working on another novel. Actually, I've been working on it for a long time. The idea first appeared soon after my mother died in a nursing home. What if a young woman had to return home to bury her mother and ran smack dab into some old memories?

I've attempted several NaNo reincarnations going in all kinds of different directions. First my main character was going to try and locate her father. Dropped that idea. Then there was going to be some kind of investigation at the nursing home involving euthanasia. Decided against that. Then I was going to kill off a character. Struggled with that one. Now, I'm reconsidering the finding father angle. Anyway, it's a mess. I just need to sit my butt in the chair and write. It will work itself out. I hope. Because this story won't let me go.

I would love to know if you have a story that won't let you go.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Already?

I can't believe it's Friday already. This week has flown by. Probably because I was deep in edits and didn't have time to think about anything else. Time does fly when you're having fun.

Last Saturday I attended one of my writer's group meetings - http://sleuthsink.blogspot.com/p/whodunnit-guidelines.html   Check out our writing contest - inexpensive to enter and fun to write.

Anyway, when we have some sort of publishing success, we get to pick out a stone with an inspirational quote on it. I've been a member four years and I got to pick my first stone because I signed a publishing contract. I picked "HOPE". I don't know why. Honestly there wasn't much choice left. We have a very active group of writers.

I got to thinking. What are we if we don't have hope. I've know people who've given up. Heck, I have plenty of times. It's not a happy place to be. It's sad and lonely there. I'd lost hope I would ever get my novel published, but here I am on the brink of my story being out there for millions to read. (Hey, it's possible)

So here's to hoping you have a good week and please keep your hopes alive.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - YEA!!!!

http://www.sxc.hu/photo/871147

Many of you already know my BIG NEWS. But, for those who don't . . . I signed a publishing contract for my book Beyond the Horizon!! Can you tell I'm excited? Breathless Press is my publisher. Check them out here  http://www.breathlesspress.com/

It's been a long journey. I wrote Beyond The Horizon during 2009 National Novel Writing Month. It seemed like a good way to get words on the page. I managed 50,000 words that month. Of course it wasn't complete and needed lots and lots of work. Instead of finishing it, I started three more books each of the following NaNoWriMo's.

Three years ago an agent and editor were invited to Ozarks Romance Authors conference and offering to take pitches. In order to take advantage of that opportunity, I needed a complete work. So I rolled up my sleeves and finished Beyond The Horizon. The editor I pitched to, asked me to send it to her. Wow! I thought I was on my way. Then the publishing house she worked for sold and she left and my manuscript landed back in my lap. So much for overnight success.

To tell the truth, it wasn't easy keeping my head up and pushing on. Thanks to my writer friends and their encouragement and belief in my abilities, I kept working on my craft and submitting my work. If you would like to become a part of these amazing group of people check them out. I couldn't ask for a better support system.

http://ozarks-romance-authors.com/      and     http://sleuthsink.blogspot.com/

Twelve heart wrenching rejections later, I've found my home. I'm looking forward to the next chapter (pun intended) as I work with my editor polishing my baby until she shines.

I'll keep you posted.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Blessings

http://www.sxc.hu/photo/249985

Since Thanksgiving was yesterday, I'm still in the thankful mood. I'm going to take advantage of it because sometimes, when life gets funky, it's hard for me to remember to count my blessings.

1. My son and daughter and grand children. Even though I don't get to see them often, they are present in my heart.
2. My job. Sure it drives me crazy and I really would rather not have to work, but I know there are a lot of people who would love to have a job.
3. My little house. Yes, it's in the ghetto and it's old and run down. But, I love it. Plus it's really cheap and my landlords are nice people.
4. My new car.
5. My friends. There aren't many, but the ones I have are true blue.
6. My relatively good health. My knees are bad, but other than that, I'm healthy.
7. My novel. Even though it hasn't found a home yet, I'm proud of it.
8. NaNo. I failed to reach the goal, but I got some words down. And without this wonderful program, I wouldn't have #7 to be thankful for.
9. Price Cutter grocery store online shopping. I hate going to the store and for a $5.00 fee, they will shop for me and all I have to do is go pick it up!
10. Beer.

I thought it would be hard to come up with ten things, but it was easy peasy. I hope you all had a happy and thankful Thanksgiving.

Now it's your turn. Tell me at least one thing you are thankful for.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Yep I'm Crazy

I'm in. And yes, son, I'm crazy. Every year my son asks me why I want to put myself through this. And honestly, I don't know. It's crazy. 50,000 words in one month. 1667 a day, every day. And, every year I find myself getting behind. I've spent many a Thanksgiving at my son's house typing away, trying to catch up on my word count, while everybody else visits. And although everyone gave me encouragement, I could tell there wasn't a single soul who understood my insanity.

What drives me into this mess? I wouldn't have a finished novel under my belt if it weren't for NaNo. And I wouldn't have three others started. That's why I do it. It's hard for me to get the writing muse to cooperate and generate new material. I'm much more interested in revisions. But, without that start of 50,000 words, I would have nothing to revise. So, I need NaNo. My plan this year is to finish one of those unfinished stories. Fifty thousand words should about do it.

I admit the last couple of years, I failed miserably. I'm going to blame it on laziness, my constant companion. These last few months, I've had some health set backs and maybe that's why I'm determined to succeed. I need something positive.

I've added a word count widget to my blog to help keep me accountable.

Who's with me!!!!