helping writers write more
28
Nov
I finished my NaNo novel about mid-month. It had a beginning, a middle, and an end. Unfortunately, it only had about 20,000 words–not even close to the 50,000 word challenge. Curious, but my previous first draft also ended up at about 20,000 words—but it took me the entire month to write it, not two weeks.
Now I [...]
27
Nov
Stephanie here with a note from all of us.
I love this holiday! I’m not sure if it’s the food, the family or the fact that it heralds the beginning of a “holiday season” that I enjoy most, but this is one of my favorite holidays. What I love most [...]
26
Nov
Participating in any kind of challenge has pros and cons. Are you competitive enough to be inspired by others’ progress, or will their success discourage you? Do you create goals for yourself that you have a shot at, or are your goals too lofty so they lead only to failure?
November was to be a month [...]
24
Nov
That’s what I need to hear right now. That I’ve won NaNoWriMo. Or that I’m close to winning. Trouble is, I wouldn’t believe you. I am so far behind in my NaNoWriMo word count, I don’t believe there is a way to recover. How will I ever get 35,000 words [...]
21
Nov
O
ptimist woke up early in the morning, refreshed from a fabulous dream she was having about her NaNoWriMo novel.
“I’ve got it!” She smiled to herself in the mirror. “I know how to get my heroine to the train station on time!” She winked and spun away from the mirror.
She checked her email before getting [...]
19
Nov
Discouragement isn’t a topic I tackle lightly. Nor do I think the causes and cures are only for creative people, or people going through tough times, or for those who live in one society versus another. Discouragement happens when we take things very seriously and they don’t turn out as we expected or hoped. Once [...]
18
Nov
Whether or not you completed an outline before beginning the NaNoWriMo challenge, you may discover that the book you’re writing like mad isn’t working. Don’t get disappointed about that. There are things you can do. If one option doesn’t work, try another.
1) Brainstorm. In First Draft in 30 Days, I give you a huge list [...]
17
Nov
To start, I apologize for posting this blog late. I have excuses (my elderly dad and his issues, moved in with me this week, as well as a few other one-time events, all conspiring to keep me away from the computer), but I’m a professional. That means I make my deadlines. So, no excuses, just [...]
14
Nov
Have you noticed we added a calendar page above? Stephanie, Kitty, and I want to be an encouragement to the writing community by providing informative and encouraging blogs. We thought it would help if we showed you all where we are headed.
November. This month is all about NaNoWriMo, but even if you are not trying [...]
13
Nov
Introductory note: Last month I (Stephanie) took a workshop (No Plotters Allowed) led by bestselling authors Patti Berg and Allison Brennan that offered strategies for writers who develop and discover the story they want to tell by writing it. I felt like I’d met long-lost soul-mates! Today you get to meet Patti. [...]