Category: NaNoWriMo

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editing NaNoWriMo Novel 1

Back to My First Novel.

Scene Setting Novel 1, Jan. 2009

You might have read my post about how I have trouble focusing on just one goal.

So of course that leaks into my novel-writing. Since 2007, I have been penning novels. None of them have set titles yet; I just keep naming them Novel 1, 2, 3, and so forth.

In early 2009 I became really really motivated to get my first novel revised and ready for submission to agents (read all about that over in the “Novel 1” Category).

But, as with my side projects, I became distracted and the progress on that novel has halted.

Now I am making a point to myself to really work on this novel. When I wrote the first draft in November 2007, I was so elated to know that I could complete a novel in that whole month (thanks to NaNoWriMo’s encouragement). And, I really liked the plot. So I don’t know why I have stalled with getting the manuscript polished down.

Today is the day I start improving from square one and getting myself past that “first-draft” doldrums phase.

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NaNoWriMo news Work in Progress

Announcements: Podcast, Audio Stories, Camp NaNoWriMo

Flying over the Rocky Mountains

Exciting news this weekend:

  • My podcast is now LIVE: My International MBA . Please tune in via my new blog/podcast as I chronicle my journey through graduate school. SPREAD THE WORD! I’ll be posting links via my Facebook Page and on Twitter.
  • Coming soon: all my currently-published short stories (on Scribd) will also be in audio format. Why not listen to a short story by yours truly while you ride the train to work/school?
  • Instead of doing NaNoWriMo in November this year (or maybe, in addition to?), I am participating in Camp NaNoWriMo for the month of July. Already, I am over 2,000 words in to my new novel. It is quite a hoot of a novel already.

So there you have it: my progress in writing/promoting/etc. More news coming along in this exciting month of July!

Categories
Internet NaNoWriMo the3six5 Work in Progress

NaNoWriMo Winner & Upcoming Projects

I didn’t think I could manage it, but I did: I finished my manuscript today at 8:09PM PST. I’m a NaNoWriMo winner for the third time! Three out of four years is a great accomplishment. I was more successful with completing the novel this year than last due to more community support (especially in real life). Also, doesn’t hurt to have some competitive spirit.

My opinion on my novel though? It thoroughly sucks. That’s the blunt truth, but I am thankful for having gone through this whole process this year. It taught me that, well, I have matured a lot since I first participated back in 2007, and perhaps I need to plan more for the coming years rather than just wing the plot.

I really cannot believe that the month of November went by so quickly though. For December, I would like to complete the manuscripts for two previous unfinished novels. Then, in 2011, focus on editing and revising all my novels.

All of these plans along with preparing for business school….yes, I am going to be quite busy. But I am enjoying every single moment of my life these days.

(P.S. the3six5 editor position for next December! Preparations are already starting with Skype meetings and such. Exciting!)

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holiday NaNoWriMo Work in Progress

NaNoWriMo: Day 24 (and all the previous days)

Yikes–I realize I dropped off with my posts in the past week. And yes, no real excuses except the usual ones: time flew, had a lot of stuff to do IRL, etc. Yes, you have heard it all.

Today I participated in a 10K writing day thanks to the Fear of Writing blog. I only got to 7,380 words but that is still a huge accomplishment! I like that these 10K writing challenges occur every month and not just for November for NaNoWriMo; good to know so I can keep myself motivated throughout the year!

Lots of time spent at the gym lately and also just going out a lot. Went to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra this past Sunday. Loved listening to classical pieces played rock-style. Fun crowd, too!

My NaNoWriMo novel has gone the wayside…I’m up to 34,449 words as of tonight, but really, so much of it is nonsensical. Yes, I realize the Inner Editor is speaking. But I also just know that I need to plow through these last final days of November and get to the finish line so I can at least tell myself “Hey, I made it, no matter how crappy the draft is!”

Plus, it doesn’t hurt to get that certificate and winner’s t-shirt. Oh, and a 50% discount on Scrivener software. Yes, I am motivated by giveaways/bribes.

Well, guess it’s off to bed for Thanksgiving tomorrow!

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Internet life NaNoWriMo Work in Progress

NaNoWriMo: Day 13

Yes, a few days are missing from my month-long blogging updates on NaNoWriMo. This past week brought about unexpected (yet good) changes…but also resulted in my not being able to add to my wordcount. Yikes!

Well, word sprints help, especially with a group. Even if the group is just online! Rebecca has been good at motivating people through her writing Page on Facebook. In the most recent word sprint (yesterday), I still eked out quite a bit of words in a 15-minute increment. I type way too fast.

So, today I will have to double post because I am applying to be an editor for the3six5 project in 2011. Stay tuned for my next post…

(P.S. Cumulative word count as of 6:59 PST: 16,442 words)