NaNo - The Halfway Point

You know what they say about good intentions!

I think I just may have to wave the white flag of defeat on this one. At least the story I was working on for NaNo 2010. I just wasn't feeling it. The story was doing nothing for me, and to be honest, there was no plot. Who was I trying to kid when I set out to write that drivel!

I don't know if all writers suffer with trying to finish a story that just doesn't want to be told, but I seem to get lots of them (I hope that doesn't reflect negatively on me as a writer). I'm sure I could use pieces of it in a future story, but these characters just didn't want to be born right now. So, back into the writing womb they go, waiting for the day they will come into the world, ready to take on whatever adventure awaits them.

I'm not giving up on NaNo though! I realize the halfway point passed by yesterday, but I decided to start from scratch and try again. I came up with an idea for a character (thanks to watching a commercial about someone who was going to be on a talk show at some point). She will have a certain disability which affects her life greatly, as well as those around her. This story, I can honestly say, is one that I am feeling something for.

I'm excited for this character, for how she deals with her disability, how those around her treat her, etc. I'm still working on some plot details, but I have 2 main characters so far (no, they aren't romantically involved), and I'm working on developing the storyline/plot. I've got a lot to do - especially with regard to research - but I will work at this and get as much done as I can for NaNo.

I'll keep you updated on the progress, and maybe give you a glimpse into the lives of my characters. And, even if I don't accomplish 50,000 words in the 2 weeks that are left, I will continue working on it when NaNo is finished!

Excitement for previous NaNo story (on a scale of 1 - 10): 1.5. Excitement for new NaNo story: 9.75!

Does anyone else suffer like this with their writing - not being able to finish something they start?

NaNoWriMo Update #2

Day 8

Whew, I am so far behind on my word count. Life has gotten in the way this past weekend, and I had hoped that I would be able to make a bigger dent on my NaNoWriMo story. At this particular moment in my writing, I am just a little over 9000 words behind what I should have written by today.

I'm not giving up. I'm trudging on. In fact, I have MS Word pulled up on another screen with my story, and I'm working on that - but taking a little "break" to write this.

I am discoving that, so far, I am mostly telling the story rather than showing. I'm not focusing on that right now though. My goal for NaNo is to get the 50,000 words completed and then go back, rework and add to it to make the story better. Even as I write, I am aware that I need to fix this manuscript a LOT. Right now, I want to get the ideas and general plot, etc. written. From there I'll "pretty" it up.

I am trying to do what I've been told (and read) in the past - don't worry about spelling, grammar, etc., or editing when writing. Just write. Then once I'm finished, I can go back and edit.

Back to writing some more.

How are you doing with NaNo? If you are not taking part in this, what are you currently working on, and how is it coming along?

NaNo Update #1

So, today is day 3 of NaNoWriMo. I did fabulous on day one. Yesterday I had to work and was really tired when I got home. I managed to get 100-200 words written during some free time at work though, but haven't had the chance to add that section to my writing, and I also haven't added the wordcount either. Today I was only able to get a little over 200 words.

NaNo has barely started, and I am already behind. But, I am not discouraged. And I'm not giving up. I am going to keep working at this. I'm not going to stress out if I don't make the 50,000 words by the end of the month. I am, however, going to celebrate all that I get written. Every word I add to my work is an improvement over the day before. And, I am actually writing - more than I've been able to in the last I don't k now how long!

I've added a word counter over on the right sidebar, and while I hope to see it reach 50, 000 words, I am celebrating it all! I can already see that when I'm finished, the story is definitely going to have to be reworked - which I knew would happen anyway. I am just glad that I am getting my ideas/thoughts down and will have something concreate to work with.

How are you doing with NaNo? Are you on track with your writing? How many words do you have so far?

NaNo Is Here!

With November upon us, it's time for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). I'm going to attempt NaNo this year, and do my best to make it to 50,000 words by November 31.

Currently, I've got 1650 words but I'm aiming to get a lot more done later today (or this evening) because I have to work tomorrow, and might night get the chance to get as many words in tomorrow.

I've come up with an idea that blends in some real life/truth with fiction. Ultimately, the story is fiction, but I'm borrowing parts of my own experiences for it. Of course, I'll probably be embellishing the truth somewhat ;o).

What about you? Are you taking part in NaNo?

CFBA Book Review - The Preacher's Bride by Jody Hedlund

Sadly, I haven't finished reading my copy of this book (which I got for free and am not paid in any way shape or form for my review). I am on chapter 6, I think, but I will say this so far...

Normally, this isn't the type of book I would read. I felt drawn to it and thought, after becoming a reader of Jody's blog, that I would check it out. When you look at the cover, you automatically think: Amish. But, it's not. That could be why I normally wouldn't have chosen this book - I'm not a big fan of Amish books (no offense to anyone, they're just not my style). The book takes place in Puritan England.

I think, after only being a few chapters into the story, that these characters have already become real to me. They've found a way into my heart. I am anxious to see what happens, how it unfolds, and what the end result will be (though I can guess about one part).

I will let you all know more about my thoughts on the book once I'm finished.  But, I am enjoying what I've read so far.

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingThe Preacher's BrideBethany House; Original edition (October 1, 2010)byJody Hedlund





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jody has written novels for the last 16 years (with a hiatus when her children were young. In May of 2009 she double-finaled in the Genesis contest, a national fiction-writing contest for unpublished writers, sponsored by American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW.Shortly after the final, Jody acquired an agent, Rachelle Gardner of Word Serve Literary. Her agent spent the summer of 2009 working on selling her books. In September of that year, Jody signed a three-book deal with Bethany House Publishers. Jody’s debut novel, The Preacher’s Bride, releases in Oct. 2010. Her next book will release in 2011 and a third in 2012.







ABOUT THE BOOK

In 1650s England, a young Puritan maiden is on a mission to save the baby of her newly widowed preacher--whether her assistance is wanted or not. Always ready to help those in need, Elizabeth ignores John's protests of her aid. She's even willing to risk her lone marriage prospect to help the little family. Yet Elizabeth's new role as nanny takes a dangerous turn when John's boldness from the pulpit makes him a target of political and religious leaders. As the preacher's enemies become desperate to silence him, they draw Elizabeth into a deadly web of deception. Finding herself in more danger than she ever bargained for, she's more determined than ever to save the child--and man--she's come to love.



If you would like to read the first chapter of The Preacher's Bride, go HERE.