Showing posts with label NaNo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NaNo. Show all posts

Monday, April 7, 2014

CAMP NANOWRIMO, Writing Progress, and Skydoor's Book Description





This changing the idea for a book in the middle of CAMP NANOWRIMO was probably not my best move. But, I felt almost dirty for what I tried to do in writing the Bible story, and the story of the life of Jesus, in a different time and in a different world. I didn't want to write something that was so obvious and intentional about showing I was doing so either.

This now puts pressure on me to write more and write fast.

Yesterday, I lost a lot of time trying to figure out what I wanted this book and series to look like, and it's frankly still a little fuzzy, so I didn't even get the daily minimum word count done (which is now 3,000 words per day for the month of April for CAMP NANOWRIMO).

So, today, I need to write 4,000 words minimum, let me add, in order to get caught up. No pressure. However, it's more complicated than that. I will need to spend the rest of the month getting caught up since I changed my story. After all, I have a grand total of 2,000 words so far and need to be at 11,666 in order to reach my goal at the end of this month.





Book and Series Description
Eighteen year old Cecily has just regained her memory, but not all. She really isn't from Earth, USA, Las Vegas in today's year. Rather, she is from another world, in another dimension, and she is the heir to the throne from her land of Cranvor.
Years ago, she, along with her two most trusted protectors and advisers, were sent to Earth to hide. They all took on different ages on Earth in order to hide and blend in and hopefully not be caught by her enemies who searched the universe, and all of its worlds and dimensions, for her. She started over again as a first grader and it was graduation day from high school when she regained her memory.
The one she was matched with to marry one day would find her when it was time, when their world was either most ready for her to take the throne, or most desperate. When he found her, her memories would be regained. He wasn't just her match, but they loved one another deeply. She remembers she was matched with someone, but does not remember him at all, and frankly doesn't really like him now. But, she sure likes her knight and the one least likely. Never mind how Josiah accidentally overhears everything going on and becomes intertwined in this adventure to find the four who are also living on Earth since they, too, were in hiding.
She is to return to Cranvor, but there is a series of things she must do before she can even think of taking the throne. When Wizard Rufus set the three to Earth, he also hid all of the most important relics of the kingdom of Cranvor and the very things she needed to take the throne most successfully. A group of six must go on a quest throughout Cranvor in order to find these relics and take the throne.
As they go on the quest, Cecily learns just how corrupt the crown and nobleman have become, and the desperation of the people to find a way to save them from the darkness of their world. The old ways have been abandoned since they felt everything good had abandoned them. The people did not know what was done to save them.
Several choices have to be made and a quest helps her to regain more memories, figure out a new way to rule, which goes against the history of the kingdom of Cranvor's old nobility. After all, she learned about the world history from Earth and has learned a great deal of what works and what doesn't, what endures and what doesn't, and the best way for the people to live freely and thrive. Hence, Cicely find her way as she establishes a relationship with the five who join her on the quest. She falls in love with her world and all of the people as well.
However, none of this is easy. She has every adversary out there who want to see she fails or dies. The dark of Cranvor have everything to lose when she returns and they sense an uprising.
Also, she has to survive leaving Earth before she can even think about going back to Cranvor.

Sunday, April 6, 2014

UGh! (Ugh! UGH! UgH!): A New Idea and CAMP NANOWRIMO


A new book came to me over the last three days.

And, the truth is, MATTHAN seemed a little blasphemous to me. I want to write an epic fantasy that deals with world religions, politics, adventure/quest, treasure hunt, and a love story all rolled into one.

So, here is the new book and series:




I will do this for CAMP NANWRIMO as well. I just need to write more and write faster.

You can find the book here:
http://campnanowrimo.org/campers/agodlyvision/novels/skydoor

This will be a retelling of the King Arthur, Merlin, Knights of the Round Table, Excalibur, Quest for the Holy Grail, but in a different way. In a different time. In a different world.

Welcome to the world of Cranvor.

CAMP NANOWRIMO Writing Marathon





I'm starting my 4 day writing marathon--now.

Anyone care to join me?




I'm writing for several more hours each day and will try to double my minimum writing goal each day (hopefully more, though). We shall see.






My minimum writing goal for today is: 12,356
My writing marathon goal is: 14,656
Ideal goal for today is: 15,056
This is for:

"MATTHAN
THE CHOICE SERIES, BOOK 1"

Friday, April 4, 2014

Etc. Etc. Etc.




MATTHAN
I think this is a new genre of Epic Dystopian.

LOOKING FORWARD TO MONDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY
I've dedicated Monday through Thursday of next week to a writing marathon of at least twelve hour days.

Matthan: What Kind of Book is Matthan? What is It About Anyway? (A Book Description)





Matthan: What Kind of Book is Mathan? What is It About Anyway? (A Book Description)

"MATTHAN
THE CHOICE SERIES, BOOK 1"

Think: "Divergent," "The Mortal Instruments," "The Hunger Games," "Twilight," "Legend," and "Wool," meets a man named Jesus and his life, but in a different time and in a different world.

It's a New Adult Dystopian, Christian Fiction, with a little bit of a love story.

This is the story of Myka (female) and how she is to make a choice as to what of the eight belief sects she will devote her life to since she's of age and is the year of requirement (Tilgath) for her to make the Choice. She is part of a group of eight who are also of age, and are to make the Choice, and they travel to each of the eight regions to live life as each of them for 53 days over the course of a year. 
They have four instructors or tutors and are taught how to also act as security for each of the regions while they are there, and are also taught about each of the belief sects.

One of the belief sects is a new one and is one most frowned upon because it is so new. It's the Matthanite belief sect, where they follow Matthan. He is supposed to be the next world leader and there are lots of rumors going around about him, both good and bad. Myka is drawn toward this sect, and in doing so, she risks it all, along with her heart, for the one she has fallen for is against that sect.


What choice will she make?


CAMP NANOWRIMO and Writing Progress





Well... Yesterday was a bad day for writing. Around eleven or so, I hit a walk of exhaustion. It's pollen season here, and I didn't get much sleep the night before, and I became so sleepy and exhausted, I realized something had to give. My concentration was also shot. Therefore, I didn't get much writing done at all. Sigh.
But, there is one lesson (of many, mind you) B, my husband, has taught me:
Be kind to yourself.
So, I moved to the sofa and did what I could do and curled up with a good book. I finished it and half of another. Both were Young Adult Dystopian. Consequently, I fed my muse and was able to rest.
There are days you have to listen to your body and let go of all the things you planned. This is even more true with writing. If I didn't, my writing would have been lackluster at best and that would have made me feel frustrated. Taking a break, even though I am in the middle of a writing deadline, gave me rest, which leads to a fresh perspective.
Last night, I didn't get that much sleep again. Sigh. Just couldn't sleep. So, I am tired today, but my mind is fresh. I have the feeling today will be at least a decent writing day (whew). Already my writing has been a great deal better and I am inspired.




Thursday, October 31, 2013

NaNoWriMo



November is NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month. Only, for me, it's National Book Writing Month because the book I am writing is Non-Fiction. It's a Christian Living Book.

At any rate, I'm supposed to write 50,000 words in the month of November.

I will put some of my writing here on this blog. So, stay tuned.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

NaNoWriMo Day 6 News and A Revolutionary Change of Perpsective



NEWS
I am sorry for being a stranger on this blog since NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) began on 01 November. I've been writing as much as I can, as fast as I can.

As of this moment, I am sitting at 11,071 words of 50,000 for the NaNoWriMo goal. (My personal goal is more than that.) Yay!

I changed the title of the book one more time. But, this is it. I finally found the perfect title:

THE STORYKEEPER OF ROANOKE
THE FAMILY TREEZ OF THE USA SERIES, BOOK #1. 

A REVOLUTIONARY IDEA:
THROW OUT THE WORD COUNT IDEA
On Saturday, 03 November 2012, I about had a meltdown. The word count was not what I thought it should be. Sure, I met the NaNoWriMo count of 1667 words--no problem. But, I wanted triple that. I wanted to really push myself. I... I-I-I. Me-me-me. Me, myself, and I.

Do you see the problem?

I realized that I became the center of my focus--not the book.

Whoa. This stopped me in my tracks. I realized how:

~ The goal was the center--not the book.
~ A checklist became what was important, not the process of writing. 

This is WRONG. 

I fell into the trap.

I have stopped looking at word count. 

I have a good sense as to how much I am writing--or not writing. I can tell you if it's been a yucky day or a good day. But, the driving force should be the story--not the word count.

I think this new mindset, point-of-view, and perspective have changed my writing life entirely. 

I am actually getting more writing done than before because I have the proper attitude and perspective of the story -not the word count. It takes the stress off. There are great days and bad days with writing. But, they average out to at least a good day over the long-run. There's nothing wrong with that.

Why do I write? It's to tell a story. Period.

(Image Credit: Microsoft Images Online.) 

Stacy Duplease
Thriller Historical Fiction Writer
The Storykeeper of Roanoke: The Family Treez of the USA Series, Book #1
dba Remembering Your Present, LLC & Family Treez USA

NaNoWriMo Day 6: NaNoWriMo Write-A-Thon Election Challenge



In a previous blog post this morning, I issued a writing challenge for whoever wants to join me. With how important this election is, I am going to stay up as long as it takes, even if it's all night, to hear who is declared the next or remaining President of the United States of America.

Why? I am not nuts. I am that passionate about this election. It's the most important election of my lifetime--and might be the most important one of my entire life. 

So, why not use the time to the maximum benefit? As the news plays in the background, I am going to see how much writing I can do on my NaNoWriMo book.

Do you want to join me?

Stacy Duplease
Thriller Historical Fiction Writer
The Storykeeper of Roanoke: The Family Treez of the USA Series, Book #1
dba Remembering Your Present, LLC & Family Treez USA

06-07 November 2012: Two Big days in American and NaNoWriMo History



Today and tomorrow are two gigantic and important dates in the history of the United States of America.



Make sure to vote!


A NANOWRIMO WRITE-A-THON CHALLENGE
This vote is so critical that I am going to stay up as long as possible--even if I pull an all-nighter--until the President is declared. Hence, I am turning it into a NaNoWriMo Write-A-Thon. As I stay glued to the news  I am going to write and see how many words I can get pumped out for my book. 

Care to join me?

(Image Credit of 1st two images: Microsoft Images Online.) 

Stacy Duplease
Thriller Historical Fiction Writer
The Chronicler of Roanoke: The Family Treez of the USA Series, Book #1
dba Remembering Your Present, LLC & Family Treez USA

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Day 1 of NaNoWriMo: Whew! Crisis Averted



Today is the 1st day of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) and I almost had a crisis on my hands. (I blogged about it yesterday.) 

I--almost--ran--out--of--coffee!!! 

This is enough to bring panic. 

Well, I went to the store this morning and was able to avert the crisis. Whew. I also grabbed a few more things that I really didn't need, mind you. Sigh. But, I am going to have a really good lunch. It's in the oven as we speak. 

Now, I need to get busy writing again.

(Image Credit: Microsoft Images Online.)

Stacy Duplease
Thriller Historical Fiction Writer
The Chronicler of Roanoke: The Family Treez of the USA Series, Book #1
dba Remembering Your Present, LLC & Family Treez USA


NaNoWriMo Day 1 Tips




I recommend writing as fast as you can and as much as you can in 15 minute chunks. (I average 500 words when I do this--to help give you an example of word count.)


15 minute writing chunks are the key. Anyone can focus for 15 minutes. It isn't too much and decreases the chances are you'll get sidetracked or distracted. 

30 minute chunks tend to be too long (for the reasons I just mentioned).

Then,a t the end of the 15 minute chunk, get up. Walk around. Move. Do something else for a couple of minutes. Drink a glass of water ( This is not just a suggestion. It helps.). Grab a snack and/or some coffee or tea. Then, go sit back down. Check email, write a blog post, or whatever--for 5-15 minutes (depending on how much time you have to write today). Then, get back at it. Do another 15 minute chunk. Do this until you have reached your word count goal of the day.

This is an approach I have employed for years and it works brilliantly. Give it a try. 

I also recommend this with any time you do writing, even if it isn't NaNoWriMo. It works really well. 

Stacy Duplease
Thriller Historical Fiction Writer
The Chronicler of Roanoke: The Family Treez of the USA Series, Book #1
dba Remembering Your Present, LLC & Family Treez USA

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

How NOT to start NaNoWriMo



Oh, no!!! (Do you hear the panic in my voice?)

I just went to the kitchen to make more coffee. I'm almost out! (I NEVER run out of coffee. Never.) This is a BAD thing normally. With starting NaNoWriMo tomorrow, it's really, really bad. 

I guess I will be getting some more later tonight or tomorrow.

Coffee= happiness and serenity.

No coffee = Weirdness

Note to self for next year: Check coffee situation one week before NaNoWriMo starts. Have enough on hand for entire month of November.

And yes, I tend to be overly dramatic at times.

(Image credit: Microsoft Images Online.) 

Stacy Duplease
Thriller Historical Fiction Writer
The Chronicler of Roanoke: The Family Treez of the USA Series, Book #1
dba Remembering Your Present, LLC & Family Treez USA

NaNoWriMo Starts Tomorrow



National Novel Writing Month, NaNoWriMo or NaNo, starts tomorrow. I am participating again and have since 2009. So, this is my 4th year.

I am a pantser, meaning I do not outline. I like to fly by the seat of my pants as I write. I've tried outlining and planning, but my ideas get stifled. I have a general idea as to where I am going, that way I do not get too off course, but that's it. I love the writing process and seeing where I am led by my muse (God). 

I, also, enjoy pushing myself--and NaNoWriMo sure does that! This year, my daily writing goal (Monday-Friday, excluding Thanksgiving and the day after) is 4,500 per day. 

The book I am writing is: 
THE CHRONICLER OF ROANOKE: 
THE FAMILY TREEZ OF THE USA SERIES, BOOK #1



I am using the program: Yarny to write this novel. (See http://yarny.me) 

ADVICE TO ANYONE TRYING NANOWRIMO
Cut yourself grace. NaNoWriMo is meant to push you with your writing. But, that does not mean you need to stress yourself out. 

Do NOT doubt. Have faith in yourself. You CAN do this. (Repeat that as often as necessary.)

NaNoWriMo is meant to be fun. So, make it fun. Make it memorable.

Experiment. Try something new.

Do not forget your other priorities as you write. Make sure you still spend time with God, family, and job. Do not lose the month of November with making memories. Your priorities are far more important than NaNoWriMo. (This also helps keep NaNoWriMo stress and anxiety lowered.)

Stacy Duplease
Thriller Historical Fiction Writer
The Chronicler of Roanoke: The Family Treez of the USA Series, Book #1
dba Remembering Your Present, LLC & Family Treez USA

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

NaNoWriMo: Two Days and Counting!

http://hoosierink.blogspot.com/2012/10/nanowrimo-two-days-and-counting.html
Stacy Duplease
-- Sent from my Kindle Fire

Friday, October 26, 2012

NaNoWriMo, Preparation, and Life Goals



NaNoWriMo is in 6 Days
I cannot believe that National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo or NaNo for short) kicks off in six days. It seems like just yesterday I was counting down for NaNo 2011. My...how time flies. 

Preparation Before Today
I am ready for NaNoWriMo. I realize I can always be more prepared. Therefore, I am not stressed about NaNo and writing 50,000 words in 30 days. Then again  it might have something to do with the fact that I write 3,000 words per day at the moment. I've spend the last couple of months preparing myself to do this. That way, when NaNo is here, and I only have to write 1,667 words per day, it will seem easy. (But, my goal is still 3,000 words per day--Monday through Friday--minus two days for Thanksgiving--and hopefully none for Hurricane Sandy.)

What NaNoWriMo Teaches About Life Goals (or Dream)
NaNoWriMo teaches a great deal about achieving life goals. Hence, the effects of NaNo in my life are far-reaching.

NaNoWriMo--writing a novel in a month is a goal. Right?

Writing a novel, as a goal, is no easy task--let alone in 30 days! Hence, it is not something that just anyone can do. It takes a passion, steadfastness or determination, courage, faith, and a lot of hard, intentional work. 

For every goal, we need a plan. We need to set up things to do or steps to accomplish along the way as we meet our goal. These steps need to be measurable  where we know it is a step we have done and is leading toward the fulfillment of stated goal.  And, we need to put those steps on our calendars. Every day, week, month, and quarter, we need to look and see how our fulfillment of the steps have come along, and if we might need to add more steps or delete some steps along the way. I also recommend journaling through each step along the journey of goal fulfillment. Then, one day, we will achieve victory--where we have achieved our goal--where our dream is realized.

NaNo has shown me how I CAN make my dreams and goals come true. Period. The only way it does not happen is determined by me. I can tell myself how tough it is, and how I cannot do it, but to what good does this serve? How does this attitude help? How will this make my dream or goal come true? 

Rather, I tell myself over and over and over-- I CAN do this! 

I make sure to set up enough action steps that I will be able to make this goal and dream come true. It's when I make the action steps too large that it makes it difficult for me to make my goal come true. Let me explain. If I set my goal to write 210,000 words in 30 days, that would be difficult at best. If I were to say I needed to write 10,000 words per day, it would also be difficult. However, I have had many days when I have done precisely that. I realize I need to LIVE as I accomplish my dream and goal. I do not want to only do my goal steps. I still need to eat, clean, shower, spend time with my husband, etc. So, I make sure to set smaller action steps I can accomplish. For instance, if I never have written before, or never done NaNo before, I would keep the 1,667 word count goal and do no more. 

Also, when achieving goals, and taking action steps, I understand some steps will take longer than I anticipated. There will be off days. Some days, I might only be able to write 500 words. But, the next day, I might be able to write 3000 rather than a 1667 day. I cut myself grace and not stress.

When going after a goal and dream:
~ It is critical I work hard. 
~ It is important for me to stay focused and keep my mind focused on the task at hand.
~ I must have courage.
~ I need to keep balance and not neglect everything else that is a priority in my life (God, Bible study, Husband, House, Critters, Family, Friends, Eating Right, Sleep, Exercise Etc.) 
~ I must keep trying. 
~ I need to cut myself grace when things do not go as well as I hoped. 
~ I must never, ever give up. 

ANYONE CAN DO NANOWRIMO
It just takes a commitment and lots of trying. It really is that simple. 

Stacy Duplease
Thriller Historical Fiction Writer
The Chronicler and Roanoke: The Family Treez of the USA Series, Book #1
dba Remembering Your Present, LLC & Family Treez USA

Thursday, October 25, 2012

7 days til NaNoWriMo



Yesterday was my first day back from vacation and it was a day plagued with everything that could go wrong, did moments. Never mind feeling a heaviness for those in my life who are hurting. But, I persevered and even made it through my hundreds of emails waiting for my attention. The day ended well enough. Whew.

Today has been quite productive and I am even meeting my husband for lunch. I am glad I can take the time since I got a great deal of writing done already. I sit at the diner and peck this out as I wait.

I am glad to be ahead today so I can turn again to NaNoWriMo preparation. I glanced at the calendar and was shocked when I saw NaNo starts in one week. 7 days. Yikes! 

The very thought makes me feel nervous and excited at once. 

The truth of the matter is I LOVE NANOWRIMO. It is almost an addiction.

Writing 50,000 words in a month is quite the challenge. And I love pushing myself to see what I am able to accomplish.

7 days!

-- Stacy Duplease
Writer
Sent from my cell.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

NaNoWriMo is in 28 days: Writing Tips and Hints



NaNoWriMo is in 28 days.

Re-read that first sentence one more time.

Do you feel your heart race? I know I sure do. Is it nerves, excitement, fear of failure, or (YES!) all of the above? 

I ask again. Have you written 1667 words today? This is the first step to preparing for NaNoWriMo. You might as well get in the habit now. 

A writing tip I want to share with you is this:

DO NOT EDIT.

Allow massive amounts of typo's and spelling errors. Do not use spell check until you reach your goal. Then, do it all at once and use the "change all" option to save yourself time. The chances are if you repeat a typo and repeat the same word, you will repeat the typo. "Change all" will save you time in the end. 

Another writing tip:
Do you hit the delete key to go back and fix something and re-type what you just wrote. Instead, keep typing. You can fix it later. 

Start getting in these habits today--and it will help you with NaNoWriMo. 

Stacy Duplease
Thriller Historical Fiction Writer
Roanoke 1584-1590: The Family Treez of the USA Series, Book 1
dba Remembering Your Present, LLC & Family Treez USA

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

NaNoWriMo Practice




NaNoWriMo Writers,

For those who do not write 1667 words per day on a normal basis, have you been practicing and doing precisely that? If you start to establish the habit now, NaNoWriMo will be a great deal easier and more enjoyable for you.

Just a thought.

I talked about this in an earlier blog post. How is this practice going for you? 


Stacy Duplease
Thriller Historical Fiction Writer
Roanoke 1584-1590: The Family Treez of the USA Series, Book 1
dba Remembering Your Present, LLC & Family Treez USA


NaNoWriMo Preparation and Peptalk



NaNoWriMo Writers,

How is everyone's preparation going? Is this a first for you and something you've always wanted to do? Are you starting a new novel? Or are you adding word count to a novel you are already writing? 

I've participated in NaNoWriMo three years before now and look forward to this year. I'm writing in a new genre to me and am looking forward to see what adding 50,000 words to my current writing project will bring me this year. 

There is nothing like writing at mach-10, with my hair on fire, not carinnngggg (Oops. I mean--caring) about editing. It's magical. It's definitely an adventure. I think NaNoWriMo separates those serious about their writing and those who are too serious. If we cannot have fun writing, why write? If we are too busy trying to do everything perfect, it makes our writing a labor and not really worth doing. 

Here is a hint for any newbies in NaNoWriMo. I do not have much of a plan at all. I have a minor outline of half a page for my entire book, which will be 210,000 words when I am finished. So, I am a pantser, but know where I need to go. The rest is--allowing the muse (or God) to lead me wherever it takes me--as long as it fits in the outline. I don't have to come to NaNoWriMo with a plan--other than 1667 words per day for November 2012. I can allow my muse to make one for me. And, I refuse to stress. How does that help?

It's the editing that will make the novel great.


Stacy Duplease
Thriller Historical Fiction Writer
Roanoke 1584-1590: The Family Treez of the USA Series, Book 1
dba Remembering Your Present, LLC & Family Treez USA