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"

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.

CAMP NANOWRIMO Writing Progress (Matthan Writing Progress)

Yesterday was Day #2 of the National Novel Writing Month of April. I'm writing the book:

"MATTHAN

THE CHOICE SERIES, BOOK 1"

It's a New Adult, dystopian novel, a Christian Fiction book, and is a parable about the life of Jesus and the Bible, set in a different time and in a different, parallel world to earth. The whole idea is to present the bible in a different time and world, with different names and in a different setting to show how the Bible can be applies to our lives anywhere, any time. That being said, this series, as you read it, you won't know that's the intent. It will read like a New Adult Dystopian Fiction.

My goal was 4,729 words.

I wrote 6,187 words. (Yay!)

Today, my goal is 8,487 words, in which I'm about to get started.

Again, I hope to give you a synopsis of the book soon.

Hebrews 12:1-2

Hebrews 12:1-2

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

The Call to Endurance

12 Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, 2 keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.

-- HCSB: Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

(Image Credit: Stacy Duplease 2007-2014.)

Spring has sprung

I took a break from writing and had lunch with my bestest friend in the whole wide world. He has been for years and years now--well over a decade. My hubby, B. And, look what I saw as I walked out of my house and toward the garage.

What beauty! What a glorious, blessed day.

Life is good.

To Him be all glory.

(Image credits for both images: Stacy Duplease 2014.)

CAMP NANOWRIMO Writing Progress

Yesterday was Day #1 of the National Novel Writing Month of April. I'm writing the book:

"MATTHAN
THE CHOICE SERIES, BOOK 1"

It's a New Adult, dystopian novel, a Christian Fiction book, and is a parable about the life of Jesus and the Bible, set in a different time and in a different, parallel world to earth.
My goal was 2,300 words.
I wrote 2,429 words. (Yay!)
Today, my goal is 4,729 words, in which I'm about to get started.
I hope to give you a synopsis of the book soon.

Training for a Half Marathon (and Losing Weight)

While this is my writing blog, I also want to include the stuff of life on this blog. We are all doing this thing called life and I would love to hear your story. Feel free to add a comment at the end of any blog post or send me an email. I would love to hear from you.

I write fiction, but I also journal and write memoir. This is one of those journaling posts.

Just over a year ago, I did the unthinkable. I took up running. I NEVER ran before. And, when I say never, I mean it.

Well, that isn't entirely true. I would run from the car to the store if it rain cats and dogs, but that's the only exception. I exercised. I did power-walking. Five miles worth, mind you. I also did some yoga and Pilates. But, running. No.

And, not just no. But, heck no! No way. Running just wasn't for me.

Why did I take it up? I wanted to get in the best shape I've ever been in. And, I quickly discovered how I loved it. Loved it. No joke. It's freeing. It makes me feel so good and is wonderful to get rid of stress, clear the head, work on Scripture memory, and dream. Never mind how much it helps arthritis. It makes me feel better than I've felt in years. (Who would've thought?)

Also, I've always been the type who has to watch my weight. Every bite I put in my mouth, I have to count or I gain weight--and I am hypoglycemic (low blood sugar), so I literally do have to watch everything I eat. Running helps with my weight and my hypo.

Then, life happened. I had two surgeries, hubby had one, life got busy, blah, blah, blah. We still worked out, but not with sheer determination. So, I gained weight.

Then, we started a new running program, which felt great. Now, I am gaining weight, on top of my already heavier self (thanks to muscle growth--muscle weighs more than fat--Ugh!). I know it will come off. I am counting my calories. So, it's just a matter of time before the weight starts coming off.

But, at any rate, we have been consistently running a 5k three days a week and a 10k one day a week.

So, this led to the: "Why not train for a half marathon--and in time a marathon--even if it's just on the treadmill at home?" (Lord, help us!) So, that's what we're doing.

Sunday, I ran a 10k. It was my long-run day. Today I need to run 4 miles.

Why do I share this with you?:
1 If I can do this, anyone can. No joke.
2 To help inspire you to do the same--even if it feels like a half marathon training in making a dream of yours come true.
3 To show you how to be an overcomer.
4 To hold myself accountable.
5 To be real with you and tell you how this is a little nerve-wracking for me.
6 To see if anyone else runs. I would LOVE to hear from you.
7 There are many comparisons of running a race and living a live of faith.
8 Training is goal-setting and goal-keeping.
9 Training to run a half marathon and writing a novel have many comparisons as well.

We found a 20-week training plan. I think we're going to start with week 3, though, since we've already got weeks one and two down pat, which is running miles of 3, 3, 3, 4 each week. This week, week three, is: 4, 4, 3, 5--with a day off between each except Saturday and Sunday.

(Image below credit: Microsoft images online 2009-2014.)

Etc. Etc. Etc.

This blog is a hodge-podge collection of this and that. Hence, there will be some blog posts that can't fit into a label, so I will call these blog posts, "Etc. Etc. Etc."