IWSG - November 2022

  

Click here to find out more and to see a list of other IWSG blogs.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Co-hosts for the November 2nd are

Diedre Knight, Douglas Thomas Greening, Nick Wilford, and Diane Burton!

Question: November is National Novel Writing Month. Have you ever participated? If not, why not?

NaNoWriMo and I are old friends. I've done it many times and won most of them. The fastest I ever beat it was in 11 days. That was using dictation, and I didn't go back to do any editing for a while. That was a big mistake. lol

Since I'm a discovery writer, I prefer the freedom of NaNo to just tell myself the story and get it out there. Yes, it means editing is messy, but this is how I have to do it--turn off that internal editor and just write. This is why, for me, editing is when the real writing happens.

This year, however, I have a deadline to finished editing a Christmas book, so no new words for me. I'll be doing a personal NaNoEdMo (though I understand that group does theirs in March if they're still around).

What about you? Done it before? If so, did you like it?

IWSG - December 2017

Click here to find out more and to see a list of other IWSG blogs.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

I did not win NaNo this year, but I'm not fussed about it. I got 31,000 words on the book I was working on (which is supposed to be a novella anyway) and got a start on another book scheduled to come out in March, plus the start of a Christmas short story.

How about you? 

Did you do NaNo? 

Did you win? 

Do you care? :D

I'm not feeling particularly angsty right now, just enjoying this time of year and all the "this is the last time I'll have to do this" things for my day job. The countdown is under four months now.

I'll be off the rest of the year, 

so I hope you have a joyous holiday season!

IWSG - November 2017

Click here to find out more and to see a list of other IWSG blogs.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Last weekend I wrote THE END on the first draft of Against the Magic, my Victorian time travel book. Today, I'm starting NaNo and I'm writing the book that will be part of the Destination Love series. I needed these reminders:

Are you doing NaNo?

IWSG - December 2016

Click here to find out more and to see a list of other IWSG blogs.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

I'm feeling pretty good this month.

I beat NaNo in record time this year--11 days. 

I've used Dragon several times to dictate my first drafts. I love it for new words.

This year I used a dictation recorder and talked the book while I walked (something Kevin J. Anderson and Cindy M. Hogan do). I decided to give it a try.

I LOVED it!

I used to almost double my word count by using Dragon on my PC. BUT, and this is a big but, I found myself always caught up in the editing mode as the words appeared on my screen. A different--not creative--part of your brain handles editing. It really pulls you from your story creation.

By dictating it and letting Dragon transcribe it for me when I was done with the session, I was getting between 1,700 and 2,000 words in a 25 minute writing sprint.

Now, that is an ugly first draft. But all my first drafts are. At a retreat I went to in November, another author decided to give it a try. She got 2,000 words in her 30 minutes walk.

While in Hawaii babysitting three grandkids ...

We went to the beach

Saw a whole pig in Costco

Had Thanksgiving dinner with some of my daughter's friends
who are right next to one of the places they filmed the original Jurassic Park.

Went to the beach again

We also watched Fantastic Beasts 

and 

Moana

There's something so very fitting in watching Moana while in Hawaii. Loved both films!

Have you seen the movies? 

Did you try NaNo?

What are your plans for December?

November Blog Break

I'm taking November off for a couple of good reasons.

1. I'm doing NaNoWriMo

2. We're babysitting grandkids in Hawaii the last half of the month. Our oldest granddaughter is going to be in the Macy's Day parade on Thanksgiving Day, so her parents are going to New York to be there too. I know. Rough life right?

Happy Thanksgiving and if you celebrate it. And Happy November otherwise!

Monday Meanderings - October 24, 2016

First Meandering ...

I wasn't going to do NaNo this year since I'm supposed to be editing. However, I've got a couple of stories, one a book and one a novella, that I'll need to get done by March, so I'm wondering where I should focus my energy.

Now focus is relative, since I'll be in Hawaii babysitting grandkids for the last half of the month. Do you think I'm delusional to see how far I can get before the 16th when we fly? I'll have several hours each day to work since all the kids are in school.

Second Meandering ...

In April I'm joining three other authors on a research trip to London and Scotland. We're working on a book series (contemporary time travel fantasy). And we got the tickets for the trip this weekend. Squeee!

No World War III is allowed. Just sayin'.

Third Meandering ...

It was a fabulously beautiful fall weekend, with the temps in the upper 60s and low 70s. It was fabulous. They got a bunch of plumbing and electrical on the house. No fun pictures this week.

What did you do?

Monday Meanderings & a Giveaway

First Meandering ...

Good week for Swing Vote edits. Since it was a NaNoWriMo first draft, there were lot of XXXs in places (mostly names). I worked on my character bibles and added pictures to this book's my Pinterest board. 

*grins* You can get a feel for some of the story elements based upon the links I pin. 

Second Meandering ...

They did the backfilling last week in preparation for pouring the concrete over pipes in the foundation. Rumor has it that they'll pour that today. THEN they can begin framing.

Third Meandering ...

It's time for a giveaway. I haven't done one of those in a while.

I finished the Beauty and the Clockwork Beast ARC I won on a Goodreads giveaway. I loved it--enough that I bought the audiobook! The narrator sounds wonderful.

I've decided to giveaway my gently used copy. If you are interested in being considered for it, I only have two stipulations:

1. Giveaways like this are rewards for my Reader Group. You can join on the right--AND get a free copy of  Hope's Watch, Safe Harbors #1.5.
2. Because of the high expense to mail a paper book internationally, only people in the continental US can be considered.

When Lucy Pickett arrives at Blackwell Manor to tend to her ailing cousin, Kate, she finds more than she bargained for. A restless ghost roams the hallways, werewolves have been reported in the area, and vampires lurk across the Scottish border. 

Lord Miles himself is clearly hiding a secret. He is brash and inhospitable, and does not take kindly to visitors even one as smart and attractive as Miss Pickett. He is unsettled by the mysterious deaths of his new wife, Clara, and his sister, Marie. Could Miles be to blame for the deaths?

Working together, Miles and Lucy attempt to restore peace to Blackwell Manor. But can Lucy solve the mystery of Miles? Can she love the man, beast and all?

How'd your weekend go? 

Do you use Pinterest? If so, what for?

Monday Meandering ...

First and only Meandering ...

I'm not doing NaNoWriMo this year. I have the first drafts of three books that need to be finished and sent on their way. So, instead, I'm going to do NaNoEdMo. There really is  National Novel Editing Month, but it's in March. I'll do my own thing.

As a result, I'm going on blog hiatus. Except for some promotional stuff and IWSG, I won't be around until January or February.

Monday Meandering - December 8th

It's been a good week. Had oral surgery last Monday. I was really nervous (and resentful about the cost), but it's healing well, so I'm grateful for that.

First meander ...

On Friday, I was interviewed about my NaNo experience by a local paper.

Second meander ...

Later on Friday, I did some interviewing of my own. It was for Swing Vote and the short story that comes before that, A Season of Change. The main character is Marc North, a Marine pilot.

I already know (and admire) the man I interviewed. He's a retired Army helicopter pilot and fire battalion chief who's been deployed several times to the Middle East. I could listen to him for hours. He was very helpful with information about how military missions work over there and answered lots of general flying questions.

Listening to him reinforced the impression I already had: this is a genuinely good man. His off time focus while over there was humanitarian. You can follow this link to see one of them, The Afghan Orphan Project. While there, they were able to coordinate twelve life-changing surgeries for children. Seriously, he should write a book his experiences over there.

As for my book, this real man is the perfect model for my character, Marc.

Third meander ...

Speaking of doing good. Author Tristi Pinkston has a call out for short stories for an anthology she's going to put together in 2015. All proceeds will go to the Festival of Trees, an event to raise funds for Primary Children's Hospital. This is a premier hospital in our area, and they take all children, regardless of their family's ability to pay for their care.

If you might be interested in submitting a short story for the anthology or know someone who is, please check out Tristi's post here.

What have you been up to this week?

News and a Happy Thanksgiving

Lot of things happening and some of them are even writing related. The first is that A Change of Plans is part of an anthology. Just an Old-Fashioned Love Story is a collection of romantic tales.

AMAZON | AMAZON CANADA | AMAZON UK 

GOODREADS 

Here's my proof for winning NaNoWriMo

And for my American friends, Happy Thanks giving!

NaNoWriMo 2014 Report & More

Two years ago, I finished the first rough draft of Torn Canvas in 18 days. 

This year, I finished the next book in the Safe Harbors series--Swing Vote--in 17 days.

Yes, I'm feeling rather full of myself.

 * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Huge online Ebook Sale. FOUR DAYS ONLY Great prices from great authors! This is the perfect opportunity to stock on some good reading for those cold winter months. This event only happens twice a year, so stock up on your favorite books while you can. Click here to go to the Bookmarked Bargains site.

(Be sure to check out all the genres to find all those reading gems)

Then AFTER you shop to your heart's content, scroll to the bottom of ANY Bookmarked Bargains Page and fill out the Rafflecopter to sign up for our monthly Bookmarked Reader’s Newsletter containing new releases and bargain prices from our beloved authors at Indie Author Hub. Your information will always remain confidential. All names collected will be entered to win a Reader's Party Pack shipped right to your door.

Reader’s Party Pack: $160 value. Designed for readers. Everything a reader needs to enjoy a good book--blankets, hot cocoa, and more!

Of course, you don't need to purchase any of the listed books in order to be eligible to win, but you might as well because they're awesome.

There's something on this list for everyone to enjoy, so let's get right to it! *Be sure to check the price of the book before you download so you know you're getting the sale price.*

Who's Who and What's What in Each Category:

(Use links below or use the tabs above to find your favorite books and authors)

Below are all the genres and participating authors.

ROMANTIC COMEDY

Marie Higgins

Jo Noelle

INSPIRATIONAL FICTION (LDS/ CHRISTIAN)

Stacy Lynn Carroll

Alivia Anderson

Vicki Hunt Budge

Maria Hoagland

Daniel Coleman

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Donna K Weaver

Rachael Anderson

Rachel Ann Nunes

Rebecca Talley

Stephanie Fowers

Cami Checketts

LuAnn Staheli

Taylor Hart

Heather Justesen

Heather Tullis

Shannon Guymon

Lisa Swinton

Heather Moore

NONFICTION

Christy Dorrity

Valerie Steimle

FANTASY/ SCI FI

Andrea Pearson

Katie Lee O'Guinn

Stephanie Fowers

Susan Tietjen

Theresa Sneed

GENERAL FICTION

Tara C. Allred

YOUNG ADULT/ YA ROMANCE

J. Loyd Morgan

Cindy M. Hogan

Jo Noelle

Tamara Hart Heiner

Janette Rallison

HISTORICAL ROMANCE

Nichole Van

Joyce DiPastena

Marsha Ward

Marie Higgins

Tina Scott

MIDDLE GRADE

Monique Bucheger

YA FANTASY

J. Lloyd Morgan

Christy Dorrity

Daniel Coleman

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

Donna K. Weaver

Cami Checketts

Rachel Ann Nunes

Theresa Sneed

Kathleen Marks

Christy Barritt

Julie Coulter Bellon

Tanya Parker Mills

CHILDREN

R. K. Hinrichsen 

**Be sure to check the price of the book before you download so you know you're getting the sale price.*

As part of the sale, my Safe Harbors series is on sale through Thursday.

• A Change of Plans, Safe Harbors #1 is on sale for $.99
• Hope's Watch, Safe Harbors #1.5 (exclusive ebook) is FREE
• Torn Canvas, Safe Harbors #2 is on sale for $.99

NaNoWriMo 2014

This is what I'm doing this month. 
See ya in December!

Project

Swing Vote, Safe Harbors #3

Genre

Romantic Thriller

Blog Vacation

It's that time again.

Time to live some life. Time to get ready for and then become immersed in NaNoWriMo.

Except for already scheduled posts (or random ones), I'll be away from the blogging world until December 1st.

NaNoWriMo

I did lots of good work in November. It just didn't come to 50,000 new words.

ISWG - Coming Out of the Tunnel

Click here to find out more.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Yes, I've seen the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm going to a writing retreat today and feeling pretty stoked to finish the seemingly neverending rewrite of Torn Canvas and begin my NaNo project. What you are up to?

What's Your NaNo Wish?

Jennie's giving away a 50 page critique + an ecopy of The Spirit of Christmas

Jessica's also giving a 50 page critique + an ecopy of The Spirit of Christmas

Kelley's giving a $25 Amazon Giftcard + an ecopy of The Spirit of Christmas

David's also giving a $25 Amazon Giftcard + an ecopy of The Spirit of Christmas

Cassie's giving a choice of any of her ebooks + an ecopy of The Spirit of Christmas

So what do I want for NaNo?
Creative I'm not. My NaNo wish is simple: A finished Second Chances 101.

Even if you're not doing NaNo, you can participate in the bloghop.

What is (or would be) your NaNo wish?

Happy New Year!

Source: PowerPoint

A new year is like the blank page of a new project. So, are you a pantster or a plotter when it comes to your life? Do you give thought to what you want to accomplish or just wing it?

Some years ago, a lady at church made a rather profound observation about goals. She said a goal that cannot be achieved isn't a goal at all. It's a dream. You know about dreams, right? Those things we spend time thinking about but never actually doing anything about?

I know many people who don't like to do New Years resolutions, and I can kind of understand it. These resolutions have gotten to be a bit of joke, where people set them and by February 1st they've given up on them.

This begs the question then: why do resolutions so often fail?

I think it may go back to that statement by the lady at church. Are we setting resolutions that are really dreams, things we think might be fun to accomplish but for which we're doing nothing to prepare ourselves for success?

A goal (resolution) must be achievable. If my goal is to take a vacation in Hawaii yet I make no effort to save money to pay for it, I won't ever be going to Hawaii. If I want to write a book but never do anything but edit the first three chapters, then it can never be anything but a dream.

So what if I choose a goal that's too big to achieve? Break it down into steps that can be achieved. Maybe you don't have enough discretionary income to save for your trip to Hawaii. So, perhaps it's time to look at ways to get rid of that debt, cut some things you don't really need. Maybe you don't know how to finish your book, so attend some writing conferences, become a member of a critique group, sign up for Camp NaNo.

The bottom line is this: DO something.

Some of my goals:
* Keep track of the books I read
* Do my first writing presentation (twice)
* Attend LTUE
* Attend the ANWA conference
* Attend Storymaker
* Survive the launch of my first book this June
* Finish editing my NaNo project (writing it was one of my 2012 goals) by the end of this month so I can submit it to my critique group with the plan to submit to my publisher later this year
* Spend Christmas on Kaui'i (with my daughter who lives there)

What are your plans for 2013?

Writing Conferences & NaNoWriMo

I'm posting today over at the LDS Writers Blogck and talking about NaNo and some upcoming writing conferences.

Yes, this is me. Squeee!

Cover Reveal - "Emergence" by C. Michelle Jefferies

This break from NaNoWriMo is brought to you by

Hit man Antony Danic has never killed an innocent man. At least, the corporation he works for has never given him a reason to think otherwise—until now. Reeling from a series of demanding assignments, the assassin is desperate for some downtime. As he sits on a beach in Tahiti watching his wife play in the ocean, a messenger from his employer delivers a death threat. In a matter of seconds, the hunter has become the hunted. While Antony scrambles to find a way out of his “till death do us part” contract, he’s faced with the decision of a lifetime: kill another innocent man, or do what’s right—even if it puts his family in jeopardy.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I wrote "the end" on my NaNo project last night.

Still have tons to do in the edits, but I've earned a reading break.

Yes!

NaNo Triumph in 18 Days!

I did it. It's been an amazing experience, since I got to start the month at a writers retreat. When I got home I worked through some kinks with my new Dragon software (you talk, it types). I'd tried my hubby's version a couple of years ago but really stumbled over my desire to edit as I went. Three NaNo wins, and I've pretty much overcome that tendency for first drafts. It worked like a charm and really upped my word count.

The book's not finished, but I've been glossing over some sections I know have to be included as I'd been waiting on expert input from a family member. My goal used to be to beat NaNo before Thanksgiving. Now my goal is to finish the book.