NaNoWriMo I Can't Quit You.

Every time I participate, I tell myself I will finish NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) and every year I fall short. Something always comes up without fail, to derail me. This year I set a goal once more and told myself it was my year, my time to win the dang thing by finishing my project. And while I feel I got off to a good start, I've had events happen outside my control and have missed the last 3 timed writing sessions I planned to attend.

I may still finish, but with the holidays looming, I'm less than sure it'll actually happen. November is a horrible month to pick for a month long project. I kind of think it should be changed to January or February or even March. Because there are just too many holidays toward the end of the year and most of us are simply too busy and distracted to focus.

What do you think? If you had a say, would you change NaNoWriMo to a different month, and which month would you pick?

Nano MY WriMo

For those reading this who don't know what nanowrimo is, it's National Novel Writing Month, the time of year when folks who have a story to tell, buckle down and try to write it in 30 days. Held every November at http://nanowrimo.org/ we the proud, the brave, and the crazy, attempt to complete our book while urging on our fellow writers.

Sort of like Weight Watchers peer pressure and a New Year's resolution all rolled into one. In theory, procrastination stops and writing-fu begins.That means butt in chair, fingers flying over the keyboard, timed writing, and the self editor left the building. But not to worry, she'll be back when you're done, to edit your latest opus.

You may wonder what length constitutes a novel. Below is a simple chart that shows both average novel lengths as well as the most common perspectives, each broken down by genre. For NanoWriMo, the minimum to shoot for is 50,000 words.

If there is a book inside you, now is the perfect time to get started. And if you need a push, the other nano participating writers will help give you a push to get rolling. So what are you waiting for? Give it a try.

Pics from my NaNoWriMo workshop

I really had fun at the workshop last Thursday and hope all the attendees enjoyed the workshop as well and took away some good info from the presentation.

NaNoWriMo Fun!

Nov. 17, 7:00PM: Workshop by author Cassandra Curtis
Author of the Midnight Effect and Shifting Tides trilogy.

In this mini-workshop, Ms. Curtis shows how a writer can deepen the characterization of an existing protagonist, antagonist, or develop a secondary character by using a few simple diagrams, an interview sheet, character check list, traits, and even an exercise she invented called the Writer’s Duel, which creates multi-player participation in a game setting. Developing your character look in SL will be briefly discussed as well.

Nov. 17, 7:30PM: Workshop by author Cora Zane

Are you struggling with your NaNoWriMo story? Erotic romance author Cora Zane will be covering ways to kickstart a story that has stalled, and get you back on track to reaching your 50k NaNoWriMo project goal.

Both workshops will be held here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Awen/211/196/22

Fun With Workshops

My family's motto is "As we learn, we grow." So of course I love to take workshops. I also like to give them.

Next month, I'll be teaching a writers micro workshop on characterization as part of the NanoWriMo workshops held in Second Life. The workshop will be held on November 17, 2011, starting at 7pmSLT at the grassy area near the Bookstacks Book Faire in Awen/SL.

The mini-workshop will include handouts and the key ingredients on bringing a character to life on the page. The workshop is free to the public, and all you need is a Second Life account and an avatar to attend.

My writing and critique partner in crime, Cora Zane will also teach a mini-workshop that day. For more info on Cora's workshop, check out: http://corazane.blogspot.com/2011/10/upcoming-workshops.html

We hope you can make it.