NaNoWriMo Update: November 13

I am behind in the word count of my NaNoWriMo 2015 novel. I have to admit that I might have over extended myself this year because I also made other commitments for November. I have finished one of those commitments, but I still have four more to complete. I do not know if I will meet the NaNoWriMo word count this year, but I have leaned one thing which is to carefully consider the amount of writing I can do in a month.

NaNoWriMo Day 8 Update

I just finished writing 1,668 words in Chapter Ten of the Star Orphan, my 2015 NaNoWriMo novel. I have written a total of 13,572 words to date. That is 27 percent of my Novel Writing Month word count goal.

Pushing the limits
Passing "I cannot do this"
Finding that I can

NaNoWriMo Update for Days 2 and 3

On November 2 I wrote 1,753 words. On November 3, I wrote 1,721 words. To date I have written 5,205 words and four chapters. Today I start on Chapter 5 of Star Orphan. I still have to get my protagonist on the planet. I have one of the colony ships on the planet and hope to get the other two down either today or tomorrow.

I have did good this year. As usual, I am writing my chapters out of order because Chapters 2 and 3 are supposed to be Chapters 1 and two, but as usual I begin with something else and then went back to write the first two chapters. I am not sure why, but I can never begin a novel with the chapter I want first. I usually begin with chapter 2, 3. or 4 and then go back to write the other two.

NaNoWriMo 2015 Day 1 Update

November 1, the first day of National Novel Writing Month, got off to a good start. I finished the synopsis and the first chapter of my novel, Star Orphan. I exceeded the word count goal by 64 words. I decided to do something different with the synopsis this year. Instead of writing two or three paragraph telling about the novel, I wrote a poem from the point of view of the main character. The poem gave the basics every good synopsis should have without being boring to write.

I realized, as I was writing the synopsis, I sometimes get bored and find writing the synopsis difficult. I do not find writing poetry difficult. The synopsis tells about the main female character who is the commander of a small star ship. The name of the star ship is Star Orphan, but this term also applies to the main character. The poem also sits up the plot of the story.

Today I need to work on chapter two. Instead of going forward in chronological order I am going to make a time jump. I will go back in time to write about the protagonist's parents. I need to show what happened to Salena's (my main character) parents before her birth because that plays into the plot of the story.

I am not worried about writing chapters out of order because I still have to edit the novel after it is finished. When I first started participating in NaNoWriMo I worried about little things like that, but not any more. In fact, there are a lot of things I do not worry about until the time comes to edit the novel. Editing is when I need to worry about the novel making sense and which chapters are best to start the book.

5 Days to NaNoWriMo

In five days National Novel Writing Month begins and I am off to a good start. I went to the NaNoWriMo website and set up my novel by imputing the working titles, which is the name of the star ship my protagonist commands. I might change that after the novel is finished, but for now that will give me something to work with and help me focus on the plot.

I have four more writing exercises to do in planning the novel. I also have to set up a tentative writing schedule so that I can work on the novel at least thirty minutes a day. I have to write a minimum of 1,667 words each day to achieve the 50,000 words by November 30. I know this will not be easy, but it is achievable. There is probably a few other things I need to do. I cannot think of them right now, so as they come to mind I will put them on a list.

At this moment I am not sure whether I am looking forward to NaNoWriMo or not. I think that is because October has been weird month for writing. On some days I wrote over 2,000 words and on other under that mark. Fortunately, November will be a better month or at least less weird. Since I still have other work to do today, I will close and post this entry.

6 Days to NaNoWriMo

November, National Novel Writing Month, is six days away. This morning I realized that I need to sit a tighter writing schedule to accomplish the NaNoWriMo word count goal in thirty days. Fifteen minutes is the minimum amount of time I need to spend writing each day. I suspect I will need to set aside more time in order to accomplish the minimum word count goal of 1,667 words per day.

Considering the way I have written lately I am adding another fifteen to twenty minutes to that time. I also need to take interruptions into that time; therefore, I am setting aside one hour each day to work on my 2015 NaNoWriMo novel. I intend to break this one hour up into fifteen or twenty minute writing sessions to give myself some time to think about what comes next. It is possible I will write for longer or shorter periods at a time. I usually write for ten or fifteen minutes at a time before I have to get up from the computer for something.

The next thing I need to decide is when to work on the novel. I think sit aside thirty minutes in the morning and thirty minutes in the evening. I may change that in November after I get into the writing process; however, right now that is my NaNoWriMo plan.

Thursday Thoughts: Dealing with writing, rewriting and technical difficulties while planning my NaNoWriMo 2015 novel

I am in the process of rewriting one, finishing another, and writing at least one short story. I am also planning my NaNoWriMo 2015 novel. All this work means I do not need any distractions caused by technical difficulties. Yesterday I encountered the Blue Screen of Death, which meant that today I had to re-enter my log in name for Facebook and my g-mail accounts (among others). When I went to my g-mail account, I found out I had forgotten my password and the back up e-mail account I use. I changed my password and found out what my back up e-mail account is.

Next I decided to post some video ads to this blog. When I attempted to post the ads I encountered an error message. I don't know if the problem results from the yesterday's rebooting the computer after encountering the blue screen or something else. I e-mailed tech support of the company I get the ads from and included my cellphone number if they need to contact me. In the mean time I am going to continue writing and not worry about the ads. If it is God's will that I post the ads then tech support will get back to me before the ads are taken down.

In the mean time, I have a NaNoWriMo novel to plan, several writing projects to complete, and an apartment to clean. Since I have no plans to go anywhere until Sunday I am remaining home. I hope to complete at least three of the writing projects before Saturday just in case I have to leave the house for something important.

Considering my NaNoWriMo Plot

I finally have a working printer. It is wonderful to be able to print off my works so that I can edit them. This morning I printed off a copy of The Search for Intelligent Life and Winged Vengeance. I have to decide which plot I will use for my NaNoWriMo novel. I have to decide before Thursday, October 1, because that is when the NaNoWriMo Prep Challenge begins on writing.com.

When I wrote The Search for Intelligent Life, a couple of months ago, I thought I was going to use that as the plot basis for my 2015 NaNoWriMo novel. However, last week I wrote Winged Vengeance, which introduced an intriguing female character. This week I am writing a continuation of that story, but introducing a male character.

I think the female character will be the main protagonist because I prefer to write about female characters. The male character I am writing about this week will be a secondary protagonist who will be (I think) the love interest of the female character. I also have another male character in mind as the antagonist, but I could decide I want a female character as the main antagonist in that story. I will decide by Thursday afternoon plot I am using for the novel.

Three Day Until October

Three days left in September.
Three months left in the year.
Is there anything to fear?

The answer to that question is probably yes, but since I don't know what it is I'm not going to worry about it. As far as I know, I got everything mailed for renewal of my SNAP card last week. I haven't heard anything from my case worker yet so I'm going to go ahead with more mundane things such as making coffee and mopping floors.

October is going to be a busy writing month because I'm planning my NaNoWriMo novel. I have two ideas for this years novel and I have to pick one before the end of September. The working title for one of the novel's is The Dragon Wars and the other is The Search of Intelligent Life. I had planned to base the novel on a short story I wrote called The search for Intelligent Life, but last week I wrote Winged Vengeance which is the first story in a fantasy series about Dragon Wars.

This week I plan to write another short story about the Dragon Wars series. I also have to go back and reread The Search for Intelligent Life. Since my printer is working now (at least I think it's working) I can print of the science fiction story to start the rewrite on it. Once I look at a hard copy then I will be able to determine what my NaNoWriMo novel is about. Check back next Saturday or Sunday for more on this subject.

I Am a Winner

I completed the NaNoWriMo challenge with 51,108 words and an unfinished novel. I realized yesterday, as I way writing on Day 30 Chapter 30 that I did not have a complete novel. I need to complete at least two more chapters before Mark of the Blue Wolf is completed. Once it is finished, I have to start the rewrite.I will complete the novel by December 31 and begin the rewrite in January of 2015.

Still Working on my NaNoWriMo Novel

I am still working on my NaNoWriMo novel. I have one chapter left to write. I have 601 words left to write. I am going to finish the word count, but I am not going to finish the novel. At least, I do not think I will finish the novel today because I have just gotten the characters to the place where the novel will end. I have to get them into the caverns where the item they are looking for is located.

Once the characters are in the caverns then they have to find the item, and use it for its intended purpose. Even then I am not sure if the story will be finished because I have some loose ends to tie up or I have to write a second book on this subject and make it a series. I have to get back to writing after I get me another cup of coffee and decided how I want to fix my omelet for breakfast today.My break is over, so I am going to post this and get back to work on Mark of the Blue Wolf.

NaNoWriMo Update: Day 24

I am caught up with my novel. Now I have to decide how much laundry to do on Tuesday, so that I do not get behind on the novel. I have to wash some blankets and my flannel nightgown because it gets cold at night. I do not turn the warm air on because I cannot sleep if the air is on. I have enough trouble sleeping as it is, but it almost impossible for me to sleep with the air running.

I suppose I could turn the warm air on and stay up all night writing; however, the only time I stay up all night is when I have insomnia. I do not have insomnia, I just have trouble sleeping. I eventually go to sleep if I keep the air off at night.

I have a little over 9,000 words to write on my novel before the end of November. I may end up staying up all night on Thanksgiving or Black Friday to finish the novel. I do not intend to go shopping on either day, if I need anything I will go to the grocery store either on Tuesday or Wednesday before Thanksgiving. I do not shop on Thanksgiving and I do not shop on Black Friday. I use those to days to write if I am not eating with friends or family.

NaNoWriMo Update: Day 21

I am behind by one day, which would ordinarily worry me. I am not worried right now because I am too busy writing blog entries. I do not worry when I write or say prayers. The only time I seem to worry is when my mind is unoccupied. I have to go out after I finish this because I have to purchase a new router and a roasting pan.

dispelling worry
over my NaNoWriMo novel
pray write pray write pray

NaNoWriMo Haibun

I open the blinds

dawn scatters morning's blue light

across the city

I am awake! I have consumed one cup of coffee. I have made one blog entry. I am warming up to finish another chapter in my NaNoWriMo novel. I need another cup of coffee.

chilly autumn dawn

I limp across the tile floor

with my coffee cup

I am behind by half a chapter on my NaNoWriMo novel. I will catch up today despite the arthritis pain in my right thumb. The question now is what do I want for my first breakfast. I suppose I should have something warm, but oatmeal is completely off my diet because of its high potassium level. I need something to fuel my muse in order to complete the chapters of Mark of the Blue Wolf.

bowl of cereal

with hot coffee instead of milk

my Sunday breakfast

NaNoWriMo Update: Day 12

I caught up today! I have written 20,315 words since November 1. I have completed 40% of my NaNoWriMo novel Mark of the Blue Wolf. I am wear, but I cannot stop now because I will get behind again.

Happiness is catching up on my NaNoWriMo novel.

Since I cannot seem to think at the moment I am going to post this. I wish every one a Happy NaNoWriMo.

NaNoWriMo Update: Day 8

It is Day 8 of National Novel Writing Month, I have officially written 11,225 words. I am in the process of writing more. I am tired. I cannot stop writing or I will get behind again. I am lucky I have written as much as I have.

I am pushing myself to write. Sometimes I cannot think of anything to write, so I use a prompt or a chapter title to start the writing process for the day. The  prompts work to keep me writing and focus my mind on what my characters are doing for the chapter I am working on or the next chapter.

NaNoWriMo Update: Word Count Update for Days One, Two, and Three

As of Monday, November 3, I completed 5,006 words and three chapters. I did not write anything of Tuesday, November 4, because I worked as a clerk in the General Election. I began work at 6:00 am and got off at 7:30 pm. I spent the entire day at my job focusing on processing voters. As a results, I am one day and 1,667 word and one chapter behind on my National Novel Writing Month novel.

I just finished writing over 700 words on chapter four, The Whispering Wood, I have about 970 words to finish that chapter. Once I finish chapter four then I have to work on chapter five, This Too Shall Pass, after that I can start on chapter six, which should be day six.

I have close to half of The Whisper Wood finished, so I decided to stop and fix myself something to eat. I am fixing a chicken breast with some vegetable for my lunch. I am not going anywhere today because I have to finish two chapters in Mark of the Blue Wolf. I also have to take out some trash and do another blog entry. I have to go out on Thursday to pick up a couple of prescriptions at Smith's Food and Drug Store and I have a letter to mail.

NaNoWriMo Update 2014: Day 1

It is November 1 the first day of National Novel Writing Month. In Las Vegas, it is about 6:54 am Pacific Daylight Time and a bit early for the November 1 word count. I begun Mark of the Blue Wolf about 4:30 am after I finished my first cup of coffee. I wrote one paragraph before encountering difficulties.

The title of the first chapter is Weeping Meadows, which should give you an indication of the novel's genre. The genre is fantasy and action adventure. In the first chapter I introduce my protagonist and the plot of the novel. I know the novel's plot and my protagonist, the problem I am encountering is starting the novel.

It is normal for me to encounter difficulties when beginning a novel or short story. I will overcome this difficulty before this afternoon. Right now I am procrastinating while my subconscious mind works on the next paragraph. I will complete at least 1,667 word on this novel today. In the mean time, I am passing time with make work projects, things I have to do. Look for the next update, which I have planned for NaNoWriMo Day 3 when I will have a word count.

One more day until NaNoWriMo

National Novel Writing Mon begins on Saturday, November 1. This year the working title for my novel is Mark of the Blue Wolf. It is a fantasy and action adventure novel about a search for an artifact called the Wolf Stone. I have the premise and the synopsis written; however, I am not posting the premise at this time. The synopsis is posted on the National Novel Writing website under my novel.

My daily NaNoWriMo word count goal is 1,667. I plan to write every day except on Tuesday, November 4, when I will be working the general election polls in Nevada. I may attempt some writing after I get home around 7:30 or 8:00 pm if I am not too tired for my brain to write.

Tuesday Afternoon Thoughts on Writing

I decided to remain home today and attempt to catch up on a few things. I have caught up on a few things, but not everything.  It is impossible to catch up on everything I needed to, but I am catching up on the important stuff. I am also considering my schedule for November because I am participating in NaNoWriMo and I need to have time to write the novel I attempted to plan in October.

October planning
for National Novel Writing Month
I learn about myself