NaNo Update #5

Progress (word count or a general status update): 27,556

Current Mood: Not great. Some things have happened this week that have significantly dampened my writing spirit, and my word count goals have suffered. I’m still on track to write 50K by the end of the month, but I’ve suddenly got a lot of new issues and commitments I wasn’t counting on. I’m worried about having the time and the appropriate frame of mind to officially “win” NaNo. I’ve come so far, though, and because of that, I’m not ready to give up. I love my characters and their story. I do not want to abandon them.

Inspiration: “I’m so overwhelmed… I’m not sure if I’ve found a rope or lost my horse.” ~ Unknown (Not exactly writing-related, but very much how I’ve been feeling lately.)

Goals as of Today: Finish November with 50,000 words. That is all.

Recent Favorite NaNo WiP Bit: Henry was a good boyfriend, sweet and considerate, quick with compliments and generous with gifts. He had never become outwardly angry with Bree, even though she was sometimes purposely difficult. He told her that he loved her, and not just when he wanted something. He said it often and with feeling; Bree suspected he meant it, which terrified her to her core. 

Non-NaNo News (because life DOES go on): In the interest of sparing you a big ol’ heap of negativity, I’m going to skip this one. Let’s just say that November is not turning out at all the way I’d hoped.

In my downtime I’m reading: I’m nearly finished with Starters by Lissa Price. While this one certainly requires some suspension of belief, it’s one of the stronger dystopians I’ve read this year. I’m a fan of main character Callie, and the action-packed climax has me wanting to just finish already!

You should read this blog post:  What the Rest of the World Doesn’t Get About YA By: Author Natalie Whipple Because: It’s a personal, uplifting story about why writing YA is so, so important.

You should also read this blog post: Shady Business By: Agent Sarah LaPolla Because: It’s chock full of awesome advice regarding researching backgrounds and track records to ensure that the agents, agencies, and small publishers writers are querying and/or submitting to are legitimate.

Gratuitous Photograph (because I love ‘em!):

Lovely California dawn…

Tell Me: What do you have going on this weekend? 

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27 thoughts on “NaNo Update #5”

  1. Elodie says:

    I hear you about November…Mine didn´t shape up that great either.
    If you ever need a shoulder (a virtual one) or a friend, you know where to find me.
    Hope all gets better for you soon!
    Hugs ❤

  2. Taryn says:

    Hey lovely, I’m booking a flight and heading to California right now. We can have our tough Novembers together. Just know I’m obsessed with your snippets and I think your nano is fantastic 🙂

    • katyupperman says:

      Thank you so much, friend! Likewise, as I’m sure you know. 🙂 And you are welcome here in California anytime. I’ve got a guest room at the ready, and I’m sure my munchkin would love another aquarium trip! ❤

  3. Mrs. Silverstein says:

    First of all, I love that snippet. You totally nailed that particular type of relationship (one I know way too well, as it was what resulted when my two best friends started dating during college!) Can’t wait to read more!

    Which means that I’m totally rooting for you and your writing. I’m sorry November is crummy. Just remember that whatever is bad now will get better eventually (or if it won’t, that it will at least probably stop feeling so bad eventually) and then you will be able to enjoy this project and your characters again. And until then I’ll be sending lots of good thoughts your way 🙂

    • katyupperman says:

      Thanks, Jess! All good thoughts are welcome. I know that all this crappy stuff will pass, and I’m grateful that the nonsense going on in my life isn’t nearly as bad as what others have to deal with. So, there’s that.

      I hope your NaNo project is still going well. I’ve loved reading about your progress!

  4. Alison Miller says:

    😦
    Just in case I haven’t already told you this – you’re fabulous. Your stories and snippets are fabulous. And I’m just really sorry this is a crummy November. Hang in there – and you know where to find me. 🙂

  7. Rebecca B says:

    I’m really sorry to hear that November isn’t going well. I have to say that I’ve loved your snippets so far, so I look forward to hearing that you’ve hit 50K and/or finished this WIP–whenever that happens! I hope things get better soon. If you want to chat/vent/whatever, I’m here!

  9. Jaime Morrow says:

    I’m trying to think of something to say that will make you feel better, but words sometimes aren’t enough. I’ll give it a shot, though. I’m sorry to hear that your month has been so difficult. You deserve far better than that. I know that everyone here—myself included—is sending you hugs and our hopes that things will get better for you. Like Rebecca said: if you want to vent or whatever, I’m here too. 🙂

    As always, I’m thoroughly impressed with the snippets you share with us. You’re a gifted writer, and I can’t wait to one day get my hands on one of your stories. 🙂

    • katyupperman says:

      Thanks, Jaime. As usual, the support of my friends has made me smile through all the yuck of this week, and I am so thankful for you guys. Depending on how this weekend shapes up, perhaps I’ll send you an angst-filled email. As I hope you know, you are more than welcome to email me anytime you feel the need for a good rant or vent. That’s what writing buddies are for, right?

  10. Ghenet Myrthil says:

    I’m so sorry your November took a negative turn. 😦 You’re doing so well on your word count so you should feel positive about that. I’m still cheering you on! And if you need another ear or whatever, I’m here too! I’m a very good listener. 🙂 (((HUGS)))

    • katyupperman says:

      Thanks so much, Ghenet. I can use all the cheers I can get this week. How’s your writing going? Are you continuing with you NaNo project at a non-NaNo pace? (And thank you for offering your listening ear… I might just take you up on that. ♡)

  11. Liz Parker (@LizParkerWrites) says:

    Oh Katy, I’m so sorry. If it helps at all, every snippet you have shared from this story has been absolutely wonderful, so I think you have something worth finishing here. Let me know if there’s anything you need. I’m great at finding inspirational quotes and make some killer butter toffee if you need me to send you some!

    • katyupperman says:

      Butter toffee… That sounds amazing! Thanks for your sweet words, Liz. I’m determined to keep going with my NaNo project despite all the other nonsense going on. Working on it (and following along with all of my friends’ NaNo progress!) has been a great and uplifting distraction. 🙂

  13. Tracey Neithercott (@T_Neithercott) says:

    Aw, Katy, I’m so sorry to hear your feeling crummy. I hope the rest of November treats you better than the first part has. But judging from your snippets, you should definitely carry on. I love the bits of your storie you share. And if you ever want to chat (or vent) about whatever’s keeping you down (or anything else) you know where to find me. ❤

    • katyupperman says:

      Thanks, Trace! My mood is improving, mostly because I’ve come to terms with the fact that there’s nothing I can do about what has me all grouchy. I’m sure it’ll pass. 🙂 Thanks for the offer of chatting/venting… I might take you up on that!

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