Category: WIP

NaNo Update #8

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Oh, hey. Remember when I won NaNoWriMo?

Yep, yesterday I crossed the 50,000 word mark, which still feels sort of  surreal and very unbelievable.

November has been a month, let me tell you. Some crazy stuff has gone down recently (stuff I’ll probably blog about next week), and for a while there, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to finish this NaNo thing. But, peer pressure community support is a beautiful thing, and I did not want to let down the awesome people who’ve spent all month cheering for me. I didn’t want to disappoint my husband and my daughter, who have been enthusiastically rooting me on (though neither of them gets that you don’t actually win, like, a trophy or money or whatever). And then there was my stubborn conscience and that pesky internal voice that wouldn’t shut up until I met my word count goal every. Single. Day.

That is why my word count bar graph looks so pretty and harmonious. I know myself, and if I would have fallen behind, there’s no way I would have had the motivation to catch back up.

So, that’s my NaNo tip, the one piece of advice I’d offer to anyone who felt crazy enough to give 50K words in 30 days a shot: Be consistent. Write every day. Bank words if you know you’ve got a busy weekend coming up, but still, try to up your count (at least a little) each day. Do NOT fall behind. Do NOT give up.

I feel it’s important to mention that my draft is not done. I’ve still got about 25K-30K to go, and then there’ll be plenty of revising to tackle. But National Novel Writing Month got my little story idea off the ground, gave it a heart and a life of its own, and now that I’m in deep, I know I’ll finish it. I love my characters too much to desert them now!

A big shout out and hearty congratulations to everyone else who has successfully completed NaNoWriMo, especially The English Badass Liz Parker, who somehow became my pace buddy over the course of the month and “won” yesterday too!

In other fun news, I got the coolest “K” mug from Kelsey Macke, my Sip Swap match. It’s big and has a graceful handle and is a lovely cerulean color inside. I adore it! And doesn’t Kelsey have the coolest stationary? Love!

Finally, I must wish the happiest of birthdays to my mom. She reads my blog and comments occasionally, and she’s about as supportive and amazing as they come. Happy birthday, Mom! I love you!

So, that’s my BIG Friday news. I’ve got lots of awesome on deck for next week, too, including an interview with a very savvy friend who’s got experience in all the major areas of publishing, as well a Bookanista recommendation of one of my favorite contemporaries of the year.

Have a fantastic weekend, lovelies! 

NaNo Update #7

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Progress (word count or a general status update): 44,038

Current Mood: So, so hopeful! I think I might actually “win” this NaNo thing… Who would’ve thought?! The end is in sight, and therefor I am motivated. Even if I end up having to write out of order, I WILL finish this thing. And by the way…. Congrats to those of you who have already won! I am absolutely in awe, and your success have given me an extra boost of inspiration!

Inspiration: 

The hope of a writer is to create this kind of magic...

Goals as of Today: I hit my 40K by Friday goal from last week, so that’s exciting. As of today, my goal is to keep pace so I’ll see 50K on or before this Friday… YAY!

Recent Favorite NaNo WiP Bit: 

       There was nothing more than his hands gripping her waist and his mouth open against hers, the balmy autumn air heavy and damp against her skin. The kiss wasn’t unpleasant, exactly, but there was no emotion accompanying it, nothing that made Bree want to deepen it, or even prolong it.

       Still, she was patient. She let Henry draw back first. And when he did, he was grinning, obviously proud, like he’d just cleared an enormous hurdle while wearing weighted shoes. 

Non-NaNo News (because life DOES go on): Our Thanksgiving was awesome. We had potluck celebration with our local military friends and fun was had by all. Also, I made a Pecan Pie Cake, and ate WAY too much.

In other news, my husband, daughter, and I saw Rise of the Guardians this weekend and we LOVED it. The story is perfection, and the movie is visually stunning. I’m not a big 3D fan, but definitely see Rise of the Guardians in 3D. You won’t regret the inflated ticket price. 🙂

In my downtime I’m reading: Mini book review… I finished Saving June by Hannah Harrington over the weekend. Guys… I adored this book — it’s a new favorite! It’s a mash-up of Jandy Nelson’s lovely prose and Courtney Summers’ s bold storytelling, all wrapped up in an epic road trip. And the boy… Jake. He totally made me swoon. And if all that isn’t enough, the songs that are a part of the various mixed CDs mentioned throughout the story are compiled into playlists at the end. I want to download them all and relive the book while I listen!

Saving June

In an attempt to cure my Awesome Book Hangover, yesterday I started Reached by Ally Condie. I’m a fan of the first two books of the Matched trilogy, and I’m excited to see how the series wraps up.

You should read this blog post: Increasing Your Book’s Momentum By: Editor Laura Carlson Because: It’s full of awesome tips for getting your story up and running, and for infusing it with plenty of excitement and an unputdownable pace.

You should also read this blog post: The Fine Art of Story Resonance By: Author Susan Dennard  Because: Story resonance is so important, and Susan shares lots of hints for weaving subplots together to create a deep, complex, echoing plot (think Jellicoe Road and If You Reach Me).

Gratuitous Photos (Because I love ‘em!):

  
Autumn treasures, my favorite little face, and a lovely California sunset.

If you’re NaNoing, are you on track to win? And if you’re not NaNoing, what’s new in your writing world? 

NaNo Update #6

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Progress (word count or a general status update): 32, 506

Current Mood: Improving… Last week sucked, frankly, but I’ve come to terms with it and I’m moving on with what needs to be done. I know that’s elusive, and for that I apologize. I can report that I’m making awesome progress on my NaNo project, and it’s more a joy to work on than a chore… A good thing!

Inspiration: It’s hard to wait around for something you know might never happen, but it’s even harder to give up when you know it’s everything you want. ~ Unknown

Goals as of Today: Hit 40K by Friday. That’s lofty, especially since my girlie is out of school this week, but seeing that benchmark will make me feel very confident about finishing the month with 50K.

Recent Favorite NaNo WiP Bit:

As Bree neared town, the running path became busier. Cyclists with aerodynamic helmets and bikes worth thousands streaked by shouting, “On your left!” Women in the dredges of middle age, power-walked in expensive sweat suits, carrying lattes and chattering. Runners, like Bree, who were out to perform, raise their heart rates and sculpt their calves and drop their times. When she could spare the concentration, she smiled at a few. But she felt a kinship with them all. They were like her, intense and dedicated. Competitors.

Non-NaNo News (because life DOES go on): I ran the Big Sur Half Marathon yesterday! Guys. It was *really* hard. It wouldn’t have been bad three weeks ago before I aggravated my sciatic nerve, but yesterday… Wow. I’m still limping. The good (great!) news is that I finished, and I got to have beer at the end of the race.

A shot of the course (also my regular running route — I am very lucky!). Can you see the little runners in the distance?

Finished! Tired but excited, and with beer! (Why does my neck appear freakishly long in this picture? I look like a turtle…)

I love the medals!

In my downtime I’m reading: Saving June by Hannah Harrington. I just started, but so far this one reminds me a bit of The Sky is Everywhere. Which is to say: A dead sister is involved, the writing is gorgeous, and I already love it.

You should also read this blog post: What’s Next in Publishing: Agent Laurie McLean Looks in Her Crystal Ball By: Agent Laurie McLean (guest-posting on author Anne R. Allen‘s blog) Because: It’s a succinct view of publishing then, now, and in the future from an industry insider.

Gratuitous Photo (Because I love ‘em!):

I can’t pinpoint why, exactly, but I love this photograph. I think it’s the combination of obvious daddy/daughter fun, my girlie’s joyful smile, and the flags billowing so perfectly in the background. (Not to toot my own horn or anything. :))

Tell me: How was your weekend? What are you reading these days?

NaNo Update #5

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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? 

NaNo Update #4

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Progress (word count or a general status update): 22,611

Current Mood: Eh. I didn’t write AT ALL on Sunday, and I payed for it yesterday. It was hard to get back into the mood, though I did manage to knock out 2,371 words. I’m approaching the dreaded “sagging middle” (am I the only writer who hates that term?) and I’m stressing about keeping the story’s momentum going. That said, I still like my story, and I still enjoy being immersed in its world. I referred to my daughter as Bree the other day, which is my MC’s name. So that’s fun.

Inspiration: Simple…

Goals as of Today: My girlie’s school has a week of half-days thanks to parent/teacher conferences, so my goal is to keep my head above water. That means, log at least 1,600 words a day. In my perfect world, I’ll hit 2K every day through Friday.

Recent Favorite NaNo WiP Bit:

Their two conversations, brief and random as they’d been, had somehow become the highlight of Bree’s week. Good weird, he’d written in his note. She couldn’t help but agree. 

After a relatively quiet breakfast with her parents, she got dressed for school. The little slip of paper on which Duncan had scribbled his note found its way into the small inner pocket of her bag. It gave the bag added weight, a pleasant solidity that kept Bree tethered to the ground as the day wore on. 

Non-NaNo News (because life DOES go on): Raise your hand if you’re tired of hearing about my runner’s injury… Wait — You too?! My sciatic nerve is still giving me grief. I ran a slow five miles on Saturday and suffered the consequences all day Sunday. The good news is that I now know that I’m capable of pushing through the pain. So, watch out Big Sur!

In other news, I got my match for Sip Swap 2012 hosted by  Kelsey and Jessica. Now I’m even more excited about the swap because my my match is someone I know through her blog and mine. If you’re reading this right now, you *might* be my match. Can’t wait to go mug shopping!

In my downtime (ha!) I’m reading: Starters by Lissa Price. I’m about 130 pages in and honestly, I thought I was going to be annoyed by this book. But I’m not — not even a little bit! The main character is turning out to be all kinds of likable.  Starters is a page turner, and it’s kept me guessing which, considering the dystopian-saturated YA world in which we live, is pretty impressive.

You should read this blog post: Your Style, Your Voice, and Why, Yes, You Are a Special Snowflake By: Writer Amanda Hannah (via YA Highway) Because: The post defines the sometimes confusing term “voice,” which we hear so often in the writing world, and tells us how our own voice is like a fingerprint we leave on our readers.

You should also read this blog post: 12 Movies That Inspired My Love of YA (And Influenced the Way I Write It) By: Moi! (Over at YA Confidential) Because: Teen movies are the best, and I’d love to hear about your favorites.

Gratuitous Photograph (because I love ‘em!):

I hosted a baby shower for a lovely friend on Sunday, and this little guy helped set the mood. Directions for making one of your own are HERE.

Hangin’ out with my favorite girl.

Tell Me: What are you reading? How’s your writing coming along? How’s your week shaping up?

NaNo Update #3

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Progress (word count or a general status update): 17,009

Current Mood: Inspired, yet daunted. I keep coming up with awesome ways to challenge my main character, and I’ve had all kinds of ideas for cool little subplots. These are good things! BUT. I’m starting to worry that I might have too many good things going on. Is that even possible at 17,009 words? I’m not sure… Too many ideas are better than NO ideas, right?

Inspiration: Good writing is supposed to evoke SENSATION in the reader. Not the FACT that it is raining, but the FEELING of being rained upon. ~ E.L. Doctorow

Goals as of Today: Lots going on this weekend, so today I’d like to write at least 2,000 words. I’d like to follow-up with at least 1,000 words on both Saturday and Sunday.

Recent Favorite NaNo WiP Bit:

Duncan was smiling. It was a private sort of smile, the kind Bree shared with Payton when an inside joke come up in a room full of people.

“And your boyfriend,” Duncan said. “He’s real, right? Not some convenient product of your imagination? One you use to deflect strange guys who ask for your number?”

“He’s definitely real,” Bree confirmed, though for the first time in the three years since she’d signed on as Henry’s girlfriend, she kind of wished he wasn’t.

Non-NaNo News (because life DOES go on): My pulled muscle turned out to be sciatica, which is definitely NOT AWESOME. Seriously, guys. Stepping off a curb wrong brings tears to my eyes. I might be crawling the Big Sur Half Marathon…

In lighter news, the other day while my girlie was watching me put my husband’s laundry away (yes, I put my husband’s laundry away… Best Wife Ever), she said, “Mommy, I never want to get married.” When I asked her why not she said, “It just looks like A LOT of work.”

Pretty much, kiddo. It’s so worth all the work, though!

In my downtime (ha!) I’m reading: I finished Bittersweet, and it was very charming. Last night I opened Starters by Lissa Price, but I was so freaking tired I only made it through a few pages. No complaints yet, though. 🙂

You should read this blog post: The YA Boy Problem (Again) By: Author Kristin Halbrook (via YA Highway)Because: She eloquently addresses the many ways YA breaks identity barriers and questions social mores while telling beautiful, quality stories (and she tells “YA tourists” why they’re doing themselves a disservice). Plus, she includes a whole list of male-protagonist YAs.

You should also read this blog post: Losing Perspective on Your Writing: Does This Sing or Suck? By: Author Roni LorenBecause: She reminds us that we’re probably never as good OR as bad as we think. It’s the perfect post to balance the emotional ups and downs of NaNoWriMo.

Gratuitous Photograph (because I love ‘em!):

We just really love living in California.

Saturday we’ve got my daughter’s last soccer game and Sunday brings a few social engagements I’m very much looking forward to. Oh, and I’ll be fitting some writing into the next few days, too. 🙂

What do you have going on this weekend?

NaNo Update #2

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Happy Election Day!

Progress (word count or a general status update): 11, o33… We’re approaching Plot Point One, yo.

Current Mood: Excited… This thing’s starting to feel like it might be a REAL STORY someday!

Inspiration: Close the door. Write with no one looking over your shoulder. Don’t try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It’s the one and only thing you have to offer. ~ Barbara Kingsolver (So wise!)

Goals as of Today: Write at least 2K every day for the remainder of the work week, and at least 1K on Saturday and Sunday.

Recent Favorite NaNo WiP Line: If Bree and Henry’s relationship excelled in any area, it was meeting the status quo…. Bree knew Henry would order Eggs Benedict and a large orange juice at brunch, just as she knew he favored heather-gray boxer-briefs and would agree to just about anything she suggested, so long as she was kissing his neck while she asked. 

Non-NaNo News (because life DOES go on): My pulled muscle is still pulled, so that sucks. I’ve been getting my elliptical on because I’m signed up to run the Big Sur Half Marathon in two weeks, but the gym sucks. I miss my running route. Here’s hoping my body will start cooperating soon.

In my downtime (ha!) I’m reading: Um. Still Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler. I rewarded myself with forty-five minutes of in-the-sun reading yesterday and it was glorious. I’m moving slowly on this book, but not because I don’t enjoy the story (I totally do! Hud’s voice rocks!), but because, as you might imagine, I don’t have tons of extra reading time these days.

You should read this blog post: Welcome to November By: My agency sister Taryn Albright Because: She offers some sage advice for “winning” NaNo. Plus, she’s smart and witty and fun.

You should also read this blog post: Manners Matter: 13 Etiquette Tips By: Literary Agent Rachel Gardner Because: Her tips are excellent reminders, especially in this vastly digital age.

Gratuitous Photograph (because I love ‘em!): Today you get two… Yay!


Jammin’


Write drunk; edit sober. ~ Ernest Hemingway (Yeah. I wasn’t actually drunk, but you’d be surprised at how the words flow after a Bud Light or two. :))

How’s your researching/plotting/drafting/revising/editing coming?

NaNo Update #1

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Progress (word count or a general status update): 2,823

Current Mood: Enthusiastic

Inspiration: And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it. ~ Roald Dahl (Love!)

Goals as of Today: Continue stockpiling words for the weekend so I can have some fun with my family.

Recent Favorite NaNo WiP Line: While observing young soldiers: Another had forgone the ever popular buzz cut in favor of a Bic-clean shave. In Bree’s opinion, that was an unwise choice. 

Non-NaNo News (because life DOES go on): I’ve pulled a muscle. This does not bode well for my morning runs, which does not bode well for my NaNo musings. Here’s hoping said-muscle starts cooperating, and quick.

In my downtime (ha!) I’m reading: Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler — really cute so far!

You should read this blog post: It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year By: Lindsay Roth Culli Because: She shares lots of fantastic arguments for giving NaNoWriMo a shot. Namely, gaining experience, the sense of community, and having fun. Plus, she quotes Anne Lamott!

You should also read this blog post: Denver and the Mind Reader By: Maggie Stiefvater Because: Simply, she’s awesome, and this story kind of gave me chills. And she mentions The Pig!

Gratuitous Photograph (because you know I love ’em!):

♥ Minnie and Merida ♥

So, how’s NaNo going for you? (And if you’re not NaNo-ing, how’s your November shaping up?

Method Writing

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You’ve probably heard of “method acting.”

From Wikipedia: Method acting is any of a family of techniques used by actors to create in themselves the thoughts and emotions of their characters, so as to develop lifelike performances.

I can’t act my way out of a paper bag, but I am a fan of method writing. I find it incredibly helpful and inspiring to immerse myself in my characters’ lives. Their hobbies and their passions and their cultures. Let me give you an example…

I recently shared a bit about my WiP, Cross My Heart, in a post called The Next Big Thing. I mentioned that the story’s main character, Jillian, aspires to be a pastry chef. It probably goes without saying, but this aspect of the story was a lot of fun to research. I found two food blogs in particular that were incredibly helpful: Brown Eyed Baker and Eat, Live, Run. I learned a lot about basic food preparation, the science of baking, and the art of presentation.

Of course, all of this food-themed reading and research lit a fire of inspiration under me, and I found myself wanting to bake. Often.

So I did.

And every time I stepped into my kitchen and the world of yeast and coconut flakes and dark chocolate chips, I found myself connecting on a deeper level with Jillian. I felt the same contentment I imagine she feels when she’s among her rolling pins and pie pans and spatulas. I fell in love with the process of measuring and mixing and tasting, just like Jillian. I felt a sense of pride when presenting my treats to family and friends, just as Jillian does in the story.

I attribute the five pounds I gained while rewriting Cross My Heart to Jillian and her love of pastries, and you know what? They were totally worth it. Diving into my main character’s passion not only made my manuscript more authentic, but I also discovered a new hobby, one I’ll continue to foster long after my revision is complete.

     #Homemade wine-and-cheese #bread. #Near #Baking #Food #Yum #FMSPhotoADay   #Chocolate Chip #Scones ... #Yum! #Baking #Treats #Food

Tell Me: Do you METHOD WRITE?

The Next Big Thing…

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Last week my lovely friend Caroline Richmond tagged me in a post entitled The Next Big Thing, which consisted of a  WiP-focused questionnaire she first saw over at Miss Snark’s First Victim. I had so much fun reading about Caroline’s WiP, I thought it’d be fun to play along using my own work-in-progress.

So, without further ado…

What is the working title of your book? 

Cross My Heart

Where did the idea come from?

The characters, really. Love-interest Max came first, then protagonist Jillian, and then (eventually) the story built itself up around them. Over the years, lots of angsty, tear-jerker-type country songs have aided in its conceptualization.

What genre does your book fall under?

Contemporary YA. More specifically, it’s a romantic drama.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

I’m a self-professed old person, therefor I know nothing about teen actors. I have no idea who the people pictured below are (movie stars? models? randoms?) but they’re just how I see Max and Jillian in my head. Cute boy with spikes and an angular jaw. Girl-next-door-pretty teen with dark hair. Perfect.

Max     JillianWhat is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Aw, man… I suck at one-sentences synopses! How about a tiny snippet from my full pitch? It paints a fairly decent picture of what the story is about:

After a rash but steamy mistletoe kiss, Jillian begins to realize that her growing affection for hot-but-hurting Max extends well beyond friendship. But their clandestine kiss must remain clandestine, because  according to Jill’s ever-elusive father and Max’s fracturing sister — Jill’s best friend– Max is utterly off limits.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

I’m lucky to be represented by Vickie Motter of Andrea Hurst Literary, who is enthusiastic and savvy and awesome. In my perfect vision, Cross My Heart will go the route of traditional publishing.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

I wrote the first (poor) draft in a month, June of 2010. That’s right — over two years ago. I queried it unsuccessfully, then sat on it for about 18 months. Then, this summer, I rewrote the whole story using the two main characters (totally re-imagined) and small bits of that original first draft. I ended up with a product I’m proud of and confident in.

May we see an intro?

Here are the first few lines:

       The pounding at my window comes late, and it scares me shitless.
       The last of the trick-or-treaters have called it a night. My father and stepmother have long since stowed the leftover fun-sized Snickers bars and diligently checked the locks; they’ve been asleep for hours. The house is quiet and inky dark, too big for our family of three. It feels particularly hollow tonight, which might explain why I’ve been tossing and turning, chasing sleep for hours. 

What other books would you compare this story to?

Jennifer Echol’s upper YA contemporaries are comparable to the tone and romanticism of Cross My Heart, and it’s similar to Sarah Dessen’s novels in its focus on family and friendships and the way relationships change with the coming of age. A recent comp might be Huntley Fitzpatrick’s My Life Next Door.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

Many a Taylor Swift song, I’m pleased to say. Also, the music of Tim McGraw, Lady Antebellum, and various Classic Country musicians. My earliest, cherished critique partners, who never hesitate to compliment my voice, and my more recently found critique partners, who are brilliant and lovely and generous. Also, my husband, who’s so very supportive and shares some of his best attributes with Cross My Heart‘s Max.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

Kiss...

Um… kissing. Lots and lots of kissing. And romantic tension. There’s lots of that, too. Also, baking (Jillian’s an aspiring pastry chef), Western Washington, holidays, football, secrets, lies, and betrayal. And I’ve heard that Jillian can be humorous — sort of sarcastic and dry — so that’s fun.

So, now I get to tag a few friends in the hope that they’ll tell us all about their Next Big Thing…

Jessica Love
Temre Beltz
Alison Miller
Sara McClung
Rebecca Behrens

And you too! If you decide to post about your Next Big Thing, please do link me in the comments of this post so I can stop by and check it out!