Na-Know

So, yeah, that Na-No thing. I didn't hit the finish line. My car on the autobahn morphed into the beater on the side of a country road with miles of winter clad fields that stretched as wide as my bleary eyed vision could wander. I attempted to get back on track; I really, truly did.

I wrote random scenes, out of context, but, hey, it was NaNo. I could do that. Then, when that didn't work, I went to the end & tried to write that. It seemed to make sense since I already knew how the story would end - yeah, no. I wrote a steam-steam scene completely out of context & totally inappropriate for the story. What the heck - it made me smile. Then, as a last resort, I started every sentence with the words, "This sucks...." Sadly,these words depressed even farther.

My head in foggy dissolution or delusion depending on the moment; my heart sank & fell out of like. Then the month ended - Thank God!!! Now, I have 17 decent chapters and a host of word jumble rubble. I've had a few days to ponder the entire mess.

So I am left to revamp the outline, finish the draft (it's very drafty), & then clean it chambermaid style. I did learn some stuff though.

1. Complete outline - necessary
2. Cohesion - gotta have it
3. Half-cocked - not condusive
4. Finish line - definite, just not in 30 days - not this time


Ah well, if you're going to fail at something, might as well have a full house. Humility is just not the same without an audience. It's okay though; I survived, I am revived & the bruises will heal. Especially that ego one; it smarts even now. Must get the neosporting.

Happy Writing,

Patti

Friday Mash Up - Post Triptophan & Other Bits

Congratulations - To all the NaNo winners!!!! To Jennifer for cresting her 500th sale!!

In Other Blogs -Erica is having a post-NaNo blogfestive. Brenda posted on CA Marshall's edit giveaway; check it out, enter & hopefully win the prize. Shellie discussed rule breaking. Christine Bell revealed TMI - confessions & other stuffs. Nicole talked about the moment you realize your work doesn't suck. Gardner took us back to the days of Glam Rock - the hair, the debauch & the operatic. Kay talked about resurrecting villain syndrome & how it can work effectively.

Iggi & Gabi spent the week discussing blogging - myths, boosting & why. The Bear Monk covered a week in revival - Sarah, TSA, North Korea - readers beware. Katie showed us snow days in Glasgow - great pics & ice slicks. Glad to hear Laura is recovering from the flu bug. Lisa listed her top 5 movies for the Christmas viewing season. Clarissa posted pics form her trip - Hearst Castle yumminess. Jennifer needs some help with boy book buying & she's knee-deep in cookie dough frenzy.

MT is giving away a Write Planner in time for Christmas - enter & win. Donna provided a link to writer Natalie Whipple's story - check 'em both. Nancy covered the sting & the inspiration in her writing life. Madeleine is hosting a blogfesty - 500 words, 1 character's room, a multitude of guesses. Simon posted an interesting read on writing for video games - more info to follow.

Terri talked about her MC, neuroses & hearting characters. Leigh covered POV & killing an MC - a rhyme, a time & doing it write. Kathryn @ The Blood-Red Pencil has suffered a loss - her inner editor has been kidnapped; not to worry, Kelly Simmons gave it back. Angela covered borders & barriers in the thesaurus. Candyland had a great post on the achievement of dreams. Lydia discussed the Page 69 Pop Quiz - sheck it out. The Writing Bug posted its 2011 writing contests much ado for all. Jody talked about blogging v. politicking - no popularity contests needed.

Hostings - Roni Loren hosted Tiffany Reisz & the topic of erotica. Jennifer Lane had a chat with Lisa Sanchez, author of 'Eve of Samhain'. Joanna interrogated editor/author Clarissa Yip - lots of great q&a's. Nicki met Susan Kaye Quinn at her book signing - promotion & the writer. Pat had Molly MacRae who discussed her publishing journey. Al was hosted by Kathleen Jones - one of his favorite bloggies. Francine covered lit agent Kirsty McLachlan's Writers' News article on getting an agent. The Old Silly hosted Vivian Zabel author of 'Stolen'. Theresa Walsh talked to Jane Friedman on all things publishy.

Reviews -Jayne reviewed 'The Hating Game' by Talli Roland; a great premise promises much hilarity - help this writer hit the Amazon listola. Karen covered 'Perilous' by Tamara Hart Heiner - check out the Kindle giveaway. Milo reviewed 'The Prefect' by Alastair Reynolds - the joy of finding a new author. Jenn discussed 'Book of a Thousand Day' by Shannon Hale - a Grimm retelling that sounds fantasmic.

Agents, Agents Everywhere - Scott Eagan covered technique,Steam Punk, knowing your role, itchy-nichey & the extensive NaNo process. Jessica Faust is hosting the 12 Day of Christmas for the beginning of the month - 3 days down, more to go. Janet Reid posted a rejection rebuttal & I'ma guessin' the guy won't be considered in the future either. Kristin Nelson posted query trends in their office recently - know the list, catch the bus. Rachelle Gardner posted her list of blog turn offs - no beach walking or anything of the sort.

And there it be. An entire week in which I have been terribly behind, had to read them all in one sit & rendered them to the sphere. On the non-medicated front, I am feeling better again - convincing my body to 4-go a 3-peat is definite agenda material. Next week, I will cover NaNo, No-No & ....

Happy Writing,

Patti

Friday Mash Up - A funny thing happened on the way to...

NaNo News: Brenda Drake - 29003 Clarissa Draper - 22000 Lisa Potts - 15000

Yea to All!!!

In Other Blogs: Roni Loren posted yesterday about a contest to get a 30 page read of your NaNo project from Sara Megibow of NLA. Erica had 2 posts this week - rule of 5s. Jayne posted about falling into the black hole of a great read. Witless Exposition had an homage to 'Labyrinth'; okay, more like David Bowie in the movie - one of my favorite movies of all time. Karen G discussed keeping the writing dream alive, even with 10, yes I said 10, children!!!!

Deanna Knippling talked about the stories she has recently reviewed - what worked & what didn't. Iggi & Gabi are hosting a Road to 200 contest. Milo invited everyone to walk in the shoes of --- Ray Bradbury. Jenn posted an interesting comparison of her work & that of JK Rowling. Julie Musil talked about character development & what she learned from John Green. Katie Anderson catalogued her NaNo experience thus far. Michelle Teacress discussed why throwing rocks at your MCs isn't a bad thing - it's a GREAT thing. Donna Hosie discussed medication induced inspiration - it's not as bad as one might think. Nancy Williams answered questions related to her personal pubbing journey. Laura Lee Carter discussed public readings. Bryan Russell posted a cartoon indicative of how we all feel at times during this writing life.

The Blood Red Pencil hosted an entire week of e-pub postings. Candy demonstrated the freakiness that is Waldo. The Old Silly taught why vaguery kills. 'The Big Squeeze' posted by Lydia Sharp discussed the art of increased villainy. Kerrie Flanagan posted on giving away your power - inspiration. Jody Hedlund discussed Bloggy Blunders. Ray Rhamey,viaWriter Unboxed, uncovered the necessity of mental acuity & distance from the writing.

Sending out good juju to Jennifer Shirk while on submission island.

Hostings & Reviews: Christine Bell hosted Stacey Kennedy. Pamela Turner had Lex Valentine on her blog - moving outside the box. Joanna St. James hosted Michelle Styles; one of her personal faves. Laura Kaye reviewed 2 books from Sherrilyn Kenyon. Clarissa Draper hopped onto 5 fave women authors of the 1800s. Pat Stoltey talked to Joyce Elson Moore about the research process. Jennifer Becton introduced 2 authors in the Austen retell. Simon Kewin interviewed Maureen Scott of Ether Books. Leigh Moore interviewed Dr. Quinn.

Congratulatories: Yea for Shellie who received great news from a writing contest!!! Angela Ackerman of The Bookshelf Muse reached 30000 hits!!!! Jody Hedlund for #18 on CBA Bestseller list!!!!!

Agent Bloggy Things: Mandy Hubbard posted a Hunger Games video. Scott Eagan at Greyhaus is currently closed to subs until 12/17 - check his blog for updates. Starting 11/25, BookEnds will be query closed until 01/05/11. Janet Reid posted ads from the clueless brigade. Nathan Bransford posted about being you in the query conundrum. Kristin Nelson discussed losing out to a fellow respected agent. Rachelle Gardner answered contracty concerns.

As to my own mess, I am still not 100%. The head & stomach do not seem concerned about proper operating procedure. And while I can sometimes chock it up to OE, this is not the case. The weather is definitely bopping to the beat of flaky biscuit snowfall mixed with below the radar temps - that could be it. But, no, this all goes back to how I deal with stress related to the child rearing thing that should really come with instructions, a blog from God or any other helpful bits when the kids hit the teen years. I will however recover & I now know why the bear hibernates!

On NaNo frontier, I am at 30k, not the worst thing. I have come to terms with  not shooting the moon of my personal goal. But, I am nothing if not driven like a Beamer on the Autobahn, so I will kick NaNo ninja buttocks. And finish the rest before the end of the year, edit the bollocks out of it & then pray to the Literary Giants that it squeaks through an open window.

Happy Writing,

Patti

Friday Mash Up - Feeding Your Muse

Welcome - Milo Fowler, Gabi & Katie Anderson. Stop by & check these folks out.

NaNo Counts - Brenda Drake 18355 Clarissa Draper 18000 Lisa Potts 11502 Yea!!!!

In Other Blogs:
Roni Loren posted on lessons learned from NaNo. Erica gave us 5 methods for dealing with unruly characters. In a funny bit, Jayne showed us how to pack some light reading for vacay. Shellie talked about 'The Hook' & its many dresses. Sending out prayers to Karen G's family. Nicole MacDonald had a post concerning professional editing. Kay Theodoratus talked about the death of a favorite character. Jamie Council is celebrating new jeans - check out the pics. Alexandra has been searching for plot issue resolution. Jennifer Lane looked at goal setting & how it has benefitted her writing life. Jennifer Shirk discussed Twitter observations. Pat Stoltey provided a list of contests & giveaways. Allan also posted about some giveaways. The Blood Red Pencil introduced a new blogger this week - Elspeth Antonelli. Jody Hedlund talked about the self-doubt ogre. Maggie Stiefvater let us in on the lengths we go to for our WIPs with some tea that is definitely not in my cupboard.

Reviews & Hostings:
Pamela Turner had a guest post from LK Below on world building. Iggi & Gabi reviewed 5 verse novels; all of which sound amazing. Jenn posted a review of 'Invention of Hugo Cabret' by Brian Selznick. Joanna St. James hosted Jessica Barksdale Inclan. Laura Kaye introduced Lea Nolan. Michelle Teacress placed a teaser for 'The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place' by Maryrose Wood. Nancy Williams hosted her first author on her first blog tour - all those firsts; check out Mary Montague Sikes. Madeleine had an interview with Annie Ashworth & Meg Sanders. Angela Ackerman hosted 'Across the Universe' by Beth Revis. Lydia Sharp had guest host Juliette Wade. Jan O'Hara posted a second shot interview with Lisa Brackmann.

Celebratories:
Milo Fowler received great news on rewrites & reprints.

Agent Bloggy Things:
Scott Eagan posted on building writing depth & why a duck is a duck & not a wading dinghy. Jessica Faust turned the blog over to one of her clients, Angie Fox, who discussed taking charge. Janet Reid is preparing for Crime Bake; if your attending & pitching her, best to read the posts first & don't forget to bring a tree. Nathan Bransford, if ya haven't heard, has decided to leave the agentsphere - sad indeed. You can see pics of Kristin Nelson in Florida - an agent, a mission, & an IRS report. Rachelle Gardner had guest blogger Gwen Stewart & rejection from the agent's desk.

On my NaNo front, I am crawling up the 26k mark. I have devised a get back on track plan. And, I took plenty of vitamins to get me through - just like the Beatles!

One last thought for the week: If your child insists on wearing the concrete shoes of stupid choices, are you required to throw them the rope? Or, is this more of an arbitrary thing? Any advice is appreciated as the weekend hangs in the balance.

Happy Writing,

Patti

Friday Mash Up - She Cried Mo, Mo, Mo

Welcome to Lisa Potts and Christine both of whom joined us the week.

NaNo Counts - Brenda Drake = 8359     Clarissa Draper = 4792
Big Bumps to both ladies!!! Add your count in the comments for some Bump Support.

This week we got to see a bunch of folks' work spaces in the 'Show Your Space Blogfest': Roni Loren and Katie Anderson. Check out their writing spaces.

In other blogs: Shellie posted an article about cell phone etiquette; between teens & technology, I found kernels of truth from my perspective. Christine Bell has an interview with Tia Nevitt. Karen G posted a great article on the blogging no-no's. Deanna Knippling posted a great article on writing speed. And on the same beat, Iggi & Gabi posted an article on binge writing - writer's little helpers. Julie Musil's article on strong foundations is a definite must. Check out Nancy Williams' Hump Day Improvs every Wednesday. The Blood Red Pencil gives some advice on Word. Candyland described her juggling method - better known as - ball adjustment. Jody Hedlund gave us scene writing tips - great advice.

Celebratories:
In medias res celebrated its 1st Blogiversary.  Donna Hosie has big doings & great news to share on the path to pub front. Simon Kewin has big doings also; stop by & check 'em out - 4 for 1 day. Lydia Sharp will be published in her 3rd Anthology.

Reviews & Hostings:
Jennifer Lane has a book giveaway - her romantic suspense novel - 'With Good Behavior'. Joanna St. James has an interview with Talli Roland & her new book - 'The Hating Game' - sound deelish. Laura Kaye has a book review up - 'Crave' by JR Ward. Pat Stoltey hosted Stephen Tremp & his novel 'Breakthrough'. Writer Unboxed has an interview with Lisa Brackman author of 'Rock, Paper, Tiger.'

Agent Blog Stuffs:
Mandy Hubbard, MG/YA agent & author, lists some of the items she would like to find in her query pile. Scott Eagan babbles about his pet peeves. Jessica Faust of Book Ends provides insight through her recent blown away reads. Janet Reid offered a link regarding the Zero Draft & NaNo. Nathan Bransford is out of the office this week, but does have a poll up regarding genre. One of Kristin Nelson's clients will be in Broomfield, CO this weekend - click on over to view the venues. And, Rachelle Gardner provided some Twitter talk & the invaluability of tools - I need to re-read this bad boy.

And then the week ended. I got to sleep in this morning - Parent/Teacher Conferences. We did ours last night. As we drove across town - a whole five minutes - I said to my teens, "If anyone has anything to declare before we arrive, please do so now. I am in no mood for any surprises." Let me just say, the innumerable excuses of this, that & many others appeared to be in vain. To which, hubs & I breathed much relief.

Last but not - crossed the 12000 word barrier yesterday thanks to hubs. He provided the grease to turn the engine over & I thank him.

Have a magsplendif weekend and Happy Writing,

Patti

Wri, Wry or Rye - Depends

Day 3 - Crossed into 6040 yesterday. And I learned some stuff. First, having a plan makes writing easier. Second, I'm not editing, but I'm definitely spell-correcting - habit. Third, one hour = 1000 words, roughly.
We shall see what today brings.

Yesterday, I came across a link over at Joanna St. James' blog - eHarlequin. They are giving away NaNo prizes in different categories each week. One of the things they asked each person to post was favorite line written thus far. Here's mine:

"You are one pixel shy of an ADD commercial."

I think that definitely speaks to the wry part of this post. That leaves the rye. I love rye bread; especially with braunshwei - oh, forget it. Liver sausage, that's easier. And corned beef, roast beef, or pastrami. And let's not forget the mustard or the pickles. I love pickles! Ouch, I'm thinking about lunch already. This does not bode well. Maybe I can talk hubs into fixing me something. Hey, I'm working here!

And another toast: When your MC starts to flee, here's hoping you have plenty of vitamin C.

Goofy, I know, but what can I say. I think it's a goofy kind of day.

Happy Writing,

Patti

It's a No-No

Day 1 - Survived. Still breathing. No tears. Yay!!
Day 2 - Ready to move into next phase & set up.

It's not a no-no; it's a novel. So far, so good. Only 87000 words to go. I am using Storybook for organization which has been very helpful. And the family is happy about the lack of paper piling around my writing space. I am still using Word for the writing - I think this is more a matter of habit than anything else. My comfort zone is only breached in certain areas & my choice of word processing program is not on the chopping block.

Couldn't get into the NaNo site yesterday. Can't figure out how to move my word counter. Laid out tentative ending. I had the basic idea based on the framework, still hadn't made a final determination. But, I believe I have finally gotten there. It's like picking a prom outfit, you know. The dress, the shoes, the hair, the jewelry & the flowers all mesh to create a storybook ending. So too, the ending of a novel. If the shoes don't match, the picture is incomplete - dye the shoes, trust me.

A toast: May your writing be inspired; may you never be too tired. May your characters run a straight line; may they stay away from the wine. Happy creating & no debating.

Happy Writing,

Patti

Na-Na-Na-Na Hey Hey

In the beginning, I am riding the wave. So, here we are, the first day of NaNo. I spent until midnight agonizing over an opening, my notes, the validity of my idea. Wow - now all I have to do is write the darn thing.

Day 1 - 3000 words to go.
For me, this usually means 3 chapters. Let's hope this is the case because I think I might throw up, just a little. Of course, the excitement of this new project should keep me going for a while - & by a while, I mean it better keep streaming for the next 30 days.

I have buddies, my family has been warned. Nothing left but to hit the cleft. And to wish everyone the best of writing luck!!!!

Happy Writing,

Patti

Friday Mash Up - NaNo, NaNo & the rest

Announcements - Special thanks to Cheryl Schenk for dropping by yesterday. An extra-special thanks to Kay Theodoratus for a mention on her blog. And another extra special thanks to Angela Ackerman for the retweety!

Very Special Welcome - Francine, KK Brees, Summer Ross, Jules, Lynda Young, Angela Ackerman, Jamie Council, Erica

Congratulations - Clarissa Draper on her sale!!! Al's first book is now available from Amazon - 'Veiled in Shadows'.

NaNo Blogs
Brenda Drake was kind enough to show her project notebook & provide an overview on her blog this week. Karen G has a lovely little friend to inspire during the month of November. Hannah Moskowitz has a great article on her approach for her 3rd NaNo year. Katie Anderson discusses the plan/pants leading up to NaNo. Lisa M Potts lists 36 different plot types. Jennifer Becton inspires with a Fear Free NaNo blog. Dani Greer, founding member of The Blood-Red Pencil, covers her NaNo experience as well as the plotting debate leading into November. Nathan Bransford has held NaNo Boot Camp all week - a must read.

The Other Stuffs - Jamie Council had a post this week regarding a Marie Claire article about 'Mike & Molly' - check it out. The Bear Monk covered Glee & Rocky Horror - who'd of thought the 2 would go in the same sentence. Julie Musil has a book review of 'The Preacher's Bride' & a great post on self-censorship. Pat Stoltey had a book review, guest blogger person & some great marketing advice this week. Madeleine has information re: the Campaign for Real Books - conservation at its finest. Lydia Sharp has a guest post over at Writer Unboxed - 'The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick Maker'.

And that, pretty much covers this week.

As Monday begins my foray into the unknown land of NaNo, I will probably be crying much come Fridays. I will try to keep it to a mini-hankie. But only time will tell. Have an amazing weekend, a Happilarious Halloween & much more.

Happy Writing,

Patti

3rd Rule of NaNo - A Little Help from your Buds

Yesterday, I built all of my characters, locations & beginning scenes into the softyware. Today, will be a continuation in the scene building department. I am eating, sleeping & breathing anxiety & plot in disproportionate measure. I think I will need more meds. Some days it's just too bad that I don't drink!

Mixing meds & spirits, even in this Halloween season, is not recommended. So, if ye be amenable, I am looking for some NaNo buds - flowers, if you will. I promise not to sniff anyone. No worries.

Just leave your NaNo name in the comments & I will add ya or you can add me. I'm at pstruble - go figure.

Happy Writing,

Patti

2nd Rule of Nano - Take Your Meds

I have combed over the Snowflake Method, whipped out my copy of Novel in 30 Days & begun laying foundation. Those shwanky spots I discussed yesterday have been shored. And, I grabbed another photo for the character round-out bucket. I even devised a test method for my protag. And downloaded some softyware to keep me orjanized & 'onest.


 I compiled a short list of sites that could prove helpful to everyone, regardless of the event that shall not be named. I would however caution that a trip to The Matrix or down the hippety-hop hole could lead to disaster. So, take your NaNo meds in regulated doses & don't forget to breathe. The euphoria of breath holding might lead to an MC drug induced psychosis from which they will not escape.

Seventh Sanctum
Namator
SkyEye
Serendipity
Callihoo
Story Book
Writertopia

Happy Writing,

Patti

1st Rule of NaNo - Let's Talk About NaNo

Here we are, a week away from NaNo. I have procured a brand new box of Kleenex for the times I can't help but cry. I have dug up my head phones in order to control my compulsion to answer the phone when it rings. I have even talked to the members of my immediate & extended family about how not to interrupt. They didn't take it well, but we're working through it.

I thought it might be pertinent to get my ducks in linear formation. So, here's where I've been & hopefully where I'ma going.

Brainshtorm - I have an idea. And for some unbeknownst reason, it is outside of the normal corral. I can't decide if this is a good or bad thing, so I am just going to go for it.

Words Count - 1667 will get ya 50k. But, I have decided to shoot for 3k per day. We'll see how this works out. Hence the reason for the Kleenex!

Wesearch - Stacks of paper, photo representations, vague outline in my cranium. This afternoon, I will pull together location photos. I am not an avid traveler; truth be told, if I never have to fly again - I am totally cool with that. But, I have to figure out the deets of some shwanky spots - should be interesting.

What are you doing to prepare for NaNo?

Happy Writing,

Patti

Friday Mash Up - A Halloween Blog Party

First things first: A warm welcome to The Golden Eagle who joined us in the Bump House this week.
Second: A special thanks for all of the great comments this week. You guys keep me on track, provide lots of cranial exploration & of course make me laugh. I appreciate everyone.

So, on to the good stuff. Nancy Williams is having a Halloween Blog Party this weekend. You need a costume, a trick & a treat. Here are mine: The Love Bug (not the car), No crying during NaNo, Pumpkin coffee & cinnamon rolls. Check it out here - N.R. Williams, Fantasy Author.

Next week, NaNo will be on the agenda as I prepare to take the cold water bath & pray for inspiration. I may have to build a shrine, cry in advance or assume the fetal posit. Possibly all three - we'll see.

Have an awesome weekend.

Happy Writing,

Patti