I opened two of my novel documents today. Can't say I actually wrote a lot, but at least I looked at them.
One of them is my novel rewrite. I wrote a paragraph or two of that - no where near enough - but I am working on it, just slowly. I feel like I should be working on it quicker, seeing as I've already written it once, and am just writing it again in a different time period/setting, but it's harder than I thought. I need to just sit down and get on with it, rather than procrastinating.
The other one I wrote a tiny bit of was a novel which I started planning in October last year, and started this year. I've written the prologue and am working on chapter 1. I want to spend a lot of time on this and not rush it - I really like it, but there are quite a few plot holes I need to fill before I can actually write it properly. I have been reading through my notes for this - feeling pleased with how it's going to go actually :D Just need to sit down and write - always the hard part!
Friday, 22 July 2011
Wednesday, 15 June 2011
I have an idea!
So, while I was lying in bed last night, waiting to fall asleep, a light bulb switched on. Now, I'm not talking about a real lightbulb - I'm talking about one in my brain. A metaphorical lightbulb, if you like. And now that lightbulb has turned itself on, it won't go off again. This idea will not leave my mind, so, I'm thinking that maybe I should go with it.
Here's the idea. In November last year, I wrote a novel. I personally think it's kind of boring, but maybe that's just cause it's my writing. I leant my copy of this novel to my friend, who kindly read it, and had a few comments to make.
Number 1 comment was that she loved it. She said she really enjoyed it. I guess that's the best thing anyone could say. She also said my descriptions are beautifully written.
Now for the creative criticism. She said she didn't think it was long enough (I only aimed for 50,000 words, only wrote about 1000 more than that) which is a very fair point. She also said that I didn't get into all of my character's heads enough.
And when she said that, I completely agreed.
It's one of the things I find difficult with writing. I know my character's so well, because I came up with them - they live in my head. But I need to push harder to get my character's across to other people. I know them well, but the people reading about them obviously don't!
So we had a chat about the novel, and I couldn't stop trying to work out what I could do to improve. And then in bed last night, it hit me.
A word that I was dreading was going to force itself upon me.
Rewrite.
And not even just rewriting a certain chapter, or just adding a bit in. I mean a whole rewrite. All of it. Every single part.
And not even just a rewrite to improve it. No, my brain - thinking it's clever - had an even better idea than that.
A rewrite where I use the same characters, same plot - but different settings and a different time period.
Thank you so much brain!
But now, the more I think about rewriting the novel differently, the more I think that it's a good idea. The more I fall in love with the idea even. It'd be a much better way to get into my character's heads, strengthen my plot... Everything.
No idea when to actually start, but I'm considering doing it for CampNaNo. Who knows?
Here's the idea. In November last year, I wrote a novel. I personally think it's kind of boring, but maybe that's just cause it's my writing. I leant my copy of this novel to my friend, who kindly read it, and had a few comments to make.
Number 1 comment was that she loved it. She said she really enjoyed it. I guess that's the best thing anyone could say. She also said my descriptions are beautifully written.
Now for the creative criticism. She said she didn't think it was long enough (I only aimed for 50,000 words, only wrote about 1000 more than that) which is a very fair point. She also said that I didn't get into all of my character's heads enough.
And when she said that, I completely agreed.
It's one of the things I find difficult with writing. I know my character's so well, because I came up with them - they live in my head. But I need to push harder to get my character's across to other people. I know them well, but the people reading about them obviously don't!
So we had a chat about the novel, and I couldn't stop trying to work out what I could do to improve. And then in bed last night, it hit me.
A word that I was dreading was going to force itself upon me.
Rewrite.
And not even just rewriting a certain chapter, or just adding a bit in. I mean a whole rewrite. All of it. Every single part.
And not even just a rewrite to improve it. No, my brain - thinking it's clever - had an even better idea than that.
A rewrite where I use the same characters, same plot - but different settings and a different time period.
Thank you so much brain!
But now, the more I think about rewriting the novel differently, the more I think that it's a good idea. The more I fall in love with the idea even. It'd be a much better way to get into my character's heads, strengthen my plot... Everything.
No idea when to actually start, but I'm considering doing it for CampNaNo. Who knows?
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
Day I'm not 100% sure what: WriYe is harder than I thought.
Yes, no blog since March - I'm very very bad at keeping this!
I don't know what day this is meant to be, and I don't dare to open my spreadsheet and look. I'm scared of the amount of red days that'll be on there, and how far I'm actually behind on my writing.
So, here's the deal.
I've decided that instead of counting the number of words - something which really stresses me out, cause I always seem to keep one eye on the word count and one eye on what I'm writing (a habit I seem to have now dropped, thank goodness!) I'm going to work by finishing novels instead.
So, by the end of this year (there's 6 months left of it!) I am aiming to have finished 3 or possibly 4 novels.
I am currently writing one which is closer to being finished than anything else at the moment. (Because I have to look) it's just over the 40,000 word mark, and will be finished after another... 5 chapters maybe? Each chapter will be around 4,000 words, so this novel is aiming for around 60,000 words.
Heather did a critique for me, so I need to print that off and go through and edit what I have so far. Apparently I use the word "and" way too much, and both of us decided it's because I'm trying to up my wordcount with it.
Oops?
I have another novel which is sitting at roughly 6 or 7k, and that's just the prologue and half of chapter 1. I'm really taking my time writing this novel as I want it to be perfect :P I feel that my writing is a lot better in that one, than the other one :P
The third and fourth (possible) novels are ones which I will write for Camp NaNoWriMo (whenever that takes place... Either that, or I can do a JulNoWriMo and just set myself a target for the month) and also for NaNoWriMo in November.
It's a lot of writing, and I have no idea what to do with these novels once I've finished. People keep telling me I should send them off to get published, but photography is what I want to pursue, and also what I'm going to university for.
Well... we'll see really.
I should probably get back to writing...
I don't know what day this is meant to be, and I don't dare to open my spreadsheet and look. I'm scared of the amount of red days that'll be on there, and how far I'm actually behind on my writing.
So, here's the deal.
I've decided that instead of counting the number of words - something which really stresses me out, cause I always seem to keep one eye on the word count and one eye on what I'm writing (a habit I seem to have now dropped, thank goodness!) I'm going to work by finishing novels instead.
So, by the end of this year (there's 6 months left of it!) I am aiming to have finished 3 or possibly 4 novels.
I am currently writing one which is closer to being finished than anything else at the moment. (Because I have to look) it's just over the 40,000 word mark, and will be finished after another... 5 chapters maybe? Each chapter will be around 4,000 words, so this novel is aiming for around 60,000 words.
Heather did a critique for me, so I need to print that off and go through and edit what I have so far. Apparently I use the word "and" way too much, and both of us decided it's because I'm trying to up my wordcount with it.
Oops?
I have another novel which is sitting at roughly 6 or 7k, and that's just the prologue and half of chapter 1. I'm really taking my time writing this novel as I want it to be perfect :P I feel that my writing is a lot better in that one, than the other one :P
The third and fourth (possible) novels are ones which I will write for Camp NaNoWriMo (whenever that takes place... Either that, or I can do a JulNoWriMo and just set myself a target for the month) and also for NaNoWriMo in November.
It's a lot of writing, and I have no idea what to do with these novels once I've finished. People keep telling me I should send them off to get published, but photography is what I want to pursue, and also what I'm going to university for.
Well... we'll see really.
I should probably get back to writing...
Tuesday, 15 March 2011
Day 74: Blog keeping is not my strong point.
Yeah - I suck at keeping a blog. I keep forgetting to update everyone on what I'm doing, not that it's very interesting, so maybe everyone else is just better off not actually knowing, because it won't benefit them in anyway whatsoever.
So, recently, I've been doing loads of photography (it's important and I do like taking photos :P ) and have been updating my flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/revolutionofperception/
It can be found at that link, just in case you wondered. And yes, another shameless plug.
This month, I had 9 consecutive days of not writing after 4 or 5 days of days where I wrote over 1,000 each day. I don't know how I can vary so much in a month, but yesterday I wrote 3,263 words and so far today, I have written 1,065 words. I'm feeling a lot more positive about my writing this week. When I got my proof copy, I read it and thought "This is utter crap" which really knocked my confidence. I'm not sure if I'm going to rewrite it or not, or just leave it as a project that I completed and it was practice for greater things to come. Possibly.
Right now, I've started a short story/exercise where I put iTunes on shuffle, and write scenes for this story depending on the song. The scenes are inspired by the mood of the song and the lyrics. It's pretty fun, and I like music so it does help with writing. Right now though, I'm having a bit of a chill by listening to Basshunter - I love Basshunter xD His music is my guilty pleasure... like James Blunt's music too.
So that's what I've been doing. Take a Bite has reached 39,276 words so far, and it's a way off from being finished, so perhaps I'll be able to get up to 60k or so with it - not sure how much more I'm going to be writing. I think another 20k definitely, although I'd like it to be a little longer than that.
Happy writing.
So, recently, I've been doing loads of photography (it's important and I do like taking photos :P ) and have been updating my flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/revolutionofperception/
It can be found at that link, just in case you wondered. And yes, another shameless plug.
This month, I had 9 consecutive days of not writing after 4 or 5 days of days where I wrote over 1,000 each day. I don't know how I can vary so much in a month, but yesterday I wrote 3,263 words and so far today, I have written 1,065 words. I'm feeling a lot more positive about my writing this week. When I got my proof copy, I read it and thought "This is utter crap" which really knocked my confidence. I'm not sure if I'm going to rewrite it or not, or just leave it as a project that I completed and it was practice for greater things to come. Possibly.
Right now, I've started a short story/exercise where I put iTunes on shuffle, and write scenes for this story depending on the song. The scenes are inspired by the mood of the song and the lyrics. It's pretty fun, and I like music so it does help with writing. Right now though, I'm having a bit of a chill by listening to Basshunter - I love Basshunter xD His music is my guilty pleasure... like James Blunt's music too.
So that's what I've been doing. Take a Bite has reached 39,276 words so far, and it's a way off from being finished, so perhaps I'll be able to get up to 60k or so with it - not sure how much more I'm going to be writing. I think another 20k definitely, although I'd like it to be a little longer than that.
Happy writing.
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
Day 67: The sun is out, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are...
YOU! :D
So, the past couple of days, I've been slacking on my writing cause I'm bad and have been doing photography instead, which is a good thing in some ways. It's been sunny and the sunshine puts me in a good mood, so yeah :)
For those of you who don't know - I got a flickr account to show off let people see my photography.
Here's a link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/revolutionofperception/
Clickie the photos to make them bigger /shameless plug *shifty eyes*
Also - my proof copy of my NaNo novel arrived yesterday and I love it :D The writing does need work and I've spotted some spelling mistakes in it already (oops) and I need to re-write some of it, but I think the plot is good. Maybe the characters need a bit more development, I'm not sure - I might ask Heather to critique some of my writing cause she's nice like that, and has been wanting to read it :P
I'll take some photos of my proof when I remember later :)
So, the past couple of days, I've been slacking on my writing cause I'm bad and have been doing photography instead, which is a good thing in some ways. It's been sunny and the sunshine puts me in a good mood, so yeah :)
For those of you who don't know - I got a flickr account to show off let people see my photography.
Here's a link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/revolutionofperception/
Clickie the photos to make them bigger /shameless plug *shifty eyes*
Also - my proof copy of my NaNo novel arrived yesterday and I love it :D The writing does need work and I've spotted some spelling mistakes in it already (oops) and I need to re-write some of it, but I think the plot is good. Maybe the characters need a bit more development, I'm not sure - I might ask Heather to critique some of my writing cause she's nice like that, and has been wanting to read it :P
I'll take some photos of my proof when I remember later :)
Monday, 28 February 2011
Day 59: Coming to the end of the month.
This month has been pretty unproductive for me, really. I've written 13,247 words this month compared to January's total of 34,190. This past week, I haven't felt like doing a lot of stuff really - I haven't played on the sims, I have hardly written... But I did take a lot of photos yesterday, which is a good thing, as I want to be a photographer, and am taking photography at university in September :D How exciting?
I might attempt to do some writing, but I don't think I'll be too disappointed in myself if I don't. My inner-editor and mentor has obviously gone on holiday or something, cause I'm no longer getting too annoyed at myself if I don't write. What is wrong with me?
I'll try and finish off my Vampire prologue today, as that's one scene and then that's done. The prologue is standing at about 2,500 words at the moment - I hope that's not too much for a prologue, especially as it's only going to get longer. I think my writing for that is a lot better than it was for my NaNo novel, and also for the other novel I'm writing at the moment.
I think I will actually print out my other novel today, and have a read through. Hopefully that'll get me motivated for next month, and will give me some ideas. I know where the novel is going pretty much, I just need to write it, instead of just having the ideas mulling around my head, as they do. At least I'm motivated for photography, because at the moment - writing is just meant to be a hobby. I don't know if anything will ever come of it, and I'm not too fussed if it doesn't :) It's just something I'm meant to enjoy.
My WriYe total is 47,347 and if I do push today, I could get up to 50,000, which would be quite good really. I'll see how motivated I am when it actually comes to writing :)
I didn't get a chance to talk to Heather yesterday - normally we attempt to motivate each other or end up watching TV at the same time or even playing the sims xD - and it's weird not talking to her xD Hopefully I'll catch her today, and we'll both agree that March will be a much better month for us.
I might attempt to do some writing, but I don't think I'll be too disappointed in myself if I don't. My inner-editor and mentor has obviously gone on holiday or something, cause I'm no longer getting too annoyed at myself if I don't write. What is wrong with me?
I'll try and finish off my Vampire prologue today, as that's one scene and then that's done. The prologue is standing at about 2,500 words at the moment - I hope that's not too much for a prologue, especially as it's only going to get longer. I think my writing for that is a lot better than it was for my NaNo novel, and also for the other novel I'm writing at the moment.
I think I will actually print out my other novel today, and have a read through. Hopefully that'll get me motivated for next month, and will give me some ideas. I know where the novel is going pretty much, I just need to write it, instead of just having the ideas mulling around my head, as they do. At least I'm motivated for photography, because at the moment - writing is just meant to be a hobby. I don't know if anything will ever come of it, and I'm not too fussed if it doesn't :) It's just something I'm meant to enjoy.
My WriYe total is 47,347 and if I do push today, I could get up to 50,000, which would be quite good really. I'll see how motivated I am when it actually comes to writing :)
I didn't get a chance to talk to Heather yesterday - normally we attempt to motivate each other or end up watching TV at the same time or even playing the sims xD - and it's weird not talking to her xD Hopefully I'll catch her today, and we'll both agree that March will be a much better month for us.
Saturday, 26 February 2011
Day 57: Google must think I'm weird.
I have been actually doing research for my Vampire novel, as I want to get things to do with the prologue's time period accurate. Google must think I am very odd, because of some of the things I searched. Yesterday, it was 18th Century goblets, today it was 18th Century bath tubs, mahogany wood and all sorts of weird things. It's quite fun though, and I'm enjoying doing it (Bet Heather thinks I'm weird for saying that xD)
I've written a little bit of my Vampire novel today, and I really need to write some more of my other novel. I shouldn't be writing more than one thing at once, because it means that I'm de-focused on one of the projects, but never mind.
I haven't given my stats for a while, so even though it's not quite the end of the month yet, I'll give a breakdown now, as it gives me something to do :D (I wish blog posts counted towards word count *shifty eyes*)
Wordcount breakdown:
Novel 1: 36,073
Vampire Novel: 2,318
Train Spotter's Anonymous (a short story): 274
Superheroing Made Easy. Sort of. : 1,163
Exercises/Short stories: 1,285
Planning: 5,583
Total wordcount: 46,696
I think that's a good total for almost two months work :) Obviously no where near NaNo worthy but I'm still pleased with that :)
I've written a little bit of my Vampire novel today, and I really need to write some more of my other novel. I shouldn't be writing more than one thing at once, because it means that I'm de-focused on one of the projects, but never mind.
I haven't given my stats for a while, so even though it's not quite the end of the month yet, I'll give a breakdown now, as it gives me something to do :D (I wish blog posts counted towards word count *shifty eyes*)
Wordcount breakdown:
Novel 1: 36,073
Vampire Novel: 2,318
Train Spotter's Anonymous (a short story): 274
Superheroing Made Easy. Sort of. : 1,163
Exercises/Short stories: 1,285
Planning: 5,583
Total wordcount: 46,696
I think that's a good total for almost two months work :) Obviously no where near NaNo worthy but I'm still pleased with that :)
Friday, 25 February 2011
Day 56: Is a goblet made of glass?
The title is just a question I had to ask myself when doing some writing this morning. Isn't researching fun? I've decided that the goblets my characters are using (it's the 18th Century at the moment) are made of glass, as actually, they did use glass goblets at this point - thank you Google :D They even had one that were engraved with all sorts of fancy pictures and the likes.
Also - my characters (who are vampires) seemed to have invented some sort of system for keeping food cool and so they don't go off, but I don't quite know how they do this yet.
I ordered my proof copy of my NaNo this morning :D I can't wait to get it - it feels like ages since NaNo, and I'm really looking forward to sitting down and properly reading my novel from a real book - that is going to be a good feeling I think :D Heather asked me yesterday if I was going to publish, and right now, I have no idea. I'm toying with the idea of self-publishing, as I don't think any real publishers are going to want my work - it's probably not good enough for them xD If I do this, as I won't be working when I'm at university, getting some money from selling some novels could be a good plan. I'm not sure though - I don't know if anyone would actually want to bother reading my novel.
It has a nice front cover though :D Maybe the front cover will make them want to read it, even though you're not meant to judge a book by it ;)
Anyway, back to goblets...
Also - my characters (who are vampires) seemed to have invented some sort of system for keeping food cool and so they don't go off, but I don't quite know how they do this yet.
I ordered my proof copy of my NaNo this morning :D I can't wait to get it - it feels like ages since NaNo, and I'm really looking forward to sitting down and properly reading my novel from a real book - that is going to be a good feeling I think :D Heather asked me yesterday if I was going to publish, and right now, I have no idea. I'm toying with the idea of self-publishing, as I don't think any real publishers are going to want my work - it's probably not good enough for them xD If I do this, as I won't be working when I'm at university, getting some money from selling some novels could be a good plan. I'm not sure though - I don't know if anyone would actually want to bother reading my novel.
It has a nice front cover though :D Maybe the front cover will make them want to read it, even though you're not meant to judge a book by it ;)
Anyway, back to goblets...
Wednesday, 23 February 2011
Day 54: Finally!
So - NaNo was in November, right? I've finally got around to editing (spell checking, grammar checking - no actual re-writing) the last two chapters of my novel, saved it as a PDF and uploaded it to createspace :D Hooray! How exciting is that?
I also made the back cover and spine for my novel, and put it on the template you can download from them, and I'm really pleased with it :D I've uploaded that too, and am now waiting for it to be verified and checked that they'll be able to print it how it is - and after that, HELLOOOOOO proof copy :D I am so excited about that, I cannot wait :D
After I get my proof-copy, I'll read through it, make some notes and either re-write parts of it I'm not happy about, or do a more thorough edit of it, I haven't quite decided. I'm pleased with it as it is, if I'm honest, but perhaps I'll get it critiqued for me, because I'm a bit hopeless at spotting my own stupid mistakes ;)
I have done no writing today, which I should have done really, but there's still plenty of hours left in the day for that. I might play The Sims as well, but I haven't really felt much like it today... I'll see how I feel later I guess. I want to go out with my camera, but it's been chucking it down all day, and I don't want to get soaked... and don't even know what I'd take pictures of xD Never mind, eh?
I also made the back cover and spine for my novel, and put it on the template you can download from them, and I'm really pleased with it :D I've uploaded that too, and am now waiting for it to be verified and checked that they'll be able to print it how it is - and after that, HELLOOOOOO proof copy :D I am so excited about that, I cannot wait :D
After I get my proof-copy, I'll read through it, make some notes and either re-write parts of it I'm not happy about, or do a more thorough edit of it, I haven't quite decided. I'm pleased with it as it is, if I'm honest, but perhaps I'll get it critiqued for me, because I'm a bit hopeless at spotting my own stupid mistakes ;)
I have done no writing today, which I should have done really, but there's still plenty of hours left in the day for that. I might play The Sims as well, but I haven't really felt much like it today... I'll see how I feel later I guess. I want to go out with my camera, but it's been chucking it down all day, and I don't want to get soaked... and don't even know what I'd take pictures of xD Never mind, eh?
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
Day 53: I thought of a heading but have now forgotten it...
I hate it when you're thinking of something, then something else distracts you, and for the life of you, you can't remember what you were thinking about Dx Maybe it'll come back to me.
Yesterday, I did no writing as IT WAS MY BIRTHDAY :D I love birthdays, though I usually get more excited about other peoples rather than my own, but actually, I was mega-excited, and really really enjoyed it :)
Today, I have been quite productive I think. I wrote a short story again - this one based on the theme of rainbows. Someone described it as "profound" which I like to think is a good thing - my short story writing style is my favourite. I do have different styles for my novels, as I don't think I could write for so long as I do in a short story. But that's fine :) Short stories are fun, and I take 10 minutes to write then (I sprint them) and I got somewhere around 640 words for my one this morning, then finished it off, and the whole story was 674. There's something I really like about short stories.
You don't have to do any planning - it's only 500/600 odd words, you don't need much planning for that really. I usually just have an idea in my mind, and just let me fingers and mind do the work while I write it. Secondly - I feel like I capture a little insight into a character's life. I don't know these character's like I know the ones in my novels, so it is interesting. I know as much as I write about, and even as the writer, I'm left wondering about them! I like that.
I also started chapter 9 of my novel. It needs major polishing, but I'm not going to bother doing that until it's actually finished, I don't think. I've tried my best to explain why even though there appeared to be romance between my MC and a boy, they couldn't be together, and both of them agreed on this. It was weird, especially as I love them together xD But she's not meant to be with him, and both of them know this.
I wrote a sims chapter too - so productive ;)
Yesterday, I did no writing as IT WAS MY BIRTHDAY :D I love birthdays, though I usually get more excited about other peoples rather than my own, but actually, I was mega-excited, and really really enjoyed it :)
Today, I have been quite productive I think. I wrote a short story again - this one based on the theme of rainbows. Someone described it as "profound" which I like to think is a good thing - my short story writing style is my favourite. I do have different styles for my novels, as I don't think I could write for so long as I do in a short story. But that's fine :) Short stories are fun, and I take 10 minutes to write then (I sprint them) and I got somewhere around 640 words for my one this morning, then finished it off, and the whole story was 674. There's something I really like about short stories.
You don't have to do any planning - it's only 500/600 odd words, you don't need much planning for that really. I usually just have an idea in my mind, and just let me fingers and mind do the work while I write it. Secondly - I feel like I capture a little insight into a character's life. I don't know these character's like I know the ones in my novels, so it is interesting. I know as much as I write about, and even as the writer, I'm left wondering about them! I like that.
I also started chapter 9 of my novel. It needs major polishing, but I'm not going to bother doing that until it's actually finished, I don't think. I've tried my best to explain why even though there appeared to be romance between my MC and a boy, they couldn't be together, and both of them agreed on this. It was weird, especially as I love them together xD But she's not meant to be with him, and both of them know this.
I wrote a sims chapter too - so productive ;)
Sunday, 20 February 2011
Day 51: If motivation isn't there... I'll just have to force myself xD
I haven't had motivation to write, since a university interview, which made me being a photographer and also wanting to write seem like a bad thing. It annoyed me so much, but I think I'm finally getting out of that downer, and trying to get myself back on the up.
I've decided that I won't do anything sims related until I have written a good number of words for today. At the end of last month, I was about 10k over my target, now I've slipped to 8k - it doesn't sound a lot (only 2k in it) BUT it shows that I have been slipping, as I only need to write 685 words a day. I feel more refreshed for it now, and am excited about writing again. I'm hoping to finish chapter 8 of my novel today, and then think about what is going to happen in chapter 9. At the moment, I'm toying with the idea of my MC going to a New Year's Eve party - but I don't know who the invite is from, who will be there and if she's even going to actually go. We'll see I guess.
I started my vampire novel. Probably shouldn't have, as I want to write that as well, but I feel better about having the choice between writing my current novel and a vampire one. I can choose whichever takes my fancy on the day I guess. I'm tempted to print out what I have so far of my novel, read through it and look out for spelling mistakes/grammar mistakes/missing words etc and do a quick edit. I'll do a proper edit/rewrite when I've finished it :)
I don't know how much writing I'll get done tomorrow, as it's my birthday, so not a lot if probably the answer ;)
I've decided that I won't do anything sims related until I have written a good number of words for today. At the end of last month, I was about 10k over my target, now I've slipped to 8k - it doesn't sound a lot (only 2k in it) BUT it shows that I have been slipping, as I only need to write 685 words a day. I feel more refreshed for it now, and am excited about writing again. I'm hoping to finish chapter 8 of my novel today, and then think about what is going to happen in chapter 9. At the moment, I'm toying with the idea of my MC going to a New Year's Eve party - but I don't know who the invite is from, who will be there and if she's even going to actually go. We'll see I guess.
I started my vampire novel. Probably shouldn't have, as I want to write that as well, but I feel better about having the choice between writing my current novel and a vampire one. I can choose whichever takes my fancy on the day I guess. I'm tempted to print out what I have so far of my novel, read through it and look out for spelling mistakes/grammar mistakes/missing words etc and do a quick edit. I'll do a proper edit/rewrite when I've finished it :)
I don't know how much writing I'll get done tomorrow, as it's my birthday, so not a lot if probably the answer ;)
Monday, 14 February 2011
Day 45: Why?
I realised earlier when I posted, I forgot to say: HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE <3 There's some love for you all. You're all amazing, don't ever change <33 I love you all just the way you are :')
Earlier, Ayesha asked me a really good question. It was such a simple question, but one that I had never really thought about before.
She asked me, why do I write?
It started to make me wonder, why on earth do I write? Why do I get on my own nerves when I haven't written my daily target for each day? Why did I choose to take part in NaNoWriMo last year, when I had always had a passion and the imagination for writing, but hadn't for quite a few years? Why do I want to take part in WriYe this year? So many whys, and it really made me think about what my answers are to these questions.
So, what are my reasons for wanting to write in the first place?
First off, I enjoy it. Simple and to the point answer, but what's the point of doing something if you don't enjoy? Life is too short. However, I really enjoy writing.
Secondly - For me, writing is all about escapism, and right from when I was younger, it always has been. I was bullied as a child, so writing was my way of getting out my own life, and entering someone else's. My own life and my own thoughts and feelings and problems don't matter when I'm writing - I can just zone out into my own imagination, and into someone else's thoughts and feelings and problems ;) Isn't the imagination a wonderful thing?
Thirdly (yes, this is turning into an essay :P) - I love words. This sounds odd, I know, but a lot of my friends will think I'm odd because I say that certain words or phrases are beautiful. I like finding poetry within words, which is why Dylan Thomas is my favourite author - his writing is poetic and it is beautiful and he is my inspiration. I love that. Words are amazing, aren't they?
This is going to be a long blog post... just a warning :P
So, why did I choose to take part in NaNoWriMo last year?
Main reason - other people were talking about it, and it sounded like a good idea. A lot of people I knew on boolprop were going to be taking part, and when I was wavering about whether I should or shouldn't, they persuaded me too - and I'm so glad they did. I never realised that I'd lost my passion for writing until I took part - and bam, the passion came back. NaNo was in no way easy - I mean, come on, 50,000 words in a month - mental xD But I found my love for writing again, and realised that that's part of who I am. So, thanks NaNo :D
Last questions of why I do this. Why do I get so annoyed at myself for not completing my target each day and why did I choose to take part in WriYe?
For getting annoyed at myself - well, my New Year's resolution was to write something everyday. I broke that resolution on the first of January xD But the thing is, I know that I'll never reach my target if I don't push myself and keep writing. Some days, I won't feel like it. Sometimes I'll just want to play the sims instead, or chat to amazing people - and thats fine. I just need to get stuff done in order to reach my goal.
And I chose to do WriYe, mainly because Heather was taking part. I knew that after NaNo, I wanted to keep writing, and Heather mentioned WriYe to me, so I thought why not. I know that her and Ayesha keep telling me that my target is too low, but meh, I don't care ;) I hope that after writing for a year, I still have the passion and love for it. And who knows, maybe I'll get something published one day xD
I asked Ayesha in return why she wrote, and it's funny how people's reasons are different, but somehow, they link in with your own.
Earlier, Ayesha asked me a really good question. It was such a simple question, but one that I had never really thought about before.
She asked me, why do I write?
It started to make me wonder, why on earth do I write? Why do I get on my own nerves when I haven't written my daily target for each day? Why did I choose to take part in NaNoWriMo last year, when I had always had a passion and the imagination for writing, but hadn't for quite a few years? Why do I want to take part in WriYe this year? So many whys, and it really made me think about what my answers are to these questions.
So, what are my reasons for wanting to write in the first place?
First off, I enjoy it. Simple and to the point answer, but what's the point of doing something if you don't enjoy? Life is too short. However, I really enjoy writing.
Secondly - For me, writing is all about escapism, and right from when I was younger, it always has been. I was bullied as a child, so writing was my way of getting out my own life, and entering someone else's. My own life and my own thoughts and feelings and problems don't matter when I'm writing - I can just zone out into my own imagination, and into someone else's thoughts and feelings and problems ;) Isn't the imagination a wonderful thing?
Thirdly (yes, this is turning into an essay :P) - I love words. This sounds odd, I know, but a lot of my friends will think I'm odd because I say that certain words or phrases are beautiful. I like finding poetry within words, which is why Dylan Thomas is my favourite author - his writing is poetic and it is beautiful and he is my inspiration. I love that. Words are amazing, aren't they?
This is going to be a long blog post... just a warning :P
So, why did I choose to take part in NaNoWriMo last year?
Main reason - other people were talking about it, and it sounded like a good idea. A lot of people I knew on boolprop were going to be taking part, and when I was wavering about whether I should or shouldn't, they persuaded me too - and I'm so glad they did. I never realised that I'd lost my passion for writing until I took part - and bam, the passion came back. NaNo was in no way easy - I mean, come on, 50,000 words in a month - mental xD But I found my love for writing again, and realised that that's part of who I am. So, thanks NaNo :D
Last questions of why I do this. Why do I get so annoyed at myself for not completing my target each day and why did I choose to take part in WriYe?
For getting annoyed at myself - well, my New Year's resolution was to write something everyday. I broke that resolution on the first of January xD But the thing is, I know that I'll never reach my target if I don't push myself and keep writing. Some days, I won't feel like it. Sometimes I'll just want to play the sims instead, or chat to amazing people - and thats fine. I just need to get stuff done in order to reach my goal.
And I chose to do WriYe, mainly because Heather was taking part. I knew that after NaNo, I wanted to keep writing, and Heather mentioned WriYe to me, so I thought why not. I know that her and Ayesha keep telling me that my target is too low, but meh, I don't care ;) I hope that after writing for a year, I still have the passion and love for it. And who knows, maybe I'll get something published one day xD
I asked Ayesha in return why she wrote, and it's funny how people's reasons are different, but somehow, they link in with your own.
Day 45: Is it something about this month?
I think there's something about February that's making me not want to write, or making writing seem like a daunting task. Possibly because the month is a few days shorter, I'm not sure or maybe I'm just plain lazy and am making up excuses... probably the latter, come to think of it.
I've written 780 words today, and am determined to try and write chapter 8 today. Each chapter is between 3 and 4,500 words - so that'll give my monthly word count a boost. I really want to reach my goal for WriYe, and slacking isn't helping whatsoever, but suddenly, other things just seem so much more interesting. I've been playing the sims everyday, which means that I'm more focused on that than doing anything else. I have some sims chapters to write up, so I could do those I suppose, but I'm not counting them towards my word goal as I don't honestly write that much on my chapters, so it wouldn't really add a lot.
I'm going to print out my novel (so far) later, and read it and edit it. I received a critique back from someone on boolprop, and I have a few things I need to work on, but I might not work on them until I do a full edit or a re-write (if I ever do a re-write xD) so yeah, we'll see.
I've got an idea for NaNo this year, which is good :) I want to start writing my Vampire novel BUT I want to finish my current novel first, so that I'm not writing more than one thing at once - my brain can't cope with that much writing :P
I need to go to the shop, then come home and write like the wind xDD
I've written 780 words today, and am determined to try and write chapter 8 today. Each chapter is between 3 and 4,500 words - so that'll give my monthly word count a boost. I really want to reach my goal for WriYe, and slacking isn't helping whatsoever, but suddenly, other things just seem so much more interesting. I've been playing the sims everyday, which means that I'm more focused on that than doing anything else. I have some sims chapters to write up, so I could do those I suppose, but I'm not counting them towards my word goal as I don't honestly write that much on my chapters, so it wouldn't really add a lot.
I'm going to print out my novel (so far) later, and read it and edit it. I received a critique back from someone on boolprop, and I have a few things I need to work on, but I might not work on them until I do a full edit or a re-write (if I ever do a re-write xD) so yeah, we'll see.
I've got an idea for NaNo this year, which is good :) I want to start writing my Vampire novel BUT I want to finish my current novel first, so that I'm not writing more than one thing at once - my brain can't cope with that much writing :P
I need to go to the shop, then come home and write like the wind xDD
Friday, 11 February 2011
Day 42: February has been un-motivationl
February is going badly. This month, I have written just over 3,000 words, which is bad, as my target for the month is around 20,000 words. Luckily, I have 10k over my target to fall back on, but I feel guilty for not writing. Am I the only person who feels like that?
I wrote just over 1,000 words yesterday, and am playing the sims a little this morning, then going out for the day, and then I'll write this evening (and maybe play the sims more :P). I think I'm finding it difficult to get through the chapter I'm writing at the moment, as its mainly filler, and that can get a bit boring sometimes. I just need to plough on through it and stop avoiding it, and then I'll be back to the interesting parts of the story. My novel is standing at just over 30,000 words, and I think it's around the half-way point at the moment, so 60,000 words for this novel would be amazing! That'd be longer than the one I wrote for NaNoWriMo.
NaNoWriMo, that's another thing. When is too early to start planning for it? I already have a vague idea of what I want to write for it, but right now, I'm writing one novel in a series, then am going to move on to a vampire novel (that will either be a trilogy or a series, I'll decide when I've written the first one probably) and then maybe by the time I've finished that, it'll be November xD I highly doubt that - I might need more novels and writing to occupy my time. If it's February now, and I'm halfway through my current novel, then that should hopefully be finished by the end of March/sometime in April. Then I'll move on to the Vampire one, and I'm still not sure where that novel is really going (I'm just letting my characters lead the way, and decide their own fates) so I haven't a clue how long that will take to write. Then there'll be the second book in my current series to be written as well. NaNoWriMo needs to be an unstarted novel, so I will probably go with the small idea I have at the moment - it should be fun to write.
At least I'm enjoying writing, and I think thats the main part, even if I do lack the motivation to actually sit down and write something, and would rather be playing on the sims a lot of the time, because that's fun and my sim is about to have a baby xD Why would I not want to play the sims, seriously?
And now you're probably thinking that I talk way too much, and if I put in as much effort into my story as I do when writing my blog, I would be finished in no time at all.
Maybe I should actually start properly writing now...
I wrote just over 1,000 words yesterday, and am playing the sims a little this morning, then going out for the day, and then I'll write this evening (and maybe play the sims more :P). I think I'm finding it difficult to get through the chapter I'm writing at the moment, as its mainly filler, and that can get a bit boring sometimes. I just need to plough on through it and stop avoiding it, and then I'll be back to the interesting parts of the story. My novel is standing at just over 30,000 words, and I think it's around the half-way point at the moment, so 60,000 words for this novel would be amazing! That'd be longer than the one I wrote for NaNoWriMo.
NaNoWriMo, that's another thing. When is too early to start planning for it? I already have a vague idea of what I want to write for it, but right now, I'm writing one novel in a series, then am going to move on to a vampire novel (that will either be a trilogy or a series, I'll decide when I've written the first one probably) and then maybe by the time I've finished that, it'll be November xD I highly doubt that - I might need more novels and writing to occupy my time. If it's February now, and I'm halfway through my current novel, then that should hopefully be finished by the end of March/sometime in April. Then I'll move on to the Vampire one, and I'm still not sure where that novel is really going (I'm just letting my characters lead the way, and decide their own fates) so I haven't a clue how long that will take to write. Then there'll be the second book in my current series to be written as well. NaNoWriMo needs to be an unstarted novel, so I will probably go with the small idea I have at the moment - it should be fun to write.
At least I'm enjoying writing, and I think thats the main part, even if I do lack the motivation to actually sit down and write something, and would rather be playing on the sims a lot of the time, because that's fun and my sim is about to have a baby xD Why would I not want to play the sims, seriously?
And now you're probably thinking that I talk way too much, and if I put in as much effort into my story as I do when writing my blog, I would be finished in no time at all.
Maybe I should actually start properly writing now...
Friday, 4 February 2011
Day 35: During WriYe, you're meant to write.
This may seem obvious, but yes, you are meant to write during WriYe, but right now, I just don't have the motivation. I've been working on some character plans the last couple of days and yesterday, I just played the sims :P
I think I may write some of my current novel this evening, as I have nothing to do today, apart from going to work for an hour (AN HOUR? Seriously? Eugh.) so you know, I have a free day really. I think I'll play the sims again, write a sims chapter up, then get chapter 7 finished and start on chapter 8 of my novel :D Chapter 8 will be good, just writing the filler to get to it is the frustrating part. It'll be fine though, I'm sure :)
The first few days of January, I didn't write much, but ended up being like 12k over my wordgoal for the month, so you know - plenty of time to catch up xD I'm hoping to write a decent amount this month, but have quite a lot going on later in the month... It'll be fine. I just need to get my arse in gear.
I think Heather is in a similar mood, so obviously I'm not the only one. Perhaps we should motivate each other, rather than both of us spending all day playing the sims :P
I think I may write some of my current novel this evening, as I have nothing to do today, apart from going to work for an hour (AN HOUR? Seriously? Eugh.) so you know, I have a free day really. I think I'll play the sims again, write a sims chapter up, then get chapter 7 finished and start on chapter 8 of my novel :D Chapter 8 will be good, just writing the filler to get to it is the frustrating part. It'll be fine though, I'm sure :)
The first few days of January, I didn't write much, but ended up being like 12k over my wordgoal for the month, so you know - plenty of time to catch up xD I'm hoping to write a decent amount this month, but have quite a lot going on later in the month... It'll be fine. I just need to get my arse in gear.
I think Heather is in a similar mood, so obviously I'm not the only one. Perhaps we should motivate each other, rather than both of us spending all day playing the sims :P
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
Day 32: Pinch, punch, first day of the month
I can't believe it's February already (where is this year going? O_o ) but that does mean it's almost my birthday. How exciting is that? :P
I haven't done any writing yet this morning, because I've been too busy talking on the phone and listening and dancing to Dancing Generation - good song, and it makes you feel really upbeat if you're tired in the morning xD But that's off topic.
I found some pictures of what I think two of my characters look like in my novel - I like using pictures as a visual reminder, so it's not just all in my head. Which makes me sound weird, but whatever. I found some that I like, and they're how I imagined my characters in my head, so thats good.
I'm going to write some more of my current novel today, and maybe do some more picture searching and planning for my vampire novel cause I'm really excited about writing that :D I just don't want to have too many novels going on at once :)
Best get writing...
I haven't done any writing yet this morning, because I've been too busy talking on the phone and listening and dancing to Dancing Generation - good song, and it makes you feel really upbeat if you're tired in the morning xD But that's off topic.
I found some pictures of what I think two of my characters look like in my novel - I like using pictures as a visual reminder, so it's not just all in my head. Which makes me sound weird, but whatever. I found some that I like, and they're how I imagined my characters in my head, so thats good.
I'm going to write some more of my current novel today, and maybe do some more picture searching and planning for my vampire novel cause I'm really excited about writing that :D I just don't want to have too many novels going on at once :)
Best get writing...
Monday, 31 January 2011
Day 31: Still writing.
Okay, I'm not writing right now (apart from writing this post, obviously) - I'm actually searching for pictures online of my "characters" - so I can have a visual image in front of me, rather than just in my head, of what I think my characters look like :) I'm also hoping that it'll help me choose a name for one vampire who doesn't like her current name, and needs a new one.
So, the reason I'm posting again is because Ayesha is bored and asked me to xD Not kidding :P But hey, I don't mind cheering up my writing buddies when they need it :) Ayesha is being helpful and telling me she likes the names of my vampires, and she might help me choose one for the stubborn, awkward one :D How exciting!
So, the reason I'm posting again is because Ayesha is bored and asked me to xD Not kidding :P But hey, I don't mind cheering up my writing buddies when they need it :) Ayesha is being helpful and telling me she likes the names of my vampires, and she might help me choose one for the stubborn, awkward one :D How exciting!
Day 31: January, almost over already? And where is my (veggie) sausage sandwich?
I've been writing pretty well this morning, considering the fact that my shoulder still hurts (but first thing in the morning, it doesn't hurt quite so much. FACT) but I'm trying typing with two hands as its way quicker and I prefer that really.
I've written quite a bit this morning - I finished chapter 6 and am now onto chapter 7. I know I wanted to be at this point a few days ago, but never mind - I'm there now, and funnily, I'm still ahead of my target for this month... my quite a lot.
On my spreadsheet, it says my target for January 31st is 21,235 and my total word count at the moment is 32,709 - that's 11,417 words more than I need xD I know that Heather will read this and tell me that I should have set my target higher (cause she's always saying that to me :P) but, I feel like I've achieved something if I'm beating my target xD
Quick breakdown for the month (this might change as I'm still writing):
Novel: 27, 046
Short stories: Superheroing made easy - 1,163
Random - 274
Other: Planning - 4,226
Total word count: 32,709
I'm feeling pretty pleased with that :D Even though my novel isn't NaNo worthy (that'd have to be 50,000 in a month) I think it's still good :) I'm working my way up to finding NaNo easy this year. Maybe xD
I've written quite a bit this morning - I finished chapter 6 and am now onto chapter 7. I know I wanted to be at this point a few days ago, but never mind - I'm there now, and funnily, I'm still ahead of my target for this month... my quite a lot.
On my spreadsheet, it says my target for January 31st is 21,235 and my total word count at the moment is 32,709 - that's 11,417 words more than I need xD I know that Heather will read this and tell me that I should have set my target higher (cause she's always saying that to me :P) but, I feel like I've achieved something if I'm beating my target xD
Quick breakdown for the month (this might change as I'm still writing):
Novel: 27, 046
Short stories: Superheroing made easy - 1,163
Random - 274
Other: Planning - 4,226
Total word count: 32,709
I'm feeling pretty pleased with that :D Even though my novel isn't NaNo worthy (that'd have to be 50,000 in a month) I think it's still good :) I'm working my way up to finding NaNo easy this year. Maybe xD
Sunday, 30 January 2011
Day 30: Typing with one hand is a no-no.
I've hurt my shoulder (think it's a trapped nerve) and yesterday, did no writing, as writing with one hand is impossible - for once, my brain was working quicker than my hands ;)
So today, I am writing a little. I've done a critique of someone's first chapter of their novel, which was quite fun - their novel is pretty good :) I've written 105 words today of my current novel, and I'm enjoying writing :) It's always nice when you enjoy writing, isn't it?
I'm tempted to watch TV, but I've learnt that watching TV and writing at the same time is a bad idea. Otherwise the plot of Eastenders might turn into the plot of my novel (I don't actually watch Eastenders, but whatever - it's an example :P) and I don't particularly want that to happen xD But TV is so tempting... what do I choose? :P
So today, I am writing a little. I've done a critique of someone's first chapter of their novel, which was quite fun - their novel is pretty good :) I've written 105 words today of my current novel, and I'm enjoying writing :) It's always nice when you enjoy writing, isn't it?
I'm tempted to watch TV, but I've learnt that watching TV and writing at the same time is a bad idea. Otherwise the plot of Eastenders might turn into the plot of my novel (I don't actually watch Eastenders, but whatever - it's an example :P) and I don't particularly want that to happen xD But TV is so tempting... what do I choose? :P
Friday, 28 January 2011
Day 28: Youtube is too distracting. FACT.
I've been watching videos on youtube this morning, including an iTunes advert that Heather showed me - that was Mr Bean :D It's incredible and I watched it several times - iBean :P I've also been watching music videos for "inspiration", although really, it's just an excuse to not do writing. I also watched the Monty Python sketch about defending yourself against fresh fruit ;) I'm well prepared in case I get attacked by someone with raspberries (RELEASE THE TIGER!)
On the actual writing front, I have written just over 600 words this morning, but as I have no plans for today, I think I might just write all day, make some novel covers for my next two novels (I have too many plans O_o) and just chill out and chat to people :) I'm glad I have no plans for today, as I quite enjoy sitting around and writing all day.
Also - back to the youtube thing - I found a NaNoWriMo song :o You should listen to it.
Stats update:
Novels: 25,113
Short stories: 274
Planning: 3,471
Total: 28,858
:) I'm quite pleased with that. I know Heather will be telling me that I should have set myself a higher goal xD
On the actual writing front, I have written just over 600 words this morning, but as I have no plans for today, I think I might just write all day, make some novel covers for my next two novels (I have too many plans O_o) and just chill out and chat to people :) I'm glad I have no plans for today, as I quite enjoy sitting around and writing all day.
Also - back to the youtube thing - I found a NaNoWriMo song :o You should listen to it.
Stats update:
Novels: 25,113
Short stories: 274
Planning: 3,471
Total: 28,858
:) I'm quite pleased with that. I know Heather will be telling me that I should have set myself a higher goal xD
Thursday, 27 January 2011
Day 27: Stop, cover time!
Two days ago, I wrote just over 3,100 words.
Yesterday I wrote 0.
Today, I've written 1,081 words.
I think that evens it out for the lack of words I wrote yesterday. I didn't even go on the computer yesterday as I was busy and doing stuff all day xD So today, I got on with some writing :)
I think it was last week - Heather made me a cover for my novel, which I absolutely loved, but thought might be too seductive xD So I've used the cover she made me as inspiration for a cover, and have finally made one that isn't too seductive, but works well enough (even though both me and Heather agree that it makes it look like a vampire novel xD). This morning, I've been attempting to come up with a subtitle for my novel as there was empty space and I didn't want it looking too vampirish - and I think I've finally perfected it :D
I feel quite pleased with myself :P
I have work this afternoon though, and I really don't want to go >.> 3 hours of cleaning and washing up - wahey, my favourite >.< But nevermind, it's a bit more money, isn't it? :)
Yesterday I wrote 0.
Today, I've written 1,081 words.
I think that evens it out for the lack of words I wrote yesterday. I didn't even go on the computer yesterday as I was busy and doing stuff all day xD So today, I got on with some writing :)
I think it was last week - Heather made me a cover for my novel, which I absolutely loved, but thought might be too seductive xD So I've used the cover she made me as inspiration for a cover, and have finally made one that isn't too seductive, but works well enough (even though both me and Heather agree that it makes it look like a vampire novel xD). This morning, I've been attempting to come up with a subtitle for my novel as there was empty space and I didn't want it looking too vampirish - and I think I've finally perfected it :D
I feel quite pleased with myself :P
I have work this afternoon though, and I really don't want to go >.> 3 hours of cleaning and washing up - wahey, my favourite >.< But nevermind, it's a bit more money, isn't it? :)
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Day 25: Lookey at this!
I've been writing already this morning - where is this motivation coming from? xD Not that I should complain about it, to be honest.
I'm about to introduce another character to my novel. Technically, he's already been in it, but not referred to by name, so this should be fun. I'm not sure how my MC will react to meeting him again... we'll see.
I really want to watch Mean Girls - I haven't watched that film in yonks, and for some reason, I feel like watching it. Perhaps I'll do that this afternoon, as well as cleaning out my hamster's cage and making brownies (I'm not doing those two things at the same time, cause that'd be disgusting. Ew). I really want to watch some of Miranda too - I watched 2 episodes from the first series last night I think, and it's so funny xD It's one of those things that I think I could watch over and over again. Sometimes, I can relate to her a little too, though I'm no where near as bad!
I am excited about making chocolate brownies though :D They're going to be brownies (obviously, duh) with chocolate fudge frosting on, and I am sure they'll be amazing. Possibly. Hopefully. I'm very much looking forward to eating them :D
Should probably do a run down of my WriYe 'stats':
Novels: 20,559
Short stories: 274
Planning: 3,471
Total: 24,304
Left to write: 225,696
I can't wait to get to the point when I've written 50,000 (if this was NaNo, I'd almost be there :P) and then I'll have 200,000 words left... it might feel like a milestone xD
I'm about to introduce another character to my novel. Technically, he's already been in it, but not referred to by name, so this should be fun. I'm not sure how my MC will react to meeting him again... we'll see.
I really want to watch Mean Girls - I haven't watched that film in yonks, and for some reason, I feel like watching it. Perhaps I'll do that this afternoon, as well as cleaning out my hamster's cage and making brownies (I'm not doing those two things at the same time, cause that'd be disgusting. Ew). I really want to watch some of Miranda too - I watched 2 episodes from the first series last night I think, and it's so funny xD It's one of those things that I think I could watch over and over again. Sometimes, I can relate to her a little too, though I'm no where near as bad!
I am excited about making chocolate brownies though :D They're going to be brownies (obviously, duh) with chocolate fudge frosting on, and I am sure they'll be amazing. Possibly. Hopefully. I'm very much looking forward to eating them :D
Should probably do a run down of my WriYe 'stats':
Novels: 20,559
Short stories: 274
Planning: 3,471
Total: 24,304
Left to write: 225,696
I can't wait to get to the point when I've written 50,000 (if this was NaNo, I'd almost be there :P) and then I'll have 200,000 words left... it might feel like a milestone xD
Monday, 24 January 2011
Day 24: Starburst and NaNo forums = A good day.
I've been re-reading one of my favourite threads from the NaNoWriMo forums which is "Things in your novel you didn't know, but your characters did" because I find it so funny. Currently, my characters in Take a Bite don't seem to be taking advantage of their freewill - but when I was planning characters the other day, they were making their minds up themselves all over the place! Last night, one of them decided that she's bi, which I didn't know! She's a cool character though - I look forward to writing her.
I bought some Starburst this morning, and they're good, although they got taken off me, so I don't eat too many xD You'd think I was a small child, sometimes :P
I've been writing and my current novel word count is 19,744, which means that my total WriYe word count so far is 23,489 which means my word goal for the year is 9% complete :D I'm feeling quite pleased with myself, as I shouldn't actually be at that stage until the 3rd February :D
I bought some Starburst this morning, and they're good, although they got taken off me, so I don't eat too many xD You'd think I was a small child, sometimes :P
I've been writing and my current novel word count is 19,744, which means that my total WriYe word count so far is 23,489 which means my word goal for the year is 9% complete :D I'm feeling quite pleased with myself, as I shouldn't actually be at that stage until the 3rd February :D
Saturday, 22 January 2011
Day 22: Making my day.
Some lovely people described my blog as witty and cool - you made my day Ayesha and Heather :D Glad some people think I am witty, and I don't just think I am... *shifty eyes*
I had work today, and now my feet hurt again. Work always makes my feet hurt, cause I'm stood up for like 6 hours and standing up for six hours is painful, trust me. If you don't believe me, you should try it, though I don't really recommend that.
I'm straying from the point. Right now, I'm writing character charts for my waiting-to-be-written fantasy novel :) Fantasy isn't my usual area of writing, so I think it'll be challenging, but fun at the same time. I'm looking forward to it, and already love the characters I have chosen :)
WriYe thread on boolprop is fun today xD So glad to see people joining in the madness known as WriYe :D
I had work today, and now my feet hurt again. Work always makes my feet hurt, cause I'm stood up for like 6 hours and standing up for six hours is painful, trust me. If you don't believe me, you should try it, though I don't really recommend that.
I'm straying from the point. Right now, I'm writing character charts for my waiting-to-be-written fantasy novel :) Fantasy isn't my usual area of writing, so I think it'll be challenging, but fun at the same time. I'm looking forward to it, and already love the characters I have chosen :)
WriYe thread on boolprop is fun today xD So glad to see people joining in the madness known as WriYe :D
Friday, 21 January 2011
Day 21: Characters outlining is the way forward. FACT.
I was double checking over at the WriYe forum just to check that I hadn't imagined this instead of actually reading it, but no, I had seen it - your outlines, planning, character planning etc all count towards your word goal. I don't feel like actually writing my novel today as I've got back from work and am feeling so unbelievably tired, that my brain isn't quite functioning well enough to write my story.
Instead, I'm planning my characters for my other novel that I am going to write at some point this year :D I wasn't sure where there novel would be going, hence why I haven't started it yet, but had some bursts of inspiration whilst at work today, and decided to get down to character planning :D It's quite fun, and it counts towards my word count. I wrote 960 words apparently, just for the first character sheet.
I'm currently writing my second character sheet and am having fun doing so. My characters are technically writing their own sheets, as they know lots about themselves, and are teaching me xD
I wonder how much Heather has written today....
Instead, I'm planning my characters for my other novel that I am going to write at some point this year :D I wasn't sure where there novel would be going, hence why I haven't started it yet, but had some bursts of inspiration whilst at work today, and decided to get down to character planning :D It's quite fun, and it counts towards my word count. I wrote 960 words apparently, just for the first character sheet.
I'm currently writing my second character sheet and am having fun doing so. My characters are technically writing their own sheets, as they know lots about themselves, and are teaching me xD
I wonder how much Heather has written today....
Day 21: Inspiration vs motivation (why can't they work together?)
I have a lot of inspiration right now but a complete lack of motivation, which is kind of weird. Why can't I have both at the same time?
To start with, writing my novel was quite easy (at around day 5 or 6 when I wrote nearly 5k in a day?) but suddenly, I haven't wanted to write quite so much, and I really can't explain why. Perhaps I'm just not as into this novel as I thought I was. I like my novel idea, but maybe my writing is letting me down and that's why I'm not enjoying it? I'm really not sure.
I'm going to work today, so will do some writing if it's quiet, and perhaps get quite a bit done (there's always hope?) because if not, I'll have to write when I get home and I'll be tired and just want to play the sims xD I need to make novel writing fun - cause most of the time, I really really enjoy it. Maybe it's the January blues... again. Can you get the blues 21 days in? xD
On a slightly better note - I have started to get an idea for my NaNo for this year, even if it is a ridiculous amount of time away, but hey - perhaps I'll plan it well :D I finished my planning for '10s NaNo during the month as I didn't decide to take part until November xD Oops.
Heather is zooming off ahead still - which is probably a good thing, as her target is way higher than mine xD
To start with, writing my novel was quite easy (at around day 5 or 6 when I wrote nearly 5k in a day?) but suddenly, I haven't wanted to write quite so much, and I really can't explain why. Perhaps I'm just not as into this novel as I thought I was. I like my novel idea, but maybe my writing is letting me down and that's why I'm not enjoying it? I'm really not sure.
I'm going to work today, so will do some writing if it's quiet, and perhaps get quite a bit done (there's always hope?) because if not, I'll have to write when I get home and I'll be tired and just want to play the sims xD I need to make novel writing fun - cause most of the time, I really really enjoy it. Maybe it's the January blues... again. Can you get the blues 21 days in? xD
On a slightly better note - I have started to get an idea for my NaNo for this year, even if it is a ridiculous amount of time away, but hey - perhaps I'll plan it well :D I finished my planning for '10s NaNo during the month as I didn't decide to take part until November xD Oops.
Heather is zooming off ahead still - which is probably a good thing, as her target is way higher than mine xD
Monday, 17 January 2011
Day 17: I don't know what this heading should be.
Nothing exciting is really happening today, so right now, I have nothing to inspire a heading for today's first blog (I'll most likely post more than one).
I just did a ten minute sprint, and managed to write 430 words, which I'm quite pleased about. I'll probably try and do 2 or 3 more sprints today because working like that seems to be good for me, and I use the time a lot better. I'm still planning where parts of the chapter are going - the hard bit is, there's a main 'plot' point for each chapter, and then it gets difficult writing any filler. I'm sure inspiration will hit me soon (well, seeing as Heather has finished her novel now, I can steal my inspiration back ;) ) and I can try and write maybe 1,000 or so words today.
I have another university interview this week, and getting there might involve going through London which I'm not looking forward to. London is nice and all, but I'm not a fan of crowds or lots of people. At least I won't have to go on the tube, so I'm grateful for that!
What else is there to say? Oh, I played the sims lots last night, and might go on it this afternoon after I've done my writing for the day. I made a new sim and am starting a challenge with her so it should be fun :) I have way too much free time on my hands.
I just did a ten minute sprint, and managed to write 430 words, which I'm quite pleased about. I'll probably try and do 2 or 3 more sprints today because working like that seems to be good for me, and I use the time a lot better. I'm still planning where parts of the chapter are going - the hard bit is, there's a main 'plot' point for each chapter, and then it gets difficult writing any filler. I'm sure inspiration will hit me soon (well, seeing as Heather has finished her novel now, I can steal my inspiration back ;) ) and I can try and write maybe 1,000 or so words today.
I have another university interview this week, and getting there might involve going through London which I'm not looking forward to. London is nice and all, but I'm not a fan of crowds or lots of people. At least I won't have to go on the tube, so I'm grateful for that!
What else is there to say? Oh, I played the sims lots last night, and might go on it this afternoon after I've done my writing for the day. I made a new sim and am starting a challenge with her so it should be fun :) I have way too much free time on my hands.
Sunday, 16 January 2011
Day 16: Hitting the wall
I did four writing sprints and then got tired. Perhaps I could claim that writing so much in so little time made my arms hurt - but that would be rather untrue. I just hit the wall in my story and need a little more time to actually think about the scenes in this chapter, because I don't want to write anymore utter nonsense like I've been writing for the last four chapters ;)
So, instead, I've opened up the sims and am waiting for it to load - cause it's taking a lifetime... Please don't crash game :'(
While I'm waiting, I'm post wordcounts:
1st sprint: 528
2nd sprint: 540
3rd sprint: 498
4th sprint: 365
My current total wordcount for WriYe is 17,727 which means I have 232,273 words left to write :)
So, instead, I've opened up the sims and am waiting for it to load - cause it's taking a lifetime... Please don't crash game :'(
While I'm waiting, I'm post wordcounts:
1st sprint: 528
2nd sprint: 540
3rd sprint: 498
4th sprint: 365
My current total wordcount for WriYe is 17,727 which means I have 232,273 words left to write :)
Day 16: Sprint like your life depends on it.
I've never tried writing sprints before, as I was never sure if they would actually work for me, but as Heather is trying to finish her novel in sprints today, I decided I'd join her for moral support and motivation (and so that I'm not sat there being bored for 10 minutes while she's writing her socks off ;) )
In my first ten minute sprint I wrote: 528 words
2nd 10 sprint minute: 540 words
I think I'll keep a record of my sprints for the day, and blog them later xDD I'm actually finding it really helpful, despite not knowing where my novel is actually going right now... (My MC is watching another character read a book... I mean, boring much? :P )
Much writing love.
In my first ten minute sprint I wrote: 528 words
2nd 10 sprint minute: 540 words
I think I'll keep a record of my sprints for the day, and blog them later xDD I'm actually finding it really helpful, despite not knowing where my novel is actually going right now... (My MC is watching another character read a book... I mean, boring much? :P )
Much writing love.
Saturday, 15 January 2011
Day 15: My feet hurt.
I've just come home from work... well, about an hour ago, and my feet hurt. I hate standing up all day, but at least I'm sat down at my laptop now, right?
I opened my word document for my story and stared at it for a little while, then learnt that Heather has had a mammoth writing day today, and I was jealous :P Okay, not really. But I wish that I could have more days like that, even though when I did during my first week, I complained and wondered if it was normal. Perhaps it isn't, and normal for me is staring at a page, just waiting for the words to form as if it were magic.
Wouldn't that be wonderful? Like, if you knew what you wanted to happen in your novel, and your characters and stuff, and you just thought about it, and it would write itself? :P Or not. I should get a quick quotes quill or something, although typing doesn't really make my hands hurt... I'm talking absolute nonsense right now - I do realise that, but hey - where's the fun in being normal?
So I'm quite enjoying writing today. Heather was so shocked yesterday when I said I was bored of writing. Perhaps I just shouldn't admit that xDD There's no massively major plot in my novel... well, maybe it's all plot so I don't realise it. I'm not sure. But I'm at a bit which should be good fun to write, and hopefully amusing to read (at least I hope it will be... I think I'm funny sometimes, and I'm really not!)
My wordcount at the moment is 15,351 which means I've got a whopping *gets calculator* 234,649 words to write. Right, best get cracking.
I opened my word document for my story and stared at it for a little while, then learnt that Heather has had a mammoth writing day today, and I was jealous :P Okay, not really. But I wish that I could have more days like that, even though when I did during my first week, I complained and wondered if it was normal. Perhaps it isn't, and normal for me is staring at a page, just waiting for the words to form as if it were magic.
Wouldn't that be wonderful? Like, if you knew what you wanted to happen in your novel, and your characters and stuff, and you just thought about it, and it would write itself? :P Or not. I should get a quick quotes quill or something, although typing doesn't really make my hands hurt... I'm talking absolute nonsense right now - I do realise that, but hey - where's the fun in being normal?
So I'm quite enjoying writing today. Heather was so shocked yesterday when I said I was bored of writing. Perhaps I just shouldn't admit that xDD There's no massively major plot in my novel... well, maybe it's all plot so I don't realise it. I'm not sure. But I'm at a bit which should be good fun to write, and hopefully amusing to read (at least I hope it will be... I think I'm funny sometimes, and I'm really not!)
My wordcount at the moment is 15,351 which means I've got a whopping *gets calculator* 234,649 words to write. Right, best get cracking.
Thursday, 13 January 2011
Day 13: Unlucky for some?
So, confession time. I did no writing yesterday but I have a very good reason - I was at a university interview, and I did get an unconditional offer, so the no-writing thing was a good thing really :D I was going to write on the way there and back, but didn't in the end cause I'm silly like that.
I have been writing this morning though - and am starting the exciting parts of the novel I think. I think character development is really important now in my novel, as I really need to show the kind of...extremes of some of my characters personalities - without being too stereotypical! xD I've set myself a hard task I think.
I've been talking to Heather this morning and she had a mega writing day yesterday, so I'm proud of her and glad that she's productive when I'm not there to nag her to write xDD
My current wordcount: 13,645
Still to write: 236,355 (not much then xD)
I have been writing this morning though - and am starting the exciting parts of the novel I think. I think character development is really important now in my novel, as I really need to show the kind of...extremes of some of my characters personalities - without being too stereotypical! xD I've set myself a hard task I think.
I've been talking to Heather this morning and she had a mega writing day yesterday, so I'm proud of her and glad that she's productive when I'm not there to nag her to write xDD
My current wordcount: 13,645
Still to write: 236,355 (not much then xD)
Monday, 10 January 2011
Day 10: Chocolate Fridge Cake makes me happy.
So, yesterday was not a good day. Our printer stopped working, I was tired and missing my bf, and then my guinea pig got ill and died :( Not good.
Needless to say, I didn't get much writing done.
Today - I feel a lot better. I've been cuddling my other guinea pig and I made some chocolate fridge cake too - chocolate really cheers you up. Heather has been lovely and even critiqued the first chapter of my novel for me (how many embarrassing mistakes is it possible for one person to make?! O_o Mirror, not middle! xD) which I appreciated so much and it really helped. Perhaps my writing isn't so bad after all ;)
I've done a little bit of writing today and am about to do some more :) I'm feeling quite tired, so will probably make even more spelling mistakes, but nevermind, eh?
I also said I was going to play the sims and write a sims update... I still haven't gotten around to it. It's just an odd day today I guess. Better crack on with the writing then.
Word count: 12,238
Words to go: 237,762
Needless to say, I didn't get much writing done.
Today - I feel a lot better. I've been cuddling my other guinea pig and I made some chocolate fridge cake too - chocolate really cheers you up. Heather has been lovely and even critiqued the first chapter of my novel for me (how many embarrassing mistakes is it possible for one person to make?! O_o Mirror, not middle! xD) which I appreciated so much and it really helped. Perhaps my writing isn't so bad after all ;)
I've done a little bit of writing today and am about to do some more :) I'm feeling quite tired, so will probably make even more spelling mistakes, but nevermind, eh?
I also said I was going to play the sims and write a sims update... I still haven't gotten around to it. It's just an odd day today I guess. Better crack on with the writing then.
Word count: 12,238
Words to go: 237,762
Friday, 7 January 2011
Day 7: I'm no longer on the bread.
Excuse the very bad pun (you know, yesterday I was on a roll? Hahahaha - I know you're laughing really :P ) but today, I seemed to just come down from that writing high. Perhaps I was just not in the mood as much today.
Or perhaps daytime TV is too distracting, as I keep telling Heather. She probably thinks I'm very sad because of the amount of Come Dine with Me and Dragon's Den I've been watching. Oh, and Top Gear, cause you know, that's all they seem to be able to show on Dave. Perhaps I'm just watching TV to get away from the writing - writing is an escape from life, and TV seems to be an escape from the writing!
I've been doubting my novel again. I shouldn't, because it's probably not quite as bad as I think it is, but maybe it's the Day 7 blues or something. Or perhaps it just is for me. I think my idea is a good one (I think so anyway xD) but maybe my writing isn't up to scratch. I was under that impression when I wrote my NaNo novel, and then as soon as I started editing it and reading it back to myself, it wasn't half bad. Maybe I just need to have a little faith in myself and stop doubting my writing.
So, I'm writing the first of a series of novel, and yesterday, I came up with a different one for the series, which I'm quite excited about, although I haven't quite come up with the complete plot - but I know a very basic outline. I've got another one planned for after that as well.
Maybe I'll make the book covers to procrastinate a little...
Wordcount: 10,829
Words left to write: 239,171
Or perhaps daytime TV is too distracting, as I keep telling Heather. She probably thinks I'm very sad because of the amount of Come Dine with Me and Dragon's Den I've been watching. Oh, and Top Gear, cause you know, that's all they seem to be able to show on Dave. Perhaps I'm just watching TV to get away from the writing - writing is an escape from life, and TV seems to be an escape from the writing!
I've been doubting my novel again. I shouldn't, because it's probably not quite as bad as I think it is, but maybe it's the Day 7 blues or something. Or perhaps it just is for me. I think my idea is a good one (I think so anyway xD) but maybe my writing isn't up to scratch. I was under that impression when I wrote my NaNo novel, and then as soon as I started editing it and reading it back to myself, it wasn't half bad. Maybe I just need to have a little faith in myself and stop doubting my writing.
So, I'm writing the first of a series of novel, and yesterday, I came up with a different one for the series, which I'm quite excited about, although I haven't quite come up with the complete plot - but I know a very basic outline. I've got another one planned for after that as well.
Maybe I'll make the book covers to procrastinate a little...
Wordcount: 10,829
Words left to write: 239,171
Thursday, 6 January 2011
Day 6: Am I ill or something?
I've been on msn to Heather for quite a lot of today - and she's probably fed up of my moaning. Especially as I'm moaning about something that isn't even bad. Want to know the problem?
I am on a writing roll, and this is rare!
I started off on 4,692 this morning and am now on 9,321... where the heck did all this inspiration come from? It's normally Heather who writes like the wind (heehee - Bullseye :D ) but today, I just haven't been able to stop writing. I shouldn't complain - because its not a bad thing at all, it just feels so unusual. I feel fulfilled though!
Perhaps this is just something I should get used to.
I am on a writing roll, and this is rare!
I started off on 4,692 this morning and am now on 9,321... where the heck did all this inspiration come from? It's normally Heather who writes like the wind (heehee - Bullseye :D ) but today, I just haven't been able to stop writing. I shouldn't complain - because its not a bad thing at all, it just feels so unusual. I feel fulfilled though!
Perhaps this is just something I should get used to.
Day 6: Is finding this easy a bad thing?
I took part in NaNo during November last year, and as anyone I complained to can tell you, I struggled to get my words everyday because of the pressure. For NaNo, I had to write 1,667 words a day, and weirdly, once I'd got past that amount, I could just keep writing with no problem and without thinking about my word count.
I think that is my mentality for WriYe - although my year target is 250k (50k of which will hopefully be NaNo in November), I only have to write roughly 685 words a day, and I have been writing more than that daily.
Maybe it's because there's less pressure or perhaps it's because I like my novel.
I have started a novel from my series (they're not sequels so it didn't matter what order I wrote them in!) and am enjoying it. My MC is quite sarcastic and a bit of a cow - and she is so much fun to write! Coming up with character names for my novel was quite easy as well - the names all mean something, and for each character, there's something that their name should mean, so I really like that.
I may do some character sketches later, even though my drawing is positively awful :D I'm tempted to make a novel cover as well but haven't quite decided what I want it to look like, so we shall see.
Word count of 5th January: 4692
Words left to write: 245,308 (too many xD)
I think that is my mentality for WriYe - although my year target is 250k (50k of which will hopefully be NaNo in November), I only have to write roughly 685 words a day, and I have been writing more than that daily.
Maybe it's because there's less pressure or perhaps it's because I like my novel.
I have started a novel from my series (they're not sequels so it didn't matter what order I wrote them in!) and am enjoying it. My MC is quite sarcastic and a bit of a cow - and she is so much fun to write! Coming up with character names for my novel was quite easy as well - the names all mean something, and for each character, there's something that their name should mean, so I really like that.
I may do some character sketches later, even though my drawing is positively awful :D I'm tempted to make a novel cover as well but haven't quite decided what I want it to look like, so we shall see.
Word count of 5th January: 4692
Words left to write: 245,308 (too many xD)
Tuesday, 4 January 2011
Day 4: Is it a miracle?
Yesterday, I actually did some writing, and then doubted my writing and hated my story already. Luckily, Heather read it for me and told me it wasn't as bad as I thought ;)
I've done some writing today, and so far my word count is 1,932 but most of that was written yesterday. I did a lot of writing this morning and came up with a few random plots whilst I was writing so I know where some parts of the story are going to go, but not others. I'm hoping this will be good and I think my MC has a very strong character already xD She's a bit of a cow.
Anywho - back to the writing!
I've done some writing today, and so far my word count is 1,932 but most of that was written yesterday. I did a lot of writing this morning and came up with a few random plots whilst I was writing so I know where some parts of the story are going to go, but not others. I'm hoping this will be good and I think my MC has a very strong character already xD She's a bit of a cow.
Anywho - back to the writing!
Sunday, 2 January 2011
Day 2: What do you mean I'm meant to be writing?
Okay - I am a bad girl. I have not done any writing today either, but I have good reasons. I have been re-editing and formatting my NaNo novel so that I can get my proof copy and get it over and done with. I know full well that I should be writing my new books - but I still haven't finished planning (not even the character's names are ready) but I will wing it.
Haven't heard from Heather today, so no idea if she's written anything. Just hope she's feeling better soon :)
Haven't heard from Heather today, so no idea if she's written anything. Just hope she's feeling better soon :)
Saturday, 1 January 2011
Day 1: Happy New Year :D
Happy New Year to everyone, and the 1st of January means it's the start of WriYe - and guess what? I'm off to a flying start.
...Okay. I'm not really. I haven't written any yet today and it's 9pm - I went to a New Years sleepover last night, and well, I'm pretty tired so haven't got around to writing anything, but I will write double tomorrow morning to make up for it :D If I write some planning - that'll count ;)
...Okay. I'm not really. I haven't written any yet today and it's 9pm - I went to a New Years sleepover last night, and well, I'm pretty tired so haven't got around to writing anything, but I will write double tomorrow morning to make up for it :D If I write some planning - that'll count ;)
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