mischiefsmom - Lell - jsights

I feel a little bit like Big Brother is standing behind me and twirling the ends of his mustache. My word count goal is "whatever it takes to finish the novel I'm working on + 50k." I'm think it's going to be about 85 k. The only reason I'm writing so fast is I have to go down to Texas next week, which will severely cut into my word count tallies.

Mischiefsmom, you are a creature of awe-inspiring abilities.

What's the second novel about, Val? I'm having the exact same problem with mine.

The ability to delude yourself may be an important survival tool. ~~ Jane Wagner

Oh, sorry to alarm you. I'm not spying on you. I just saw you were near me on the STL writer's ranking graph that I signed up for a couple days ago. (mm, I know you're way ahead, but I put you on here anyway).

My first novel is a continuation from last year's two (I finished the second one in December).

The next one is about writers and their stories. I wanted to do some sort of anthology type book, so I decided to do a Halloween them (more or less). The premise is that the writers met on the internet and got together at the apartment of one of the members. They had never met before in real life. They are going to read their Halloween themed stories to each other. Naturally, the apartment is not in the safest area, and some suspicious goings on will be occurring (and what would scary stories be without a black-out and a violent storm). I started a snowflake outline for it, but it was multiplied by the number of stories within the story, so I put it on the back burner and started my SF novel first.

2006 SF: "Bella Transfigured"
2007 Mainstream: "Novena"
2008 SF/F: "Wanderer #1: The Oracle's Gifts"
2008 SF/F: "Wanderer #2: Sky Ships of Ciello"
2009 SF: completed: "Wanderer #3: Unsettled"
2009 Mainstream: in progress: "Reading in the Dark"

Hey, after all my hard work and someone in my own region told me to be ashamed of myself.

Yup. Not kidding. Happened. Yup. Reported it. Nothing happened. Not kidding.

Yes, I'm feeling the love.

My goal?

My goal is not crying myself to sleep now. Been writing, long, long days. (15, 16 hour days) Beginning to make me sensative.

Beyond that. Hm. Getting a beginning, a middle and an end? No numbers, I'm kinda to the gnitty-gritty party, the turn when things go bad. Pivot point. Maybe 2/3rds to 3/5ths in. So. 65 to 75K? I know the redemptive moment of the story, I'm just not sure how to get there.

Honestly, I can't stop crying. I'll talk to you gus tomorrow.

"Not a Rose but a Thistle" -- 2005 (Win)
"Welcome To Lamentation!" -- 2006 (Win)
"A Saint Nobody's Heard Of " -- 2007 (Win)
"Nympho-izing Love Goo!" (working title) -- 2008 (Win)
"Like Getting Honey From a Stone" -- 2009

MM - not sure what happened, but I'm so sorry for the rudeness of whoever it was.

Hope you're ready for a little FRIENDLY competition. I know I'm waaay behind, but I'm going to keep looking at your word count and telling myself I can catch up with you. Keep on writing.

2006 SF: "Bella Transfigured"
2007 Mainstream: "Novena"
2008 SF/F: "Wanderer #1: The Oracle's Gifts"
2008 SF/F: "Wanderer #2: Sky Ships of Ciello"
2009 SF: completed: "Wanderer #3: Unsettled"
2009 Mainstream: in progress: "Reading in the Dark"

Holy crud, MM, I'm sorry that happened to you! I think it's an inspiration what you're doing, not something to be ashamed of at all. I mean, wow. You're kicking butt and taking names! You should have a superhero logo with MM in the middle or it. Or maybe a cape or something. Edna Mode's not always right, you know.

Sorry, Val, didn't mean the Big Brother comment to be mean or like I was hurt or anything. I was amused by it. I'm actually a bit flattered to be part of the competition. Also, the novel sounds like a fun challenge. Trying to make up several people's writing styles is always interesting.

If you want somebody to do word-sprints with, I'm on AIM as SexierThanADuck or nanomail me for my email addy. I love me a good word-sprint. :)

The ability to delude yourself may be an important survival tool. ~~ Jane Wagner

Hopefully, your tuccus won't go numb as often as mine does. It's really sad, I have to get up, wag around. I think I scare the cats. I definitely amuse the Sweet Pea.

Competition? H*ll yes! Bring it on!

*stops to do a leg stretch*

Yeah! *cough, wheeze* Bring it!!

(agedily) --mm

"Not a Rose but a Thistle" -- 2005 (Win)
"Welcome To Lamentation!" -- 2006 (Win)
"A Saint Nobody's Heard Of " -- 2007 (Win)
"Nympho-izing Love Goo!" (working title) -- 2008 (Win)
"Like Getting Honey From a Stone" -- 2009

Lell -- I've never done word sprints. I've heard they're a great way to increase your speed. I've been just trying to get the highest score I can by midnight (a little late for me, but somehow that's how November works out). How do the word sprints work? Do you set a word count goal and see who gets there first, or do you set a time goal and see who gets the most words? I have Yahoo messenger at home. I have AIM at work.

MM -- you're not that old. lmao at the tail wagging. I get a few words in here and there at work (like on my lunch hour or if I'm waiting for something). I try to write after nine in the evenings when the kids are SUPPOSED to be in bed. I do prefer to sit in a comfy chair with my feet propped up and my laptop actually on my lap.

2006 SF: "Bella Transfigured"
2007 Mainstream: "Novena"
2008 SF/F: "Wanderer #1: The Oracle's Gifts"
2008 SF/F: "Wanderer #2: Sky Ships of Ciello"
2009 SF: completed: "Wanderer #3: Unsettled"
2009 Mainstream: in progress: "Reading in the Dark"

There are several ways to do word sprints. You can go head-to-head for a timed amount and whoever gets the most words wins. Or you can go "whoever gets to 500 words first wins!" But both of those are kind of not in the spirit of Nanowrimo. After all, you're not going against other people, you're racing yourself.

So I like the non-competitive version. You chat for a little while, then you say, "Okay, ten minutes! Go!"

And you write as fast as you can.

Of course, if you do this more than once, you can race yourself. If you write 501 words in the first ten minutes, go for 511 in the next, so on and so forth, blah blah fishcakes.

I'm Obawan on Yahoo. I'm activating iChat if you wanna send me a shout-out.

The ability to delude yourself may be an important survival tool. ~~ Jane Wagner

I sent a message on yahoo. Don't know if you're still there.

2006 SF: "Bella Transfigured"
2007 Mainstream: "Novena"
2008 SF/F: "Wanderer #1: The Oracle's Gifts"
2008 SF/F: "Wanderer #2: Sky Ships of Ciello"
2009 SF: completed: "Wanderer #3: Unsettled"
2009 Mainstream: in progress: "Reading in the Dark"

No, sorry, I didn't get anything on yahoo, but I did get this, which I supposed was what the moderator had hoped would be an apology from this person, but it seems more like a demand that I withdraw my complaint because I'm not smart enough to understand the "joke"

this was in my priviate message box this morning:

[message removed]

Me again:
The irony here is that the person who posted originally, is writing a book about bullies.

hm.

this is no longer fun.

"Not a Rose but a Thistle" -- 2005 (Win)
"Welcome To Lamentation!" -- 2006 (Win)
"A Saint Nobody's Heard Of " -- 2007 (Win)
"Nympho-izing Love Goo!" (working title) -- 2008 (Win)
"Like Getting Honey From a Stone" -- 2009

I just checked the thread. Magically her comment got changed. She has exclaimation marks and cute text initials. So, it's all appears to be a joke.

I am very thankful for the actions of DragonChilde Thank you.

Mercifully the words "for shame" are gone.

I guess I just must be okay that I will never get an apology.

So... moving on. I am now officially done with talking about this.

D-U-N.

I need fig bars and my word count to work on. And big decisions about whether to ever do this again can wait until I've found my socks and brushed my hair. (no big thoughts could ever been attempted with half squashed curls poking into your ears... really no good will come of it.)

So. What are you guys planning for words today? Is there a word war or something?

"Not a Rose but a Thistle" -- 2005 (Win)
"Welcome To Lamentation!" -- 2006 (Win)
"A Saint Nobody's Heard Of " -- 2007 (Win)
"Nympho-izing Love Goo!" (working title) -- 2008 (Win)
"Like Getting Honey From a Stone" -- 2009

MM - Congratulations of getting to 50K!

2006 SF: "Bella Transfigured"
2007 Mainstream: "Novena"
2008 SF/F: "Wanderer #1: The Oracle's Gifts"
2008 SF/F: "Wanderer #2: Sky Ships of Ciello"
2009 SF: completed: "Wanderer #3: Unsettled"
2009 Mainstream: in progress: "Reading in the Dark"

Thank you.

But if I can, I'd like to hold off on any sort of whuptey until ALL four of us are shiny, bright and Green. Because, really, I think green will suit ALL of us.

Lell! You are AWESOME

J- Oy, oy, oy! You are rocking the house!

V- You are freekin' fantastic!

*sniffs the air* I love the scent of words in the morning.... smells like.... possibility.

as you were,
-mm

"Not a Rose but a Thistle" -- 2005 (Win)
"Welcome To Lamentation!" -- 2006 (Win)
"A Saint Nobody's Heard Of " -- 2007 (Win)
"Nympho-izing Love Goo!" (working title) -- 2008 (Win)
"Like Getting Honey From a Stone" -- 2009

OK, here I am finally replying to this thread! I didn't get any writing done Fri or Sat (expected it, so planned to be ahead). My goal for the month is 100K, and I'm right on track for it. I'm definitely up for some good, friendly competition in the word count arena. MM, congrats on reaching 50K already!!!! I'm jealous! I like green, but purple is my favorite color, so I can't wait until they start validating at the end of the month!!

Good going guys, giving me something to work for! (You know, other than my own goal...an unknown competitive streak coming out of me now!)

Jen

Reading and weeping opens the door to one’s heart, but writing and weeping opens the window to one’s soul. – M.K. Simmons

http://www.jenniferksights.com

Boo-Yah!!

Let's create fantastic verbage!!

-mm

"Not a Rose but a Thistle" -- 2005 (Win)
"Welcome To Lamentation!" -- 2006 (Win)
"A Saint Nobody's Heard Of " -- 2007 (Win)
"Nympho-izing Love Goo!" (working title) -- 2008 (Win)
"Like Getting Honey From a Stone" -- 2009

OOOPS.

That was supposed to be an excited whoop!

Sorry. Not really boo-ing anything. Big foot in mouth. Hm...

Let's try...

WOOT!

Let's corral some words!!

"Not a Rose but a Thistle" -- 2005 (Win)
"Welcome To Lamentation!" -- 2006 (Win)
"A Saint Nobody's Heard Of " -- 2007 (Win)
"Nympho-izing Love Goo!" (working title) -- 2008 (Win)
"Like Getting Honey From a Stone" -- 2009

Welcome, Jen -- looking forward to seeing that word count skyrocket.

2006 SF: "Bella Transfigured"
2007 Mainstream: "Novena"
2008 SF/F: "Wanderer #1: The Oracle's Gifts"
2008 SF/F: "Wanderer #2: Sky Ships of Ciello"
2009 SF: completed: "Wanderer #3: Unsettled"
2009 Mainstream: in progress: "Reading in the Dark"

lell - congratulations on hitting 50k!

2006 SF: "Bella Transfigured"
2007 Mainstream: "Novena"
2008 SF/F: "Wanderer #1: The Oracle's Gifts"
2008 SF/F: "Wanderer #2: Sky Ships of Ciello"
2009 SF: completed: "Wanderer #3: Unsettled"
2009 Mainstream: in progress: "Reading in the Dark"

So have you guys/gals had anything published? Those are some impressive word counts. :) Grats!

I've actually had two previously books published, one in 2003 and one last year, but neither of those came from previous NaNoWriMos.

-Shannon

I've had some ferociously boring non-fiction pieces published.

And my Xmas cards have a following (but that's not really writing, so much as scribbling)

As far as fiction goes, I am a true amateur.

[am' eh choor] a person who engages in an activity for pleasure rather than for financial benefit. {From the Latin root, amator, lover}

Sure, it would be fabulous to sell. It would. I have respect, great respect for published fiction authors.

But as I get older (and older, and... where was I?) I have less envy for them. Editors, agents, trends, book by committee, writing to someone's (generally lower) reading level, apathetic book promotion, unrewarding conferences. Publication is a golden necklace, with beautiful shining stones, but, to my eyes, it looks a little bit more like a collar. I'm not sure if my wrinkled old turkey neck would adjust well to it.

So content myself to lesser dreams. Like the perfect sentence. Ahhhh.

Sorry, I'm philosophical. Haven't been sleeping like an old person should.

peace out - mm

"Not a Rose but a Thistle" -- 2005 (Win)
"Welcome To Lamentation!" -- 2006 (Win)
"A Saint Nobody's Heard Of " -- 2007 (Win)
"Nympho-izing Love Goo!" (working title) -- 2008 (Win)
"Like Getting Honey From a Stone" -- 2009

My writing group and I self-published a book of poems and essays, but I haven't had any novel published yet. I have one I queried a lot before I realized it's crap and should never see the light of day again. I have another that I need to do another pass of editing on before querying, but I have a good feeling about it and really hope to get it published. That will have to wait till December though to work on again. I have high dreams of being the next Laurell K. Hamilton. :)

Jen

Reading and weeping opens the door to one’s heart, but writing and weeping opens the window to one’s soul. – M.K. Simmons

http://www.jenniferksights.com

Not YET.

2006 SF: "Bella Transfigured"
2007 Mainstream: "Novena"
2008 SF/F: "Wanderer #1: The Oracle's Gifts"
2008 SF/F: "Wanderer #2: Sky Ships of Ciello"
2009 SF: completed: "Wanderer #3: Unsettled"
2009 Mainstream: in progress: "Reading in the Dark"

That's great, Shannon. Do you have an agent? I just read your book description. It sounds like a winner.

2006 SF: "Bella Transfigured"
2007 Mainstream: "Novena"
2008 SF/F: "Wanderer #1: The Oracle's Gifts"
2008 SF/F: "Wanderer #2: Sky Ships of Ciello"
2009 SF: completed: "Wanderer #3: Unsettled"
2009 Mainstream: in progress: "Reading in the Dark"

Laurel K. Hamilton is a dedicated, full time writer who has published a lot of books. If you want to be like her, you have your work cut out for you.

Looks like you're off to a good start!

2006 SF: "Bella Transfigured"
2007 Mainstream: "Novena"
2008 SF/F: "Wanderer #1: The Oracle's Gifts"
2008 SF/F: "Wanderer #2: Sky Ships of Ciello"
2009 SF: completed: "Wanderer #3: Unsettled"
2009 Mainstream: in progress: "Reading in the Dark"

Jen,

Congratulations on getting to 50K! Best of luck getting the next 50k written :)

2006 SF: "Bella Transfigured"
2007 Mainstream: "Novena"
2008 SF/F: "Wanderer #1: The Oracle's Gifts"
2008 SF/F: "Wanderer #2: Sky Ships of Ciello"
2009 SF: completed: "Wanderer #3: Unsettled"
2009 Mainstream: in progress: "Reading in the Dark"