No, not the sound of a siren but the sound of a pen scratching on paper. I’m participating in the annual writing challenge to write 50k words in one month. The challenge suggests that it’s quite possible to write a novel in a month, though that’s not strictly true. [Read more…] about NaNo…NaNo…NaNo
nanowrimo
Writing Goals: November
It’s that time of the month again…planning goals for the next four months ahead. November is an easy month, in terms of choosing my goals. But first, lets see how I got on last month *takes a deep breath*
😉 Sketch out two more Wolf Moon sequels – for development as NaNo project #1 – I decided early on in the month only to concentrate on one NaNo project. As usual, I set myself up to fail before I’ve begun. But I have given some thought to the sequel of Wolf Moon, made a third edit following a Beta Read and planning it’s publication.
😎 Revisit snowflake for Rainbow Chronicles – this will be my NaNo project and I’ve spent most of the month getting to know my characters, sketching out the world they occupy and having too many ideas!
😛 Schedule responses to #FantasyWiPOctober – the first time I’ve ever completed one of these Instagram challenges and I’ve met some wonderful people along the way, and increased my followers by 200!
So can you tell what my intended goals for this month are yet? There is just one.
✔ Participate in National Write A Novel in a Month Challenge – my umpteenth year and I don’t think I’ve ever been so prepared. So the idea is to write 50k – or more – within the month. I might also use the Flash NaNo Competition as a bit of inspiration but we’ll see.
Writing isn’t about the end product, not always anyway. If you’ve ever dream of writing but think you can’t do it… I say you can. Dare to dream big. All you need is a pen and paper or laptop, a sprinkling of inspiration and a bucketful of motivation and you’ll do it. I know, because I have. Follow your dreams.
And if you are taking part in NaNo and have registered on their site, let me know your username, or send me a buddy request – I’m ‘The Duchessa’. See you on the other side!
This Months Goals: October
Aarrghh… can’t believe we’re into October already! Though Autumn is my absolutely favourite season and NaNoWriMo is approaching so excited all round! How did I fair in September, I wonder…
😋 3rd Edit of Wolf Moon – yay! And gone to for Beta Reading
😉 Rainbow Warriors review – I’ve done a lot on this and… the story has already changed, but for the better I believe
😥 Partake in a couple of writers challenges – nope, I couldn’t keep up with this. I need to accept my planner affliction and well… get them planned in advance
😁 Daily Writing Prompts Monday to Friday – 18 out of 20 and I did some extra scribbles now and again. This is becoming a habit… think three months and it’s hard wired.
😎 Update my journal ‘First Draft in 30 days’ to market for NaNoWrimo – and it’s a yes… need more work on the marketing side.
So for October – as I’ve mentioned, NaNoWriMo starts in November so a lot of this month will be spent preparing for that…
The Big Stuff
✔ Sketch out two more Wolf Moon sequels – for development as NaNo project #1
✔ Revisit snowflake for Rainbow Chronicles – NaNo project #2
✔ Schedule responses to #FantasyWiPOctober – did I mention I’ve passed 500 followers on Instagram! So chuffed and will be working hard to make new connections… you can follow me here
And it would be nice:
- to pick up my keyboard practice… haven’t done any since April
- to resume my Italian listening skills practice
- to get out on the bikes and make it to a cafe for coffee!
What are you planning to get done this month?
Getting Your Story Down
Reader Alert… this is a marketing post about a new journal I’ve just published. So if you’re not interested please feel free to walk on by 😉
It’s said everyone has a story in them. But not everyone can translate that story onto the page. First Draft in One Month guided journal is ideal for anyone struggling to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), for new writers and as well as those who have a bit of history.
The first draft is just getting the story down. It’s the beginning, not the end, and can easily be done within a month with a little preparation. Whether you’re participating in a write a novel in a month challenge, or thinking about your goals in the near future. Whether you are a panster, a planner or somewhere in between, this journal is designed to help you do that.
Filled with plenty of space, lined and plain, to scribble, doodle, sketch and write, First Draft in One Month also includes:
Preparing your story writing month
- Brainstorming Ideas
- Defining key characters
- Sketching out a plot
- Thinking about scenes and story lines
Advice and suggestions for managing your life during your writing month
- A Meal Planner to save time and ensure energy
- Creating play lists to stir your imagination
- Garnering friends and family support
- A calendar for clearing your desk and your mind
Resources to manage your writing month
- A motivational word tracker
- 31 writing prompts to spur you on if you get stuck
- Suggestions for clearing your head for writing sessions
- Suggestions for what happens after ‘The End’
Monthly Goals: September
So how did I do last month? August is always a tricky one with visitors and the heat. I didn’t have the first excuse this year for the first time in many…😌 apart from the one month a year neighbours.
😊Complete Wolf Moon – this target was my priority and I just hit it as the sun went down on the 31st August. Feeling rather chuffed!
😉Continue with the 15 minute prompts – five days a week which totalled 22 in the month and I managed 19… not a bad return and they did help with #1 target
😊Social Media posts planning for October – writing quotes and prompts are scheduled and I’ve now reached over 400 followers on Instagram… not sure if that’s a good thing or not!
So, being realistic with my goals for last month meant I was able to get them all done, which is a great feeling… here are this months:
The Big Stuff
✔ 3rd Edit of Wolf Moon for line editing via table for me and to Kindle for Simon to read *eeek*
✔ Rainbow Warriors review – start a bullet journal in preparation for NaNoWrimo
✔ Partake in a couple of writers challenges (post everyday in response to a task) probably #Writer Warriors and #FantasyWiPSeptember
✔ Daily Writing Prompts Monday – Friday – I’d really like to keep this up. It’s good for my soul
✔ Update my journal ‘First Draft in 30 days’ to market for NaNoWrimo
and in between
- Research editor for final draft Wolf Moon
- Social Media Posts for November
- Submit Italian Tax Returns!
Let me know what you plan to get up to!