We’ll alternate sprinting and chatting and keep each other encouraged to hit 10k words in one sitting. You’d be surprised how difficult that is, but it’s easier with support. Whether you have your own writing project or need to do chores, catch up on reading or homework; whatever you do we’d love to have you. Come and be part of the fun.
I haven’t felt much like writing but maybe that’s because this year has gone well so far. I’m pleased to say I’m making progress. If that turns into not updating here as often, you’ll know it’s a good sign.
TDG, or NOVEL 3, is currently in draft 4 and with the Developmental Editor. I plan to work on it more for JULY CAMP NANO after I get those editing notes back. For now, I’m starting a new project at a new time of year.
APRIL CAMP NANO is a new project, but an old idea. If you remember the notebook challenge I did in November of 2023, you know I mined my old notebooks for ideas. Well, one of them caught and I’m embarking on a ZERO DRAFT this month. Wish me luck.
In case you aren’t on my email list, check out linseyewing.com and enter your email address. Don’t worry this won’t subscribe you twice. It will give you access to some writing freebies and news about upcoming events if you so choose.
Thanks for being here, as always, and happy writing!
Nanowrimo Update: I didn’t win, but I got my story more or less mapped out, and that’s a kind of win. Time to put away the manuscript and work on other things. My focus in December is rest and special time with friends and family, so don’t be worried if you don’t hear from me until the new year. It’s how I take care of myself.
Let’s talk about December.
I struggle this time of year and if you do too you might like this JINGLE HELL
This was a rough week for a number of reasons. The holiday, extra dogsitting, and two extra (paid) writing projects. Obviously, something had to give, and this week that was Nano, unfortunately. I’m still in a place where I could win, so keep going, wherever you are. Remember you had 0 words at the beginning and now look what you have!
DAY 19: no words
DAY 20: no words
DAY 21: 4,367, which just goes to show that when I sit down and do a thing, I can do a lot. Hit 30K!
DAY 22: 162
DAY 23: no words. It was Thanksgiving and I had been working really hard on my other writing projects, so I gave myself the day off.
DAY 24: 2,224 Woohoo!
DAY 25: no words
Don’t forget the CREATIVE COLLECTIVE, open to all THURSDAY THE 30th. Message me for the ZOOM link.
It’s been hard to talk about the process and my story because they are both kind of off the rails. Usually, when I hit a snag I free-write or type whatever comes to mind, and while I’ve done some of that, I’ve been trying to stay on topic for most of this project. It’s been harder and the words haven’t been flowing as freely.
DAY 6: a slow day for writing, but I still managed 1,121
DAY 7: 1,981 words during the live stream…almost made it to 2k
DAY 8: Buffer Day but still crossed 2k at 2,002
DAY 9: I hit the dreaded “muddy middle” but still managed 797
DAY 10: I rocked it with 2,074. The stream helped
DAY 11: My intention was to hit 20k and I just missed it.
I’m getting my stickers caught up and trying to rally for the end of the month. How do you get through the muddy middle?
Join the Creative Collective this month for two special Nanowrimo-themed check-ins. All are welcome. Message me for the ZOOM link.
I made a list of the last 5 things I need to do before NANO starts, and I should have them all accomplished by midnight so I can open a new document and begin again…
1. Grocery List
I made a grocery list early in the month that I need to transfer to my phone
(pro tip: always keep your grocery list on your phone)
It’s full of nutritious and delicious snacks and meal ingredients for November. What are your NaNoWriMo essentials?
2. Research
This is it. the last little bit of looking stuff up or making notes on characters, settings, plot, and world. From here on out there will be nothing but writing forward, heedless of typos and technical difficulties. We will get the words.
3. Character Questionnaires
I need to go over these one more time. Last chance to fill in the blanks. It’s the part of prepping I hate most, so I tend to put it off, but they can be invaluable when I get stuck. If you want a copy, CONTACT ME.
4. Outline
Outline is another fill-in-the-blanks game, and I should have all the plot gaps sewn up before midnight tonight. Of course, they might not do any good…
It will be interesting to see how this month’s outline stacks up to the November 1st deluge. I can never predict what will happen when I start writing, but I will have all the plot points in place just in case.
Last chance to do all the writing things that are not writing.
5. Rewards
NaNoWriMo can probably be done without rewards, but I don’t recommend it. I have a system in place to reward myself every 10,000 words. The one I’m most excited about? Probably my Etsy cart. What about you? Do you reward yourself? Maybe a chocolate every 1667 words? Sounds pretty good, right?
I’m still slogging through PREPTOBER resources and NANOWRIMO prep materials. I’m doing all the prep I can so that I have no excuse not to write in November. I should have everything researched, thought out, plotted, and planned by midnight on the 31st.
It’s a lot of not-writing that is part of writing
The good news is I’m excited about the writing part; the drafting that comes next and will be part of my life for the 30 days of November.
I don’t like to wish my life away, but I am ready to write. Sometimes the prep gets boring and I’m ready to dive in. I’m practicing my patience too. What about you? Do you PREPTOBER? What are you doing with your time before November?
Are you writing this year? Friend me on the nano site!
I’m linseyte. [be sure to tell me who you are!]
Need help? I’ve got some open slots in November and I’d love to answer your questions
Did you know I coach newbie writers through making a routine? November is a great time to start. Are you up for the challenge? CONTACT ME to learn more.
That’s all this week…maybe until it starts…we’ll see. Have fun prepping.
It’s OCTOBER and that means NaNoWriMo PREPtober is here.
Preptober is a time when I get ready to do the hard work of writing a novel in a month for NaNoWriMo.
My Preptober got off to a great start. I’ve already worked my way through one planner. I’ve been using Sarra Cannon’s Preptober Planners for a couple of years now, and I think they’re comprehensive without being overly complicated. Check out her YouTube Channel and mailing list to get them.
I had two story ideas, so I decided to combine them. It’s not that they’re exact opposites, but they both involve created worlds that I think I can manage to sew together. What will happen? Maybe a pile of junk. Maybe nothing. We’ll see.
Next, I’m working on the Character Questionnaires, which, I think, are the worst part of prepping yet the most helpful when I’m stuck in the writing phase. I have 8 characters I’m prepping so that could take a while. CONTACT ME for a copy.
As for my goals, I’ve mapped out my NaNoWriMo strategy and I know my working days and times. I think I’m ready.
My favorite parts of Preptober:
Downloading a new planner and filling it out.
Prepping my time and space to write
Mulling over my story idea(s)
My least favorite parts:
All the paperwork
Waiting for NaNo to begin.
That’s my first Preptober update. Stay tuned for more.
litewings.ink 