The Gaunlet Is Thrown!

       More than 365.000 writers world-wide heard the challenge and joined the National Novel Writing Month's invitation to write 50,000 words for a brand new novel in a month.  Before hitting the road with my daughter, I met with some of the constituents of this event in my county. This group is a mix of the entire population. Veteran and non-veteran "nanowrimo-ers" equally are excited about taking on the task.

       Those of us who are first timers are filled with questions. How do you enter you tally? Do you write an outline? What genre do you write? What is your main character like? How do you find uninterrupted writing time?

      The group was a buzz with excitement. Many of the participants plan on be part of the Saturday writing sessions at local libraries. These are driven writers. All these folks are purpose-driven. They have a story stirring within and they want to let it explode on the page.

       How many of the veterans completed 50,000 words? Well, that is the goal, but even those that may have missed the mark say "I'm back this year because it was a great experience. It taught me a lot about me and my writing."

      During November, this blog will be devoted "the vigilant silver fox's" experiences posted about on this creative journey. Happy imagination for all of you who dare "to try" a new tact to getting all the stories.

Challenge Sparks Inspiration

      Finally a great break through! After weeks of trying to figure out how my main character Sophie goes back in time, an article about National Novel Writing Month ignites my imagination. The new book will tell the tale of how and why Sophie decided to leave Chicago, Illinois and go to Salt Lake City, Utah.  Now what was the catalyst that got my "little gray cells" firing on all cylinders?
       It was the National Novel Writing Month's (NaNoWriMo) challenge. Writers around the world are invited to write 50,000 words of a brand new novel in 30 days. Nothing like a challenge to help me out of my puddle of self pity. A few days of mulling around a few concepts about Sophie's departure and my brain is  firing faster than the supercollider.
      The hardest part is not staring the actually writing. According to the rules you can't start writing until November 1. You must have 50,000 words written by November 30 by 11:59 p.m.  So while I am waiting I am researching about Chicago, (circa:1947-1967).  What a kick!
     What neighborhood will she come from? Where will she go to school? What will be the impetus that launches her to Salt Lake City? What will her Family be like? The possibilities are endless.
     While awaiting my confirmation as an entrant into this competition, it is difficult not to write. Visualization is one of best tools. Visiting to the sites online and in books. Seeing my character as a young woman. Discovering what makes her move is key to the opening of the story.
      During November, I will be blogging about my progress in accomplishing this challenge.  Comments are welcomed from anyone who has participated in "NaNOWriMo" or who has crunched out so many words in a such short period of time.
       Come join me. The first six days of this challenge I will be on the road trying to write this novel.
Check http://www.nanowrimo.org. for more information about this exciting motivational activity.

HELP! - Where is My Writing Groove?

This is a crisis. The inner drive that makes me get up and run to my laptop to write is a whisper. The intuitive energy of the cosmos that makes me continue to work on a story or poem is lying dormant. The frustration of having an idea bubble forth at the most inconvenient times (e.g., while getting my teeth cleaned at the dentist) and not being able to jot it down has not been felt.  The exuberance of finding the right adjective or a crisp, clean, and clear dialogue for a character has eluded me.  HELP! My creativity is nearly on life support. 

Searches on the Internet for cures, exercises, and remedies have been a lesson in futility.  WOW! Everyone has advice.  Everyone is an expert on the Internet. It takes a few minutes of browsing before you realize that help ranges from a $4,000.00 class to a sensory deprivation room to gain your creativity juices back. 

Perhaps, this pause in my creative process is my muse making me stand still for a while. It's the universe's attempt to improve my writing tools by:

•   Teaching me to breathe deeply and slowly.

•   Stopping to observe new and perhaps missed opportunities.

•   Sharpening my eyes to see clearly and to adjust my perspective. 

•   Honing my intuitive skills to sense and deduce more.  

•   Bringing warmth to my heart and feelings closer.

•   Listening for the conversations of my characters to make them authentic.

...Ahhhh!