October 2014: Final Prep for NaNoWriMo

When I describe that I write more than 50,000 words in 30 days every November, people look at me and say how? The answer is preparation. Not just thinking about the story you are writing, but adjusting your life for the task ahead. The need to prepare for the month of focused writing is crucial for success.

The two secrets to reaching National Novel Writing Month's (NaNoWriMo) challenge is a space and a designated block of time to write. These two elements are critical in meeting your goal of 50,000+ words during November.



Scheduling time to write is a personal. Some participants get up before  the sun rises to write.  While others "WriMos" make a large pot of coffee or a hot chocolate and write until the birds welcome the sunrise. There are some authors who write on the weekend only.  I have reached my goal by writing an exact number of words per day during a specific block of time, or sometimes two blocks of time. Hey! I'm one of those "outliners," so it may be indicative of my style. 

Selecting a location that allows the writer to become vulnerable is a must.  It needs to be an environment prone to coaxes the characters from within to erupt. Again, this is a personal preference.  I prefer a
sound proof area. I use my office if I want to have silence.  If you like white noise coffee shops, small cafes, and public libraries are perhaps your favorite places. Find the place that makes you comfortable and happy.  Many famous writers wrote in bed. Myself find writing where I sleep uncomfortable, but that's another blog.

If you haven't set up your NaNoWriMo account, now is the time. Complete your set up on "My NaNo." Explore the options and tools that can help you during this last week of prep time and during "NoNaWriMo."  Try to make a few friends on the site. I encourage first time "WriMos" to find their "Municipal Leader(s)" on the NaNoWriMo.org site. It is located under the heading "My Region." Take time to research the dashboard.The days before the challenge begins are numbered.  Make use of these precious hours and get ready to write that book.

Awaken Your Muse!

October 2014: The Business of Writing

Today, hard covered books are not the only publishing option. You need to understand all the aspects of Traditional and Non-Traditional Publishing. Even if you plan to get a literary agent, a business manager, or a public relations specialist, inform yourself about the writing business.

Writers aren't referred to as "faint-hearted." Everyone who scribed a piece of prose or poetry needs to understand their craft. A struggling apprentice needs to stay current about the business of writing.

This weekend I dared to explore the world of independent and self-publishing writers. Watch for my blogs sharing the following information gleamed from two fruitful days:

•  Traditional publishing vs. Self-publishing
•  Selecting a third party vendo that meets your self-publishing goals
•  Writing a marketing plan 
• Selecting alpha and beta readers and a critique group
• Finding  independent book reviewers
• Making friends with technology

2014

A big thank you to all the organizers of IndieRECONLive! 2014 for a great conference. It was well-organized, offered multiple options for learning, and  attracted a sharing audience.