40140–NaNo
Last night after work I continued my NaNo novel. I reached 31,036 before I called it quits and went to bed. After sleeping, I got up and wrote for four and a half hours straight (with breaks of course) and I ate traditional Thanksgiving fare. I am very thrilled to be ahead of the projected 40,008 words for today. My finger has improved enough that typing is more bearable.
I have also planned the remaining big scenes of the novel. I am not much of an outliner, but I always have a vague idea of what scenes need to be written.
To understand Charlotte’s love interest a little better, I used “What Would Your Character Do?” by Eric Maisel and Ann Maisel to help generate ideas for his reactions to a situation and compare it to how Charlotte would react. I used scenario No. 5: Elegant Party. He is more extroverted than I thought, which is a good thing to know. I love it when characters surprise you.
28903–NaNo
Well, I have made an improvement in my word count today. I wrote before class, at the write-in at the Union, and at the unofficial Prairie Margins write-in. And I used Dr. Wicked Write or Die (http://writeordie.com/) to write an additional 2,000 words. And I wrote two poems on top of that. Today was just an inspired writing day. I hope you are doing well with your word goals! If nothing else, keep up your writing regime.
My finger is improving. No more splint for me! Just exercises and more ice.
The round table discussion at Winter Wheat last Friday about reading fees was interesting. I did not realize it was such a debate in the literary community. I use www.duotrope.com to search for literary magazines to submit to, and they have a rule about publications charging a fee to not be listed on their site. I know I can’t afford to pay for a reading fee, and there are many free markets available. What do you think? Are you willing to pay two or three dollars when you submit?
I bought a copy of 2011 Writer’s Market. I am so excited to read the articles and see the updates. If you are not familiar with Writer’s Market, check it out: www.writersmarket.com.
24654–NaNo
I typed what I had handwritten at the Prairie Margins Write-In Friday and what I wrote in one of the sessions at Winter Wheat yesterday. So a total of 24,654 words for me.
My sprained finger is doing better. I go to the doctor Tuesday for a check up. Wish me luck for typing faster and getting caught up!
Winter Wheat
I had a great weekend at the Mid-American Review Winter Wheat Festival of Writing. Yesterday I gave my session on prompts, which I will share in a post later this week. There were a lot of great sessions! Also fodder to discuss.
The readers Kyle Minor, Ann Townsend and Seth Fried were great. Prairie Margins will have a writing festival in the spring, so keep your ears open.
My goal now is to get caught up in NaNoWriMo.
Prompt–Sunday, November 20
Write an ode to a candy wrapper.
If only your orange skin
were enough to hold me back
from throwing you away.
Thank you for protecting
sweet milk chocolate
and peanut butter.
It’s a gift I will never
forget until your brother
or sister comes bearing another.
22736–NaNo
I went to the Write-In in front of the Union theatre today. I wrote from 4-5:15 p.m., and didn’t quite meet the word count today–wrote by hand before typing it later. But I did write more than yesterday! So for a total of 22,736 words, I am getting there. Catching up is a priority after I can type without a splint. My finger is feeling better though.
Prompt–Monday, November 14
Because of my experience with spraining my finger Friday, let’s write about a person who has lost (or lost the ability to use) an arm or a leg.
Here is my version.
Sprained Finger
The lobster claw was an unexpected
addition. As a knitter, writer,
and all around-used-to-two-hands,
the gauze and metal splint
are not attractive. Just keep
my finger straight enough
to heal until the doctor
says its time for the claw
to go.
21450–NaNo
I’ve written very little since spraining my finger. I am sad to lose my head start in NaNo, but it is what it is. Luckily I only have to wear the splint for a week before going back to the doctor, so I will continue trudging.
I sprained my finger…of course
Yesterday I sprained my left index finger. So I wrote on my phone’s notepad feature in the ER but I didn’t meet the word count. Good thing I hurt my left hand since I’m right-handed. Lucky too I’ve taught myself to type one-handed.
Hopefully I can still finish NaNo.
20344–NaNo
Yesterday I reached 20344 words during the Prairie Margins write-in 6-7:15 p.m.
And I discovered the original climax I thought of no longer applies. Oops! Good to know it isn’t going to work so I can work toward the proper one.
Almost halfway there! Keep noveling.
Suzanna and Writing 