Okay, call me crazy (again). My big plan is to participate in NaNoWriMo again this year. Yeah, I know. Nothing like giving myself a week to finish my WIP draft and jump into another completely different story.
“You are having trouble with your WIP as it is, love.” My Muse closes the back door of my writing office, but not before a cool wash of air sneaks in carrying the scent of fallen leaves, that earthy aroma with a spicy edge. His black and red flannel shirt, sleeves rolled to his elbows, is almost too expected, with worn jeans and hiking boots. “And yet you choose to jump into a month-long writing frenzy.” He leans a hip on my desk. “What the hell are you thinking?”
I rock back in my chair. “Obviously, I’m thinking if I have a deadline for my rough draft, I’ll get it done.”
He crosses his arms on his broad chest and sighs. “How’s that working for you?”
Truthfully, not well. “You know the answer to that.”
“I do. Which is why I’m wondering what the hell you’re thinking.”
“Hey, I’ve been working on other stuff I need to do for my book. S had a great list she posted a few weeks back on Story Empire. I’m working through the stuff I can do without a cover, like picking out quotes and excerpts from my book that I can use as teasers for the cover reveal and stuff.”
“You need to finish your WIP, love.” He leans over, bracing hands on my desk and looming over me. “That’s your priority. Do you really think you can finish the draft by November?”
When he makes it sound like that … “Yes. I mean, I’m at the midpoint crisis.”
“Mid. Point. That’s the middle.”
“Or so.”
“You have how many days?” he asks, his blue eyes drilling into mine. Hey, he looks like he hasn’t shaved in a few days. It looks good. Rustic. Like we should be out in the woods somewhere in a log cabin, with a fireplace, and …
*snaps fingers* “Pay attention, love.”
I am. Oh, he means to what he’s saying. “I know, I know.”
He shakes his head in exasperation. I think it’s exasperation. Pretty sure.
“You will finish your WIP before jumping into another project, because you have got to get that draft done, which you well know.” He straightens. “Deal?”
“Sure.”
I’ve got a Sisters In Crime panel to go to this afternoon–for moral support ๐ It’s only a half-hour away, and it’s another opportunity to see how things work in the world of author panels.
And here’s Zoey, enjoying a warm place to nap, because I know cats make people feel all warm and fuzzy (unless they have allergies, in which case cats make them feel itchy and runny-nosey).
Have a wonderful weekend!
October 27, 2018 at 7:20 am
A lot of people find NaNoWriMo a very useful way to focus and get that draft (2nd draft, whatever) done. I give you a lot of credit, and I wish you well finishing your draft.
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October 27, 2018 at 4:11 pm
Thank you, Margot! I’ve learned that NaNo is a great way for me to get through those rough drafts, which is the first step. And I really need to get my WIP rough draft (well, I think it’s, like, the 6th rough draft ๐ฎ ) So time to buckle down and dig in. Maybe I can convince my Muse to get some Moon Man as a reward ๐
Have a great weekend!
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October 27, 2018 at 8:45 am
Oh, Julie. I’m sorry. You must be struggling if he’s cracking the metaphorical whip. (At least, I hope it’s metaphorical!) I hope your Sisters in Crime panel inspires you to finish your WIP. I hate to think what he’ll do if you don’t.
Thanks for the checklist shout-out, by the way.
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October 27, 2018 at 4:16 pm
You are very welcome, Staci! I think your list is great. And I think I saw the whip coiled up in one of the recliners. And the fedora is hanging on the coat tree beside the door, so I think he’s warning me. The panel was inspiring; it seems time with writers stirs up that creative energy; not too much, though, because I could spend that time writing ๐
Enjoy your weekend!
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October 27, 2018 at 10:12 am
I’m not introducing our muses. Mine is much nicer to me! Sigh. So it’s still up in the air, hunh, the NaNoWriMo thing? I’ll check back.
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October 27, 2018 at 4:18 pm
I don’t know. He seems to be nice with other muses. It’s just that he’s kind of a hard-ass when it comes to his writer. But I am determined to do NaNo this year, because I really need to get some drafting done.
Have a wonderful weekend, Jacqui!
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October 27, 2018 at 1:38 pm
You are ambitious! I signed up for Nano. Ugh. The pressure. I feel it already. Love your muse, Julie. He’s such a hunk. Now get him out the door so you can concentrate! Lol. Happy Writing.
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October 27, 2018 at 4:20 pm
LOL! Yes, that pressure–good, yet not so much. It seems like I need that pressure to get my sh–er, my stuff done. I think–hope!–he went out to get me some Moon Man as a reward. I’m determined to finish my WIP draft so I can get into my other story for NaNo.
Enjoy your weekend, Diana!
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October 27, 2018 at 1:42 pm
How much would I love that kitty kitty on my lap?!?! Purr…. with a lovely rolling rrrr…. Okay, the writing. Similarly, I suppose, I’m wanting to work on the novel when I’m knee deep in edits for the parenting book. Good thing that will be done soon(ish) so I can be ready for the two advance reads I just bought to go along with the writing conference I just dropped a fat load of cash on! I’m doing it! Finally doing it! Scared to bloody death, but I’ve pulled the trigger. May I not hyperventilate when I walk through the door! If I had your muse walking next to me I might be less scared. Think you can spare him for a weekend in February? He might enjoy a break from the cold, perhaps pull back out a henley I’ve noticed he’s fond of.
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October 27, 2018 at 4:26 pm
Ooooh, a writing conference! Good for you! It’ll be fine. Just remember everyone else is a writer, and they are there for the same reason you are. I still think you should take a long weekend for yourself and come to the Writers’ Institute ๐ Okay, so April in Wisconsin, but c’mon, lots of writers, and moi ๐
As for borrowing my Muse, I’ll ask him. I think he might be able to spare a weekend for you ๐ And yes, that henley gets me every time. I asked if he had some other colors. I think he would look soooo yummy in a royal blue–er, I’m not supposed to say that about my Muse, am I? Did I say that out loud?
Zoey says ‘Hi!’ Or rather, “Mew mroow, purrrr, purr, meow.”
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October 27, 2018 at 8:52 pm
If your Muse reads this, and I suspect he will, just tell him you were drinking when you wrote that–one of those exotic beers he occasionally brings you. Say you stashed it away for safe keeping way back when. ๐
I hope he likes me if he comes! If not him, I’ll take the dragon. Oooh, I’ll sooooo take the dragon!! They like warm weather, right? Although, Berk is cold like MN. Hmmm… That dragon needs a vacay!
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October 29, 2018 at 7:50 pm
I can let you borrow the dragon! And next week I’ll have to show off my new, erm, “inspirational” dragon. Or watchdragon. Or something. And check out Mae Clair’s blog–she posted pics of her cat, Raven (maeclair.net).
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October 27, 2018 at 2:57 pm
Julie, good luck with NaNo! I’m using November to see if I can get the last 25,000 words of a book written. It’s the horrid middle section! I applaud writers who do NaNo successfully. I’m a slow writer. Christine
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October 27, 2018 at 4:28 pm
Oh, yes, the muddle in the middle! That’s kinda where I’m at as well, but I’m determined to get through it before NaNo starts. Welcome to the craziness that is NaNoWriMo!
Have a great writing weekend, Christine!
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October 27, 2018 at 3:20 pm
Raven was being a lap kitty this morning, kneading and making little chirpy sounds. Right now she’s focused on the fact it’s almost dinner time, LOL.
You paint such a good picture of your muse I can’t wait to see what you do with descriptions in your book! ๐
Good luck with NaNo. I should give it a try. Not to start a new project but to see if I can churn out 50K on my WIP during the month. Considering I’m a little over 30K that would like finish the book for me. Maybe we’ll both have amazing Novembers!
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October 27, 2018 at 4:36 pm
*high five* Yes! Let’s finish our WIPs on a high note! I remember the first time I “won” NaNo–what a rush! And every year after that–until last year. Busted it big. I need NaNo to get my mind back into the game.
And I miss seeing pictures of Raven! Even though pics of a black cat are tough (because, black), you should post some (hint!). We had a black cat years ago. He was such a cool cat!
Have a wonderful writing weekend, Mae!
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October 29, 2018 at 11:39 am
I only won NaNo one time. The first year I did it (the book eventually became A Thousand Yesteryears, book 1 of my PP series). I tried twice after that and failed miserably both times. Maybe this year crossing fingers
Raven may show up on my blog today. It’s National Cat Day!!
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October 29, 2018 at 7:45 pm
I hear ya. The first year I bombed (still haven’t finished that one, but I know how it ends ๐ )
LOVE the Raven pics!
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October 30, 2018 at 7:49 am
๐
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October 28, 2018 at 4:36 am
I admire your drive, Julie. Sometimes added pressure is helpful, and of course, you have the added challenge of proving your muse wrong in his skepticism! Iโm one who loves the photo of the kitty but would be sneezing my head off if she was with me. Which makes me sad because Iโd love to have a cat. What is a Moon Man?
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October 28, 2018 at 6:01 am
So sorry to hear you’re allergic to cats. Got up this morning to a present left by mine; she caught a mouse overnight and left the icky parts in the middle of the floor. So, maybe a good thing you don’t have a cat?? Moon Man lager is a wonderful craft beer made in New Glarus, WI. I had it for the first time during one of my Writing Sisters reunions, and fell in love with it. It’s only sold in WI, though, so I try to treat myself whenever I cross the border ๐
Enjoy your weekend, Molly!
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October 28, 2018 at 6:18 am
Ahhh, the cat is doing her job. Iโd rather have mouse parts on the floor than a mouse running around! We have to use glue traps. Ewww to that too! I suspected Moon Man might be a craft beer. We have a lot of craft breweries in our area, and have our favorites, too. Hope it expands its territory!
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October 29, 2018 at 7:48 pm
I hope they do, but it is something to look forward to in WI (besides all the other cool stuff, like the Writers’ Institute and reunions with my Writing Sisters ๐ ) And yes, mouse parts rather than a mouse, but I wish she would deposit the leftovers elsewhere ๐ This morning I found a mouse head, one leg, and the innards, in three piles, in front of the computer desk. At least I didn’t step on them!
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October 30, 2018 at 1:16 am
Yikes! You better be sure you are wearing shoes, Julie. Wisconsin holds many treasures for you.
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October 28, 2018 at 1:49 pm
Best of luck with your WIP. I think it’s a good idea for that extra push to get work done! I’ve never attempted it because November isn’t a month that works for me. Of course I can find a reason for every month, too. Have a great week!
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October 29, 2018 at 7:43 pm
LOL! I find I need the whole NaNo thing to get me back on track. It usually helps, but every so often I find it’s a bust. I think it depends on all the other stuff taking up space in my head. I should probably write it all out–that would give me a huge chunk of my 50k words, I’m thinking ๐
Have a wonderful week, Denise!
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October 30, 2018 at 10:25 am
I have never successfully completed a work for NANO. In the race of everyday novel writing, I am not a hare, but a tortoise. I can only write 500 words a day and maintain the quality my soul requires.
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October 30, 2018 at 12:04 pm
At least you get in 500 words a day. Sometimes I struggle to get even that far.
Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful rest of your week!
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October 30, 2018 at 1:54 pm
I only manage because it is a habit. I always feel badly about the days where I get 250 or less, and despondent about the days with 0. (Fortunately zeroes only happened when I was hospitalized.)
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October 30, 2018 at 1:03 pm
Julie, good luck with the NaNoWi … Iโm always in awe of everyone who partakes and understand it can be a great way to focus ones work! Donโt let your muse give you a hard time! ๐๐ I hope you had a great time with the panel and came back reenergised and inspired! Happy Happy Writing!
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October 30, 2018 at 2:46 pm
Thanks, Annika! I’m putting in a special request to my Muse to stock up some rewards as incentives. You know, like chocolate, good wine, and Moon Man craft beer. And if he can keep the cat occupied so she doesn’t steal my lap, that’d be swell ๐
Have a wonderful rest of your week!
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November 1, 2018 at 3:20 am
Rewards are always a great writing incentive … enjoy them all and hope you have a good first day! ๐ค
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