Realizations

So I realized today that my job isn't something that's going to be over in a couple of months. It's something that probably will last for a few more years.

That's a depressing thought. I think I'm going to marry for money. Or at least marry young so the years in which I have to work are greatly reduced.

Also, NaNoWriMo is hard. I've known this before but I always forget before November.

Remind me next year.

NaNo word sprints on Twitter will be my savior. They're the only reason I have a word count at all. Thank you Twitter.

Word count: Somewhere around 4,500. I can do better. I know.

Books currently reading: The Unlikely Debut of Ellie Sweet

2K to 10K by Rachel Aaron

Currently watching: Les Miserables. Poor Jean Val Jean. :(

It's here! In which I cannot contain my excitement for NaNoWriMo

IT'S HERE!!!! NaNoWriMo is finally upon us blogglings!!! In case you were wondering, it's one thirty in the morning here. I've already been hard at work for NaNo and also have been doing some hardcore thinking into my non-writerly life. Pretty impressive I must say!

To start NaNo I wrote 970 words in 45 minutes. I was pretty shocked. Of course, as most NaNoWriMo novels, it's pretty...er. First draft-y. If you know what I mean. But that's alright! That's how it's supposed to be!

If I had my way, I'd be staying up all night tonight going at my novel with a vigor virtually unparalleled. Unfortunately, I have work tomorrow. So I should probably get some sleep. I also have a massive cold. Possibly a fever. It's hard to tell, but it's even harder to focus on writing. Which is highly unfortunate.
There's also something I like to call The Pit of Despair (A.K.A. the internet) that keeps me from writing. Even on day one. Oh this shall be a fun month blogglings.

So I just wanted to let you know that my blog posts may get fewer and fewer as the month goes along. Or they could get more frequent if I'm writing them as an excuse to NOT work on my NaNo novel. I'm not really sure, and for that I'm sorry.

"I'm so, so sorry."

Anyway! Happy November everyone!! Good luck on your novels if you happen to be participating!

NaNoWriMo Approaches

November is coming everyone! You know what that means right?? NaNoWriMo!! AHHH! IT'S COMINGIT'SCOMING!!

*ahem*

I will pause my freaking out to give you an inkling of what this grand adventure is. In a nutshell, NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing (writers? I never know which) Month. It occurs in November when thousands of people take on the challenge of writing an entire 50,000 word novel in only 30 days. Impossible you say? Not even a little bit.

It's a blast and I would encourage everyone to try it at least once. Writer or not, you can learn a lot by undertaking such a feat.

But it IS quite difficult. This will be my third year doing it and honestly, I'm not very good at it. I've "won" on the Young Writer's website but my goal was only 20,000. I blame my lack of laptop but that's another story.

Also, the only novel I ever worked on during November was To Save the Lost. (Which still isn't done yet. *pounds head into wall*)

But this year is going to be different! I've thought up and *mostly* plotted my novel and I'm super excited for it! It's going to be a blast having a new novel to work on!

I've learned a lot about prepping for NaNo from reading lots of blogs and also from doing it myself.

Below are my favorite ways to prep for NaNo mixed in with some practical things that may not be my favorite. I'm by no means an expert, keep in mind. These are just ways I've succeeded in the past. They may not work for everyone so please don't smother me in my sleep if something doesn't work for you.

Regarding your novel:

1. You need an idea. You cant write a novel without one can you?

2. Characters. Along with an idea you need some strong characters to put in your story. Try writing out what their stakes are in the story. What are their roles in the MC's life? What's their favorite type of fast food? (Important questions, you know?)

3. Setting. Where are your dear charries to live?

4. Plot. By now I have you bored. Chances are you're thinking, "well duh. All this stuff is obvious. Of course I have a plot." But do you really? Sometimes what we have is an idea or something the character needs, but not a plot. Not having a plot can lead to some problems later that you probably don't want to deal with.

5. Outline. Now, you may be a pantser. That's fine, you can skip this part if you wish. But having at least an idea of where your novel is going can be very helpful for that point in the middle of the month when you've hit a wall. I've used little to no outline in the past and I ALWAYS get stuck somewhere around November 15th. So this year I'm trying a new method. The snowflake method to be exact. It's extensive but I think it's going to be invaluable.

So now you know all you can know about your novel without actually writing it. How are you actually gonna make it through November?

Regarding your survival:

1. Make sure your friends and family know why you're going to disappear for a month. They could get quite disappointed in you if you just vanish without a trace.

2. Word wars. These are magical. I love word wars. In the past I've only ever done them with my sisters. So I can't tell you how to actually do them online. But they're super valuable for finishing word quotas.

3. Write or die. I love this site. SO. MUCH! It's absolutely priceless when you need an extra push. Use it often!

4. Sleep. This is super important. People don't realize how burned out they can get with little to no sleep. They go into November with the idea of: "Sleep is for the weak!" But in all reality, without sleep, your creative muscles are going to curl up and die. So get lots of sleep. (You can pull all-nighters on occasion. Just not every day.)

5. Decent meals. Fuel up! And not just on coffee and chocolate. A good meal can keep you refreshed. 

6. Strategy. Go into NaNo with a strategy. Some way to say: "This is how I'm going to win." (And then follow the strategy.) Mine this year is Reverse NaNoWriMo. I'm pretty excited about it!

So there you are! My tips for NaNoWriMo prep! Stick around and you'll get to see my NaNoWriMo survival kit and how to construct your own!

Every Good Word and Being YOU

Recently I had the oppurtunity to write a guest post for one of my favorite blogs, Every Good Word. It's a fabulous blog about writing and the struggles and lessons that go with it. It's run by an amazing girl and there's always good advice or inspiration waiting when I visit.

You should all go check it out! I promise you won't be disappointed! (If you are disappointed you have my full permission to throw a fit. Just do it privately. Maybe in a closet? Yes. That'll do nicely! Have fun!)

Today my post went up and I must say, I'm pretty thrilled! There's just something so exciting about seeing your work somewhere else in the big, wide blogosphere don't you think?

I'm even going to give you a handy dandy link to it! No need to thank me. Unless you are thanking me with chocolate. I will accept chocolate any day.

In one of the comments a very wise girl (named Ashley Tahg if you wondered) said in regards to wanting to be the next Tolkien, "I only have to be the next me."

I think that's simple but incredibly profound, don't you?

So remember, you can't be just like Tolkien or Rowling. Not Hale or Morrill. You can't even be just like Riordan or Flanagan. But you can be just like you. And that's the most important thing you can be. As a person AND a writer.

When You Don't Feel Like Writing (Part 2)

Remember in my last post how I talked about sometimes needing a break from your writing?

Well, there's a flip side to that.

That's just the easy way out. There might be something else you need to do. And I know you aren't going to like it. Sorry to disappoint you.

When you don't feel like writing, it could just be procrastination or a lack of interest in your WIP. In which case, you probably just need to sit yourself in that chair and write.

But if you find the words aren't coming to you, try to get excited about your WIP. Plan the next scene in detail, make a pinterest board for your novel or character (as long as this isn't eating up writing time), try to become your MC and live the scene. I find sometimes, just thinking about my WIP can get me more in the mood to write. Especially if I think about why I did it in the first place. And why I want to finish it.

If that still doesn't work, sit down at your computer and just write whatever comes into your head. If it's about your cat, write it. Do you need oreos? Write that too. Just getting your fingers moving might be the spark to get your creativity and excitement going again.

A lot of the time, reading other's work is all I need. It makes me remember why I want to write and why I love it. Even if it's just a blog post, it could be your flash of inspiration. 

But how do you tell the difference between procrastination and a need for relaxation? I don't know. I haven't found a sure-fire way yet.

Usually, if you find yourself just lazing about, wanting to watch tv constantly or wasting hours on pinterest, you probably need to write.

But if you've been writing a LOT and you really cannot look at your manuscript again. A good novel or movie might be in order.

It's hard to tell, and sometimes you guess wrong. But you were actively trying to complete your novel. That's what's important.

Being stuck and not wanting to write can be a terrible thing. But if you treat it right, it can actually help you. It can make you just sit and write. No matter what ridiculous words find themselves on the page, you have written something. And that in itself is something to be proud of.

Many people don't even try. So bravo if you find yourself stuck! Because that means, you're at least trying. And that is the difference. 

Moral of the story?

Have you found yourself in this situation before? What are some ways you have found to get excited about your WIP?

When You Don't Feel Like Writing (Part 1)

"Writers block. No desire to write. Feeling like a time bomb. Need to get away." I sit shaking on my bed. Curled into a ball. I can't think about writing.  I need to get away. But what will my characters do without me? I brush away my exhaustion and pull my notebook toward me once more. I know something's wrong the moment I do. I begin to heat up. I shake uncontrollably and I realize what's happening. "I'm going to explode." I stutter. I widen my eyes in fear, and then, nothing.

This is me today. And I know you've felt this way too. We've all had those days. Days when we would much rather watch that new episode of Psych or Warehouse 13 (My personal favorites) rather than write. 

Maybe you'd rather play the Legend of Zelda or the Sims. 

Maybe for you it's reading that book you've been meaning to read for months or reading every post in the archive of your new favorite blog. (I've wasted hours doing just that.)

So what do you do when this happens?

You really wanna know? 

I say...just do them. Yeup. You heard me. 

Go watch that episode. Read the book. Play Zelda. Poor Link so desperately needs to be a Hylian again. He's sick of wolf form. 

I'm serious. If you feel you just need a break, chances are you do! 

You're creativity needs to be open to new things. 

It needs to take a walk, eat some ice cream, read new materials, get some fresh ideas, and soak in some more inspiration. 

It's impossible to just sit down and write for days. (Plus sleeping a couple hours.) 

You need adequate sleep, fresh air, new information. You're brain needs to be free. Because if it's not, you're work will gradually become worse and worse. 

You'll wonder, what's happening? Why can't I write as well as I used to? Why don't I want to write anymore?

Simple. You're killing your creativity. It's being suffocated. 

So to avoid that, I suggest doing something you enjoy. It might be just what you need to enjoy writing again. 

My Letter To The World

Today I'm participating in the Open Letter Challenge writing contest organized by Josh Irby. The letter I wrote is a response to An Open Letter to You from the Rest of the World. Go check out his site and the contest! It's pretty cool! :)

Dear World,

I just read your letter. You know, it really made me think. Maybe I can be different, maybe I can make a difference. Maybe that could be me! My mind raced with all the possibilities!

But almost as soon as those thoughts, these dreams and hopes arise, they get struck down again. Fear, negativity, doubt. All these things crowd me to the point where I just want to scream and bust out of the prison cell that is my mind.

You say don't listen to the naysayers, but how is that possible, when the naysayers are me? They're inside me. Crawling, biting and tearing me down. Just so they can get out. Sometimes, I can't even decifer the naysayers from myself. I can't even tell what I really think because I'm so confused and blinded by the negative thoughts. 

I want to be someone. I want to be the person who people look at and say, "She was amazing!" But it's not likely. Oh there it is again. Another of those naysayers rearing it's ugly head.

But it's wrong.  I know it is. I can feel that it is. Maybe I do just need to raise my chin a little higher and press on. Keep going. Ignore the naysayers. Ignore the "not good enough" thoughts. The, "you can't do it's" and the "nobody believes in you"'s.

It won't be easy. I know it won't.  They'll get so much stronger when they realize they're being evicted. They'll fight. I know. And I'm okay with that now. I can beat them. I can.

I will keep pressing forward. I will do what I love because I love it. I will tell my story. I will make a difference. And someday you'll see, I was stronger than I thought. All I needed was a push.

So thank you, World. For that much needed push. I owe you one.

-Beth

A Saturday In Prose

As I was reading my email, the The Write Practice had a post about writing what you've lived. Experiencing things and not just writing "he replied angrily", but rather explain how he looked and acted that made him angry.

After reading that, I thought, well I think I'll try it. So here is half my Saturday in prose.

"The day began in not the way you would think. Early this morning around two o'clock, I was still reading my latest Agatha Christie. Finally, I finished and dozed off, only to find myself wakened by a blaring noise in my ear. Of course my alarm would go off the day I don't want it to. The thing was faulty and seemed to know exactly when I didn't want it. I turned it off and promptly rolled over. Half an hour later, my mom popped her head into my room to give me the details of the day, most of which I didn't process anyway. I knew what time we had to leave and that was all that mattered.

By rights I should have gotten up then. But the late night had left me tired and unwilling to proceed with normal life. I lay in bed for as long as I felt was safe and finally, with only twenty minutes left before my deadline, I rolled out of bed.

It took me only 15 minutes to get completely ready. I was quite proud of that time. I can't help but laugh at the barbie doll girls that find it necessary to spend hours in front of a mirror. It's possible to get so much more sleep my way.

We leave for the softball fields only a few minutes after. My dad, mom, and younger sister all accompany me. Or rather, I'm the one tagging along.

The ride is long and uneventful until my dad suddenly slows down on the highway. I look up from my daydreaming to find out why.
"Looks like Jeremy blew out a tire. Should we go get Carigan?" My dad asks. A man from our town was taking his daughter to the same place. We turn around.

We gave the girl a ride and soon we were at the Softball complex. Now that I was there, I began to question my decision to come.

The air was hot and muggy. Time seemed to stand still, hours past. Finally, the first game was over. Lunch came and went. Getting tired of the heat, my dad decided to run the AC in the car. It was heavenly. The air was cool and brisk and I wanted to stay there forever. Alas, there was yet another softball game. I reluctanly left the cool of the van.

I made my way to the concession stand with the thought of a giant pickle occupying my mind. Paying the fifty cents eagerly, I walked away. Forgetting for a while the misery of heat. The sour taste filled me with memories of summer and fun days. I couldn't help but smile.

I can still taste the pickle in my mouth. I sit watching the game from the outfield. The air has turned grey and forlorn. The sun is hiding and I find that once again, I have nothing to do but browse the internet on my phone and actually watch my little sister."

I would write more but it's beginning to rain. You just got an unedited version of my day! Hope I didn't bore you! ;)

Over and out!

A Much Needed Push to The Desk

Lately I have found myself needing more inspiration to write. And yes, I am well aware that inspiration is a myth and that really, I just need to sit down and do it. But sometimes I need an extra push. You too? So I guess we both need a push. I've been looking at some writing quotes and I've found some that are soon becoming my favorites. So here it is, a push out the door! (Er...to the desk.)

Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.
~Les Brown

You don’t have to say everything to say something. ~Beth Moore

No man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it. ~CS Lewis.

Everybody walks past a thousand story ideas every day. The good writers are the ones who see five or six of them. Most people don’t see any. ~Orson Scott

If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that. ~Stephen King

We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master. ~Ernest Hemingway

I am like a little pencil in God’s hand. He does the writing. The pencil has nothing to do with it. ~Mother Teresa

Write something that’s worth fighting over. Because that’s how you change things. That’s how you create art. ~Jeff Goins

Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book! That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever! ~Job 19

The writer is an explorer. Every step is an advance into a new land. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Know that the Creator lives and moves and breathes within you. So those dreams? Risk them. Those words? Write them. Those hopes? Believe them. ~Elora Nicole Ramirez

So maybe now we all feel a little more "inspired" to write. I'd love to hear some of your favorite quotes on writing! Share them in the comments! Feel free to share what you're stuck with in your WIP or whatever's holding you back, I'd love to hear about that too! Maybe forming the problem into words will give you some ideas! :)

Writing Characters Who Are Your Opposites

How DO the bad girls think?

A few days ago, I was stuck on this question. This was my free write from that day:

"I've been stuck on this question for about 45 minutes. Im trying to write a character summary for the bad girl in my new WIP but I can't seem to empathize with her at all.

I'm a homeschooled quiet girl. (Not a "homeschoolER" mind you, just quiet.) So the brain of a rebellious girl who's always putting others down and chasing the hot boys is foreign to me.

I don't even have friends even remotely like this.

It's quite the problem. I know I need to write this summary so I can understand this character and so she isn't a boring shell of a person but I just can't get into her mindset.

I've been asking myself; "Why does she do these things?" "What are her dreams? " "What keeps her from these dreams?" But it's not working too well."

After I wrote the last sentence, my brain kind of exploded. I knew a girl who used to be a little like this. She wasn't mean or anything, just dark. She didn't chase boys either but that's beside the point. All of a sudden I had ideas. I felt like I'd just broken the surface of the water and could breathe.

The character summary isn't quite what I had hoped. It's lacking in a happy ending. I dont feel that bad for her, but I think I understand her better.

The secret was looking at WHY she's like that. (Ana's her name by the way.) Why does she chase boys? Her dad died when she was little and she's starving for male attention in her life. Why is she mean to others? No one is ever nice to her. Her mom was distant and now she's dying. Ana doesn't know what to do. She's at her wits end and the only way she knows how to deal with it is take it out on other people.

As simple as that. But I couldn't figure any of that out until I found someone I had met who I could sympathize with. If I don't have even just an inkling of sympathy for my charries, they end up flat.

And the only way I found that sympathy was free writing. So next time you're blocked,  try free writing. Maybe it'll open a new point of view for you like it did for me.

How do you write characters who are the opposite of you?

Every Good Word-A Link-Up Quiz

If you follow me, I'm sure you've noticed how often I do link ups. I'm kind of obsessed with them. They're a great way to interact with other blogs and bloggers.

This link up is from a blog I discovered only today. But I already adore it. The design is superb and the girl behind it (Meghan) is awesome. From what I gather, the blog is pretty new. She's hosting a party with giveaways and all kinds of stuff so be sure to go check it out!  It's called Every Good Word and is dedicated to writers and helping them in their craft.

Anyway, on to the link up questions!

What was your first-ever piece of writing? When I was about twelve-ish I wrote the beginnings of a story about a boy and a girl who had lived in the woods ever since their mother had been killed by the evil king. They were the rightful heirs to the throne and the evil king had captured, not killed, their family. I had about half the novel thought out but with my young writing "skills" I got most of the book done in twenty pages or so. It was pitiful but I'm thinking of altering the plot and adopting it again.

How old were you when you first began writing? About twelve I think.

Name two writing goals. One short term & one long term. For the short term I really want to finish "To Save The Lost" before November. I decided the reason I got so sick of it was just a lack of knowing what should happen next. I wrote myself into a corner and had no where to go. So I'm going to start over and plot it, writing scenes out and whatnot. For long term, I really would like to get something published and maybe go to college for a  communications major.

Do you write fiction or non-fiction? Both. I write for this blog and I have two fiction WIPs. I think it would be so fun to write an e-book as well! I've been mulling that over quite a bit actually.

Bouncing off of question 4, what's your favorite genre to write in? I love fantasy but I think my favorite is modern stuff. What would you call that? YA Contemporary perhaps?

One writing lesson you've learned since 2013 began. "Don't be a writer, be writing." I don't remember who said this or I would give them the credit. But it has helped me to remember to actually write.

Favorite author, off the top of your head! Rick Riordan. I know, of all the wonderful classics and amazing ly deep authors, I pick him. But I adore his style and humor.

Three current favorite books. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke, Forest Born by Shannon Hale, and Anne of Green Gables by L.M Montgomery.

Biggest influence on your writing {person}: Person that I know? Hmm...probably my mom. If she didn't love books so much,  I wouldn't love them as much, and I wouldn't have been motivated to write.

What's your go-to writing music? It's a mix. Usually Lord of The Rings or Narnia soundtracks but lately I've just been listening to popular songs like from the radio. I've only been plotting though. Not writing. But you'll hear about those adventures some other time. ;)

List three to five writing quirks of your's! Little habits, must-haves as you write, etc. My characters all want to be incredibly creative and talented people, all the boys want to look just like Logan Lerman, and they're all nice people. I can't do snotty people very well.

What, in three sentences or less, does your writing mean to you? Writing is my escape from reality or my lenses to see reality better. I'm constantly wishing it was possible for me to have a million projects at once so I could chase the fanciful plots and characters that skip through my mind. And without it, I'd be starved for a way to express myself. 

Head over to Every Good Word and add your own post or just check it out! :)

Forever at Odds

Dear Writers Block,

I know you seem to like me. I mean, you won't leave me alone so that says something. But unfortunately for you, the feeling is not mutual.
You're annoying, selfish, and you won't let me do anything I enjoy. You're barely letting me write you this letter and that's not supportive. It's not good for a relationship.
Our relationship has been rocky. I yell, you sulk. You don't give me space, I indulge you before resorting to yelling again. But it's come to the last straw. 
I know when I have the urge to deep clean my room that you've gone way too far. How could you do this to me?
So we have to part ways. It's the only solution. I'm sorry, I'm so so sorry, but this is goodbye. Hopefully forever.

Sincerely, 
Beth

P.S. Please don't take out your frustration with me out on some other poor writer. Just go get a job at McDonald's or something.

A New Idea and No Idea What To Do About It

Oh my friends I need help. Just a few months ago, my WIP (To Save The Lost) was going strong. I was excited about it, I felt like I was finally getting to know the characters, and words were coming easier than ever.

Then, summer.

The summer zapped a lot of my will to write. Blogging I have no problem with, but my WIP just seems like torture.

I was just going to suck it up. You know the drill. Make a pinterest board, write random scenes, character journal a bit. Find inspiration somewhere.

But then it hit me.

A new idea.

Not just any idea though, I mean, this is exciting. It's refreshing. Not in the same genre, the girl has things in common with me, it'll be easy to write! I went and made a pinterest board for it. (I'm a tad attached to pinterest. Can you tell?) It's one of those things that just makes my heart skip with delight.

The only problem? I'm feeling really guilty about giving up on To Save The Lost. I've put so much effort into it. I have lost sleep working on it. And now I'm completely ready to give it up?

I know some of you work on more than one thing at a time. But I have this sinking feeling that if I leave it even for a little bit, I may never come back. I'm kind of one track minded as far as writing goes. But then again, couldn't I try it?

I haven't written a word for my new WIP. I havent even named the main characters. But I know who they are. The girl is so very much like me. Coincidence?  Probably not. I want her to be like me. I got the idea from something in my life so why not? The best friend/love interest is harder. I have a vague notion of who he really is, morals, foundation. But as far as quirks and personality? I'm rather stumped.

But maybe I should save it and write it for NaNo? I just dont know blogglings! I'm the most indecisive person I've ever met. (If you haven't noticed) That's why I need an entire blog post to worry and ramble about my choices. I'm so so sorry about that.

The point of this post is mostly for me to ramble. But also this, new ideas are awesome and refreshing. I love plotting a new book. Maybe you do too? Kindred spirits! If you find yourself in the same situation as me, I say, go with it before you lose your fire. Write that novel!

And that's what I'm going to do! Sort of anyway. I think I will do as much for it as I can without writing. (So I can use it for NaNo) Plot every scene, write entire backstories for each character, you know the planning stage. You've done this before. Dont tell me you haven't!  Then when NaNo comes, I'll breeze through it no problem! Or, that's the plan anyway. We'll see how it goes.

Thank you for putting up with me and being my listening ear! You'll be hearing a lot more about this WIP in the next couple of weeks! Prepare yourself. I hope you don't mind.

Have you had any new ideas recently? What's your favorite thing about a new idea?

Haiku Time {Prompt}

Have you ever written a poem? What about a Haiku? Yes? Good! You should be all practiced up for today! No? No problem! Today will be your first day!

If you don't know what a Haiku is, I shall tell you! A Haiku is a short poem that most always doesn't rhyme. The first line has five syllables, the second has seven, and the last has five.

So for this prompt we are going to write a Haiku or two! They're really easy and it doesn't take long to write them. (Hint: That's why I chose to do this prompt. Fast and easy. Don't tell!)

I won't have a word for word prompt, you can come up with whatever you want!

Rules:

1. Write a Haiku.

2. Share it in the comments!

3. Tell your friends to come participate! Twitter, facebook, blog, word of mouth, you choose the method!

Here is my Haiku! I may write more but for now, this is all I have.

Time speeds past sometimes
Other times it drags slowly,
Why can't it stand still?

Week Two to Actually Finishing Something!

Ah! One week has past since the Actually Finishing Something In July challenge started! I have very little to show for it but I love having motivation! :) Here's week two's questions and my answers! I would encourage you to join this challenge and maybe answer the questions on your own blog! You can find the original post here to link to it. 

1) How time flies! Did you reach your weekly goal?

Alas, I did not...My goal has actually changed a lot since last week. On the lovely Notebook Sisters blog they had a contest to win a 10,000 word critique! Me being fabulous at thinking ahead, entered. I really didn't think I was going to win so when I did win, I first had a party!!! But then I was stumped. My first 10,000 words are not typed up. So I have decided to change my actually finishing something in July goal to typing/rewriting the first half of my novel for that. Which is fine with me! I'm very stuck!

2) Is this challenge pushing and encouraging you to write more often?

It actually is! Except for right now when I should be writing and I'm not...

3) Did you accomplish most of your writing in the morning, afternoon, evening, or at random intervals during your busy day (i.e. waiting for your neighbors to go inside so you can jump on the trampoline without disturbing them)?

Mostly at night. This might be afternoons though. We will see.

4) Any particular musical tracks inspiring your prose?

Lord of the Rings! And Press Play. Which is a really weird combination if you think about it...

5) Share a snippet (or two) of your writing!

Ria scowled at him. "Im perfectly able to take care of myself thank you very much." 
Cooper hid a grin, not very well, and said, "Oh yes of course. My apologies."
Ria shot him an angry look and tried to stand up again. But it was still to soon. Her legs wobbled. She thought for sure she was going to fall again. But just before she did, Ria felt Cooper's arm go around her waist to keep her up. This time she didnt try to argue. She knew she would need a moment before she could stand alone.
Ria flushed. 
"Are you sure about that princess?" Cooper asked. 
Ria glanced up at him. He was grinning from ear to ear. 
"Oh be quiet." She muttered.

6) Share your three favorite bits of dialogue.

There's not much at this point actually. Sorry about that...

7) How are you going to move forward in this challenge? Are you changing your word-count goal, or other such battle plans this week?

Im going to try to write at any possible moment! ("Not every moment, but any moment!")

Independence Day Prompt!

I hope you all are having a fantastic Fourth of July! (In the US it's Independence Day but even if you're not from here, happy Thursday! :) 

I just want to take a minute to thank all the soldiers who have put their lives in danger so we could have freedom. It's a wonderful gift and I know I am beyond grateful for it! My thanks also goes out to the families of the soldiers who wait anxiously at home. It must be hard and I'm so grateful for their sacrifice. It makes me think of Jesus and the sacrifice He made so we could be freed from our sins. There is no greater love than that. 

Since it's Thursday and we haven't had one for a while, I was excited to do a writing prompt! But since it's a holiday, some of you may be super busy, totally fine! You can do this whenever you get time! :) Or maybe you'd rather not do it at all. That is also fine but sad, this is going to be a fun one!  ;) 

The rules are as follows: 

1. Pick a prompt (word for word or situational) 

2. Write for 15 minutes using said prompt. 

3. Post your piece in the comments! (You may have to use two separate comments if there's a lot of words. 

4. Tell your writerly friends about it! 

5. Have fun and enjoy your Independence Day! :) 

Prompt 1: 

The street was full of flags. 

Prompt 2: 

You (doesnt have to be first person) are at a festival. (Fictional place or real, doesn't matter.) describe what you see, touch, smell, taste, and hear. What are you celebrating? 

Good luck and have fun! :) 

The Inspiratron!

Clicking on the image will enlarge it allowing you to read the fine print. It's always advised to read the fine print. ;)

"Are you running low on inspiration? Has it abandoned you like that pet mouse you kept in the cupboard when you were five? Have no fear! The Inspiratron is here! The Inspiratron is a device designed to flood your mind with ideas when you're feeling low! Just put it on using the handy Velcro straps that fit around your chin and voila! You will have ideas and inspiration galore!  To get the Inspiratron all it takes is a simple phone call to 1-800-INSPIRED! Our phone operators will set you up with just three easy payments of $9,999,999,999.98! Call now!"

Pretty ridiculous, huh?

If you can't tell by the introduction, I've been dealing with low amounts of inspiration lately. I'm not sure what to blame for that but I do know from reading a zillion and one posts about it, I'm doing it wrong. I don't really need an Inspiratron. (Shocking, I know.)

Have you been low on inspiration lately? You probably don't need an Inspiratron any more than I do. (Even if such a thing existed) What you need is far more difficult than you may think. Inspiration, contrary to popular belief, is not a muse. It's not some fairy sprinkling magic dust on you whenever it sees fit. And there's no sense in waiting for that to happen.

Inspiration is trickier than that. Because inspiration comes when you hunt it down and capture it. Not when it decides to come eat out of your hand.

Surprised? Maybe not. maybe you've heard this before. But even if you have, what does it mean for you?

What it means for me is this: I can't just wait for inspiration. I have to firmly put my rear in the chair and make myself write. I wasted an entire year after my first NaNoWriMo just waiting for my inspiration "muse" to come grant me the rest of my book. What do you know? It never came.

I heard (or rather read) people say, inspiration only comes in the middle of your writing. So why didn't I listen?

Since then, I have tried much harder than that first year to just get it done. But I kept finding myself waiting. For what? I could have finished so many writing projects by now if I had only made myself do it. I suppose self discipline has never been my strong point. Gee, ya think Beth??

Now, I just want to be done. (That's what you get!) I have found myself thoroughly sick of my WIP. I've been working on it so long. I have been having a harder time going to it willingly. I find it harder to write scenes that should come easy. Right now, I'm stuck. I wrote myself into a minor corner. Something happened quite by accident. My characters have no idea why, which is good. The bad part is, I don't know why it happened either. And I'm in the middle of the scene where it should be revealed. Ugh. Just typing this I'm getting frustrated with myself for it.

My point is, when you find yourself not in the mood or just waiting to hear from your "muse", remember that the best inspiration comes with discipline. It comes when you're writing. 

"Actually Finishing Something [in] July" Link-Up Party

I love writing goals! It's so helpful to have a place where other people know about your goal and can encourage you toward it. 

I am a huge fan of Katie over at The Whisperings of The Pen and she's hosting an "Actually finishing something in July" party. Every Monday there will be a post with a link up and fun questions about your WIP to answer on your blog! 

I would encourage you all to head over and check it out for yourselves! The more the merrier! It's going to be a blast! 

I know accountablilty will be huge for me. Last year during NaNoWriMo, I was really close to losing. I was going to give up. But I had told my best friend about it. He was always asking how it was going and talking about my writing. It encouraged and challenged me to keep it up. I finished just in time and was able to win! One of the greatest feelings in the world is actually finishing something you've worked hard on. 

I'm really excited about this! It's going to be a great oppurtunity for me to keep going during the summer months. 

So here's my answers to the first questions! 

Week One Questions:

1) What is your writing goal? 

5,000 words. We'll see how that goes, I have a lot of stuff going on this month. But again, the accountability should help. 

2) Give us a short synopsis of your project. What makes it unique?

My WIP is about a princess who's sick of her royal life. Her father went missing 7 years ago and now, as she nears her 18th birthday, she learns from a new friend that he is alive. Determined to free him, she sets out with Cooper, the new friend, and an old one to find him. But can she trust Cooper? Is he really on her side? 

As far as uniqueness, The race of my characters is special. Long ago they lived in Arin, the land without tears. The people then could shift to any animal form they wished. But something happened. No one knows what. But the All-Father had to banish them from their home. They would lose their shifting ability and would be forever human. But the All-Father took pity and allowed them to choose one shape. The people decided that flight would be the worst to lose so they chose birds. They could change from human to bird at will and they have been that way ever since. 

3) How long have you been working on this project? 

Since November 2011...it's been a long time in progress. 

4)  How often do you intend to write in order to reach your goal by August 1st? 

I'm going to try to write every night but I don't know how easy it will be. But I suppose that's the point, challenging! 

5) Introduce us to three of your favorite characters in this project.

Victoria (or Ria) Eadell. Princess of Arinsia. She's 17 years old and has seen more grief than many in her kingdom. Her father disappeared 7 years ago and her life has been void of the happiness a girl of her rank and age should have. Despite that, she has always been an optimist and is encouraging to be around. She is cheery and laughs a lot. Very good at hiding her pain. 

Cooper Hwane. A handsome boy of 19. His family has long been the enemies of the royal throne. But Cooper and his mother are (sortof) secretly loyal to the Eadells. (It's complicated) When Cooper meets Ria, he finally sees a way to get back at his father and the Vul-Raks for everything they've done to him and to Ria. He is intent on helping her. But is that really all there is to him? 

Sandor of Domin. An elven prince from the seaside country of Domin. Handsome and charming. Instantly makes Ria feel at ease when she's around him. Proud and strong but with a definite soft side. His temper could be his undoing. He knows a secret way into Rak-Ar, the evil land and accompanies Ria, Cooper, and Marty on their mission. 

6)  Go to page 16 (or 6, 26, or 66!) of your writing project. Share your favorite line or snippet on the page.

Page 36: 

"Would you stay if your father was here?" Cooper asked abruptly. Now Ria stopped. 

"Yes, but he is not here. Thank you for the reminder of my greatest sorrow!" She began to stomp off but he grabbed her shoulder with excitement in his eyes. 

"I'm a Hwane!" He said, pausing to let that sink in. But Ria just stared at him blankly. Cooper grinned. 

"I know where he is!" 

7) Tea or coffee? 

Tea all the way. I'm actually drinking some right now! 

The Post of Nine Posts (Intriguing, no?)

Hello my dear blogglings! For those of you who follow my blog, I must bring you grievous news...I won't be able to post here for two weeks... I really wish I could but my summer job as a missionary is taking me away for training. :( (By the way, if you could pray for me that would be such a blessing!) However! I have a surprise! I have put together a list of 9 blog posts from around the world wide web for you to read! One a day. (Plus a couple I will set Blogger to post so sometimes there we be brand new content. Hopefully it works.)  So if you feel the need for some extreme inspiration, or if you just miss me, stop by this post and pick a link to read! (Sorry for the weird formatting. I'm doing this on my ipod so I'm not sure how to fix it...) 

I shall categorize them for you as well. No need to thank me.*bows*

Writing Pep Talks:

Just Write (by the lovely Magic Violinist!)

Three Questions Every Writer Should Ask Themselves

Never have Writers Block Again

Description:

How To Paint Tangerine Dream and Marmalade Sky Word Pictures

Inspiration:

How To Inspire Your Writing...Now!

How To Unlock Your Creativity And Stop Feeling Like A Failure

Charries:

Three Tips For Naming Your Characters

Why you Need To Find Your Character's Tipping Point

Antagonists: A Closer Look At Their Goals

Interview With The Notebook Sisters!

Here it is! The much awaited interview! As promised, we have some fantastic guests! These two girls make me laugh every time I read something of theirs. They are both teen writers and have some interesting things to say regarding Planning and Pantsing! So without further ado; Cait and Mime!

Do you consider yourself a planner or a Pantser? Tell us why! 

MIME: I’m a mutant. I plot to a certain degree, but I don’t outline. I usually have an idea of what’s going to happen in the book, but I don’t always know my theme, or my climax. They come as I write.

CAIT: Yes, Mime, you are definitely a mutant.

MIME: Go X-Men!

CAIT: I used to be a full-out-plotter (down to outlining every scene! My outlines were up to 10,000 words long. Yeah. It was…intense.) Now I write as it comes because a) I’m too lazy to outline and b) I’m too lazy to brainstorm.

What does your writing space look like? 

MIME: Either Cait’s beanbag on the floor of her bedroom or Cait’s bed. I can steal her inspiration from the air that way.

CAIT: I write at my desk, when I’m feeling industrious. Usually, I write on my bed because it’s cold here. I usually have to kick Mime off. But that’s okay.

If you could choose any author (dead or alive), which would you most want to have coffee with? 

MIME: None of them. I’d be too afraid to say something totally stupid.

CAIT: Mime! You scaredy-cat! Gmail chat is a viable option. I’d pick Joan Aiken, because she’s dead and it’d be a seriously interesting conversation. (Plus, she was a teen author and wrote steampunk before it was cool!)

Do you prefer writing in 3rd or 1st person? (Or maybe second?)

MIME: First—definitely first. I used to write in third when I was little, but I like first better because I feel like it’s more personal. I like reading it better, too.

CAIT: I looove first person. Reading it. Writing it.

Favorite tense? (Past or present?) 

MIME: I’m not fussy. I like present better, but I read a lot of past tense, too, so it flows for me when I read it. I gravitate to present when I’m writing, though. One of my WIP’s is in present and past, which is a bit of a challenge, adjusting in between.

CAIT: Present!! All my books are in present…so far. I should expand my horizons. Present is so fun because you’re “in the moment” instead of recounting. Some of my favourite books (A.K.A The Hunger Games and Divergent) are in present tense.

What is your favorite thing to snack on while you write? 

MIME: Chocolate is always my answer to anything that involves food. Enough said.

CAIT: Sultanas! I think in the USA you call them “raisins”, but same difference. They are delicious and small and you can line them up when you have writer’s block.

What does your writing playlist have on it? Or do you prefer to work in silence? 

MIME: That really depends on which book I’m working on. I love writing with music—music is one of my most favourite things ever. Right now I listen to a loop of the Piano Guys for my WIP Graffiti Bible—the music is kind of classical, but with a modern twist. I love it.

CAIT: Music all round! I usually have a movie soundtrack going – Inception, Batman Begins, Avatar, Gladiator. Basically if Hans Zimmer wrote it, it’s a good soundtrack.

Do you ever have conversations with your characters in your head? 

MIME: All the time, they just won’t shut up.

CAIT: Now, Mime, that’s called insanity and it’s frowned upon in most societies.

What time of day do you write the best in? 

MIME: Night—always night. If I had a theme song, it would be a Nocturne.

CAIT: Any time. I used to be quite picky, but now I just write. Five minutes spare? Write.

Writing; by hand or typing? 

MIME: I haven’t written by hand for ages. I wrote half a book by hand—three volumes of exercise book later… and one of my other ones I wrote half by hand and half by typing, because I was writing it in school, and it was more convenient. Now I type, because I find it easier to wring in the word counts that way.

CAIT: Typing. I can’t read my own handwriting.

Who or what first inspired you to write?

MIME: The Boxcar Children and Meet Molly. Interesting combination, I know.

CAIT: Mime did! I didn’t like to think of her penning novels and getting famous without me. It wouldn’t be fair.

What is your favorite genre? 

MIME: I try not to get stuck in one genre, because it’s not good for my writing. I love a good dystopian or contemporary, but some of my favourite books are historical fiction or fantasy.

CAIT: Dystopian! I like to read anything YA, though. So contemporary, sci-fi, paranormal, fantasy, and even the odd bite of steampunk.

What genre does your current WIP fall under? 

MIME: Chaos.

CAIT: I think Beth meant something a little more specific.

MIME: Okay, okay. YA Christian Contemporary Fiction Chaos.

CAIT: Sci-fi. Simple and to the point.

 Tell us about your WIP?

MIME: I have a whole page on my blog for it—It’s called Graffiti Bible and it’s about one dork, one graffiti artist, and one girl who’s not swallowing any of the stuff the pious boy next door is throwing at her.

CAIT: Currently I’m working on an idea. It’s being difficult. It’s mostly sci-fi, but I’m throwing in some carnivorous grasshoppers just to shake things up.

Do you prefer rainbows or penguins? ;)

MIME: Unicorns.

CAIT: Being difficult are we, Mime? Penguins. Like from Madagascar. “Just smile and wave, boys, smile and wave.”

 ---

About the sisters: Cait and Mime blog at Notebook Sisters. They like to read books so much they decided to write their own. Mostly they snack on tasty novels, have Avengers movie marathons, and thump the piano. Though not all at once. You can find them on twitter and facebook and Cait blogs as Hulk on YAvengers. They are currently plotting to take over the world. You can sign up to be a minion on their blog (there is cake).