Euphoria

It strikes me more vividly every time I experience it. As I start writing about my new novel, a euphoric feeling builds inside me. My mind sharpens, coming alive as if I had just drunk ten Mt Dews. The story practically plots itself as if I had already known everything about it and am just now remembering. It is like waking from a deep sleep and hitting the ground running. I can only imagine that this is what a runner's high feels like (I obviously don't exercise).

Above everything, there is a surge of emotion similar to awe that my mind is even capable of reaching this peak state. I feel as if I am wrapped in a cocoon of magic that enlivens my soul. It is no longer merely easy to write.

It is effortless.

Awkward Moment

That awkward moment when you've been staring off into space for several minutes about a story idea. When you snap out of it, you realize you've been staring at a wall and it makes you wonder if this is what crazy people think about.

I just imagine myself in a straight jacket, staring at a wall and nodding every now and again.

I guess that makes me like a mental patient. Or a cat. Or a mental cat!

Working With Beta Readers

I just had to post this link. Incredibly, helpful article since I'm looking into finding beta readers.

http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2014/03/5-things-you-should-know-about-working-with-beta-readers/

Work Ethic

I had seen in the last year as a Security Officer that over half of the people that come into work are just there for the paycheck.

They will do the bare minimum to get by until it's time for them to leave. They complain the most and often. They rarely help out others. They make the most mistakes. They quit or are fired within 6 months.

It's astonishing, looking at it now. I realize that they are me through most of the last 14 years. I had the same exact mindset.

In short, my work ethic sucked. It's better now, but I can't help wondering how I might have succeeded in my previous jobs.

This really got me thinking today. I want more than anything to be able to make a living as a writer--specifically as a novelist.

But how can I do that with a terrible work ethic?

I can't. No one can. I'm going to refocus hard on my work ethic, and I know it will carry me through my writing career as a good mentality. A good mentality is what makes the difference between an ok day and a great day.

Forgetful

Why does it always seem as if it has only been a few days since I posted? Then the days stretch into weeks and I know it's been awhile but still can't make it back. I must do better.

Perhaps a weekly schedule will keep me on track. Hmm. Yes, I think it will.

Nanowrimo is Officially Over!

So it is now officially December, and I am pleased to say that I did complete Nanowrimo 2015 by writing 51,234 words. YAY! Oh stop it you!


That being said, I still think I'm going to stick to my guns from my previous post. Writing isn't just about one month--it's about writing every single month. I plan on self publishing my first book in late February/Early March and a second somewhere around May. There may be a third book done by the time the year is over, but I don't want to put the cart before the horse.


In any case, congrats to everyone who participated in this year's Nanowrimo. Don't ever stop writing! It's simply the best.

The End of Nanowrimo (For Me)

 

I really meant to write more blog posts about Nanowrimo since this is my first time really trying it out, but life happens. I'm sure all of you know what it's like to get busy with all the festivities and with work.

Anyway, this year was a rousing success. It's just barely Thanksgiving, and I've completed 45,000 words. Though the sequel to Skies of Madness will most likely clock in at around 80,000 words, I am certain that the last 5,000 words will be easy to fit in on the remaining days of November.

That being said, I don't think Nanowrimo is for me. It's great to have such great motivation that others are right here with me--typing madly to get to that blessed 50k word count. However, it didn't suit me very well as a writer. I felt almost panicked when I didn't get my word count in and quite frankly the whole word count thing just seems so pedantic. I'm more of a 'write a chapter/scene' sort of person to feel a sense of accomplishment.

For instance:

Example 1: Guess what? I just finished my 1,667 word quota for the day!
Example 2: Guess what? I just finished the scene where my protagonist meets his nemesis for the first time.

To me, that 2nd example is far easier to get excited about, and that's what gets the writing done. It's not the daily word count or even monthly quota. The whole point of writing is to tell a story. If a book is only 49,000 words but tells a full story without all the fluff that a 70,000 word novel might, I would rather read the 49k word novel.

When I pick up a book at a bookstore, I'm not looking at it like, "Oh, this looks like it's 80,000 words. That's so interesting! I must have this book!"

I guess to sum up, I won't be doing Nanowrimo anymore. It's great if it motivates you or someone you know. Fantastic! Keep the writing going! But it's not for me. I know what works for me and I'll stick to it.