NaNoWriMo: Day 9 & 10

Made great progress both days and hoping to make even better progress on the 11th.

Monday’s Total: 3,101

Tuesday’s Total: 1,675

NaNoWriMo Total: 18,391

Snippet!:

Sloane shook his head, listening as Crispin tried to compose himself.

“Bruno suspects some sinister plot on the Volk’s part, but I don’t see them making it through the gates unless it was a Rogue already in the city. I didn’t smell them either. Mind you it was hard to smell anything over the-“ he swallowed. “Stench. But a pack? We’d have smelled them coming before they even hit the gate. I don’t like it, Sloane. It’s not adding up. But-“

Ah yes, but. Sloane knew where this was going and couldn’t keep the smirk off his face. Geneva’s pleased look fell and she stared at him, puzzled.

“I have already notified Maxim, he wants you to oversee the cleaning crew and be in Labrythine to run surveillance by night fall. Alone.” Sloane kept his eyes on Geneva, watching her with satisfaction as her eyes hardened at Crispin’s light broken-hearted chuckle filtering through the static. “What do you know? Looks like I could deliver some good news to you after all.”

NaNoWriMo: Day 7 & 8

Complete busts. Saturday was a work day and I was a complete zombie when I got home. Then Sunday I had a lovely day out with a friend, got home and unfortunately suffered a massive headache.

Saturday’s Total: 429

Sunday’s Total: 572

NaNoWriMo Total: 13,615

Snippet!:

Static hissed in his overly sensitive ears and he squinted against the headache that had once been nothing but a dull annoyance and now throbbed painfully at the forefront of his skull. He quickly typed in his password and waited.

For all of ten seconds, nothing came through, and Sloane had enough grace to second guess himself. Perhaps he’d fumbled too much with the top panel, or too less with the bottom. It was a tricky business, but he was usually adept with tricky things. Maybe if he-

Crispin’s voice rang out clear as a bell through the static. “Greetings to my favorite anal-retentive stick in the mud. I do hope this message finds you well, but considering I heard that Geneva would be with you, I sincerely doubt that is the case.”

“Cheeky bastard.” Geneva scoffed.

“Be quiet,” Sloane said, listening intently. Crispin’s tone was deceptively cheerful, a slight tremor in the undercurrent giving him away. “Something’s wrong.”

NaNoWriMo: Day 6

I would have liked to have been at 13k now, but I truly can’t complain. I did better than I had any right to expect of myself. I’ve come to see that our own expectations can be such dangerous things and that even though I should push myself to do better, I also have to learn to be kind to myself. Too much pressure burns me out. I’m not there yet, but it came pretty close to doing so today.

Here’s my count for the night.

Today’s Total: 2,613

NaNoWriMo Total: 12,614

Pages: 37 (8 today)

Time: 24 hours. (4-spent ACTUALLY writing and not just staring into space wondering what the next word should be- today)

Snippet!:

In the dead of night, four adolescent Volk scrounged through Labrythine, following the scent that made their throats burn and their noses itch. They’d been misdirected twice and turned around nearly a half a dozen. Labrythine was evidently feeling quite mischievous.

“We should have brought Cheska,” Darryl said, rubbing his shoulders against the bite of the cold.

Taku scoffed. “You’re stupider than a house pet. She’d have chewed our ears off as soon as she heard what it was we was up to.”

“You’re the house pet. I never said we had to clue her in on the plan.”

Althea spoke up. “As soon as the word ‘Wolfsbane’ came into the conversation, she’d have figured it out. She’s certainly not house pet material. She smirked, and glanced back at the other two who glared back her for the insinuation.

Spence, up front, the obvious leader of their group, nodded. “Just severely lacking in ambition.”

NaNoWriMo: Day 5

I’m very please with the progress I made today. Very happy that I managed to push myself to 10k, creating a much needed buffer for the days when I will not be near a computer. But, consequently, I am now very tired and going to call it a night.

Today’s Total: 3021

NaNoWriMo Total: 10,001

Scenes finished: 9 (expanded on yesterday’s scenes today)

Pages: 29 (8 today)

Time: 19 hours. (6-spent ACTUALLY writing and not just staring into space wondering what the next word should be- today)

Snippet!:

“One day I will not be here,” Sevtlanna said, plainly. “We Volk live long, but are not ageless. One day my bones will wither like Breynal’s and be returned to the earth like dust to be carried by the winds of time for all eternity.” She sighed, and peered down at her own feet. “I can’t help but wonder what will you do then, child. Cower and submit? Relinquishing control over everything your father and I have worked so hard to ensure for you?”

Helena swallowed, and regarded her own feet as they shuffled past Elders, who had reached their breaking point, and pups who had not yet even experienced the intensity of First Shift, cot-ridden and fevered. The weak and useless. Even as an apprentice, it was her sworn duty to defend and care for them, for no one else would. As she looked around the room, not allowing her gaze to rest on anyone in particular as to avoid an unintended challenge, she couldn’t help but draw strength from their misfortune, feeding the fierce urge to protect each and every one of them.

But how could she when she wouldn’t even defend herself?

NaNoWriMo: Day 4

Started late today. Then, instead of doing what I said I would do an jumping around in the plot, I FINALLY got in the head space to expand on the scene from yesterday. *headdesk* Nothing ever goes according to the way I thought it would, why should I be surprised by it anymore? The point is, I expanded the scenes from yesterday and added a new one that I hadn’t previously planned for.  So it all works out. But I really really want to break 10k tonight, 8k minimum. So I’m going to attempt to pull a most-of-the-night-er.

Did I mention I found out I’m writing a Dark Fantasy/Steampunk? Yeah. Totally went over my head when I was doing the world building. *dumbass*

Today’s Total: 1,688

NaNoWriMo Total: 6,980

Scenes finished: 9 (2 1/2 today)

Pages: 21 (4 1/2 today)

Time: 13 hours. (4-spent ACTUALLY writing and not just staring into space wondering what the next word should be- today)

Snippet!:

“Could we please discontinue this bloody merry-go-round?” Geneva simpered, dragging the last syllables to an intolerable length. “I want off; my ankles are positively killing me!”

Not quickly enough. Sloane didn’t answer her, hoping that she would simply weary of her own voice, or better yet, decide that he was being a momentous bore and take her leave of him.

Wishful thinking. Really, he should have known better.

NaNoWriMo: Day 3

Slogged terribly today. Every word was like pulling teeth. But for once I actually like my dialogue. Go figure. Tomorrow I think I’ll jump around in the plot, to some scenes I’ve been dieing to write since this novel was just a mere drabble, so that I can give myself a buffer. Then come back and expand the scenes I worked on today. Can’t hurt right?

Tonight, I’m down for the count. And speaking of counts:

Today’s Total: 1,831

NaNoWriMo Total: 5,292

Scenes finished: 6 (2 1/2 today)

Pages: 16 (5 today)

Time: 9 hours. (3-spent ACTUALLY writing and not just staring into space wondering what the next word should be- today)

Snippet!:

Geneva’s jaw was wire tight before she released a begrudging breath. “This could be so simple if you’d let just it,” she said through clenched teeth. Those soft eyes fell on him, a tremor of sincerity in their depths.

But he’d long ago recognized that her sincerity was in fact well feigned. “But you’re content on making it harder on yourself.” She grasped his hand, showing a measure of her strength as she made him halt. “It breaks my heart, Sloane.”

He pried his hand from hers, and placed it gently at her side. “Lucky for you, you don’t need it anymore.”

NaNoWriMo: Day 2

Today went extremely slow. I started late, so it was mostly my fault. Actually, it was entirely my fault as I allowed myself to be distracted more than i should have. What can I say, it’s a Monday. I hit my goal though, so can’t complain and once again, I’m on a good scene to stop at for the day. Except, I know I want to finish it. Today.

I’m going to need a buffer because there are a few days where I will not be near a computer. I don’t necessarily need this buffer tonight, but I’d like to create it sooner rather then later so I’m not panicking. I just can’t seem to get into the mood though. Tomorrow, I’m not allowing myself to go on Facebook or Twitter unless it’s to update. If I don’t fully immerse myself in the writing before I go online, I get distracted. So here’s my progress:

Today’s Total: 1,748

NaNoWriMo Total: 3,461

Scenes finished: 3 1/2 (2 today)

Pages: 11 (5 today)

Time: 6 hours. (3 1/2 today)

Snippet!:

To Sloane’s knowledge, one’s entrée did not usually select their intended devourer.

NaNoWriMo: Day 1

Despite feeling dead on my feet after work yesterday, I could not get to sleep for the life of me. When 12:30 rolled around and I still wasn’t off into the world of dreamland, I decided to stay up and get an early start on NaNo like I have the feeling most of the participants do. I remember half of the fun last year was watching the minute ticking by, waiting in anticipation for it to be NaNo!Time.

38 minutes later, I hit 664 words and my eyes absolutely refused to remain open.

All in all, it was not a bad start, and better yet I was at a good point in the WIP. A place I was sure that Icould easily pick up at after my morning run.

Morning run went well, by the way. I’m still not where I want to be with it, but I’m doing a little better each time, which is the idea. Took a shower, cleared my head, got a bite to eat and sat down to finish NaNo. Spent thirty minutes humming and hawing and wondering how I was going to get my main character out of her current predicament and into an even worse one. All it took was a ten minute clustering session and I had my answer. Except, I noticed I needed to hint at some things earlier for it to make sense and for the scene to really ‘pop’.

Instead of freaking out- like I was almost sure I would-opening the earlier scenes document and putting in said details, I remained calm, jotted down some notes and moved on.

This is a huge step for me, and I am proud of myself. In fact, I think I deserve a cookie. Except we don’t have any cookies.

But I did win a book! Books, contrary to popular belief, can be just as good as, and sometimes even better than, cookies.

I’m also happy to report that I went over my word count goal. Ok, so it’s only by 31 words, but damnit, I’m proud of me and thats all that matters.

Today’s Total: 1,709

NaNoWriMo Total: 1,709

Scenes finished: 1, and half way through the second.

Time: 2.5 Hours.

Snippet!: (first line, not of entire WIP, but of my first NaNo session)

Not one of your shining moments of brilliance this…

Wedged between mountains of rotten, decomposed food and disposables, Sasha tried to inhale as little as humanly possible, and only through her mouth. But even that got real disgusting real quick.

NaNoWriMo: Discipline, Battle Plans and Attitude Adjustments

The insanity kicks off in officially 24 hours and, yeah, I’m freaking out a little. So I figure it’s time to layout some boundaries, helpful reminders, and maybe even dispense a little advice to the NaNo rookies this year. Also, I need a serious attitude adjustment. I’ve been letting myself off too easily lately and it has got to stop. Now.

Partly because of NaNo, and because I know I need to make serious progress on Dirge, but mostly because I have been making some life changing decisions lately. I don’t want to discuss it right now, since it’s still iffy but I should know by the new year and if all goes well, I will be more than eager to talk your ears off about my plans. For right now though, let’s stick to the task at hand.

Here’s my battle plan to stay focused this year, some of which I am borrowing from what others have told me and putting my own spin on it. This will mostly be notes to myself. For those of you reading, take what works, leave all the rest.

1. First and foremost, you have to tell yourself that you are going to commit, and to do that you have to believe that you can really do it. It’s just a month, it’s just 50k. Yeah, really.

2. As of Nov. 1st, all that matters is the Bones of the Story. Do not strive for perfection. It is unattainable. Do the best you can do as of this moment. Then move on.

3. The Internal Editor is hereby banned from all first writing stints and may only come out to play after the daily word goal is reached. Then and only then, will she be allowed to do minor edits such as grammer, structure, and word choice. Anything else is off limits. Make a note of it and MOVE ON.

4. I cannot realistically estrange myself from family during NaNo, but I can ask for patience and understand and blessed am I to have very understanding loved ones. (Note to self: Remember not to take out plot hole frustration on them)

5. Try to always have five scenes ahead of the current scene you’re writing outlined. At the very least three. Any more and you get too overwhelmed, any less and you hyperventilate. So for your own sanity, outline a little after every writing session. Or, you know, ask J to invest in a straight jacket for you. Preferably in black. What? I can be fashionably insane…

6. Trust the Magic, the Muse, whatever you want to believe it is. It’s deep and it’s real.

7. Clutter is not your friend. Try to keep writing space as clutter-free as possible.

8. Think about it like this ok? Writing is re-writing and you’re a muh better re-writer than you are a writer. Life’s tough ain’t it cupcake? Get a helmet, accept the truth, then come back. You cannot re-write a blank page, so write as much as you can without going off on a tangent, leave it for awhile, calm the frak down for a few hours, then come back and edit it if you absoluetly have to, you anal-attentive freak.

9. Writer’s block does not exist. It is merely a crutch by which you lean on to make excuses. What you are actually experiancing is FEAR, which is crippling and evil and is hereby not authorized until after November. (Courage is not the absence of fear, but the will to go in spite of it. This will be your mantra!)

10. Feel free to skip scenes entirely and jump around in the story if you feel stuck. It’s ok, really. The men in white are not going to haul you off to Writer Jail for being a hack. Hell, you’re already a hack for writing genre fiction. And hey! Some hacks kick-ass!

11.Exercises first, daily word goal next, indulgences and distractions are your reward only after daily word count is reached.

12. If Black-Hawk (my computer) goes down, and well, it’s a distinct possibility, you get out a pen and paper, and you write longhand. If it’s good enough for a Marine on deployment in Iraq by light of her Night Vision Goggles, then you know what? You can manage. No Excuses.

13. I hearby am allowing myself Saturdays (with the exception of November 1st) off and this is the only break I am allowing myself, not even my Birthday. I work Saturdays, and yeah, I know some people work all through November and still write but I am dead when I get home on Saturdays. In order to compensate for this, I can either do double word count on Fridays, double word count on Sunday after my mornning run, or half and half. We’ll see how it goes. No excuses will be authorized. Be accountable.

NaNoWriMo: Dirge Playlist

Late, yes. But not terribly so.

It took me awhile to put the list together, mainly because there are more songs on my real play list for this project then there are here. This project is vast and being told through several POV’s for which there are at least five songs I could name that inspire me for each main character and several supporting ones. So that I do not overload your frickin’-sweet-tuneage drives, I just listed the ones that apply to this, the first, book (which may or may not get a name change when all is said and done).

1. The Howling – Within Temptation

2. Whispers in the Dark- Skillet

3. House of Wolves – My Chemical Romance

4. She-Wolf – Shakira

5. Tomorrow- Sr-71

6. Already over- Red

7. Get out Alive- Three days grace

8. Breath- Breaking Benjamin

9. Our Solemn Hour – Within Temptation

10. Pet- A Perfect Circle

11. Perfect Enemy- TATU

12. Wolf Like Me- TV on the Radio

13. Meet the Creeper- Rob Zombie

14.  Stand My Ground – Within Temptation

15. Silver and Cold -AFI

16. Elephants- Rachael Yamagata

17. Beast of Blood- Malice Mizer

18. Still Doll – Kanon Wakeshima

19. Underdog – Boom Boom Satellites

20. Overcome- Within Temptation