NaNoWriMo: 2023 edition

 

It's that time of year again, and for the first time in several years, I'm starting a new novel.

I've spent the last few years trying to revise and submit. But I've come to the conclusion that it was not the right time for that book.

And I've had this book idea kicking around in the back of my head for a few years. It's very different for me.

It's a cross between:

and 

I like to shoot for 2,000 words a day. And it's easier for me to write in the morning before work.

Most days I've been getting my word count in, but not everyday. But I did make up the words. As of yesterday, I'm at 16,000 words. 

It's going well - I know there are places that need lots of fixing. I know that I need to add lots of descriptions of the hikes. Which I can do now that I have research books from the library. 

Wish me luck for the rest of the month! 

NaNoWriMo completed!

And on the last day of the month, I breathe a sigh of relief because I finished.

I normally finish with a few days left of the month to spare, but this year was harder.

The story is not complete.

 I tried something new this year - an adult Christmas Romance.

I'm hoping to make it read like a Hallmark movie.

And yes, it does need a lot of work.

I debated about writing something new this year, but in the end, I decided (also at the last minute) that I wanted to write something fun.

Did anyone else participate this year?

How did it go?

Swoon Reads: Waiting

So I did a thing:

The very first piece of writing that I finished is now on Swoon Reads and people can read it.

It's not the latest project I've worked on, but I wanted to challenge myself this year. And so I did it.

There's a lot of me in this book.

There's a lot of college life in this book.

Yes, it's set where I went to college but no it's not autobiographical.

It's a novel in verse.

Here's the description:

Emily has spent her entire life waiting for something to happen. Now that she's off to college, she expects her life to completely change. Only nothing does.

Luckily, her new roommate is spunky and outgoing, the kind of person who makes things happen. Emily and Lauren become fast friends.

Emily literally runs into a boy on her first moments on campus. Later she meets him again during orientation. They start dating.

Could this be what she's waiting for?

Emily struggles to balance class, work, romance and friendship during that tumultuous first year of independence. Will Emily stop waiting and find happiness on her own terms?

NaNoWriMo: 2017

Last year was the first year in a LONG time I didn't participate in NaNoWriMo - because I was working on editing my novel all last year. I realized that if I finished it, then I would be able to write again. This made me get my butt in gear. It's always hard to think the manuscript is finished because there are always things to write differently and ways to improve. But I called it quits on Friday and by Wednesday, I was back writing.

So here's what I'm writing about: it the last companion novel in my book set - all Jane Austen novels. It's the retelling of Sense and Sensibility. 

Here's the mock-up cover:

It's very simple. And I have no idea how lollipops will play into it - yet.

For right now, I'm just having fun writing again.

But since I try for 2,000 words/day, this space might get a little less active. Although I'll try not to make that happen. Plus, I'm reading less because of all the writing. 

Today I'm at 15,000 words and striving for another 1,000 to hit my goal for the day.

If you're also writing, good luck!

And add me as a buddy (yabooknerd)

Review: Afterworlds

Darcy wrote a novel during National Write a Novel Month, Then she found herself an agent and a fantastic publishing deal. Now she's decided to defer going to college and move to NYC to ease into the publishing world.

Her parents aren't thrilled with her decision, but she's not backing  down. She has enough money from the sale of her book to live comfortably for three years - until she blows a bunch of money on rent and food.

On her first night in the city, Darcy attended a drink night with other YA authors. She's taken a liking to them and they've helped her navigate through the waters of the writing business. 

My Thoughts: I love how the chapters alternate between Darcy's life and Darcy's YA novel. I loved reading about the business side of writing and how Darcy took her NaNoWriMo novel and created something amazing - even though she had to push herself for the right emotional ending.

I liked the romance between Darcy and Imogen - although there were times when I wasn't Imogen's biggest fan. 

I liked the conversations between the writers when they all go together - to talk about their work or someone else's work.

I really loved Nisha - she was supportive, funny, sweet, and mischievous. 

I really enjoyed Darcy's novel and yes that first chapter was a killer chapter.

Cover Thoughts: I liked it much more after reading
Source: ARC

Final Thoughts: A long fantastic read about writing, the love of books, and love.