Writing Goals Vs Reality

My Writing Goals Vs Reality

I just posted that I want 60,000 to 70,000 words by November 30^th. https://rebekahquinne.wordpress.com/2016/10/27/nanowrimo-2016-goals/
When in reality, I am barely averaging 500 words per day.

500 times 30 equals 15,000 words (only about 30%)

My problems is I have many more challenges this year. . .

1. My daily to-do list (Cleaning, and dealing with the cats, but it takes a good portion of the day)*
2. Errands: Pay bills, shopping, getting things together etc
3. Getting Interrupted “Becky, do this. . .” “Becky did you do that?” “Becky stand on your head.”etc
4. Birthdays
5. Time with my boyfriend
6. Time with my friends
7. And a new family member.

 

*Average to-do list. . .

1. (Get Up)
2. Feed Dog
3. Let Dog out
4. Give Callie (Cat) her heart med
5. Give Callie her ear med
6. Give Callie her pain med
7. Give Elmo (Cat) his special treat for upper respiratory issues.
8. Feed Outdoor cats
9. Sweep bathroom
10. Cat Litter room 1
11. Cat litter room 2
12. Take blood sugar
13. Let Dog out again
14. Eat
15. Errands: (can be up to 4 hours we’re gone)
16. If home, do laundry or clean room or basement
17. Help with dinner: cook
18. Eat
19. Clean kitchen
20. Feed indoor cats
21. (I also can add clean bathroom, pet water, food bowls, replace litter etc at least twice each week)

Then if I have everything thing done

1. Write
2. Internet
3. Sleep

 

I just hope I get energy to get everything done.

Pieces of Me

Pieces of Me

I always try to put pieces of myself into my characters. It may be the same eye color, same height, or same attitude quality. I feel like my characters an my own kids. I help create and develop them, and eventually they take over on the story. Sighs!

If they are not take directly from me them they are based an someone I know or someone who inspires me.
Sometimes the characters have qualities like me, sometimes they are opposite. Either way I may not always agree with my characters, but in the core of each of them, is some kind of piece of me!
On a side note: To be my muse (my inspiration) is a huge compliment . . . I am very picky! If you are offended. . .  I’m sorry you were beautiful and talented, but too greedy and stupid to say “Thanks!” For example: (http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ellen-page-says-naughty-dog-ripped-off-her-likeness/1100-6410610/
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-06-24-actress-ellen-page-accuses-naughty-dog-of-ripping-off-her-likeness-for-the-last-of-us
Just saying the “Last of Us” video game has won some award, the graphics were awesome, and the story was great. They should have someone else who was less bitter about receive flattery. The video-game that she was working on pissed her off either way.)

 

NaNoWriMo 2016 Goals

Day 1-10                  Chapter 1 and 2

 

Day 11-15                Chapter 3

Day 16-19                 Chapter 4

Day 20-23                 Chapter 5

Day 24-30                  Chapter 6 and 7

Note: each chapter has three separate parts

Personal overall goal: 60,000 to 70,000 words which average 10,000 per chapter.

Week                  Word Count Range

Week 1                  12,000 to  15,000

Week 2                 24, 000 to 30,000

Week 3                 25,000 to 42,000

Week 4               46,000 to 56,000

Final                    57,000 to 70,000

 

If I get at least six chapters and 60,000 words, I will save and buy myself a coffee mug. 

 

NaNoWriMo: October Prep

October Prep for NaNoWriMo

1. Organized Notes
2. Rewrite outlines
3. List scenes
4. Organized outlines
5. Organized computer
6. Work on Storyline arc
7. Set up scenes
8. Look up previous Work (book 1)
9. Work on Characters
10. Check on vampire notebooks
11. NaNoWriMo check lists
12. Get Sleep
13. Write blogs
14. Stock up on Caffeine
15. Stock up on candy
16. Get psyched for writing
17. Get Inspired

My Writing Vs Non-Supporters

Writer Vs Non-supporters

 

It is really hard to write when you live with non-supporters!

 

I’ve been told…

1. “You write too much!”
2. “Writing is overrated.”
3. “Books are going obsolete.”
4. “Stop writing and do something worth your time!”
5. “Vampires & ghosts have been overdone.”
6. “Your grammar sucks!”
7. “Why try?”
8. “There is no way you will finish a book.” (This one for reading and writing)
9. “You are wasting your time!”
10. “Writing is unstable!”
11. “You cannot make money from writing!”
12. “If you have no money, then you might as well quit mow. You cannot write a book without money.”

It’s hard to win get started when you feel like you are set up to fail. They made me feel like a failure, and like I will never succeed. How do I know if I can climb the mountain, unless I try to climb it first?
This does not help my depression and anxiety that they know I have. I also get mix emotions when they get me a computer with a pen with it, but complain whom I am on it too much . . .go figure!

There is something I have learned (beside my hatred for cleaning) . . . I’ve learned that I can clean the whole house: make everything freaking sparkle, make a seven course meal, serve the meal to lots of guests (which also makes me anxious) and do errands, clean up after those guests, and pay all of the bills…  BUT if I did NOT write that day, I felt unproductive!

To me writing isn’t just telling a story to someone:

1. It is expressing myself and giving the readers a little piece of me.
2. It’s also my therapy as page listens way better than most noisy people.
3. It is also my escape and my hope.
4. It is my creation.

To those who do NOT support me writing, then you do NOT know me. I’m a good person, and I have been writing for over 25 years; I do NOT think it is a waste. Then you might as well say that all of my education was a waste too, and I think it was not. If you want to drop me, leave and stop supporting me, fine. I’m sorry for lost, but not the fact that you’ll probably be victims in my next novels . . . * evil laugh with lighting in the background*

My Writing Vs My Health

Writing Vs My Health

I have several health issues that have me sleeping more and writing less. (Anemia, Diabetes, and Sleep Apnea just to name a few. . .) My sleep have been so bad that I have choked more than once falling asleep while eating. (Even after a full night sleep. . )

I wish I was younger, and I could just fill up on caffeine and write for hours. (However this is the wrong house hold for that, but that is another blog.)

There are times I’m just so exhausted that I cannot focus. There are times I’m sad or easily distracted.
Non writers/artist just do not always understand from hard it can be to get motivated, inspired, and in that writing groove.

Sometimes I’m deep into thought or into my story, and I had no idea first how much time has gone by . . . (That to me is pure bliss!)

Other times, I am deep in thought, and I get interrupted . . . then lose my thought. I get so flustered that it exhausts me. (It happens a lot in the house I am currently living in. It can be frustrating; again different blog.)

There are times I have to focus on writing a time so long it take all my energy out of me. There are times where it takes forever for me to write just a few lines; it’s so frustrating. Then I get sad because I sleep more than write. My depression makes me tired, so it’s a bad cycle.  I used to think that sleeping should be for the dead. But there are times I feel more dead than alive.

This is just one reason why some day for NaNoWriMo, I might write 5,000 words and other days just write a 200-300 words.

I just wish I could get better, so I can write some more!

Inner Writer Vs Inner Editor

Inner Writer vs Inner Editor.

 

Every creative person has an inner creator/writer and an inner editor. The challenge many writers have (especially around NaNoWriMo) is shhhing or calming your inner editor.

 

Someone once told me to write down who I was. . .

I’m a daughter, sister, cousin, niece, future aunt, loyal friend. . . etc (I just use positive aspects).
I’m a vivid storyteller, over-writer, abstract artist, bright painter, amateur drawer, creative nit, vampire lover, cat cuddler, caffeine killer, silly girl,  and the list goes on. . . However I don’t think procrastinating editor is until like number 842 down the list.

It just seems every NaNoWriMo have a problem keeping my inner editor quiet while I write. I have two ways that I work it with.

The first way I cope with inner editor are word sprints. . . I get a timer, and I write for 15 or 20 minutes at a time. I usually do it this was. :00 to :20 break :21 to :29 next sprint :30 to :50 and next break :51 to :59. . . I get two twenty minute sprints in each hour on a good day I can get an average 550 to 750 words per sprint.  At that write you only need to two to three hours a day to get to NaNoWriMo’s day word count of 1667.

NaNoWriMo is encouraging to get writing and get the words on the page/screen.
You can edit in a cold month like January or NaNoEdMo (in March) http://www.nanoedmo.com/ they have a website for that as well.
Many I know finish the novel in Dec/Jan and edit in March. Most novel are at least 80,000 or more words, so even if you got to 50,000 with NaNoWriMo you still have to add more if you want it to be considered a novel. Now 25,000 to 60,000 word considered a novella. (That is a whole other blog. . . short stories vs novellas, and novels.) My advice to walk away from a finished first draft for a while. It’s hard to find the errors when it’s too fresh.

 

The second thing I do to fight off my inner editor is that my inner editor and inner writers have schedules.
I noticed that my inner editor likes to work from 7 am to 1 pm right after a good strong cup of coffee and a decent meal.
My inner writer likes two different times at noon to 4/5 pm after lunch with a soda (good caffeine) or between the hours 7 pm and 3 am. I think it depends on what I am writing. I write drama better in the afternoon, but I write my horror and paranormal better at night.
So there are many times, minus minor corrections, my inner editor will leave my inner writer alone. If not then I push the sprints on myself.

There are sites and twitter that can help writing issues and sprints. . . https://twitter.com/NaNoWordSprints?lang=en

http://writeordie.com/ if you stop writing, your word disappear. I don’t like this, because I get interrupted at times.

http://writtenkitten.net/ I like this site and use it often. After every 100 words a new picture of a kitten pops up. I wish I could get a Supernatural version. I love the Winchester boys.

http://www.livewritethrive.com/2014/05/26/8-great-writing-tools-to-keep-you-motivated-to-write/ Another article I found on writing motivation.

You also find a writing buddy on NaNoWriMo forum, to keep each other in check.

 

 

Confession #4

Confession: Your first draft is always crap. . . There are nuggets of gold/diamond in the pieces, but they really need to be cleaned, and re-polished. . .

My first of novel I wrote a paranormal-drama about a girl who could see and talked to ghosts. I wrote it for NaNoWriMo. . . it was simply to see if I could write 50,000 in one month. I think I ended with 52,000 or 53,000 words when I was done. However that was not the end of the book; I finished writing it the next NaNoWriMo. It ended with 160,000 words. . . I have still yet to completely edit it. I have learned I am an over-writer. My first draft will always have too much.

I look back now and go “D@mn what the *BEEP* did I write?” 

1. I have noticed that parts of it are therapy, just venting against people I know.
2. There are parts where it seem to go on and on and have nothing to do with the main story-line.
3. I had a crushes on one of my side characters and put him in way more than he needed to be. Worst part is his is a frickle, artistic jerk, but I loved his look.
4. I know I need to vent and wine less and show more suspense.
5. When I rewrite and edit, I plan to cut a lot and focus more on the story of the ghost and less on a whiny girl.

It was my first draft and I finished NaNoWriMo two years in a row because of it so it is an accomplishment. It is just not finished yet.

My advice is focus on getting the words out. 

There are articles on surviving NaNoWriMo. 

http://www.signature-reads.com/2016/10/surviving-nanowrimo-the-tough-mudder-of-writing-challenges/?cdi=3DD2CA8D59970C03E0534FD66B0A212F&ref=PRH774FF6C894

http://nanowrimo.org/forums/helpful-resources-sites

http://campnanowrimo.org/writing-resources

Writer

NaNoWriMo: Writing Environment

I think the place you write is a big deal. You need away distraction, unless busy chaotic place drive you. . .

I have learned I write well when I visiting in a hospital.

I also write good at 2 in the morning at 24/7 diner or coffee shop.

I have written at a busy library.

http://thewritepractice.com/nanowrimoprep/environments/

 

My current location has been very discouraging and distracting for me. I hope to be successful this NaNoWriMo.

I need a place busy, but not distracting to me. I also need a place with limited internet.

NaNoWriMo Reward System

NaNoWriMo Reward System

 

Things I Like (Rewards)                                   Word Count                               

• Candy                                                             100 per piece
• Chocolate                                                       250 per piece
• Soda                                                              1000 per cup/can
• Hot Chocolate (Gourmet)                                 1000 per cup
• Play Neopets                                                  1000 per 15 minutes
• Sims 2                                                            4000 per hour
• Xbox: Sims 3                                                  7500 per 2 hours
• Pogo: Yahtzee                                                1200 per 3 games
• Pogo: Poppit                                                   900 per 3 games
• Pogo: Word Whomp                                        750 per 3 games
• Bubble Blitz                                                     1500 per 5 games
• Sims Social                                                     2000 per game
• Movies                                                            20,000 per movie
• Big Bang Theory                                             3000 per episode
• Two and Half Men                                           3000 per episode
• How I Met Your Mother                                   3000 per episode
• Young Hercules                                               3000 per episode
• Ninja Warrior                                                   3000 per episode
• Supernatural                                                   5000 per episode
• Top Chef                                                        5000 per episode
• Iron Chef                                                        5000 per episode
• Chopped                                                         5000 per episode
• Shopping                                                        25,000 per $10 limit
• Mug                                                                10,000
• Blanket                                                           36,000
• Hair clips                                                         10,000
• Make new playlist                                            2,500
• Waste time (20 minutes)                                  2,000
• Facebook time (20 minutes)                             2,000
• Video game Night                                            10,000
• Veggie Break                                        1000
• Blog Break                                                      2500
• Painting Break                                                 20,000
• Color Break                                                     2000
• Forum Break                                                   1500
• Ontray (Food)                                                 15,000
• Favorite Dinner                                               25,000
• Amazon ($25)                                                 50,000
• Cheesecake                                                    10,000 (per quarter AKA two pieces)
• Little Debbies (Snack cakes)                            500 per cake
• Ice Cream                                                       10,000 (per bowl or small pint)
• Pie                                                                 25,000 (making one)
• Bubble bath                                                    2000
• Baking (2 hours)                                              25,000
• Free time (2 hours)                                         15,000
• NaNoWriMo Forums                                        2000 per forum

 

That was my list from 2012. . .  This year I need to make a list where things are free.

 

2016 NaNOWriMo Reward list

 

 

Things I Like (Rewards)                                                 Word Count                                                    

1. Candy                                                                                              100 per piece
2. Chocolate                                                                                      250 per piece
3. Snack cakes                                                                                   500 per cakes
4. Encouraging pics                                                                          500 per pic
5. Pics from Boyfriend                                                                     500 to 2500
6. Pogo: Poppit                                                                                  300 per 1 game
8. Yoville                                                                                             500 words (Per 10 minutes)
9. Candy Crush                                                                                   1000 per 5 games
10. Veggie Break (chill out- not think)                                            1000 (per ten minutes)
11. Pogo: Yahtzee                                                                               1200 per 3 games
12. Two and Half Men                                                                        1500 per episode
13. How I Met Your Mother                                                              1500 per episode
14. Dharma and Greg                                                                         1500 per episode
15. Young Hercules                                                                             1500 per episode
17. Hot Chocolate (Gourmet)                                                           2000 per cup
18. Big Bang Theory                                                            2000 per episode
19. 2 Broke Girls                                     `                                            2000 per episode
20. Girl Meets World                                                                          2000 per episode
21. Ninja Warrior                                                                                2000 per episode
22. Chopped                                                                                         2500 per episode
23. Top Chef                                                                                         2500 per episode
24. Supernatural                                                                                  2500 per episode
25. Iron Chef                                                                                        2500 per episode
26. Waste time                                                                                    2,500 (per 20 minutes)
27. Facebook time                                                                              2,500 (per 20 minutes)
28. Blog Break                                                                                     2500 (per blog)
30. Color Break                                                                                    5,000 (per 20 minutes)
31. NaNoWriMo Forum Break                                                         5,000 (per 20 minutes)
32. Pie                                                                                                    5,000 (per Piece)
33. Paint nails                                                                                       5,000
35. Make new playlist                                                                        10,000 per list
36. Video game Night                                                                        10,000
37. Ice Cream                                                                                       10,000 (per bowl)
38. Free time (1 hour)                                                                         15,000
40. Movie maker time                                                                        20,000 (per 20 minutes)
41. Movies                                                                                            20,000 per movie
43. Favorite Dinner                                                                             25,000
44. Baking (2 hours cookies)                                                            25,000