NaNoWriMo – Day 3

Day 3 of NaNoWriMo is ending in Australia but many others around the world are only just waking up to it. You might be thinking ‘it’s only day 3′ but I’m here to remind you of one very important fact. Time will fly.

I mean, how can we already be in November? Weren’t we doing this exact thing just yesterday? Sadly not. Time has gone that fast. So if you’re like me and you’re doing your darnedest to make the 50k goal, don’t get complacent, ok? Before you know it, it’s going to be 20th November and if you’ve become a little lackadaisical, you’re going to start freaking out.

However, if you’re doing this for a bit of fun but don’t care about the word count, by all means take all the time in the world and enjoy! 🙂

What are your personal goals this year? And how are you going with NaNo so far? Let me know in the comments section.

For me, not only am I determined to meet my 50k goal, I’m also determined to get my first draft FINISHED. It’s not often I actually finish a novel during NaNo so this year I’m going to do my best to make it happen.

As for how I’m going so far, my word count is currently at a healthy 7,884 words. That’s only two days of writing though. I haven’t written today yet, I’m actually about to start once I finish this blog. My goal is to hit 10,000 words tonight if I can. Overall I’m happy with my result, especially considering I’ve been working the last three days.

So, I bet you’re wondering if I managed to stay up past midnight when 1st November rolled around? Or you may not be. Either way, I will answer…

Yes, yes I did.

Okay, so I might have only lasted until 1:15am but in that time I wrote around 1,600 words. Considering how tired I was, I was happy with my efforts. I also managed to fit in some more writing that day, and my total day 1 total word count came to 5,280. Not a bad first day.

Okay, well it’s time for me to put these fingers to good use and write Wedding Wars. It’s not going to write itself.

That’s all for now. Keep writing and most importantly HAVE FUN. ❤

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NaNoWriMo – It’s here again

Hello world.

The last blog from me was when my Mum ended up in hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest and I was asking for assistance through Go Fund Me. Since then, life has been a whirlwind.

Unfortunately my mother passed away on 15th July 2017. But you’ll be happy to hear the Go Fund Me was a success. The funds allowed me to travel to Noumea before Mum died, it allowed my sisters to visit after her death, and it covered so many other expenses. The last few months have been so hard, and extremely emotional but we’ve all turned another leaf and we’re finally moving on.

This blog is not to discuss that though. Maybe one day I will write a separate blog detailing the events of that period but not today.

Today I’m writing about what I always do at this time of year. National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo. Yes that’s right, it’s that time of year again. Can you believe it? November has snuck up on me and I confess I feel extremely unprepared. However, that doesn’t mean I’m taking this year off. No sirree, I’m embracing it with two hands and I’m running full steam ahead.

The upside is I do have a story I’ll be writing for NaNo, one I’m very excited about. My writing has been a bit sporadic in recent months, as I’m sure you’d understand, but I think this is going to give me the boost I so desperately need.

Do you want to know what it’ll be about?

I suppose I can tell you. 😉

Of course it’ll be romance because that’s what I write. This one will be a little different though. Well, different for me at least. In a world where reality TV is on every single channel, I decided to use that idea to my advantage. This story is called Wedding Wars and the concept is this:

Six couples sign up to appear on a brand spanking new reality TV show called…

Cue title drop.

WEDDING WARS.

You can hear the voice over already, can’t you? Anyway, in a nutshell these six couples will be required to plan each other’s weddings, following strict rules set by the contestants. There will be two rounds.

1. Planning: This will be where the teams plan every aspect of the wedding and this will be judged by the relevant couple getting married along with a professional wedding planner. At the end of this round, three teams will go home.
2. Changes: This will be where the remaining three teams get to choose one aspect of their wedding plans they don’t like and be have it changed. However, the twist is they can’t change it themselves. They have to come up with new rules and the other teams will be allocated to make the change. At the end of this round, the remaining three couples will marry and the winning couple will be chosen based on the changed plans and how successful the wedding is. The prize will be a monetary lump sum and a honeymoon.

In the first round, the three couples who go home will still get to have their weddings but it must be using the original plans. No changes allowed.

Where does the romance come into it, you ask? Well…

Dun dun duuunnnnn!

Two of the six couples will be in rocky relationships. They don’t love their fiance / fiancee but they’ve stayed in their respective relationships out of obligation. The girl from one couple and the man from another will fall in love. Scandalous! Of course their romance will happen in secret; off camera and behind the scenes. Will they run away together and boycott the show? Or will they still marry their betrothed out of obligation?

Well…that would be telling.

So, NaNo is looking very exciting for me this year. I’m so keen to write this story. I’ll be a ‘plantser’, meaning I’ve planned out how the reality show will run but the story itself I’ll be pantsing because I haven’t really planned how they’ll fall in love and get away with their secret romance.

Now, here in Australia it’s 12:25pm on 31st October. My plan is to stay up until midnight and start off NaNo with an hour of writing. Unfortunately I have to work tomorrow so I’m not sure how wise this idea is. Still, the temptation is strong. Can I really go to work on only four hours sleep?

I’ll write another blog in a day or two and let you know.

Until then, ciao!

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NaNoWriMo – It Begins

Okay, I’m a terrible person. I’ve totally neglected my blog. I have no excuse except…LIFE. Huge apologies but with NaNoWriMo upon us, I will be blogging this month about my progress. I will do my best to update my blog more regularly once it’s over.

I also have a month off work so I can dedicate the entire month to writing.

So today is the first day of NaNo. How has everyone gone? I’m quite impressed with my progress. My total word count is exactly 10,501 words. I had a goal of 2,500 and I’m excited to have exceeded it.

It’s strange, this is the first year I haven’t planned my NaNo novel thoroughly, yet when I started writing, it flowed. I know during NaNo we all reach that peak where we feel like we can’t go on. We’ve dried up and all ideas are gone. But I’m hoping if I keep writing while the ideas are fresh, I may be able to get the draft of this story written before I dry up.

I already have so much more I want to write today but I feel like I’m reaching exhaustion so I’m going to stop. I don’t want to burn myself out too early. I can write again tomorrow and I’m sure my ideas will return.

Well, that’s all for now. Remember, no matter which point you’re at for NaNo, you’re all doing great. This is all a bit of fun. A means to challenge yourself. Do what you can do and regardless of the outcome, you’ll still be a winner at the end of it.

Have fun and happy writing! ❤

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NaNoWriMo – The End!

Yes, yes I know, my blog posting for this year’s NaNo was dismal. I had intended to blog before 30th November but I was in Perth for my sister’s wedding and by the time I got home I was exhausted and forgot to blog.

Then by the time I thought of it, the last thing I wanted to do was write. How appalling! But I was in a word induced coma from lots and lots of writing and I was also in a state of shock from having to deal with my family for a whole week. Long story. So I hope you will forgive me for my lacklustre blog contribution for NaNo this year.

Okay so now I’m here, I’m itching to ask the million dollar question… how have you all travelled? Did you ‘win’? Or did you not? Remember, it doesn’t matter either way. I guess the most important question is: did you have fun? Because at the end of the day, having fun is what NaNo is all about. There should be no stress, no comparing yourself to others…just write because you love it and you feel like a challenge.

Whether you won or not, I’m sure you all did brilliantly. The fact that anyone can take the challenge is great in itself.

So my final word count for Nano is…. *drumroll* 76,553!

That word count involves finishing a novel, starting another and getting about half way through it, and continuing existing novels. I have to confess I’m chuffed with my results. Especially since I reached this by the end of week 3 of NaNo. Because I was going away, I had to register my word count before I left. Which is why I said I was in a word coma and didn’t feel like writing. I had tired myself out. Still, it was a lot of fun and I’m only just getting back into writing now. I had taken a few weeks off to recover.

Anyway, that’s all from me for now. Let me know in the comments below how you travelled.

Have a great day wherever you are and I’ll blog more soon… as soon as I have something worth blogging about!

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NaNoWriMo – how are you travelling?

So it’s a little over half way through NaNo…how are you all going?

As I’m sure you can tell by my lack of blogs, it’s actually going very well for me. At 1am this morning (Australia time), my word count was 48,442 words, Yep that’s right, I’ve nearly met the 50k goal. Feeling good!

In fact I probably have met it already. I’ve been writing most of today and have probably done nearly 10k.

I don’t want to brag as I know not everyone can do it but I did want to report on my progress.

Just remember, please don’t be ashamed or annoyed if you’re not doing as well as you had hoped. The fact you’re even participating and you’re enjoying it is great. Enjoy NaNo, it’s all for a bit of fun. 🙂

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NaNoWriMo – Day 1 results

So everywhere in the world has by now finished day 1 of NaNoWriMo. How did everyone go?

I know I promised an update at the end of day 1 but after a busy day, I just didn’t get time. But it’s still day 2 so I’m not THAT late. 😉

So my results for day 1: I wrote 4,116 words even though I had an insanely busy day. I got nearly all those words down in the last 4 hours of last night. I was tired by the end of it but am glad I got a decent head start.

It’s still day 2, but so far it’s not going well. I’ve only written around 600 words so far but I’m certain I’ll pick up as the night continues. I had a few things to do that was writing related but didn’t count towards my word count then we had to go out. I’ve been able to write this afternoon but have had a few blocks. As long as I get around 2,000 words today I’ll be happy. Tomorrow WILL be a better day, I’ll make sure of it.

I don’t have much to report right now so I’ll update again in a week.

Let me know your progress in the comments below.

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NaNoWriMo – it’s nearly time!

There are only 2 days to go until NaNoWriMo begins. Who’s psyched up for it? I know I am! I’m so keen. Along with NaNo, is my month off work so I’m super keen. Finally I have the whole month to focus on my writing.

As usual, throughout the month of November I will blog about my progress. As I produce a new blog, please let me know in the comments how you’re going too. I love hearing how everyone is doing. Even if you’re not doing well, it doesn’t matter. It’s giving it a go that counts, if you only get 5,000 words written then that’s still great!!

Here’s  recap of my plans for NaNo.

This year I’m writing a brand new story (last year was a rewrite), which is partially planned out. I had hoped to have it fully planned by the 1st but I’ve been so busy at work it just hasn’t happened. I’m not too fazed though. I’ve got about half of the story planned so that’s a start and I can continue planning during November.

My goal, as is everyone’s, is reaching 50,000 words but I’m also planning to go one step further and complete the novel. I’ve been so excited to write this since I had the idea so I’m hoping it’ll flow out of me when I begin. With no work interruptions, I should be able to do a lot better this year with having a lot more writing time.

Okay, so this will be my last NaNo blog until the 1st. I will blog at the end of that day to advise you of my day 1 progress.

For now I must get some work done work as I’ve got lots to do before I finish for a month.

Have a great day or night, wherever you are.

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NaNoWriMo 2015

Yep, it’s that time again…well almost. With only a month and a bit until NaNo commences, it’s time to start planning and thinking about what you’re going to write this year.

Who else is taking part? I am, of course. And what’s even better is this year I’ve got the whole month of November off work. After being at my job for almost 10 years (31st October will be 10 years), my long service leave will become available. Perfect timing too, if you ask me.

Every year I’ve loved participating in NaNo but when I work full time, it’s always such a struggle to meet the word count. I make it nearly every year (apart from 2012 when I first commenced, that was a flop) but it’s still difficult. So I’m hoping this year will be different. I’ll get a lot more writing time and will be able to attend functions set up by the Adelaide NaNo group.

The only time I won’t get to write is at the end of November. I’ll be visiting Western Australia when my sister gets married. I may get some writing done over there but I may not. My aim is to reach 50,000 words before I leave (before the 24th November). Can I do it? Well I’m hoping so!

So who else is taking part in NaNo this year? Do you have a story in mind you want to write or rewrite? Comment below, I’m interested to read what other people are doing. 🙂

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NaNoWriMo – How did you go?

So I had hoped to post more blogs during NaNo but time got away from me. Somehow, I’m not sure how considering how busy November was, I still won NaNo so I’m feeling very accomplished. My final word count was 51,311.

How did everyone else go? Don’t worry if you didn’t ‘win’ as such because even attempting it is still a win. We all understand that life often gets in the way.

By the final week of NaNo, I was 10,000 words down and convinced I wouldn’t make it. The final weekend got me through though. Sunday the 30th November was my mammoth effort where I did nearly 9000 words in one day. It was hard but somehow I managed it. Determination goes a long way.

As I said, don’t worry if you didn’t make it. I know a lot of people feel down if they didn’t win but there’s really no need to be. This is always a bit of fun and there’ll always be next year.

Who actually finished a novel? I didn’t. Yes I met the word count but I certainly didn’t finish it. Still, being at least three quarters of the way through is a huge achievement for me.

Anyhow, this is just a short blog for now. I’ll try and blog more frequently.

Who can believe year is almost over? I know I can’t. I can’t wait for 2015 because I’m  hoping like crazy it’s better than this year!

Bye for now and let me know how you went in NaNo. 🙂

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NaNoWriMo – an update after the first week

Okay so we’re into week 2 of NaNoWriMo! How exciting. I still can’t believe it’s come around already. It doesn’t feel like a year since the last NaNo.

How is everyone doing? Are you on track? Are you flagging? Are you wanting to give up? If you’re experiencing any of the last two, never fear. It’s totally natural to feel that way. If you want to see it through though, just take a breather for a day or two then get back into it. You can do this, I know you can.

I’ve joined the NaNo page for Adelaide participants and there are some people who have exceeded 50k already. In fact, one even wrote that in a day! I was flabbergasted by this. When I asked how they achieved it they said, ‘I’m a fast typist and planned my story out really well’. Hmmm well that’s all well and good but in my eyes the way this person said it came across a little—dare I say it?—egotistical. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a phenomenal achievement but it sounded very show offy and let’s be frank, who likes that in a person? I know I don’t.

I’m sure it wasn’t meant to come out that way so I’m taking it with a pinch of salt but it’s something all people need to be mindful of. Don’t boast too loudly. The truth is, I’m a fast typist too (around 100wpm) and I plan my novel out from beginning to end but I didn’t finish my novel in a day. Most of us need the whole of November because we have other things keeping us busy. Work, a family, other commitments.

For anyone who has reached 50k, I’m super happy for you all and it’s a wonderful job well done. All I ask is don’t rub other people’s noses in it. I’m sure most of you don’t but having experienced it once has left quite a sour taste in my mouth.

Anyway, I didn’t come here to whinge. Sorry if it sounded whiny. I came here to report on my progress. After all this is what blogs are about.

So it’s the 10th November and my total word count is—drum roll—19156!

I’m going to be honest. I’m not jumping up and down over that. I had hoped to be at 20k by Sunday but it didn’t happen. You could argue that I’m only 844 words short but that’s 844 words I couldn’t do over the weekend. I love setting and meeting goals but when I don’t it brings me down. In the scheme of things, I suppose it’s actually pretty good but I’m a harsh critic on myself.

I especially want to thank my husband for being so supportive. I’m not sure if he’ll read this, he doesn’t always and that’s fine but if he does then THANK YOU! He’s so understanding and makes sure I’m writing at every possible opportunity. Even when I say ‘let’s do something together’ he just says ‘no you write, we can do something later’. Awww. It means a lot to me and even though I tell him it’s just a bit of fun, he still wants me to do it. I’m determined to make it up to him.

So how is everyone else doing? Don’t worry what you’re word count is. What’s important is that you’re giving it your best, and most importantly….you’re having fun. Just do what you’re capable of and enjoy every moment of it.

Keep strong, don’t give up. You can do this!

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