Showing posts with label Camp NaNo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Camp NaNo. Show all posts

It's the End of NaNoWriMo

65k

August 31st marks the official end of Camp NaNoWriMo, and though I hit 50k on 25th August, I'm still plugging away on my novel, to get this first draft finished.

My current word count is 65, 440 and I'm sort of building towards endgame. I think I have about ten scenes left to write, if I don't add any more random ones! Things are still going well, though I am seeing all the parts that'll need work. Thankfully I'm managing to resist the temptation to edit!

A lot of my motivation is coming from word warring with Kyra Lennon, I think we've done it most days this week. It's really helping us both, and is a lot of fun.

I don't have a snippet to share with you today, but that's because I'm saving it for Six Sentence Sunday, which I'm doing again this week.

I wanna give a special shout out to fellow NaNo buddies, Candilynn Fite, Laura at Stanger than Writing, Laura at My Baffling Brain and Viklit. Whether you reached 50k or not, each of you ladies have inspired, encouraged and motivated me. Thank you, and I'm proud of what you've achieved.

Anyone else doing NaNo who I've missed, or anyone currently working on something, let me know how you're progressing. I'd love to hear all about it.

I'll be back tomorrow with my meet and greet post for Gearing Up To Get An Agent.

Camp NaNoWriMo: Day 25

 
 Day: Twenty-five

Where I should be: 41, 650

Where I actually am:
51, 382

Word count for today:
2051

Favourite line(s) from today's writing:
I traced the patterns of his tattoos.

"Which as the first one you got?"

"This one just here," he said, sitting up and pointing to a series of markings similar to the runes I'd seen in his other tattoos. "It's an Old Norse proverb my grandfather used to say to me, it means generous and brave men live the best."

Experiences of the Day: I broke through the glass ceiling, and 'won' Camp NaNoWriMo today. *throws confetti * Thanks to everyone who has supported me, and encouraged me along the way. Your kind words and comments have really kept me going! <3

It's a great feeling, and I'm looking forwards to completing the story. I've made some more headway with character development today, giving my LI Leto more personality/ back story. He and Callie have hit an important point in their relationship. Now it's time to start throwing obstacles in their way! *mwahahaha*!

Tomorrow, I'll be taking part in Six Sentence Sunday, so expect a small snippet from Callie's word around two p.m.

Hope everyone enjoys the rest of their weekend, and have a wonderful time whatever you're doing! 

 


Camp NaNoWriMo: Day 23

Day: Twenty-three

Where I should be: 38, 318

Where I actually am:
49, 330 (SO close!)

Word count for today:
2738

Favourite line from today's writing:
While I loved seeing the fruits of my efforts when two people got together sometimes being Cupid was just not cool. - the bolded part may very well become my tagline/ basis for my title. I love when sudden inspiration like that hits.

Experiences of the Day: Amazing myself that I can write less then 1k all day, and then it gets to the evening and I can knock out a couple of thousand words. I guess it's when inspiration hits. I was in a scene, that'll lead to another bigger and important scene, and the words just flowed out of me. I love it when that happens.

How is everyone else fairing? Let me know how you're getting on.

Six Sentence Sunday & CampNaNoWriMo Update

Just thought I'd let everyone know I signed up for this week's Six Sentence Sunday. Here's what you have to do:

Pick six (6) sentences from anything you like (it can be from a Work in Progress (WiP), something you recently sold, something you hope to sell or even something already under contract and available for purchase – and don’t worry, Six Sentence Sunday is for published AND unpublished writers). Then post them on your blog on Sunday. That’s all there is to it! (for the full rules/ FAQ see here.)

So, this Sunday at 2 p.m. GMT/ 9a.m. EST there will be a six sentence snippet from my current Wip, my Camp NaNoWriMo, New Adult Paranormal Romance, Cupid.

I'd love to know if anyone else is signing up, let me know if you are, and I'll be sure to check out your blog.

While I'm here, a quick NaNo update. No word count for today, as I had a family day. Me and Hubby took our boys to the zoo, and had an excellent time. Managed to get 1000 words done yesterday, so I'm now just 3,406 off the "winning" 50k - I hope to achieve that tomorrow, then push forwards with completing the story.

What's everyone else working on, either for NaNo or not, I'd love to hear all about it. If you've got some news or WiP snippets on your blog and I've missed it, please point me in the direction.


Camp NaNoWriMo: Day 20

 
Day: Twenty

Where I should be: 33,320

Where I actually am:
45,587

Word count for today:
3528

Favourite line from today's writing:
A blood bond between two Cupids can only be broken if the Cupid who agreed to it relinquishes their life, or the one who requested the bond retracts their demand.

Experiences of the Day: The finish line is in sight, though I still have a way to go on the story. I figure I'm between half and three quarters of the way there. I am already seeing parts that will need revising. I'm a little worried the pacing is off, and I wrote a scene today that I think needs more building to. While I'm excited to be creating new stuff, I'm also looking forwards to getting to revisions and pruning where needs to, and adding meat on the bones in other places.


Camp NaNoWriMo: Day 19

Day: Nineteen

Where I should be: 31,654

Where I actually am:
42, 056

Word count for today:
1600

Favourite line from today's writing:
"I'd trade all the money in the world for a little warmth from them. What have I done that's so bad that it means they regard me with indifference?"

Experiences of the Day: It's been a slow weekend, I took yesterday off, and took it easy today, but I still managed 1600 words, and I'm pleased with my progress. Introduced some new characters today, and that went well. Also had an idea to add some extra complexity to the MC's relationship with the antagonist. Will be getting to something pretty big tomorrw, a possible turning point. Looking forwards to that. 

Also remember, today is the last day to enter the giveaway to win a paperback copy of Kyra Lennon's Game On. I will announce the winner tomorrow.  

Camp NaNoWriMo: Day 17

Day: Seventeen

Where I should be: 28, 322

Where I actually am:
40, 458 (less than 10k to go!)

Word count for today:
4869

Favourite line from today's writing:
You have to always keep in mind how fragile mortals are. It's like enjoying a lovely bunch of roses. They're beautiful while they last, but inevitably they wilt.

Experiences of the Day: Word wars with Kyra Lennon today, and they always produce amazing results. It interesting how focused you can be when 'battling' against someone else. Had another day of scenes not going where I expected, and characters revealing backstory to me. It's exciting to discover these things about them that I never knew. Took this evening off from writing, and make some online dolls, because you know, visual interpretations are very important! :D

Here's my MC Callie and her BFF Rathi in the style of Disney Princesses, made using the Azaleas Dolls Heroine Fan-Art Creator. 

(L - R: Callie and Rathi)
 

Camp NaNoNoWriMo: Day 16


Thanks for all the comments on yesterday's entry guys. It's nice to know you don't think I'm crazy, and the encouragement/ kind words really meant a lot to me! <3

Day: Sixteen

Where I should be: 26,656

Where I actually am:
35,587

Word count for today:
2664

Favourite line from today's writing:
"You're a Roman myth? Callie, I don't understand, you're not making any sense."

Experiences of the Day: This is actually from yesterday, but I forgot about it. Do you ever have a scene in mind, and then write something completely different? I was all prepared for my MC and her LI to have their first sexual encounter, until they entered his bedroom. Then Callie noticed Leto's collage of Polaroids, and they ended up talking about the Jack Russell puppy he had when he was nine! It did lead to some interesting back story, and explained a key event in Leto's pre-novel life, but it certainly wasn't what I had planned when I started writing that scene. As to whether they eventually got it on? Well you're just going to have to wait and see! ^_~

Camp NaNo/ Writing Update


I'm back, and without sounding like I'm crazy, a total flake, somewhat indecisive I've gone back to working on my original Camp NaNo story, Cupid.

While I do like the Zombie High school story, it felt wrong not finishing NaNo with the story I'd started. Plus, I came to realise that the zombie story is possibly something I can only make a short story out of. I'm going to try a complete it over the next few weeks (either simultaneously to NaNo, or afterwards) and then look into submitting it to anthologies, or self-publishing it for free.

Today is the first time I've written in a week. For various personal reasons, last week was not good in terms of writing, I feel into a pit of apathy, self doubt, and lost all inspiration. Thankfully, my writing mojo has returned, and though it's not quite back to full power yet, I'm loving my Cupid story again and feel like I can move forwards.

Thanks to everyone who offered me support and encouragement, and put up with me being a complete basket case! Additional thanks to all those who commented on my WHAT IF? Fairytale Madness BlogFest! Post. The feedback really boosted my confidence.

Day: Fifteen

Where I should be: 24, 990

Where I actually am:
32, 888

Word count for today:
2510

Favourite line from today's writing:
I knew the only choices left to me involved asking my parents to bail me out one way or another. At twenty-four that felt like taking a HUGE step backwards.

Experiences of the Day: Not just today, but in the last week, I've learned not to put too much pressure on myself, and that if I can't write every day, that's okay. Sometimes I need to just take time off and recharge, and admitting that isn't actually failing. I've also learned that the support of others – even a few comments or kind words – can make all the difference, and pull you out of a bad place.

With that in mind, I'd like to remind all you lovely people that I'm hosting a £15 Amazon voucher giveaway to say thanks to you all for your support. If you haven't entered already, check it out!

Camp NaNoWriMo Update: Change of Plan

You may have noticed I've been absent from blogging, and updating with my Camp NaNo progress for the last few days. That's mostly for personal reasons (i.e. Mother Nature) and generally feeling quite apathetic.

However, in that time, I've sort of lost the spark I had for my Cupid story, and got bitten by the bug to write a different story.

Last week I heard Care Bears on Fire's cover of Everybody Wants To Rule The World.


I haven't been able to get it out of my head, and have been listening to it all week. Upon Googling to see what the three girls looked like, I was hit by a sudden stroke of inspiration. Out of nowhere, I had a fully fledged character called April, who is 15/16, in High School, is what you'd call Emo, and into comics, video games etc. 

I had no idea what to do with April, but she was begging me to tell her story. 

Then today inspiration struck again, when an image of a blonde, perky cheerleader called Brooke popped into my head, announcing she was April's foil.

After a little more thought, I came up with the idea of April, and her best friend Lara, your average teenage outcasts. They're into all the weird things the 'cool' kids aren't; video games, comics, alternative music/ fashion. Their counterparts are a trio of Brookes, who are everything April and Lara aren't; perky, popular, good looking -- the High School sweethearts.

But what makes this story different from every other High School story about the cool group versus the outcasts?

Zombies!!

What happens if the zombie apocalypse starts at High School? What if, after watching one of the Brookes and her friend Lara, get ripped apart by zombies, April had to team with the remaining Brooke to fight off the horde? Can April put her hatred for Brooke aside, and use the skills she's learnt from playing video games to survive the zombie apocalypse?

That's what I'm hoping to find out!
  
From tomorrow, I'll be working on this new story. I'm aiming for 30k again (which is how much I got for Cupid), and then at the end of the month, I'm going to see which story has the best potential to continue with.

Camp NaNoWriMo Aug '12: Day Seven

Day: Seven

Where I should be: 11662

Where I actually am:
30, 405

Word count for today:
4464

Favourite line from today's writing:
"Oh I did, I had those too. She-Ra rode around on Sweetheart pony, and fought Barbie who's mount was a Keeper."

Experiences of the Day: Did word wars again with Kyra Lennon (who's almost completed the first draft of her second novel). Such a great motivator, though I worry I'll never be able to write productively without word wars! LOL Also found out the Moroccan word for Tapas, mukabalatt and that there's no special name for the Hungarian Mafia. If either of these things are wrong, please correct me.

How is everyone else getting on, please let me know, I'm dying to hear all about it.

Also, I know, I've been rubbish at commenting on blogs recently, I will try to pick it up again after Camp NaNo, and I'll try to get around to as many blogs taking part in ChristineRains' What Was Your Childhood Monster? Blogfest over the next few days.

Thanks for sticking with me guys! <3

Camp NaNoWriMo Aug '12: Day Six


Day: Six

Where I should be: 9996

Where I actually am:
25, 937 (half way there, baby!)

Word count for today:
5937

Favourite line from today's writing:
Damn them all, I wasn't going to stop seeing him before we'd even given our relationship a chance. I'd just have to take the risk.

Experiences of the Day: Today, I did one of my favourite writing related things, word wars. For those of you who don't know what word wars is, it's when you and a group of friends compete to see who can write the most in a set period of time. KyraLennon (I don't know how she managed to fit in writing in between her Game On blog tour) and I did three thirty minute sessions and got at least 1000 words each time. Having someone to compete against really motivates me, and knowing I can't go check FaceBook because Kyra might beat me keeps me focused.

Camp NaNoWriMo Aug '12: Day Four

 

Day: Four

Where I should be: 6664

Where I actually am:
20,001

Word count for today:
5658

Favourite line from today's writing:
He left a trail of kisses down my neck and to my collarbone, each one weakening my resolve. He stopped at the dip in my t-shirt just above my cleavage, and looked up at me, lust etched into his green eyes.

Experiences of the Day: Today I learned that even when I intend for a character to do something, I don't always remember to have them do it. My MC Callie was meant to call an acquaintance and ask her to meet them at a gig. I forgot to have Callie do it, and acquaintance Dinah still showed up. I had to make a note to retcon it in edits.

Is Camp NaNo still going well for everyone else? Let me know if you've had a prolific writing weekend. I'd love to hear your favourite lines!



Camp NaNoWriMo Aug '12: Day Three

 

Day: Three

Where I should be: 4998

Where I actually am:
14341

Word count for today:
2173

Favourite line from today's writing:
"Wouldn't it just be easier for you to crash here?"

"I guess, but your air bed is lumpy, and I've got the new Joseph Gordon-Levitt movie at home."

The mention of Joseph was all I needed to change my mind, but to sweeten the deal I ask, "Do you have chocolate?"

Experiences of the Day: I've taken it easy today, and spent the some time with my family, though while I was out, I did learn inspiration could strike at any time, as I got an idea for a couple of scenes. Luckily, I still remembered them when I got back and jotted them down.

Is everyone else on track for day three? I'd love to know how you're progressing. Are you all geared up for some heavy writing over the weekend. I am, I expect to be writing the first kiss between my main couple.


Camp NaNoWriMo Aug '12: Day Two

 

Day: Two

Where I should be: 3332

Where I actually am:
12167

Word count for today:
7163

Favourite line from today's writing:
His whispered promise 'I will be back,' lingered in my mind. He was like a creepy version of the Terminator, only without Arnie's accent and shades. Well hasta la vista, baby. I was going to terminate him permanently, if I could.

Experiences of the Day: I had a total 'find and replace' fail today, while changing tuna to salmon, and end up with words like unforsalmontely instead of unfortunately. I've had a few more instances of having to stop myself from fixing things or researching points. I guess since I've started editing my other works in more detail, I've become more aware of stuff. I also had to stop to make some more notes, and jot down characters who've appeared since my initial brain-storming pre-NaNo. The good news is though, I've now got the ending all planned out.

How is everyone else getting on? I'd love to hear about it. 

While I'm here, I'd also like to give a shout-out to  Tess of The Framed Lady who is giving away a signed paperback copy of Kiersten White's Paranormalcy. You all know how much I love Kiersten White and the Paranormalcy - I got the final book this morning, I've only read a page, but it was epic. Can't wait to dive into the rest tonight - so hop on over there and enter. You won't regret it!

Speaking of giveways, don't forget the one I'm hosting where you could win a £15 Amazon voucher.

Camp NaNoWriMo August '12 Begins Next Week

So, Camp NaNoWriMo August '12 begins next week and I CANNOT WAIT. Seriously, At this point I've been having to hold myself back.

In the last week - since getting hit with inspiration and finally deciding what I'm writing for NaNo - I've been plotting and planning, by writing notes, jotting down plot points and building character sheets. I feel like I'm all ready to go on August 1st.

This time around I'll be writing a New Adult Contemporary Romance, that has a strong under currant of fantasy, with the working title of Cupid. 

Here's the synopsis: 

I'm a Cupid, it's my job to make other people fall in love with each other. Sounds awesome, right? Well you're wrong. I'm not even a fully trained Cupid, I've still got to fill my quota. In just six months I have to make one-hundred couples fall in love. You know what happens if I don't fill my quota? A demon called Abraxas gets my soul, and I become part of his "collection" of cupids who've been turned to stone for eternity. I'm on forty-seven … should be simple, right? Now throw into the mix my job as a romance columnist for the local newspaper, Cordelia - 'the boss from hell', and the landlord breathing down my neck for rent. Oh, and did I mention there's a boy … there's always a boy! His name is Leto, and he's a guitarist in a local bad. Sad thing is, he doesn't even know I exist. At least I have my best friends Rathi and Phoebus the cheer me up. They're awesome. And that's my life. I'm Callie Gibson, and I'm a Cupid.
And yes, for the first time in a long time, I'm writing in first person perspective, which is always a challenge for me. I hope I'm up to it, and don't have to change my plans partway through.  

For the duration of NaNo, I will mostly be blogging daily updates (though the few fests I've signed up for are schedualed to post too), and though I'll try to still try to keep up with you all, visiting blogs is going to take a back seat in August, so I can focus on writitng. 

For my updates, I'm adopting the style Laura over at Stranger Than Writing used for her June NaNo updates, in the following format:

Where I should be:

Where I actually am:

Word count for today:

Favourite line from today's writing:

Experiences of the Day: 
Who else is taking part? I'd love to hear what you've got planned, and maybe we can be cabin buddies? You can find me here.

AND, if that's isn't enough NaNo-y goodness for you, under the cut is a character sheet that includes my main character, her love interest, her two best friends, and the two antagonists of the story. I've also made a mock-up cover, if you're interested. 

Am I Insane?


 The answer to that question is probably. 

When it comes to writing I love a little pressure. 

Write 50k of a novel in 30 days? No problemo. 

Blog every day of April, with each post being based on a letter of the alphabet? Easy peasy.

Come up with a (maximum) 8, 000 word fantasy short story in five days? Challenge accepted.

Happy Camping and Facebook Update

I want to wish everyone who is doing Camp NaNoWriMo in June the best of luck. My advice JUST WRITE. Have a plot in your head, or on paper, but don't over think it. Don't go back to fix things, don't spend hours researching something, just write. Everything else can be fixed after June.

I really wish I could join all you happy campers, but my head is not in a good writing place, and I still have Sibylline Nights to edit. I don't wanna take part in NaNoWriMo and fail. I play to win! Hopefully I can join in on the fun come August.

I also wanted to quickly update on the Facebook status. It seems, after everyone effected complained yesterday, FB have unblocked blogspot.co.uk and all previously removed posts have been restored. That's excellent news. People Power FTW!

Thanks, Fests, and Camps


I want to start off this post by thanking all the awesome people who have helped me reach one-hundred followers. When I started this blog it was to write about my experiences doing NaNoWriMo, and now it's grown into a place where I can share my writing journey with everyone. I've had some excellent experiences - the A-Z challenge was both insane and awesome - made some great friends, and learned so many new things.

So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you everyone who has followed me and is joining me on my writing journey. I hope I'm blogging about my experiences for many years to come, and making more friends as I go along. You guys are all awesome, and I couldn't have gotten this far without your support!! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

 

One of my favourite things about blogging is the fests and hops, and I've signed up for another one in June. Jaycee Delorenzo and Victoria Smith are hosing a follow-up to their 'Oh! My Hero!' bloghop, and I couldn't be more excited.

Here's what Jaycee and Victoria have to say about the hop:

Interview a heroine of your manuscript, novel, or WIP by a fellow female counterpart also from one of your written works.  Your featured heroine can be interviewed by her best friend, a heroine from another one of your written works, a sister, the opportunities are endless!
 
  • Have your heroine answer at least 3 of the questions recommended below or make up your own!
  • Post a picture of your heroine, the interviewer, or both!
  • Post a song for the theme of the interview or a song that reflects your featured heroine's personality.
  • Follow Victoria and Jaycee on their blogs.
  • Post their hop button! (Though not required, feel free to repost on your blog about the hop!)
  • Post your entries on June 22, 2012 and hop around the other blogs through the linky!
For this hop, the interview will have more of a "girls chatting" type feel because after all, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!  So feel free to write it like a short scene in a book!

Here are the recommended questions for it:

1. How would you describe your hero?
2. What's your biggest date horror story?
3. What turns you off from a guy the most?
4. What's the best date you ever had?
5. Kiss on the first date?
6. What gets a guy a second date?
7. Boxers or briefs on your guy?
8. What is one thing you believe can tell a lot about a person?
9. What attracts you to a guy the most?

Prizes:

Victoria and Jaycee will each choose a heroine who's creativity and overall personality snagged our attention. 

Jaycee is offering a custom blog header or an ebook download of up to $10 from Amazon.

Victoria is offering up an ebook download or up to $15 Book from Book Depository

I will be interviewing the heroine of Perfect Ten, Nick Braxton's counterpart, Rainie Dalton. 

 

I've decided to take the plunge, and do CampNaNo this year. Because I'm Clare Dugmore, and I'm a NaNo addict!

No doubt between CampNaNo, editing Sibylline Nights, and all the other projects I've got going on, I'll be pulling my hair out by the end of the summer. But where's the fun in sanity, right?!

For those interested, my CampNaNo profile can be found here. I'll be adding novel infomation soon, but for that, I need your help!

I have two stories in mind for CampNaNo, and I can't decide which to write, so I'm hoping you guys will be able to help me pick. Whichever I don't do in August will be my November NaNo novel, so don't worry, both will get written eventually.

Here's a quick synopsis of them:

Untitled YA Fantasy

It's six o'clock and when the claxon sounds that can only mean one thing … RUN! Return to your homes before the Harvesters get you.

Forty tons of mobile metal machinery that if they catch you will turn you into robots like themselves, or so the rumours say.

Hen is trapped on the outskirts of town when she hears the claxon. She has two options; risk running into a Harvester on her way home or enter the abandoned mine.

But what will she find in there?

Legend has it the mines house the souls of the dead who were made into machines. Even if she ignores those silly stories, there's still the disused mining mechanisms to face. They look scary enough in the day light, let alone in the dwindling twilight.

But what choice does Hen have? She's already made a bargain with the infamous thief Karleon that she'll go down into the mine and collect ore in exchange for food. She can't let her little brother starve. Besides, the Harvesters will surely catch her if she returns to the slums now.

So, into the mines Hen goes, following the map Karleon gave her, and sneaking past the long forgotten mining robots that look as though the could reanimate at any second.

Hen reaches the spot marked on Karleon's map, but finds the ore supply already depleted. So she goes deeper into the mine, hoping to find something she can sell or trade. It's her only chance of survival, and the best way to pass the time until morning when the Harvesters will have returned to their home in the Shining City.

What Hen finds in the depths of the mine is the stuff of legend … and with the legend comes a whole new world of power Hen has only ever heard about from the history books.


Untitled Paranormal Drama

Lucy Pillman clearly remembers the night she died; it was the night she lost her unborn child too. Now with new supernatural gifts she's bent on nothing but revenge. Henry thought making a new progeny would combat the crippling loneliness he's faced for the past hundred years. But now he has to keep Lucy under control as she reels from one disaster to the next. Will Henry be able to make Lucy see sense and begin to accept her new life, or will he once again lose the only thing he's ever wanted; companionship?


What should I write for CampNaNo?


Camp NaNoWriMo Temptation


While reading the wonderful entries on Cherie Reich's 2nd Annual Flash Fiction Blogfest today, I became aware of Camp NaNoWriMo. 

Anyone who has been following my blog for a long time will know I started taking my writing seriously with NaNo, and that I'm a bit addicted to the process. Something about only having thirty days, and needing to reach a certain word count total makes me write like nobody's business. I'm addicted to the rush!

I have every intention of taking part in November's NaNoWriMo, and already have a story in mind, that's currently in the planning stages.

Now I've just heard about Camp NaNo, happening in June and August, and the temptation to participate is overwhelming.

But ...

I'm knee deep in edits for Sibylline Nights, have a project I'm working on with Kyra Lennon, and I've just agreed to be a CP for Sheena-kay Graham. I don't want to NOT do any of these things, I'm actually looking forwards to all of them.

But ...

It's NaNo. And if I do it in August and November I could get the ground work done on two projects (I can already here Henry the vampire from my planned paranormal drama clamouring for attention).

I think I will see how the rest of May and June go, and make a decision about NaNo in mid-July. I really hope I can fit it in.