It's the End of NaNoWriMo

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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.

Six Sentance Sunday: 26.08.12

I'm here today with the 6 Sentence Sunday (weekly) bloghop hosted by Sara Brookes.

The idea is pretty simple really: 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something already under contract and available for purchase – and don’t worry, Six Sentence Sunday is for published AND unpublished writers).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.)

For today's 6 Sentence Sunday, I'm sharing lines from my current WiP, Camp NaNoWriMo paranormal romance, Cupid.

"Celestea and the rest of the Cupids spread love, passion, and devotion, Abraxas is all about lust, passing infatuations, and dark obsessions."

"Okay, and when you say I'll belong to him, you mean …"

"You will become part of his collection."

The word sparked a memory in my mind. My throat felt suddenly dry, and my chest tight. I thought I'd imagined him.

I hope you enjoyed my six sentences, and please check out the other participants here.

I'm still deciding if I'm going to take part every week, but it's highly likely. 

In some unrelated 6 Sentence Sunday news, below the cut are a few more writing related bits I wanted to share.

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! 

 

Be Inspired Meme

The awesomely talented Christine Rains tagged me in this, when she was talking about her fantastic paranormal romance FEARLESS. It's terrific, and if you haven't read it yet, you really must. It can be found here.

The meme is a great way to talk about your stories, either WiP or completed stories and all you have to do is answer nine questions, so here goes.

1) What is the name of your book? For now, it's tentatively called Cupid, but I'm playing around with something like, Sometimes being Cupid is just not cool.

2) Where did the idea of your book come from? I was thinking about paranormal creatures, and which ones haven't been explored yet, when I look over to my Monster High doll collection and saw the lovely C.A Cupid I had for my birthday. It was like lightning struck, and I thought what if there was more than one Cupid, and they lived in the mortal world?

3) In what genre would you classify your book? New Adult Paranormal Romance.

4) If you had to pick actors to play your characters in a movie rendition who would you choose? I love this game. I always play fantasy casting with a story I'm working on. My MC Callie would be played by Anne Popplewell (of Narnia fame), and her LI Leto would be played by Jackson Rathbone (of Twilight fame).

5) Give use a one sentence synopsis of your book. Trainee Cupid Callie must make a hundred couples fall in love, while juggling a job as a romance writer and dating local guitarist Leto, if she fails, she gets turned to stone.

6) How long did it take to write your book? Still writing, but I've achieved almost 50k in 4 weeks.

7) What other books within your genre would you compare it to? Or readers of which books would enjoy yours? Probably the Paranormalcy series by Kiersten White.

8) Which authors inspired you to write this book? Again, Kiersten White. I loved the originality and voice she gave to her MC Evie.

9) Tell us anything that might pique our interest in your book. Cupid is new take on paranormal romances, with neither a vampire or werewolf in sight, but with a tattooed guitarist to swoon over, and a creepy Immortal stalker who'll turn you to stone and add you to his collection!

For this I tag EVERYONE! Anyone and everyone reading my blog, I want to know what you're working on, or all about a book you've just finished/ published/ got an agent for/ you're querying etc.

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 Aug '12: Day One

Day: One

Where I should be: 1666

Where I actually am: 5004

Word count for today: 5004

Favourite line from today's writing: "You're going to look so pretty in my collection," he whispered, running a long thin finger down my throat.

Experiences of the Day: I feel like I'm off to a really positive start, and I've enjoyed writing in first person a lot more than I thought I would. I feel like I've slipped into it easily. One of the main problems I'm having is stopping myself from going back and fixing things, or checking facts. I spent a good ten minutes looking up cologne fragrances earlier. I need to keep in the NaNo mindset of no editing. I'm looking forwards to tomorrow, and making some headway on the second chapter.

How is everyone else fairing?

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.