Tag Archive: NaNoWriMo


Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Nuts

Filed under: Blogging — 4 Comments
November 2, 2019

Per Linda G. Hill:  Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “nuts.” Use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!

 

Nuts! I still haven’t reached my writing goal for today. I’m only at 2,345. That’s nuts, the total I mean. What are the odds that a person would have that total? But that is what yWriter is telling me.

I don’t know why I do NaNo every year. That is nuts! I know. But it is my favorite thing to do. Even though I still haven’t one book of the series ready for publication. I like the writing part. I like the story the muses tell me. It is a far better entertainment for my mind than any others out there. Most stories I can predict what is happening, or there is too much angst or romantic silliness, or murder. Most stories center around young people or males who get all the adventures. My stories have more old or diverse characters. They aren’t beautiful people or even skinny minnies. They are just people. Many aren’t even human. And there are the occasional dragons or cats called Hombres that walk upright and can talk, well, they are not really cats, are they?

Many of my stories start with a game of finding random names and characteristics. Then maybe a random word or phrase and off I go. This year started a couple months ago when the word of the day per Dictionary.com was Balter. A writer friend noticed it and said it would be a great NaNo story. I agreed, thinking she wanted to write it. But she backed out. No, I didn’t point a gun to her head! But once I read the definition, to dance or tread clumsily, the name Walter Balter’s Dance Studio came into my mind. Yep, that’s the name of my story!

After a time I got bored with the word and title. I don’t like to write about males. I’m not one and I don’t understand them as well as I feel I might know the female character. And it didn’t sound like it had enough to it to make 50K words. But suddenly the planet Crim came to mind, where Dusty has the Love Lair, a beauty salon/saloon. I think that was the third book I wrote, around 2003 (?). Then the Balter story grew in my mind and even a small outline emerged. I’m not sticking to it but it is there in case I get lost in all the Imagineering.

Okay, putting off the real writing doesn’t make writing happen even if I am over here playing, nor does the story proceed while playing on FaceBook or playing that new wooden puzzle game that is like Tetris but not as stressful. So I must bid you all a good Saturday. Now I will be me again, NUTS!

 

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Film Friday

Filed under: Movies/TV, NaNoWriMo — 5 Comments
November 1, 2019

Pixaby  

So I didn’t finish any of my knitting projects. But we did finally get caught up on Blacklist. It is so good we didn’t watch anything else so now we are catching up on all our other shows. Again here is the YouTube trailer.

And a quickie about NaNoWriMo, yes, I’m on that again! Word count 1,766. If you are writing come be friends. I’m Dars Haven. And this year a different planet in Haven’s universe! Balter’s Dance Studio.

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One-Liner Wednesday

Filed under: NaNoWriMo, Writing — Leave a comment
October 30, 2019

When is a novel not a novel? On Halloween Eve, and Halloween also known as NaNo Eve.

EDIT:  Oops. I forgot to pingback. One-liner Wednesdays are a product of Linda G. Hill. Come join the fun! This the easiest prompt out there!

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Meaningful Monday

Filed under: NaNoWriMo, Writing — 2 Comments
October 28, 2019

Anyone else getting ready for NaNoWriMo?  Yeah. Me, too! There have been very few years since I heard about it that I haven’t tried. And most of the ones I attempted I finished (won) I believe what has helped me most is the Sprints/Sprompts that you find on Twitter or Facebook, and the numerous Virtual Write-Ins on YouTube. The first one for this year will be October 30, 2019, for a prep.

I love the excitement of writing a story. Even when it feels like crap. I love the thrill of the 1,666 word-goal a day. Even when you think you don’t have one lying around in your head.

What I don’t like is facing NaNo with a computer that has a screen that seems to go all white unless I fix the lid just so, and finally, I might get a couple of minutes.

My husband is the best! Hands down! He knew how frustrated I was about all this, so he got on the phone and made sure that by Thursday, I will have a working laptop! And I don’t have to relinquish this piece of  @#$@#!@. I can face midnight on Halloween with courage and a bit of an idea what the story is about and a way to move it all slowly to the newer machine. I’ll write more about that as it becomes a reality.

So I played with my characters a bit and now have a few. Even a semi-working title Balter’s Dance Studio. And it does seem to be in Haven’s universe on Crim. Where we learned about Dusty’s Love Lair. Yeah, not exactly what you might think. Mostly sci-fi with fantasy and lots of imagination. Sorry I haven’t brought that novel onto the website. Yikes! I haven’t even finished uploading the first book. Dusty’s is about five novels since that one.

I always start prep with WriteItNow. I like its prep-ability. Character development works well in that program. Especially when I use:

The Writer's Digest Sourcebook for Building Believable CharactersThe Writer’s Digest Sourcebook for Building Believable Characters by Marc McCutcheon

 

 

I play random numbers on the characteristic to build the physical and then the personality of each character. My writers’ group back in Reno and I would call out numbers and then write down the results. Now without them, near I have numbered the items on each page then use the random number generator to select the characteristic. So now I have Walter Balter nearly standing in front of me. I know a lot about his mental health just from the physical. I will continue making him live and then work on the rest of the family. Hopefully, the characters and a minor outline will be ready for Midnight Thursday.

How do you prepare? What are your methods of writing NaNo or other novels?

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SoCS, XP, A2Z, X, CampNaNo 20190427

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April 27, 2019

According to Linda here’s how Stream of Consciousness Saturday works:

Friday’s here, and I’m late for your Stream of Consciousness Saturday prompt. I’m sorry. 😦 Explanation to follow–and no, it’s not that I forgot about you. During the month of April, I’ll use the appropriate letter of the day to correspond with the A to Z Challenge so anyone who’s participating in both challenges can do so at the same time. Here’s your prompt:

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “xp.” Use it as a word, or find a word with “xp” in it. As always, use any way you’d like. Enjoy!

After you’ve written your Saturday post tomorrow, please link it here to this week’s prompt page and check to make sure it’s here in the comments so others can find it and see your awesome Stream of Consciousness post. Anyone can join in!

 

Since I have already written the ending of my novel and find I am not at the goal of 50,000 words I am needing prompts like crazy. When that happens I go to YouTube and find NaNoWriMo Virtual Write-Ins that have prompts and discussions that help inspire my writing. In today’s case, the prompt was the characters are having problems communicating. I got a lot of story out of that so I will only include the bit that fulfills the ‘xp’ requirement for Stream and A2Z.

_____

…

Even facial expressions were lost. The blobbies thought that smiles showing teeth meant aggression. They would smile and attack the other people. And with so many people they couldn’t tell who were the blobbies and who were the gene-popping humans.

The humans spoke to one another as they smiled and were attacked. “I think these guys think like monkeys. They don’t see a smile as friendly. Let’s try to just be calm with lips together and nod at each other.”

Hearing the voices, the blobby humans that they were being talked about so they were still feeling defensive,

The gene-popping humans started using telepathy to see if that helped. Can you hear me? Can you understand me? they said first to each other then to the blobby humans The gene-popping humans would nod and say yes. But the thoughts were still in English and so the blobbies didn’t understand what was in their heads. They held their hands up to each ear as if trying to get rid of the sounds in their heads.

Let’s try pictures.

_____

For those of you who are fans of the NaNo ‘sprompts’ and virtual write-ins, you might recognize the name of the fluffy stuffed dinosaur. He probably appears in a lot in NaNo stories. I will probably need to rename him and other beings but for now, just getting the writing done is the most important part. He’s kind of a mascot for us.

My blobbies are feathered with scales. As young ones, they look like chickens, but as adults, the scales and feathers make them rather messy dragon-like creatures.

Oh for those who are wondering, my word count should be at 45,009, But mine is at 45,143. Woo Hoo! I would like to get ahead so that I can take the time and do my Escapist Coloring Club entree. Maybe I’ll do that tomorrow while not having an A2Z letter prompt.

In case you hear a squee–my brother is finishing fixing my shower so that I don’t have to use the scary tub I have fallen in before. I can’t wait to have MY OWN SHOWER! Girls only!!!!! (But I guess I’ll have to share. –NOT AT THE SAME TIME!) You all have no idea how it is when you get old! You take showers for granted. I did. Imagine water streaming and cleaning you without making your back hurt or feeling like you are going to fall! Okay, all that is probably TMI. If so I hope you skipped it!

Happy last week-end of April! Hope you’re having a great one!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A2Z, N, CampNaNo,

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April 16, 2019

National Novel Writing Month, November. The hardest month a person can live through. Yet it seems my favorite thing to do. Novel writing. Nattering on and on in an imaginary world or universe. Imaginary friends who tell me stories. Nothing better. As any toddler could tell you! It is so fun for me that I do it even when it isn’t NaNo or CampNaNo time. I’m addicted. If you get the chance, Read Chris Baty’s book No Plot, No Problem.

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I’m going to skip posting a bit of a scene as they all seem confusing for those who might pop in out of nowhere. There is so much going on with wormholes and dimensions that cause grouchy grass. See? Even with that much, I’m sure you are shaking your head wondering where that comes from. Just know when I feel it will be a good stand-alone type scene I will share.

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A2Z, M, CampNaNo Day 15 Plus Meandering Muddling

Filed under: Blogging, Movies/TV, NaNoWriMo, Writing — Leave a comment
April 15, 2019

Before I gave up trying to keep behind on the A-Z Challenge I did set this up within my story. I doubt I’ll be able to use CampNaNo with A2Z. It is already two or more days behind me.

By the way, my current word count is 23483. This is one of my favorite days of a NaNo project. Day 15. By the end of the day, I need 25K. Barring computer glitches which I don’t put past this stupid Acer, I will have it. Even with the Stupid Acer breaking, I can still get the words on my tablet, or Kindle. I could even write on paper. But then the stupid hand will break down. LOL! Though I love the feeling of writing cursive, there is no built-in spell-check, Grammarly, or word count. Or built-in pain reliever!

Without further ado, here is my crossover A2Z/CampNaNO couple of paragraphs from my work in progress, Haven in 3D.

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Murdered? Henry saw the knife sticking out of each little chest. These small people were no bigger than the child he’d known in the bunker. What was her name? Lucy? Sarah? Henry sat on the floor. He asked: What can I do for them? Should I take out the knives, cover with dirt or mud, or myself? These people represent love. What can I do?

I’m rather new to something like this. Let’s try the mud idea until I can come up with something else. They aren’t of Earth or Haven, but Haven was able to save Earthlings. I need to try, with your help.

Henry, Robert, and Adam grabbed a bucket of water nearby and poured it into the dirt. Very quickly the dirt was saturated and the guys started covering the elves with the mud. Then for an added bonus, they lay down on the creatures just hoping that if it worked for them that it would work for the elves. But after five minutes they had to admit defeat.

I think it didn’t work like it did for you because they are already dead. You had merely passed out. I’m so sorry humans. Earth told them.

____

So, how many got to watch GoT last night? After binging a few days to refresh the last season, I was ready. In fact, after watching that episode where Dani’s dragon is killed, how many of you noticed how Jon’s pommel eye looked like it opened as Jon came out of the water? First time I ever saw that. I shouted at my husband and pointed it out. But research seems to point to it just being a shadow of Jon’s hand rather than another an Easter Egg or foretelling of more fantasy. Anyway, I loved the show last night. Can’t wait to see what happens this season. I’m so sorry to see it ended. It is so well-written, fun, and makes one think. All the things a good show should do. Thoughts?

Have a blessed Passover Week.

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A2Z, Camp NaNo, K 20190412

Filed under: Blogging, Kindle, Writing — 2 Comments
April 12, 2019

Here’s yesterday’s first scene in the fun of the A-to-Z Challenge.

 

“Come in. I was just setting a kettle for tea. What’s up” Judy was used to working. Even on Haven, when Haven was there, she preferred doing for herself as much as she could. She thought all the wishing for things was a killer in disguise. People need work to grow.

“Have you heard from the guys? It is so much harder to stay centered down here. I don’t hear telepathic messages as often. How are we supposed to stay sane in here, knowing Haven is in danger, knowing our friends and family are out there. I’m getting a knot in my stomach from the worry.”

“Chamomile for you, dear.” Judy laughed. “I’m kidding. I do worry, now, too. I do think the key to this is to keep ourselves as open as possible and meditate several times a day. We had gotten out of practice out there.”

Rather than sit at the table while waiting for the teapot to whistle, Anna and Judy kneeled and then sat in the lotus position and held hands. They didn’t know what they didn’t know until they were quiet and knew. Anna nearly kicked Judy in getting up so fast. “Haven is in trouble. Enelrad can’t land here. I wish she hadn’t left again.”

“At least we know that the guys are okay. Henry says they found the group in the cave. They are all happy and healthy and willing to help.” Judy kept her knitting kit next to her chair. While she waited she knitted. She covered her knees with a light-weight blanket, not for the draft, but to keep the yarn from going everywhere. Everyone in the cave had something made by Judy. They all wore them with pride. Others were now learning to make clothing or playthings. Keeping the hands busy helped them to stay focused on here and now, rather than lost in worry.

“Hey, I’m making some kidney bean soup. Would you take that knife and cut up the onions?” Judy knew that Anna needed something to do and cutting up vegetables seemed to help. Their kinship had been active since way back on the ship. Sisters of the planet. Judy loved her cave home. There was a king-size bed, and bookshelves full of everything from fairy tales to the Koran. She was even fond of her copy of ‘How to Kill a Mockingbird.’

By the way, my current word-count is: 18,510.

Have the planet becomes a human in Haven in 3D Here she is as Ora Ja Ja.


My first book, Haven can be found on WattPad. Or the first three chapters, on my site, here. I am gradually bringing the whole thing here. But right now writing Haven in 3D is taking up my time.

I have been needing to review one of my other books, Earth the Final Frontier. A lot of the characters from that book are in my current book. Is it wrong that I really like that book? I’m reading it as my night time read and yes, there are things I need to edit, but I am loving the adventure once again. I wish I could bring that excitement to all the books in the series.

By the way, Earth the Final Frontier has over 92K so it is taking me many nights of reading. Are there writers in my blogosphere that have a way to keep track of all the characters, where they’ve been what we left them doing, quirks, etc? I do have yWriter to keep track. I have an Excel spreadsheet but my eyes have troubles with looking at it. I almost think I need to write it all on a wall. Wish I had one I could use like that. I know before I publish these I will have to make a character list to go at the beginning or end of each book so no one gets lost.

Something like this would be wonderful!

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A2Z, CampNaNo, J 20190411

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April 11, 2019

 

“Just a joke, I tell you! I jest!” Adam called. “Uncle, already!”

“You know we can’t resist when you take yourself so seriously most of the time.” Robert ceased knuckling their friend’s head”

“Speak for yourself, Robert. I joke around all the time and you don’t go all judge and jury on me! Where’s the justice? Are you jealous?” Henry smiled but was serious.

“Yes. You both have a purpose I’ve yet to find. Henry, you may jaw a lot, but It is for the purpose of keeping the peace or lifting the mood. Adam, you designed the structures on Haven and became quite useful to Her. I seem to be here merely to help Anna. And she still seems a bit depressed and still holding on to quite a lot of guilt.”

“Welcome to the jungle. We three do have the awesome job of joy. Our jewels of wives are the main leaders of Haven. She wanted it that way. And it has gone quite well for all of us. Okay, it is our turn in the great scheme of things that we jump how high according to our mates. Women did that for ages. We, also, get to see what jail they had to live in. And we reap the joys as they accomplish what we couldn’t here on Earth and on Haven. Any jam we get in, we are saved by the women. Look we don’t have to justify our lives. We were chosen by Haven for these ladies. And now Haven has sent us here. She knows we need our adventures, too.” Henry was always the voice of reason when he wasn’t cracking jokes.

Robert was the most mature of the three. But he’d been depressed for a while. He loved these guys like brothers. Which, in a sense, they were. The first three men to be awakened on Haven. As such they chose the jurisdiction of the joint. While Adam may have been the architect, Robert and Henry became the brawn to follow through and get the buildings set up for their town. Each helped the newly awakened get set up in new homes. Each lent their voices to the group songs. Robert tried to pull in his mood and try to remain positive. Adam was the target of Robert’s misplaced reason for living.

_____

That was the first scene from yesterday’s Camp NaNo project, Haven in 3D a sequel to my first novel Haven that you can find on the WattPad page in its entirety or here the first three chapters.  My current wordage is: 16,709. The bolded words are part of the J words I used for the A-to-Z Challenge. I like having prompts to write.

While I’m in over my head in writing I know there is a world out there. What have you been doing? What’s happening in your world? Weatherwise we are windy, cloudy and expecting snowy rain. I’m sorry if you live in the midwest with the snownado. Be safe and warm!

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1LinerWed, A2Z, CampNaNo, I 20190410

Filed under: Blogging, NaNoWriMo, Writing — 2 Comments
April 10, 2019

 

I didn’t realize it was Wednesday until I had already put the below in this blog.

 

“It is my immense pleasure to introduce this installment of Leprechauns to our most esteemed instructor of life and saving our sweet Ireland, Dusty Love, whose very name explains her nurturing and care. Many of you remember her insistence that we listen and in our ignorance didn’t. Many more remember how she was able to heal illness, intensifying our most important creed to safety to all in this institution. And how incongruously she…”

Suddenly a small female dressed in an ivory colored gown, looking every inch the monarch, held up an ice cream cone and invited all to the cafeteria for the most important party of the decade. Dusty had never seen leprechauns move so fast as when food was announced. She had to hide her giggles. As in the last time she visited these delightful people, she shrank to their height and was immediately immersed in the ice cream social. Dusty made inquiries as to the health and well-being of her friends since she’d seen them last.

It was then that she told them of the item that drew her here. She was the instrument of high importance. Haven was in dire need. Did she have their assurance that they could help?

Now she was surrounded by tiny dragons and fairies. “See we learned to do this, too! Of course we can ensure all of our aid to our Dusty and to Haven. We are so grateful for all you’ve done for us. Just let us know what you would have us do.”

Then Dusty remembered how the small could get in where the larger wouldn’t fit. So she welcomed them and told them she was off to visit others who might be able to help. “I love you all and will call to you when I can pull everyone together. Meanwhile, ground yourselves and listen for Mother Earth’s instructions.”

_______

The above was written a couple of days ago. Seems I am ahead of the game on one level! But just because we get Sundays off for A2Z doesn’t mean I don’t need 1,666 words a day for my CampNaNo goal of 50K. Just FYI I have 15,628. By the end of the day, I should have 16,660 words. So I still need over a thousand words before midnight tonight.

One-Liner Wednesdays are Linda G. Hill’s challenge click here. To learn about the A-to-Z Challenge click here. For NaNoWriMo or CampNaNo click the hyperlink of each word.

How are you all doing on your own challenges?

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