Yet another introduction

[jason-bond-69.livejournal.com]

Let me join my fellow lemmings and jump off the introductory cliff.

I'm John, and this will be technically my second attempt at NaNoWriMo. I found it way too late back about four years ago and tried to finish the goal in less than two weeks, but never came close. Last year, I made my goal with "Final Frontier", but never was able to finish the novel, as I got bogged down because I wasn't quite sure where I wanted the project to go.

This year, though, I am going to try something unique. I have been working on a project for over a year and a half now, tentatively titled "Through the Looking Glass and Down the Rabbit Hole". I was inspired by the LJ Rabbit Hole Day festivities on January 26, 2005, which marked the birthday of CS Lewis, who wrote Alice in Wonderland. Essentially, it's about a man who is pulled through time five hundred years into the future. He finds that the western North Carolina rural area where he lived in the early 21st century has been transformed into a massive urban metropolis in the 26th century.

But change did not come without a price, or without pain. A dozen years after he "left", a massive conflict started in his old hometown just miles down the road, and it would see massive worldwide devastation in the span of just two years. Ironically enough, the battle ended where it began, and saw the entire area where he lived pretty much leveled flat.

Now he is conflicted, because the possibility is there that he could go back in time and try to stop the apocalypse that is to come, but he finds himself feeling much more accepted by the people of the future than by those of his time. He starts to fall for an alien women who is his guide through this incredible new world, and together, the explore some of it, as well as the solar system and the worlds of the Galactic Confederation.

What I plan to do is to start the project with the NaNoWriMo warm up that starts at midnight next Sunday the 24th, then continue it with NaNoWriMo in November. Hopefully I'll be able to finish it with NaNoWriMo, or at least come close enough to finish it off.

I've divided the project essentially into two volumes: with the first volume to be completed during NaNoWriMo warm up, and the second and third to be completed with NaNoWriMo. I have an idea of an epilogue to write should my initial project fall short, which may lead into another project in the future.

Yet another introduction

[jason-bond-69.livejournal.com]

Let me join my fellow lemmings and jump off the introductory cliff.

I'm John, and this will be technically my second attempt at NaNoWriMo. I found it way too late back about four years ago and tried to finish the goal in less than two weeks, but never came close. Last year, I made my goal with "Final Frontier", but never was able to finish the novel, as I got bogged down because I wasn't quite sure where I wanted the project to go.

This year, though, I am going to try something unique. I have been working on a project for over a year and a half now, tentatively titled "Through the Looking Glass and Down the Rabbit Hole". I was inspired by the LJ Rabbit Hole Day festivities on January 26, 2005, which marked the birthday of CS Lewis, who wrote Alice in Wonderland. Essentially, it's about a man who is pulled through time five hundred years into the future. He finds that the western North Carolina rural area where he lived in the early 21st century has been transformed into a massive urban metropolis in the 26th century.

But change did not come without a price, or without pain. A dozen years after he "left", a massive conflict started in his old hometown just miles down the road, and it would see massive worldwide devastation in the span of just two years. Ironically enough, the battle ended where it began, and saw the entire area where he lived pretty much leveled flat.

Now he is conflicted, because the possibility is there that he could go back in time and try to stop the apocalypse that is to come, but he finds himself feeling much more accepted by the people of the future than by those of his time. He starts to fall for an alien women who is his guide through this incredible new world, and together, the explore some of it, as well as the solar system and the worlds of the Galactic Confederation.

What I plan to do is to start the project with the NaNoWriMo warm up that starts at midnight next Sunday the 24th, then continue it with NaNoWriMo in November. Hopefully I'll be able to finish it with NaNoWriMo, or at least come close enough to finish it off.

I've divided the project essentially into two volumes: with the first volume to be completed during NaNoWriMo warm up, and the second and third to be completed with NaNoWriMo. I have an idea of an epilogue to write should my initial project fall short, which may lead into another project in the future.

Intro.

[times-suspended.livejournal.com]

I joined this comm some time ago but never introduced myself because I'm horrible at them. :o) Since everyone else is, I'll be brave and follow suit. My name is Natalie, I'm a 33 year old mother of two. I've never done NaNo, though I've watched friends attempt.

I enjoy writing, and write often. Poems, snippets, short stories about fantasy, daily life and erotica. I have a vague idea of what I'm writing this time, but I haven't gone so far as to make an outline or anything serious other than a few scribbles typed into wordpad.

This should be fun, regardless.
I enjoy reading this community. :o)

Intro.

[times-suspended.livejournal.com]

I joined this comm some time ago but never introduced myself because I'm horrible at them. :o) Since everyone else is, I'll be brave and follow suit. My name is Natalie, I'm a 33 year old mother of two. I've never done NaNo, though I've watched friends attempt.

I enjoy writing, and write often. Poems, snippets, short stories about fantasy, daily life and erotica. I have a vague idea of what I'm writing this time, but I haven't gone so far as to make an outline or anything serious other than a few scribbles typed into wordpad.

This should be fun, regardless.
I enjoy reading this community. :o)

Sheep #?

[thatpirategirl.livejournal.com]

Okay, so it was only a matter of time before I wrote up one of these crazy introductions. But seeing as how you all fill my friends page so merrily, I figured it was my turn to help fill yours.

So, hi! My name is Tracy, and I'm a three for three NaNo winner. I'm 19 and a sophomore in college, and hoping I can do NaNo while staying serious about my grades this time, since last year I kinda failed everything in favor of spewing out a novel that turned out to be pretty bad anyway. Besides noveling I like comic art, fantasy/sci-fi stuff, renaissance re-enacting, and etymology. (I'd comment on the geekiness of that list, but there's no need; I'm among friends. ^_^)

My first novel was about a couple of teenagers spending the summer at their parents' archaeological dig in New Zealand, until some ghostly activity made them realize the true nature of their parents' job and the odd forces lurking in the Maori caves below. Mayhem ensues! Three years later it's embarrasingly bad, but a lot of fun. And considering it's the only novel I actually finished from beginning to end, it's kinda my greatest accomplishment.

Year two I did my favorite plot yet, a fantasy story about sky pirates, twisted politicians, and a ragtag crew of freedom fighters trying to deal with growing up in a world that's a lot more dangerous than they thought it would be. Huge chunks of the middle and end were never finished, but I actually think it would work really well as a comic someday, once the plot is revamped and my art skills catch up to my writing skills. (Term "skill" used loosely in both cases. ^_^)

Last year, I think, was kind of a bust. I was trying for a comedy murder-mystery romance featuring a whole cast of oddball detectives and love-to-hate villains. I'd give you a better summary of the plot, but part of the problem was that it had no real plot. Some people got killed and a secret society was involved, and everybody had a different reason to want to know whodunnit. And the whole thing was just an excuse to ship my main couple, which turned out being so corny and lame that I'm never writng a story that has "romance" listed as a genre again. I still love my characters, but I think I started trying to make it too serious and it kinda tripped over itself. I had fun, but I doubt that project will ever be finished.

This year I have no idea for a plot yet, although I'm thinking of returning to a modern day paranormal story, since I think out of the three I've done, that's the kind that felt the most fun and easygoing. Fantasy worlds take time to build and historical fiction is just plain not my forte, so I think laziness wins this time.

So good luck to everybody, and let's have fun!

Sheep #?

[thatpirategirl.livejournal.com]

Okay, so it was only a matter of time before I wrote up one of these crazy introductions. But seeing as how you all fill my friends page so merrily, I figured it was my turn to help fill yours.

So, hi! My name is Tracy, and I'm a three for three NaNo winner. I'm 19 and a sophomore in college, and hoping I can do NaNo while staying serious about my grades this time, since last year I kinda failed everything in favor of spewing out a novel that turned out to be pretty bad anyway. Besides noveling I like comic art, fantasy/sci-fi stuff, renaissance re-enacting, and etymology. (I'd comment on the geekiness of that list, but there's no need; I'm among friends. ^_^)

My first novel was about a couple of teenagers spending the summer at their parents' archaeological dig in New Zealand, until some ghostly activity made them realize the true nature of their parents' job and the odd forces lurking in the Maori caves below. Mayhem ensues! Three years later it's embarrasingly bad, but a lot of fun. And considering it's the only novel I actually finished from beginning to end, it's kinda my greatest accomplishment.

Year two I did my favorite plot yet, a fantasy story about sky pirates, twisted politicians, and a ragtag crew of freedom fighters trying to deal with growing up in a world that's a lot more dangerous than they thought it would be. Huge chunks of the middle and end were never finished, but I actually think it would work really well as a comic someday, once the plot is revamped and my art skills catch up to my writing skills. (Term "skill" used loosely in both cases. ^_^)

Last year, I think, was kind of a bust. I was trying for a comedy murder-mystery romance featuring a whole cast of oddball detectives and love-to-hate villains. I'd give you a better summary of the plot, but part of the problem was that it had no real plot. Some people got killed and a secret society was involved, and everybody had a different reason to want to know whodunnit. And the whole thing was just an excuse to ship my main couple, which turned out being so corny and lame that I'm never writng a story that has "romance" listed as a genre again. I still love my characters, but I think I started trying to make it too serious and it kinda tripped over itself. I had fun, but I doubt that project will ever be finished.

This year I have no idea for a plot yet, although I'm thinking of returning to a modern day paranormal story, since I think out of the three I've done, that's the kind that felt the most fun and easygoing. Fantasy worlds take time to build and historical fiction is just plain not my forte, so I think laziness wins this time.

So good luck to everybody, and let's have fun!

Everyone else is doing it, so why can't I?

[korova.livejournal.com]

Indiana checking in here. (And I'm always on the lookout for fellow Hoosiers, so if you're from the great land of corn, cars, and basketball, greetings!)

So my name's Sarah. I'm a sixteen year old high school senior, and this is my third NaNo year. Hopefully it will be my second win; I was painfully close to succeeding last year but alas, it was not meant to be.

My first (and currently only win boo) NaNo was essentially a really freakishly long series of conversations. It actually worked out surprisingly well.

Last year I went the more traditional route with a sort of a weird mafia debauched catholic school drama thing which I ended up totally adoring and plan on finishing.

This year, I'm torn between a tale of Russian cryptographers during the Cold War and the chronicle of the bizarre relationships of rather poor bohemian-esque catacomb dwellers in sixties Paris.

A little about my planning style: Does anyone else HAVE to create their characters and solidify their physical descriptions before they can even start the story? For me to be able to write, my characters must be defined and have a history; unfortunately, this can often distract from the actual process of writing-like-crazy itself.

Best of luck, everyone!

Everyone else is doing it, so why can't I?

[korova.livejournal.com]

Indiana checking in here. (And I'm always on the lookout for fellow Hoosiers, so if you're from the great land of corn, cars, and basketball, greetings!)

So my name's Sarah. I'm a sixteen year old high school senior, and this is my third NaNo year. Hopefully it will be my second win; I was painfully close to succeeding last year but alas, it was not meant to be.

My first (and currently only win boo) NaNo was essentially a really freakishly long series of conversations. It actually worked out surprisingly well.

Last year I went the more traditional route with a sort of a weird mafia debauched catholic school drama thing which I ended up totally adoring and plan on finishing.

This year, I'm torn between a tale of Russian cryptographers during the Cold War and the chronicle of the bizarre relationships of rather poor bohemian-esque catacomb dwellers in sixties Paris.

A little about my planning style: Does anyone else HAVE to create their characters and solidify their physical descriptions before they can even start the story? For me to be able to write, my characters must be defined and have a history; unfortunately, this can often distract from the actual process of writing-like-crazy itself.

Best of luck, everyone!

NaNo Writing Challange! 2006-2

[alison-sky.livejournal.com]

Here's the idea for the week. Minimum 500 words. Does not have to have anything to do with your NaNo... in fact, it's probably better if it's not.

Genre: any

Characters:
Boss - anyone
Worker - anyone

Scene: The worker has been called into the boss' office. Something's going down, and the worker isn't sure what's happening, but he/she knows some secret of the boss' that might come into effect if needed.

Stipulations: I want the following worked into the scene

a frisbee
a reference to Frankenstein
a poodle

.... hey, I said it was a challenge! Now get writing!

NaNo Writing Challange! 2006-2

[alison-sky.livejournal.com]

Here's the idea for the week. Minimum 500 words. Does not have to have anything to do with your NaNo... in fact, it's probably better if it's not.

Genre: any

Characters:
Boss - anyone
Worker - anyone

Scene: The worker has been called into the boss' office. Something's going down, and the worker isn't sure what's happening, but he/she knows some secret of the boss' that might come into effect if needed.

Stipulations: I want the following worked into the scene

a frisbee
a reference to Frankenstein
a poodle

.... hey, I said it was a challenge! Now get writing!

Look, it's a ~lemming!

[sharnjilraedan.livejournal.com]

Hi!

It's slightly hard to run and catch a train such as this one. The name's Ryan. Never tried this before, but I'm gonna dive right in and see what I can do. Note of fact: I shall be attempting this during my last year in my 4 year BSc Honours in Math. I guess I could go with something mathy, but I can't write reality fiction to save my life. Literally. I was held down by a gang of journalists who wanted me to write them a story about a boy who goes to the liquor store and the events that lead up to the point. I failed, and the boy died. It was a tragic day.

But I digress. I'm planning on writing fantasty, of which I've got most of it laid out in my head. Started with a world feel to it, and now starting on specific characters. Note: This fantasy isn't going to be centred around humans, or dwarves, or elves. None of the generic common-folk in fantasy. It's pure gnome time here! I guess since they're a bit industrious, I could say "it's hammer time", but I might get shot for that too.

I follow crowds...

[http://users.livejournal.com/____allie____/]

I have been putting this off, having read everyone else's introductions.

My name is also Allie (there was another one somewhere recently) and I am 21 years old. I go to Michigan State University, and last year hosted on campus write-ins for the fellow NaNoers on campus. It went over fairly well. This will be my third year doing NaNo.

The first year, I went into it with no plot, but only a first line. It actually turned out pretty well. Basically it was about a woman coming home after a long absence to be with her dying mother. But she had her own demons and reasons why she left. I "finished" november with over 50,000 words, but the novel still isn't over. I kind of lost momentum after the month was over.

Last year, I went in with a much more structured plot, which really helped as far as outlining the whole shebang. It was science fiction and turned out rather well. But it was in the middle of my finals time and in the last week, school became really stressful. I had three research papers due, one right after the other and the novel sat aside. But, I decided to look at it at one o' clock in the morning on November 30th and wouldn't you know it...I wrote 20,000 words in one day to get to my 50,000 words. But that one is also unfinished.

I recently participated in the 3-Day Novel contest and am proud to say I finished! it was crazy and fun, but at least now I have the accomplishment of finishing, even if it was complete crap.

I am going into this year's NaNo with no idea what I want to write about, which is kind of a problem. Last year at this time I was counting down the seconds until November 1st. I am leaning towards more sci-fi, like my 3-day novel, or a sequel to it. But only time will tell.

I look forward to getting to know all of you!

I follow crowds...

[http://users.livejournal.com/____allie____/]

I have been putting this off, having read everyone else's introductions.

My name is also Allie (there was another one somewhere recently) and I am 21 years old. I go to Michigan State University, and last year hosted on campus write-ins for the fellow NaNoers on campus. It went over fairly well. This will be my third year doing NaNo.

The first year, I went into it with no plot, but only a first line. It actually turned out pretty well. Basically it was about a woman coming home after a long absence to be with her dying mother. But she had her own demons and reasons why she left. I "finished" november with over 50,000 words, but the novel still isn't over. I kind of lost momentum after the month was over.

Last year, I went in with a much more structured plot, which really helped as far as outlining the whole shebang. It was science fiction and turned out rather well. But it was in the middle of my finals time and in the last week, school became really stressful. I had three research papers due, one right after the other and the novel sat aside. But, I decided to look at it at one o' clock in the morning on November 30th and wouldn't you know it...I wrote 20,000 words in one day to get to my 50,000 words. But that one is also unfinished.

I recently participated in the 3-Day Novel contest and am proud to say I finished! it was crazy and fun, but at least now I have the accomplishment of finishing, even if it was complete crap.

I am going into this year's NaNo with no idea what I want to write about, which is kind of a problem. Last year at this time I was counting down the seconds until November 1st. I am leaning towards more sci-fi, like my 3-day novel, or a sequel to it. But only time will tell.

I look forward to getting to know all of you!

Copyrights & Original Fiction

[sera-bella.livejournal.com]

I was asked about posting some links and information about implications of posting original fiction on the Internet. I've had to dig a little bit to find the information that I wanted because I can no longer find the original link that I wanted to post. So yeah here we go. :)

ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING AND THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF FIRST SERIAL RIGHTS
The Internet offers the writer the freedom to post articles to a web site, to news groups, or to writing groups for the purpose of critiquing a work. The question then arises as to whether or not such activities may prevent the author from subsequently negotiating a sale of first serialization rights to a hard copy magazine.

The answer to the question is a resounding "Maybe."
Source: http://www.ivanhoffman.com/first.html

The way I understand it, what you post to your own website, blog, etc, if it is not for critiquing, can be considered first serialization. You are 'publishing' a snippet of a writing that you want to have come out in a full length published format, which is what first serialization is and most places will want those rights before they will even consider anything further.

Some other great sources that I have found:
Basic Copyright Concepts For Writers: http://www.writerswrite.com/journal/sept97/cew2.htm
A Novice Writer's Guide to Rights: http://www.writerswrite.com/journal/dec97/cew3.htm
CopyLaw Helpful Articles: http://www.copylaw.com/new_articles/helpful.html
Writing World Helpful Links: http://www.writing-world.com/links/rights.shtml

And of course, the EFF: http://www.eff.org/IP/

Copyrights & Original Fiction

[sera-bella.livejournal.com]

I was asked about posting some links and information about implications of posting original fiction on the Internet. I've had to dig a little bit to find the information that I wanted because I can no longer find the original link that I wanted to post. So yeah here we go. :)

ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING AND THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF FIRST SERIAL RIGHTS
The Internet offers the writer the freedom to post articles to a web site, to news groups, or to writing groups for the purpose of critiquing a work. The question then arises as to whether or not such activities may prevent the author from subsequently negotiating a sale of first serialization rights to a hard copy magazine.

The answer to the question is a resounding "Maybe."
Source: http://www.ivanhoffman.com/first.html

The way I understand it, what you post to your own website, blog, etc, if it is not for critiquing, can be considered first serialization. You are 'publishing' a snippet of a writing that you want to have come out in a full length published format, which is what first serialization is and most places will want those rights before they will even consider anything further.

Some other great sources that I have found:
Basic Copyright Concepts For Writers: http://www.writerswrite.com/journal/sept97/cew2.htm
A Novice Writer's Guide to Rights: http://www.writerswrite.com/journal/dec97/cew3.htm
CopyLaw Helpful Articles: http://www.copylaw.com/new_articles/helpful.html
Writing World Helpful Links: http://www.writing-world.com/links/rights.shtml

And of course, the EFF: http://www.eff.org/IP/

Yeah, peer pressure or something like that.

[atheva]

I too shall fling myself happily off a cliff like a little lemming.

I'm not very good at introductions. I'm Subaru and this is my second year participating in NaNo. I didn't make the goal last year, though I still think is was a personal success for me. I'd never written so much until then. This year, I've been outlining two different plot ideas and sketching out the characters for each since about March. I hope not to run out of steam this year.

I don't really know what else to say. Ah, this introduction fails!

Yeah, peer pressure or something like that.

[atheva]

I too shall fling myself happily off a cliff like a little lemming.

I'm not very good at introductions. I'm Subaru and this is my second year participating in NaNo. I didn't make the goal last year, though I still think is was a personal success for me. I'd never written so much until then. This year, I've been outlining two different plot ideas and sketching out the characters for each since about March. I hope not to run out of steam this year.

I don't really know what else to say. Ah, this introduction fails!

(no subject)

[tyrybaby.livejournal.com]

So, I am, once again, desperate to find good stories.

So, I'm asking for opinions on a couple of names, whether you like them or not and why or why not.

And then, I would love stories of what bad dates you had or what good dates you had.

My plot idea involves a cupid named (tentatively) Drake Leslie (who's name I would like to know if you like) and his quest to find love for a young female witch named Temperance Cole (the other name I need an opinion on). In the process, he begins to fall in love with her himself and craziness ensues. It's a forbidden love thing.

So, I need stories, please, and opinions on the names of Temperance Cole and Drake Leslie.

Thank you so so much.

(no subject)

[tyrybaby.livejournal.com]

So, I am, once again, desperate to find good stories.

So, I'm asking for opinions on a couple of names, whether you like them or not and why or why not.

And then, I would love stories of what bad dates you had or what good dates you had.

My plot idea involves a cupid named (tentatively) Drake Leslie (who's name I would like to know if you like) and his quest to find love for a young female witch named Temperance Cole (the other name I need an opinion on). In the process, he begins to fall in love with her himself and craziness ensues. It's a forbidden love thing.

So, I need stories, please, and opinions on the names of Temperance Cole and Drake Leslie.

Thank you so so much.

before these get COMPLETELY BANNED *cues dramatic music*

[instantramen]

Hm. Thought I introduced myself last year, but apparently not, so hi! I'm Sam, commonly known as ramen_addict, and this will be my second year participating. I crapped out around 12k last year, yet for some reason was compelled to try again this year. Must be that rumored writer's madness. ;) I'm Fearsome Dogfish on the official website (named for my writing journal, fearsomedogfish, where I plan to post excerpts and notes and the like), specialize in fantasy, and have no idea what I'm going to call my novel-in-waiting (even temporarily).

So that's pretty much the bare bones report. I'll probably wind up lurking again anyway, but feel free to ask questions if you find my Woman of Too Few Words routine mysterious, intriguing, etc.

before these get COMPLETELY BANNED *cues dramatic music*

[instantramen]

Hm. Thought I introduced myself last year, but apparently not, so hi! I'm Sam, commonly known as ramen_addict, and this will be my second year participating. I crapped out around 12k last year, yet for some reason was compelled to try again this year. Must be that rumored writer's madness. ;) I'm Fearsome Dogfish on the official website (named for my writing journal, fearsomedogfish, where I plan to post excerpts and notes and the like), specialize in fantasy, and have no idea what I'm going to call my novel-in-waiting (even temporarily).

So that's pretty much the bare bones report. I'll probably wind up lurking again anyway, but feel free to ask questions if you find my Woman of Too Few Words routine mysterious, intriguing, etc.

(no subject)

[romancenoir.livejournal.com]

I've lurked on the NaNoWriMo LJ because I chickened out last year. But this year, I hope to have something prepared. I'm twenty-two and attend community college, majoring (at the moment) in Fashion Design. My goal is to write as much as I can on a work of historical fiction with romantic elements set in the Edwardian era, dealing with the theatres, music halls and the cinema. Hope to join you all in November!

(no subject)

[romancenoir.livejournal.com]

I've lurked on the NaNoWriMo LJ because I chickened out last year. But this year, I hope to have something prepared. I'm twenty-two and attend community college, majoring (at the moment) in Fashion Design. My goal is to write as much as I can on a work of historical fiction with romantic elements set in the Edwardian era, dealing with the theatres, music halls and the cinema. Hope to join you all in November!

Hi!

[phoenix-singing.livejournal.com]

I'm Rene. [waves] I've done NaNoWriMo for two years, finishing both times - and believe me, the second finish was no less a surprise than the first. XD I'm looking to make it a threepeat, but I have one particularly stubborn muse who refuses to give me the plotbunny for the second book, which is a sequel to last year's. I figure he's upset that I let my hero shoot him dead.

But I have a plan! If I can't get that idea out of him, I'll do an anthology. ^_^

Also, Word 2003 users will want to turn off that Word Count toolbar. I have it at work and it's very, very addictive.

That concludes this fairly pointless introduction.

Hi!

[phoenix-singing.livejournal.com]

I'm Rene. [waves] I've done NaNoWriMo for two years, finishing both times - and believe me, the second finish was no less a surprise than the first. XD I'm looking to make it a threepeat, but I have one particularly stubborn muse who refuses to give me the plotbunny for the second book, which is a sequel to last year's. I figure he's upset that I let my hero shoot him dead.

But I have a plan! If I can't get that idea out of him, I'll do an anthology. ^_^

Also, Word 2003 users will want to turn off that Word Count toolbar. I have it at work and it's very, very addictive.

That concludes this fairly pointless introduction.

Starting early

[janstedehouder.livejournal.com]

I looked forward to joining the race to the 50.000 in November. Unfortunately, the planning for the final quarter of 2006 is a bit of. I will have to start in October to finish my part of a book that I write along with two other authors. The book will be published in the Spring of 2007.

So, in November I shall look with envy at those who can participate and continue to edit on what is finished already.

I write about IT related topics mostly. Linux, open source software and the development of rich content eLearning materials . I do have the intention to move beyond non-fiction and gather the scraps to make that happen.

To all that will participate: happy writing.

More bandwagon chasing

[cygnus.livejournal.com]

You know how when you're starting a new story, and you have so terribly little to begin with -- usually just an idea and too many blank pages (infinitely many, if you're on a computer), and you wander in, kind of flailing and searching but continuing to walk forward... and you really never know where you're going to end up? Maybe you have a crudely scribbled map of where you are and which directions you should take, but unless you're incredibly lucky or on really phenomenal drugs, you begin to understand that the map you have is wrong. Your surroundings seem familiar at first, but then you start seeing things or hearing voices that were never mentioned in the margins, and where the map shows one pathway, suddenly you notice, behind an old statue covered in moss, that there was a secret corridor going in the opposite direction. A character you thought you knew so well instead shows up wearing something you never thought he'd wear, and you're stunned by it, stunned by what it means and what might've happened to him to make him so different than what you thought. Or maybe you discover that the map and the notes and the sketches were done in a foreign language that you never, ever learned in school, that in fact you never thought you could learn, and it's frightening, and difficult to work with, and it changes everything... but it's your story, and if you love it enough, you'll want to know it how it really is and stay with it.

When I posted an intro to this community, one year ago today, I was just gearing up for another November like everyone else. I'd done Nanowrimo for a couple years, falling very short of the mark each time, but enjoying the community and the incentive to get writing. Last year, my story clocked in around 13,000 words, and while I haven't had the courage to earnestly work on it this past year, it remains the story I am always thinking about, because it's important to me. I can't say that about very much of my writing. I will probably just go back to this story for Nanowrimo 2006 and try to put on as many words as I can. (Why haven't I worked on it? Because it scares me. Why is it important? Because it scares me. You may know this feeling.)

As far as Nanowrimos go, last year's was a success. I had written something meaningful to me, had created characters that felt real to me. But writing is a lot like life, because you often don't know where a few steps will take you (I apologize for sounding like Bilbo Baggins there). I made a new LJ friend through that introductory post... and as luck/chance/fate would have it, I fell in love with her and took a crazy chance and moved across the country to be with her. And she changed everything.

So when you're writing, in November or whenever (ideally, every day), be aware of what's happening to your story. Be aware of the simple fact that you may not be aware of what's really happening to your story, and that it's okay if you aren't.

It's okay because if you let yourself be open to all the pathways and directions and choices, if you treat that map of yours as merely a suggestion and not a blueprint, if you're brave enough... incredible things can happen.

More bandwagon chasing

[cygnus.livejournal.com]

You know how when you're starting a new story, and you have so terribly little to begin with -- usually just an idea and too many blank pages (infinitely many, if you're on a computer), and you wander in, kind of flailing and searching but continuing to walk forward... and you really never know where you're going to end up? Maybe you have a crudely scribbled map of where you are and which directions you should take, but unless you're incredibly lucky or on really phenomenal drugs, you begin to understand that the map you have is wrong. Your surroundings seem familiar at first, but then you start seeing things or hearing voices that were never mentioned in the margins, and where the map shows one pathway, suddenly you notice, behind an old statue covered in moss, that there was a secret corridor going in the opposite direction. A character you thought you knew so well instead shows up wearing something you never thought he'd wear, and you're stunned by it, stunned by what it means and what might've happened to him to make him so different than what you thought. Or maybe you discover that the map and the notes and the sketches were done in a foreign language that you never, ever learned in school, that in fact you never thought you could learn, and it's frightening, and difficult to work with, and it changes everything... but it's your story, and if you love it enough, you'll want to know it how it really is and stay with it.

When I posted an intro to this community, one year ago today, I was just gearing up for another November like everyone else. I'd done Nanowrimo for a couple years, falling very short of the mark each time, but enjoying the community and the incentive to get writing. Last year, my story clocked in around 13,000 words, and while I haven't had the courage to earnestly work on it this past year, it remains the story I am always thinking about, because it's important to me. I can't say that about very much of my writing. I will probably just go back to this story for Nanowrimo 2006 and try to put on as many words as I can. (Why haven't I worked on it? Because it scares me. Why is it important? Because it scares me. You may know this feeling.)

As far as Nanowrimos go, last year's was a success. I had written something meaningful to me, had created characters that felt real to me. But writing is a lot like life, because you often don't know where a few steps will take you (I apologize for sounding like Bilbo Baggins there). I made a new LJ friend through that introductory post... and as luck/chance/fate would have it, I fell in love with her and took a crazy chance and moved across the country to be with her. And she changed everything.

So when you're writing, in November or whenever (ideally, every day), be aware of what's happening to your story. Be aware of the simple fact that you may not be aware of what's really happening to your story, and that it's okay if you aren't.

It's okay because if you let yourself be open to all the pathways and directions and choices, if you treat that map of yours as merely a suggestion and not a blueprint, if you're brave enough... incredible things can happen.