I’m not going to mention the four-day flu. Writer’s write when they’re sick just like rock stars perform when they’re intoxicated. I am going to say that there’s something to be said about working with your outline; and making sure all the story elements are there. If you don’t do this you just might find that you’ve written a story with no pinch points. (I’m not talkinga bout plot points, I mean PINCHES.) And what’s a story with the right pinches? It’s an airplane without wings – and an engine.

I see no point in writing 50,000 words of rubbish. I’m not going for Novel #2 on LuLu here, I’m going for BESTSELLER! So, I’ve spent NaNoWriMo pacing about, slamming coffee and reworking a 60 page outline. (Well, except for the days I was on my back slurping NyQuil and green tea. But like I said, I’m not gonna bitch about it.)

The good news is there’s still a little time… and I’m a glutton for writing under pressure.

It’s a horrible time to start a new novel. I just moved to Colorado and started a new job. I have friends here I still haven’t seen! But National Novel Writers Month is upon us and what choice do I have?

NaNoWriMo Participant 2009

The Writing Gurus have been full of chat about NaNoWriMo lately. They say that nobody can write a good novel in 30 days. They say it’s a waste of time… They’re right. But writing fiction is a job for those who ignore good advice. Besides, NaNoWriMo is a good way to meet fellow lunatics and it’s fun, so sorry gurus – I’m doing it!

My project is The Weeping, a book that’s already outlined and structured. The characters are well rounded with histories and personalities.  In fact, the first draft was completed during Script Frenzy 2009. This may be cheating, but the writing world is full of cheats, too.

MY GOALS, November 2009: Survive NaNoWriMo and write 50,000 words of The Weeping.

So here we go, armed only with a keyboard and the will to survive 30 days and nights of literary abandon. My oh my… My heart’s beating fast already. See you on the other side.

The move to Colorado is complete, including an action packed trip back to Chicago to train for a new job. The new pad has a view of the mountains and is conducive to writing. I’m excited about NaNoWriMo next month and may post a NaNoWriMo Journal akin to 2009’s Frenzy Journal.

O C T O B E R  G O A L S

Completed all last minute revisions to The Things We Crave.

Outlined one-fourth of The Weeping.

Postponted Short Stores…

(Stuff happens when one moves an entire life four states next door… )

The majority of my belongings are on a moving truck bound for Colorado. My last days here will be an exercise in minimalist living. I sit here at an old desk I will soon discard to a dumpter diver, surrounded by blank, white walls and a vibrating quiet. My only posessions are:

• This computer, a small printer, paper and envelopes.
• An orange water bottle
• Coffee maker and coffee cup
• Assorted clothes and a black coat
• Blankets and a pillow
• My Stratocaster guitar

I imagined that the quiet would be conducive to writing. It is not, but the guitar’s good company.

Dear Writers – Life’s been crazy! The work has suffered. I could rant about how it’s not my fault, about responsibilities and sudden changes. But I’m not going to because:

Writing is a lifestyle, not a job.

One of my most productive and well-rounded months happened when I boldly posted my goals online in front of strangers, friends and family. So, in spite of (or maybe because of) current challenges I’m doing it again.

October Writing Goals:

Post two new pieces to Short Stories, probably Farin Zarahn and Zombie Romeo.

Complete outline on The Weeping.

Complete any last minute edits to The Things We Crave.

So, hold me accountable and I’ll do the same for you.

A couple of non-writing things are happening at NinJoga.com and GuitarAmbition.com and if you check those out that’d be great.

In other news, please read today’s great post at Zebra Sounds about regrets, “Sorry About the Dead Dog.” It’s a beautiful post by the adult version of a sensitive, writer-child.

Then ask yourself, “If I don’t write today, will I regret it?”

Remember, every day you don’t put words on paper the Dream Eaters win.

Peace,
Lake