10 Things I need to have on hand when I write (and a big Writing Milestone!)

I am tooting my own horn right now, but I am working on a draft for my novel, A Lost Lady, and I have reached One Hundred and One Thousand words (101,000 looks so much better spelled out right?) and 115 pages of New Times Roman 10 point font. I looked down at my word could and did a little dance. I imagine that I have a least another 50,000 words until the end of the novel. It will officially be my longest work yet. I have a hard time believing I have come so far.

I get in a grove and just start going.  It helps that I have a rough outline of certain scenes to keep me on track. Thank you note cards! I even outline the last scene in more detail as it is rather pivotal to the development of my characters romantic relationship.

Here are ten things I need to get the writing rolling.

1) Quiet. I know that a lot of people like to listen to music while writing, and occasionally I will, but I get distracted by a song I like and stop to sing along. Once out of my own headspace it can be hard to get back to the point of writing nirvana.

2) Water. Any beverage will do but more often than not it is water. Ice water being the most preferable. Having something on hand helps went I hit a bump, I can take a drink, think a moment and switch gears. Super refreshing!

3) A dictionary/thesaurus. I pinterest things like lists with the title of "100 ways to say look." Weather it is the Merriam-Webster website or a traditional quick reference paperback I usually have both on hand. Recently I realized that Word Doc has a dictionary as well as a thesaurus and that has saved me a lot of back and forth, but truthfully, no one can beat Merriam-Webster. Not even close!

4) My Notes! From scribbled ideas on a piece of scratch paper to my 3x4 inch note cards outlining my story arch I keep them handy in case I need a refresher on what happens next.

5) Character list. This isn't grouped into the notes section because I have a tendency to look at it a lot more than anything else. Mostly to remember how is related to home and how to spell their names. In a medieval-esque novel it is hard to remember everyone in the novel and who they are and where they are from. Seriously, why did I need so many characters? Not that I'm not attached to each one, but I lose track of whose who all the time. Without the master list I would be lost. I try to keep it brief. Attached is a screen capture of the excel doc. It's just a very brief list with basic physical descriptions, age, a blurb about who they are and what they did or didn't do, and in most cases one word that I thought best describes them.  

6) Chap stick. Technically mine is not that brand but an Orange Blossom Honey lip balm by The Naked Bee. I think I nabbed this from my sister and refused to give it back, but I find that I feel calmer when I put it on and am less likely to chew on my bottom lip when frustrated.

7) A foot rest. Currently I am using the paper shredder I store under my desk as a foot rest but I've found that it is a just the right height for me and no, I don't worry about harming it. Though now that I said that I will probably start to worry about that.

8) Light. I have a fan with a light on it and  hate it on unless I am cleaning my room. Instead I have a clamp light from IKEA that moved to be my desk light. I don't have enough room on my desk for a traditional light so the clamp works wonders. I had to replace the energy saving with a low watt traditional bulb because it took too long to get to full strength.

9) Gum or a snack of some kind. I like sweet mint gum and mints but more of a subtle flavor than the bad breath eradicating things my sister favors. Gum is better than any other snack as I won't consume large quantities mindlessly as I sit in front of my computer screen. Plus, chewing helps relieve some of my frustration when things are really going as planned.

10) Motivation, usually in the form of a picture or saying. It hangs just above my screen so that when I lean back and put my feet up I see it clearly. I have a sentimental card my sister gave me. A cute picture, a fortune from a cookie and a few other things I've tacked or taped up to keep me inspired.  I don't know where I found this quote, or how Napoleon Hill is, but he said "What the mind can conceive, it can achieve." I wrote it down on a sticky note and placed it were I could see it. Even if I don't read it every day, even if I don't really see it. It is still a bright spot at my computer.

So here is my question to you. What keeps you motivated to write through writer's block, computer backups and emotional breakdowns? Are you like me and find a happy escape in writing? Maybe what you put on digital paper is something cathartic, but what keeps you going when the words won't come willingly?

Looking around I realize two things. While I surround myself with stuff, the real motivation comes from within and no amount of sticky notes and knick-knack life hacks are going to make things perfect. Secondly, I really need to clean off my desk! It's time to take a cleaning break.

To those of you who read this, please comment if only to say hi. I really would like to hear from you. Even if it is to suggest I do something different.

As ever, Write On!

The Beast of the Ruin

Here is the final Cover for the first book in The Chronicles of Odde series, The Beast of the Ruin. Once again I have Melanie to thank for her fantastic work. Book One is available on Amazon, in paperback or for your Kindle.

The title was changed from My Dark Prince to The Beast of the Ruin, upon my sister's suggestion that the original title wasn't in line with the feel of the book. I agreed and so here it is.

I hope you enjoy the novel as much as I enjoyed writing it!

New Cover!

     Here is the new cover for Ties of Fate: The Lost Continent. The first book I wrote and published. The artwork is thanks to my talented sister, Melanie, and her amazing Photoshop skills. It's on sale now at www.amazon.com in print or as an eBook.

Check out Melanie Brown and her novel, At First Sight: A Persephone Waters novel, also available in paperback or Kindle version.

Beginning Again

     So the first month of 2016 is almost over. It's been a bit stressful with my grandmother going back into the hospital for a few days after almost six months without an ER visit. I pray we can do at least another six months before her next one, if not longer. My sister and  I are rather tired after such ordeals, and I have to remember that it's emotionally stressful stuff even though I really didn't do anything while Gram was in the hospital.

     I said I was going to do a post about my goals for 2016. So here it is. Nothing like a sick family member to make you think about what you want to do, or not do. I recently took some time to sit down and talk with two of my closest friends to make a list of goals for 2016. Here is the gist of that conversation.

 

     Health is a big one and something I am constantly struggling with. I do not get sick often but I am very overweight and not very motivated to change. it's not that I don't want to change. I have dreamed about a slimmer me for years, but taking steps to make that happen, well, let's just say I am not very good with the follow through. So I am trying to be and eat healthier; 1) by cutting out fast food. 2) not buying sweets or sugary products (this is hard because sugar sneaks into a lot of "healthy" things) because I have NO self control with such things, though we do not buy candy and cookies very often at all these days, not so much as in my childhood. 3) exercising more, by trying for two miles 2 times a week and 1 mile two times a week, and anything over that is gravy. 4) Portioning and food tracking as well as Meal planning, which helps to see what you are eating and using what is already in your pantry, which brings me to my theme for this year, Use what you have.

     I have a lot. If you have read previous posts your would know that I have tubs full of stuff that I haven't seen in years. Using what I have means taking stock of everything and planning how I can use it in my home, or sell it and use the money to help pay off some of our growing debt. I have tons of craft supplies, some of which I plan to sell off outright and others stuff I plan to make and sell on Etsy. I already have a shop, MirrorImageStudios. I just need to focus on getting things up for sale.

     Organization is really big this time of year. I subscribe to a few websites like Organize 365 by Liza Woodruff, that gives weekly posts and podcasts on how to organize your home and any number of free printables for those of us who like to track what we accomplish. My family has donated thousands of dollars worth of stuff over the years, and I especially, get a sense of satisfaction when items get a new life and a new home instead of going into the trash. I plan to start organizing the house, starting with the kitchen in a few days. I already have a list and my printables ready. Cleaning things out also gives me the opportunity to deep clean some areas that really need it.

     Along with organization goes a chore list and keeping the house clean on a daily basis. It's hard when you are stuck at home 24/7. Most people don't have a messy house because they are rarely home. (Oh, for that luxury!) I have to admit that sometimes I become blind to certain things, and my goal this year is to keep the house and garage clean so that those unexpected visitors don't catch us unawares.

     On a personal level, I want to Love God more, and owe the fact that He loves me. I have problems with feeling loveable. I am aware of them, which they say is the first step, but I want to work on my own self-image and feeling like I am making a consistent effort to be more like God has made me. For me this means setting aside time to pray and read my bible that isn't tacking Him on the end of my day as an afterthought or an 'oh, I gotta do that before I go to bed' sort of thing. I need to trust Him, and spend more time with the Word.

     I also want to write daily. I have several projects that I am working on; two novels that I am writing that are almost finished, plus artwork for The Chronicles of Odde series. In certain areas of my life I am a perfectionist, which doesn't make a lot of sense because I know that they will never be perfect and at some point I have to stop and let it go. My writing and art are such areas. I have so many ideas but not the time and skills to execute them. I am learning to build my skill set, and that patience goes a long way towards having a successful outcome.

     My biggest challenge is not giving up, especially when life gives me curveballs and I fall off the wagon or wonder off the path. I need to focus my efforts, and not put too much on my plate a one time. I have lots of ideas and the key is doing a little bit every day.

     Are there any things you are excited about doing this year? Any goals that you are struggling with but determined to see through? I know I have a lot on my lists, yes, I wrote lists. Please comment and share your thoughts and any advise.

     As always, I hope you are blessed and remember that all great journeys begin with the first step. Write On, my fellow travelers! Write On!

Planning and Setting Goals

It's that time of year again. Time to plan and dream and get out your organizational supplies. Time to write on our calendars and make lists, scour the internet for exercise plans and low carb menus. I love this time of year!! Not for the influx of self-help propaganda but for the limitless possibilities and hope that a new year can represent.

I know your probably have a list of things you want to change and accomplish this year, whether you wrote them down on New Year's Eve or like me, are still trying to figure out exactly what is truly important to you, it is wonderful that you have goals. The hard part is making a plan to see them through. Someone said that a goal without a plan is just a dream, and that makes a lot of scenes to me, because how can we reach them if we don't have any idea how to get there. In the age of instant access, we are lucky in one respect. We can find almost anything we need on the internet with the click of a button.

I am still trying to find my footing of this new year. Usually I have a planner that I print out from a variety of websites, that helps me keep track of the endless lists that I am always creating for myself. This year I am behind. Usually I print out my planner before the year even begins, customizing it to my specifications and popping it in a binder. I have the pieces just not an idea of how I want them to fit together. My hesitation is mostly due to the fact that I often have the best of intentions, but little follow through with using my planner. The first couple of months are great, and then somewhere around April I just stop using it, with no real reason to explain why. But I am a firm believer in the expression, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." So this time I am putting a little more thought into it, reevaluating what I have and only printing out the items that I need, making sure to use what I have.

What are your goals for the year? I will write another post with some of goals later... but I wonder how many people write down their resolutions for the new years? Do you keep them? Do you give up or quite? Do you revisit and revise your list throughout the year? Do you plan for long term? Or maybe you have monthly goals?  Please share, I am interested to hear about your success, or why you think could didn't follow through.

I can say that I have one goal already this year. I am going to work in more blog posts. Trying for two a month, or if I feel ambitious, one a week and this time I am scheduling them in! To my fellow writers and reads, I hope you have a blessed year. And as ever, Write On!

Formatting Frenzy

Another Post so soon?!?! I know... I had to add this in! I have been working on formatting most of the day. I am using CreateSpace to finish The Beast of the Ruin and get it ready for sale, both paperback and Kindle editions. (My sister is finishing up some book covers for me and is still working on the maps for this series, so I plan to update it at a later time.) While formatting the novel, I remembered that there was a way to add in chapter headings that were visible while scrolling through the pages. This feature also allows you to add in a table of contents that will update its own page numbers. No more hunting for chapter headings!!

Thanks to a video on YouTube from Chester Tugwell titled "Word 2013 Chapter Numbering & Page Number with Chapter Number" I was able to figure it all out. While I haven't finished the video or watched anything else from this YouTuber I am sincerely grateful to him for making this so easy. THANK YOU!!

Formatting is a bear on good days, but when I find short cuts like this, that will make things easier in the long run, it really improves my mood.

Do you have any formatting hacks? Any quick tips? How about pet-peeves? I know I do... comment and share your Word Doc Wisdom!!

TTFN!!

Write On, my Friends, Write On!!

Giving Thanks

There is much to be grateful for in my house this Christmas season. My Grandmother's health is improving each day and I look forward to the time when she will no longer need assistance with everyday activities. I know she will never be as independent as she once was, but she will be able to take care of herself. I am sure she is looking forward to that day much more than I am, as she is tired of her granddaughters making all the decisions for her.

I am grateful to friends and family for their prayers and support. We could not have gotten by without you.

I am thankful for this time with my grandmother though it has been very difficult and frustrating at times. I know that she would not be here if not for my sister and I stepping in on several occasions.

I am looking forward to getting out of debt. We are now taking active steps to limit our spending and help pay off the mountains of debt we have accumulated since my grandmother became ill. I would like to say that it is mostly medical bills, but I know there was a lot we should have done that we didn't. We were living as if we had the money we used to and that was not the case. If anyone is listening , all I want for Christmas is to be debt free, or at least to pay off a few of the smaller credit cards. I am tired of stressing over finances.

On a different note, I am almost ready to launch The Beast of the Ruin. My sister is reworking the cover along with a new cover for Ties of Fate. I am still working on Lost Lady, The Lost Prince, and now on an older work called The Captain's Ghost. I know it sounds weird but instead of taking a break, I usually switch gears from one story to another whenever I hit a block. I have dozens of stories I have almost finished from years ago. I just dust off a manuscript, read what I have and then start writing. I hope one day I will have a number of completed works under my belt. I feel this method works best for me because if I stopped writing for a bit, it could be months before I picked it back up again. At least this way I might work an hour on one draft and then an hour on another. Eventually they will come to fruition.

My GoFundMe account hasn't garnered a lot of attention. That's okay, I think I will lower the amount of it anyway. I had grand ideas, but what I need right now is funds to market my novel. If they don't know it's there, how can they buy it? Right? My sister and my friends and family have graciously been my test subjects... I mean test readers, editors and critics for many years. With their opinions and my sister's Photoshop ninja skills I have saved hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in publishing my own work.

I find that in many ways it is a group effort. I am so thankful that they are willing to lend me their time and skills. Their strengths help to strengthen me, and I return the favors whenever I can.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas season, and are blessed with all that you need.

To my fellow writers who have finished NaNoWriMo, whether you met the 50,000 word mark or even your own smaller goals, remember that you have started something great! Keep going, keep dreaming. WRITE ON!