November 10, 2021

NaNoWriMo Day 10: Writing in Memorials

November is a busy month in our household. From day 1 to day 30, we have NaNoWriMo on the brain. In the month, we also have my birthday, two birthdays of those who’ve passed, the anniversaries of passings, several friends’ birthdays, a local event we participate in each year, and, of course, Thanksgiving. These days lead to many reflections for me – and many memorials in written word.
November 8, 2021

NaNoWriMo 2021 Day 8: Just Keep Writing

“What is wrong with me? Why did I write that? It’s fatal trash….” I think many of us can say that during NaNoWriMo. We’ve written a page, chapter, or even a 10,000-word chunk of writing that we think is the worst thing ever composed by any human. And, so, we face that problem: “What do I do now? Trash what I’ve written, take the loss, and move forward from somewhere else? Or do I keep going and realize this manuscript will only ‘win’ NaNo for me and nothing else, ever? Or do I move on and just hope, somehow, I can come back in December and redeem this piece of literary vomit?”
November 7, 2021

NaNoWriMo Day 7: Rethinking the Strong Female Lead

So, as I’ve worked on my own character development, I’ve noticed something in much of the world’s “strong female lead” design. This pattern I’ve seen is this: the “weakening” of women and feminine characters by “masculinizing” the characters in order to have them considered “strong.” Let me explain via some examples.
November 6, 2021

NaNoWriMo 2021 Day 6: Speed Writing Method – How I Write 10,000 Words in Under 4 Hours

Earlier this month, I mentioned my process for writing 10,000 words in less than four hours. I thought I’d give you the full run-down. May it help some of you as you tackle your NaNoWriMo 2021 writing goals this year!
November 4, 2021

NaNoWriMo Day 4: What’s In a Name?

While I am not about to question Shakespeare on his famous line, I am a names person, and that means they are vastly important to me, no matter what the aroma! Names of characters, names of bands, book and song titles…you name it, I’ve got a list of at least three or four hundred ideas.  And the list grows longer every day. Good character names are vital for powerful novels.
October 25, 2021

NaNo Prep Post 4: NaNoWriMo is Almost Here – Are You Ready?

It’s almost here! NaNoWriMo 2021 is just 6 days away. Oh, that glorious, wondrous time when we put aside all reason and write an entire novel draft in 30 days or less. Here are a few things I do each year to get myself ready, to keep myself motivated, and to get that winner’s badge.
October 24, 2021

A Delicious Twist: Rita’s Review of the Ahmad Lemon-Lime Twist Black Tea

Thus far, each Ahmad tea variety that I’ve tried, I have loved. September’s tea is no exception. The Lemon & Lime Twist is delicious! For any citrus lover who drinks black tea, this is definitely a must try. The fact that it’s affordable is pretty nice, too.
October 18, 2021

Staying Healthy During NaNoWriTing: Tips From a Personal Trainer and Nutritionist

Since that year, I’ve been committed to staying active all November long each year. I thought I’d share some of my tips and tricks here for fellow NaNo-ers who might need a little help in their own journey.
October 18, 2021

NaNoWriMo Prep Week 3: Finding the Right Consequences for Your Writing Motivation

Not sure how to get your butt in the chair to keep writing during NaNoWriMo? Check out these unique rewards and consequences one writer’s group uses to keep themselves motivated.
October 11, 2021

NaNoWriMo Prep Week 2: Your Writing Space

Here are some things I’ve done to create that writing space for myself even in the midst of: being married and sharing a studio apartment with another NaNo-er, having no office, and having no place to “go to” for writing, and working from home full-time.
October 4, 2021

NaNoWriMo Prep Week 1: Writer’s Groups

I’ve personally participated in NaNoWriMo for twelve years already and won eleven years (meaning I completed the 50,000 words on a brand new novel or rewrite of a novel). So, I thought I’d share some insight on my own preparations that hopefully will help newbies or long-standing NaNo-ers who’ve perhaps struggled a little. Today, we’re looking at writer’s groups and their value during this time.
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