A lot of people have been talking about the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and I know a few people who are participating. A good friend said we should do it together, which I thought about for all of five seconds. My main reason for not doing it is that I write at a glacial pace. Or maybe I should clarify that because I actually do write in short bursts, often in the wee hours of the morning, but there’s a big lag time between them. (I know, I know, I should be writing every day.) I have a demanding job, a husband who works insane hours, and an active three and a half year old. There just aren’t enough hours in the day and I do need to sleep sometimes. Trying to write a whole novel (and a new one at that) in a month would put me over the edge.
But, I’ve decided this is a good time to put the focus on my writing and finally get some work done on the sequel, which has been languishing due to the above mentioned items as well as my efforts to market the first book. A great marketing tool would be to finish the sequel, right? I finally finished a new chapter this week. It was fun. I’d almost forgotten how much fun it was to write something new and introduce some new characters. My goal is to write two more chapters this month and figure out a few more plot points to get me where I need to go. A far cry from a whole novel, but it’s realistic for me and I’ll be pleased if I can accomplish these things.
So to all the NaNoWriMo participants, happy writing and good luck! I’ll be writing along with you. Just at my own pace.
Just a reminder to any DC area folks, I’m doing a book signing and reading tomorrow, Saturday, November 5, from 2:30-4 at Blue 44, 5507 Connecticut Ave, NW, Washington, DC (www.blue44dc.com). Wine and light fare will be provided. Would love to see some friendly faces! (Or just some live bodies?)
If you don’t have a copy of Thief of Hope yet, I’m doing a Goodreads giveaway this month: http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/16231-thief-of-hope. Sign up to win a free autographed copy! Looks like they have lots of great books on the giveaway list. The chance to win a free book? What’s not to like?
Fall is one of my favorite times of year. Please welcome Jordan K. Rose and her views on the changing seasons!
Fall in Massachusetts, photo taken by Cindy's mom
I live in New England where we experience each one of the four seasons. Rainy spring weather rolls into glorious sunny summer. Autumn slides in with the last of the beautiful beach weather fading into October’s changing red, gold and brown leaves. Then winter hits. It literally slaps its way in. Temperatures drop. Snow falls. Doors and windows slam shut and the sun rises and sets so fast you’d think we lived in Alaska.
If you’re like me, you notice the changing of each season. Even the subtleties like the scent of spring showers washing away the last of the frozen mounds of snow or the combination wardrobe every woman pulls together as she grumbles her way from sleeveless tops into bulky sweaters as October tries to hold on to Indian Summer while November elbows its way in with temperatures hovering in the forties.
Over the years I’ve realized that I’m my most active at the changing of the seasons, when everything is in flux. The unsettled atmosphere makes it difficult for me to sit still. I have to get things done. I clean the house and plan for holidays or family events, even if they’re months away. Ideas for future books or current storylines pop into my head every time I turn a corner.
The atmospheric tumult, however smooth or disastrous affects me and everyone in my path. My husband and dog experience the upset with things getting turned upside down as the need to clean hits. Things get moved. New systems are developed and any complaining, or in the dog’s case, following me around, ears drooping and moping, are not tolerated. Change must happen.
Thankfully, the seasons turn fairly quickly. There’s only so much activity one woman and her household can tolerate. After that, it’s a quick trip to the psych ward for everyone, including the mopey dog.
Over the years I’ve realized that my life is seasonal. For example, although I love the summer months, they are the least productive for me because I bask in summer fun- the beach, cookouts, fairs.
Also in Massachusetts, photo by Cindy, a favorite walk in the woods
It’s the cold, dreary months when I’m most creative. The months when I can’t sit in a bathing suit and listen to the waves on the beach, when I can’t bear the thought of leaving the house because I don’t want to freeze my toes off. Late autumn through to mid spring is when I’m at my keyboard rapidly trying to get my characters’ stories onto the pages.
Oh, yes, I write all year, most everyday. But in the summer months with the windows open and the ocean calling me I don’t spend entire weekends writing. I don’t want to miss out on all the fun. So I write in the morning and at the end of the day each day. And enjoy the summer.
In the winter I write and write and write. So even though all the lovely warm weather is ending and we’re heading into blustery cold, dark months, I’m elated. It’s writing season and I have plenty of characters with lots and lots to share!
What about you? When are you most productive?
After trying her hand at many, many things – from crafting and art classes to cooking and sewing classes to running her own handbag business, Jordan finally figured out how to channel her creativity. With an active imagination and a little encouragement from her husband she sat down and began to write, each night clicking away at the keys with her black Labrador, Dino curled up under the desk. A few short years later she’s entered the publishing arena with no plans to ever turn back. Jordan’s a member of RWA National, and the New England (NEC), Connecticut, and Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal (FFnP) Chapters. Visit her website at www.jordankrose.com.
Jordan’s novel, Perpetual Light, will be released in winter 2012 by Crescent Moon Press. A reincarnated woman must trust the husband she condemned three hundred and fifty years ago to help her defeat a power-hungry vampire hell-bent on ruling the world. As a Pharo of Redemption Lucia DiComano must destroy Samuel, a master vampire who’ll stop at nothing to possess her powers. But centuries of avoiding this task have weakened her. Now, in order to save all of creation she must rely on Vittorio, the man who holds the key to her soul, the very same vampire who changed her destiny
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Cindy Young-Turner 