41: Write 3 Novels {NaNoWriMo 2012}

Last year I wrote about completing NaNoWriMo 2011 so it's only fair that I talk about my experience this year.

Really, they should have made NaNoWriMo be in April or something - April is a good month with not a lot going on. November? HORRIBLE for writing! I mean, there's the whole Thanksgiving thing which takes a good chunk of writing time away.

But either way - for the 3rd year in a row I've completed NaNoWriMo. (I'm not yet finished with my novel from this year - but I've got 57,000 words written - and I'd like to do another 23,000 or so before I put it away and wait on edits.)

This year, NaNoWriMo was a lot of fun for me! I had a friend doing it, so we spent many evenings tweeting with one another and encouraging each other! I also started a twitter "Choose Your Own Adventure" game where I would give three vague options and go from there when I was stuck! It helped my story movement quite a bit and I also have a few people very interested in this piece so that they can hopefully beta read.

I would LOVE to be submitting my 2012 NaNo book for publication late this year so I can cross off number 42 as well!!)

45. Write a fan letter to an author I admire {Completed}

When I made my 101 in 1001 list, I never envisioned my book blog taking off the way it has. My book blog has made communicating with authors a somewhat normal occurrence in my world now - so writing a "fan letter" has been sort of an unconventional item on my list. Not to mention developing Twitter Friendships with a few authors, whom I have grown to love. And even a texting/phone call relationship with another.

I've had multiple Q&A's and interviews with authors - and with several I have sent written letters of appreciation to the authors. (And the rest of been strictly email correspondences.) So I'm going to count those as my "Fan Letters" since they often involved a written thank you!

Susan Mallery (x 2)
Susan Wiggs
Kristan Hannah
Jenn Cooksey (whom I ADORE!!)

40 & 41: Complete NaNoWriMo / Write a Novel

Last year (2010) I completed my first NaNoWriMo - titled "The Baker's Husband" and I have recently finished it's multiple edits and sent off a synopsis!! (I wouldn't call it a full submission, since I've only sent it one place... but I'm working on it!

This year, despite the universes best efforts to thwart me, I have won NaNoWriMo again!

November was a rough month for finding time (or rather motivation) to write. I started with Ryan home the first of the month, then a drive to Crawford for my Great Grandma's funeral (I had 2 days I didn't write) and then mid-month? Breaking Dawn came out, and like a hardcore geek that I am? I went to a viewing marathon, and then the midnight premiere. So another day of writing gone. Finally, finishing out the month, Ryan was home again. And when he's home? I like to dedicate my time to being with family.

I spent the month of November with Lena and Josh - my two main characters, and they take an interesting journey. I don't want to spoil much, because I have high hopes for this - once I've edited at least a dozen times! I know this piece is rough, and has a long way to go. But I do have high hopes.

Now, since I've told you absolutely nothing about my novel? I have to give credit where it is due.

The idea for my book came from Ryan.

I did a lot different from his initial idea, my characters were a good 30 years younger than his original idea, for one. Which makes a huge difference. The location is different, again making a pretty big difference.

But in the end? I am proud of my story. I love it and I'm anxious to see where it goes. I am going to set it aside for a few months, let it rest. (Stephen King says to *wink* ) and then I'm going to give it a shot at editing!

44. Write a Letter to Bettina

 

I have had a few friends come into my life who have stuck around. Bettina is one of them, and I am so thankful for her friendship. We met my sophomore year in high school - she was an exchange student from Germany. After she went back, we kept in touch via email. (Although she is better at writing regularly than I am...)

When Ryan and I got married, I sent her an invitation - although I was sure nothing would come of it. The day of my wedding, I was getting my makeup done when there was a knock on the hotel room door. I opened the door to see Bettina and her brother standing there!! I was thrilled! We spent the day after my wedding exploring some of the mountains here in Southern Colorado.

About the time that Skyler was born, I got an email that she would be in the states again for a visit! I lucked out that we were in Lincoln at the same time and she got to meet Sky! (She seems to be around for major life events *lol* )

Her friendship is one that I really treasure, and one that I hope to keep for the rest of my life. And since I've been bad at keeping in touch the past year, I thought a letter would be a great way to get back in touch! (So I sent her an email *lol* Asking for her most recent snail mail address!) I know she's moved around a lot, both while in school (studying abroad in University as well) and since graduating; so I'm not really sure where to mail it too!