November is National Novel Writing Month. The challenge is to write 50,000 words in the month of November, especially for those aspiring to write a novel but just never get around to it.
Slapping 50,000 words down on my computer screen with a fresh new story-good or not-sounds like fun. I'm up for the challenge. How 'bout you? I'll keep you posted on my progress. Valuable writing time is ticking away. Stacy
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Fall break has come to a close. We've trekked through the Mall of America, rolled through a bowling alley, and hiked the trails of Lebanon Hills. And still, I managed to finish my manuscript...again...for now.
My freelance editor is currently reviewing it for a contest. Most likely, this will spur another round of rewrites, edits, and self-doubts--which will only serve to strengthen the story in the end. In the meantime, I will move on to the next project. The possibilities are endless. Perhaps my debut novel will become the first in a series. I'm so curious to know what my original characters are up to these days. I'll be keeping my eyes open for inspiration in my day to day life. Quirky people, uncomfortable situations, God performing miracles here and now--all the stuff great books are made of. What great story ideas have you seen in your day to day life? It's still summer! Just because Labor Day has come and gone, and the kids are back in school, that doesn't mean the summer is over.
Each September, I protest this unofficial end to summer by filling the kiddie pool for the kids to splash around in after a long day of school, and I try to schedule in one last family boating excursion. But the boat collects dust as the weekends are filled with football games and visits to the apple orchard (not too bad, I admit), and the kiddie pool no longer holds any attraction for my children. My attempts at sustaining the air of summer become frustrating. This year, I am trying something new. I have decided to embrace fall (even though it's still summer!). Minnesota falls are beautiful, after all. They're nothing to be afraid of (although the MN winter lurking close behind is terrifying!) How will I embrace fall? By planning that trip to the apple orchard in advance instead at the last minute when the weather is suddenly too cold to take the boat on the water, and buying football tickets for the Gopher game of our choice. I also need to set goals with deadlines in order to accomplish anything. So it is my goal to have my proposal for my manuscript polished to the best of my ability by the end of September. I have found a publisher seeking manuscripts that fit the description of my novel to a T! I am praying for patience to carefully and thoroughly prepare my proposal. Someone wise once said that an aspiring author has a 100% chance of having a well-written novel published. That is, if the writer has followed a publishers requests 100% and has the exact manuscript that the publisher is seeking at that time. Perhaps 100% may be an exaggeration, but the odds are in my favor... What are your goals for fall? Love, Stacy Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. Many people have asked if my book is published. My optimistic answer to that is "not yet." I am currently researching about breaking into the publishing world, looking up agents, and putting together a proposal. I will keep my website updated with any exciting developments.
But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:25 (NIV) What inspires you? For me, inspiration comes in unpredictable waves. With spring finally upon us, I've been washed over with a refreshing douse of inspiration.
The other day, I was walking to the park with my two year-old son. He was toddling down the sidewalk, rooster tail fluttering in the breeze (reminding me that I need to get the kid in for a haircut-but how I hate his screams when the scissors come at his head...guess I can't blame him.), a leaf in one dimpled hand, and a twig in the other. He was amazed at each gift nature had to offer. At one point, he stopped suddenly. "Come on," I prodded. "We're almost at the park." But he stood stone-still, listening. His eyes grew big in wonder, "Whatsat?" He asked. I mimicked his statue-like stance, only hearing the whir of cars endangering my toddler's life as they sped by. But then I heard it. "Honey, that's a robin." I watched my toddler from behind, stick and leaf in his clutches, staring in wide-eyed wonder at a robin playing in a tree, singing the praises of springtime. I suddenly wished I had been blessed with the gift to paint. Or I would've settled for the gift of a smart phone so that I could at least capture the moment in a photo. Somehow, I had to capture this sweet moment. Maybe I could write a poem about it? No, that would be cheesy. I decided the moment was a gift in itself. So I simply enjoyed it. Our walk, in the sunshine and fresh spring air, filled me with inspiration that lasted the whole day. It gave me new story ideas, energy to clean my house, passion to reach out to friends I hadn't spoken with in too long a time. Inspiration often visits me while on a long run, reading my Bible, spending quality time with family, watching a good movie, or reading a book. I would like to know... What inspires you? So I'm finally accepting this age of technology, entering the world of blogging. Thank you to my pre-teen daughter for helping me develop my website where I will provide updates on my manuscript and other writing endeavors.
Presently, my women's fiction novel is complete and professionally edited. I entered it in the American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis contest. It has taken great courage to pass my manuscript, my baby, on to professionals for review. The story I wrote deals with issues close to my heart, and many of the characters have been inspired by people I love. But I know that the criticism my work receives will only give me an opportunity to improve the story, and help me grow as a writer. Hopefully one day you'll see my story in print.
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