I’ve started a new project and I’m fighting the seat of my pants that wants to take off and just get on with writing, and am madly prepping and outlining in anticipation of Camp NaNoWriMo in April.
Last July and November, I was working on a project about chronic, invisible illness for the writing challenge. Well, that project now needs to percolate so I can gain perspective on it again.
When my husband and I were in our West Coast paradise, I finally screwed up the courage to ask him to read the first chapter of the first ‘book‘ (I use this term loosely) I wrote back in 2015. Two reasons for this: 1) he’s an English professor, so – pressure, and 2) it’s a rough (ahem, creative) interpretation of the story of how we met.
So – pressure.
Well. What the hell did I wait so long for? His response was so motivating, I jumped into that project, determined to mold the existing 20 chapters into some kind of proper story structure. As I tried to tweak it though, I realized that I was resistant to change anything. Not because I don’t think it could be better, but because those were stories I needed to tell.
But they’re not necessarily stories I need other people to read, not my personal stories anyway. What I ultimately realized was there is definitely a story that needs to be told, outside of my own personal experience, about that era and what it was like growing up as a girl in the Wild West (haha) in the 1980s. Particularly as an introvert at a time when that was not only unrecognized as a legitimate personality characteristic, but frowned upon as a social defect.
Besides writing any and every thought about the story on index cards, I’m also rereading Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell and using K.M. Weiland‘s excellent outlining resources to help get this whole puzzle sorted out in the next few weeks so I’m ready to crank out 50,000 words in April.
And maybe, just maybe, I’ll end up with an actual novel.🤞🏻
❤️Amanda
Anyone else tackling Camp Nano next month?
Here’s my writing space. The pair of hummingbirds that live in our yard have built their nest in the tree to the right so they flit in and out all day. I used to hate that tree! This is the eating area in our kitchen, too small for a table and five chairs, so I ‘built’ a window seat out of Ikea refrigerator cabinets. Storage, seating and a lovely view of our backyard. Gotta love Pinterest! My other writing space (below) is weather dependent but it’s gorgeous right now so out I go. Thanks for reading! ❤️
Window seat writing space
Walk a Myelin* My Shoes 
Kudos to you on proceeding with your book! Funny I am writing a book about growing up in rural Upstate NY as a child in the late 60’s and early 70’s. I would love to read yours – keep us posted! Your blogs are well written and I know your book will be the same.
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Thanks so much, Kimberley! I’d love to read yours as well, I’m always looking to connect with writers that aren’t writing paranormal, dystopian, sci-fi as that seems to be the rage these days. I really appreciate you reading and your supportive comment! 💕
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How exciting! I’m thrilled you have decided to go forth with your book. Best of luck on the NaNoWriMo… survival! Yay!
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I think it is absolutely wonderful that you are forging ahead with your writing and the view from your writing space is so very inspiring!
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Are you going to a writing camp
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No, it’s an online challenge 🙂
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Sounds like you have a great plan in place…keep going & enjoy! Marie Xx
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Thanks Marie. I love this part – a giant puzzle to solve. 😊💕
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The ‘love’ is what tells you it’s right and that you will get there! Xx
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What a great undertaking! I wish you all the best. I have a feeling you’ll enjoy it tremendously.
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Thanks so much. I know I will! 😊💕
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Good luck with Camp NaNoWriMo. I’m a fan of K.M. Weiland‘s excellent website, and I’ve so far read almost all of her novels – demonstrating her approach works. My November NaNo novel is on hold and April is always the Blogging from A to Z Challenge for me – so I’m preparing for that.
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It’s an excellent website for sure, though I haven’t read any of her novels yet. On my list! Good luck with the blogging challenge, Roland!
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I outline my story structure and try to envision the ending. I often write the ending mid-way. I’ve two novels, which I’m not pleased with (my first efforts). They need improved endings .At present, I’m working on historical fiction. I think it’s better, but I’ve a long way to go. Keep writing and believe in your work. (I don’t envy your having a husband who is an English prof. That must be daunting at times.) K.M. Weiland has great suggestions.
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Thanks so much for your comment Kathy Lauren! I’ve been working a lot on character development using the Emotional Wound Thesaurus and the other books in that series. So helpful! Good luck with the historical fiction, I’ll be interested to hear more about it. Happy to have connected with you!
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Go for it, wherever it takes you!
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Thanks Chris. So far so good. Hope it’s going well for you!
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