Shop Talk Thursday: NaNoWriMo Here I Come!

I know you've seen about a bazillion posts about NaNo by now. I mean, it seems that every writer who's a writer is doing it this year (which by the way, is awesome). No really, just think of the support! I know that NaNoWriMo is already all about support but when you have people like Beth Revis and Sarah J Maas willing to start a forum of "Ask a Published Author", you know it's going to be a good month. I'm not kidding, bookmark that forum. It will come in handy. 

The main reason why I was struggling on whether or not I was going to do NaNoWriMo is because I already have a project that I'm working on. This WIP is something I've wanted to write for a while and I feel like I can finally do it justice. Yes, you've heard it all before but guys, I'm super beyond excited! (and I hope you will be too when you read it) But I digress. 

A couple of weeks back, I wrote this completely random scene that didn't seem to fit anywhere in my current projects. So I saved it, leaving it on my desktop for another time. When my CP and I were talking about NaNo (and the agonizing choice I had to make) I kept coming back to that scene. I realized there is a story there that I wanted to tell and it's about time I tell it. CP and I brainstormed a little, and guys, GUYS, it's going to be amazing. 

Yes, I know it's 50K in a month. Yes, I know it's craziness of a mess on paper after the month of constant writing. But I'm excited! (also, just wait till you see what CP has in store for you, because hello awesome!) I'm really committing myself to this for November. Come rain or high water, I want to give it my best shot and see where I stand. This does mean walking away from my current WIP for a bit, but I honestly think it may even be good for me. 

So what do you see wonderful people, anyone up for NaNoWriMo with me? 

Here's a link to my profile: Valia Lind (let's be buddies). 

Have a great day!

Valia 

Shop Talk Thursday: NaNoWriMo Anyone?

I have no idea if I'm going to do NaNoWriMo this year.
I have to be honest and say I really like this idea. I tried participating last year but life just got in the way of my writing plans. Don't you hate when that happens? It's been happening a lot lately and I don't like it. So while I'm still deciding whether or not I'll be giving it a try this year, I decided to make a little pro list and share it with you. 
1. 50K writing goal. 
    What I like about this is that it's totally doable. 50K may seem like a lot, but the great thing about NaNoWriMo is that it's been proven to work and 50K is really more like nothing big. Whether or not it's actually publishable 50K depends on you, but getting that many words on paper is a huge accomplishment. 
2. Accountability
    This is probably my favorite part of NaNoWriMo. Whether you are starting out as a write or have been writing for years, discipline is still something that we all struggle with sometimes. Should I write or should I watch that episode of The Walking Dead? Should I write or should I make sure my dragons on DragonVale are all fed? Seriously, these are all problems we encounter. NaNoWriMo helps with that and it's the best. 
3. Setting habits. 
    This kind of follows in what I've already said. Writing every day, just a few words a day, will help you become a better writer. It will build that constant need to sit in front of a computer and get some words on paper. That accountability will become a habit and then you're good to go!
None of these items on my list are anything new. If you google pros of doing NaNoWriMo you'll probably run into many websites and posts that say the same thing. However, its a good reminder as any to have and I thought I'd put in my two cents. 
Also, if you do decide to participate in NaNoWriMo or just want a little writing encouragement, YA Highway (yes, I know I talk about them a lot) is doing this --> Carpool Of Encouragement  You guys should definitely check it out. And if you're still having doubts about NaNoWriMo, check out my awesome CP website, Farrah Penn, and let her give you her opinion (because it's awesome). 

So what do you think? Are you participating this year? 
(I'm kind of talking myself into it)

Have a great day!
Valia 

Shop Talk Thursday: Friendships in the Writing World

You know what I love about the writing community? I love the fact that it is a community. As writers, we tend to be pretty lonely creatures. Our world consists of a lot of one on one with imaginary and we’re happy with that. It’s not a problem to us to sit in front of a computer or a notepad and plan out every detail about this character or that one. However, there comes a time in our writing career where we all want to be loved. 

You know what I’m talking about. Our book is as complete as it’s going to be, we have finally stopped ignoring our families, oh and we showered. Trust me, putting on something besides pajamas is like a right of passage at the end of a long draft. So now comes the querying part. And the waiting. And then more waiting. Oh and even more waiting. If you don’t know this already, publishing world is made up of bricks of waiting. 

Here’s the awesome part tho, you are not alone. While you do the writing, the editing, and the waiting, there are people out there in the same boat as you. The friendships I have made throughout my writing career (so far) are amazing. No one can understand you like another author does and sometimes I feel I would’ve never gotten this far if it wasn’t for the awesome support of the writing community.

You guys deserve all the hugs! 

So while I wait, somewhat impatiently (ok probably really impatiently because come on now) for the things to come, I spend my time trying to give back and encourage those around me. Because really, I couldn’t thank you more for the awesome support you give, so why not give back? 

Check out some of my favorite people (seriously, do it): 

Jennifer Armentrout - Have you checked out all the awesome she’s been posting? You need to! 

Victoria Scott - First look at Dante Walker (swoons, faints, plunders) - Excerpt 

Shannon Messenger - I know you loved my Let the Sky Fall review, and are all jealous I got to read it early. But have you checked out Shannon’s first book, Keeper of the Lost Cities? 

Brigid Kemmerer - Transcript of Spark chat that will have you laughing at/with (and loving) the elemental boys even more! 

Farrah Penn - just because she’s the best critique partner and friend a girl can ask for :-) 

       Have a wonderful day, 

       Valia 

Outlines Are Scary

Hello lovelies, 

Today I'm throwing a little bit of Shop Talk your way. I'm thinking I might do that a little. Anyone up for a Shop Talk Thursdays? 

        I’m not an outliner. Even in high school and college, when we were asked to turn in an outline with our papers, I wrote them after I was already finished with the whole thing. I don’t know what it is about outlines, but they scare me. I’m serious here people. If you tell me to sit down and write an outline for my new project I’d probably run from the room screaming.

The thing is, I can’t seem to get all my thoughts in a line for an outline. I discovered that in order for me to finish a book, I need to write it out instead of outlining it. I tried it once or twice and each time I ended up spending hours on an outline that I throw out in the end. It was no help for me at all. 

I find this a little bit funny since I’m a big organizer outside of my writing. I like to carry a planner with me, I like to write things down on a calendar handing on a wall. I put reminders in my phone all the time. Yet, my writing is this part of me that’s against all things organized. 

So how dow I write? 

When I start a new project, I have a pretty clear idea of what I want my story to be. I may not have every little aspect figured out, but all my main ideas are in a row. When I sit down to write I start wherever the muse inspires me. I write out of order, out of sequence, and sometimes in different points of view just to get to know my characters. Once I finish the basic skeleton of the story, I go back and create a timeline/outline of my book to make sure I covered everything. It works for me. 

The awesome part about being a writer and giving out writing advice is that I can tell you anything. It all depends on the person. Find what works for you and go with it. You can never go wrong with doing what you love. 

Now, this is my story. What about you? Do you outline before or after? Do you write in sequence? 

Happy writing, 

Valia

Disclaimer: There are always exceptions to the rules. I feel like I need to point out again that this is how I work. If it doesn’t work for you, than it doesn’t work for you. Find your own style and go with it.