A New Week

As the middle of November approaches, I am still behind on my NaNo writing. Since I am off today, I do not care if I have to hogtie myself to the chair, I AM going to write. I do not know how far I will get but at least I am writing.

At this very moment, I am going to be upfront with you. I have been doing my best to avoid writing in contractions in the blog. Supposedly, it is taboo to write that way. However, it does not sound as natural if I constantly avoid them. The consistency may waiver here and there in the way I sound. Here's the thing, I want to write as if I am talking to you, instead of coming off as a stiff cardboard box.

I would like your opinion on that topic. Would you prefer for me to speak where it sounds natural or stiffly? I am asking out of curiosity. Comment on this post and let me know what you think. I appreciate any and all feedback from my readers.

I will cut this blog post short. I have been studying for the past twelve hours and I am tired.

Until next time...

Happy Writing!

Catching up on my blogging

Hello my beloved readers. How have you been since you last visited me and my blog? I hope all are doing well.

I have not written here for about four days. I have a good explanation. I promise.

For the past few days, I have been focusing on getting Orientation modules and aptitude tests done before November 19, 2012. This is when my class starts at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh-Online Division. I will be working on an Associate's of Science in Photography degree.

My NaNo writing has come to a temporary halt. I have a lot of catching up to do on it. I have plenty of time though.

I will keep blogging regularly. If I miss a few days, please forgive me. My education is important to me.

Until next time...

Happy Writing!

Day 5 of the NaNo Challenge and STILL Behind

Okay. I am really beating myself up over here. We are five days into this year's NaNo challenge and I have three days of writing to make up. I feel like a failure.

There are many excuses I could use to explain this away, but, I will not. I will just admit the truth. I worked all weekend and Sunday (yesterday) was the worst! We were super busy, customers were just extra rude, and the environment was just plain out chaotic. I was so tired and achy that I did not even really stay on the internet long. SHOCKER. 

Honestly, I feel burned out. It is not because of the NaNo per se. Mainly it is because I am pushing myself too hard. I keep reminding myself I have to hit 1,700 words a day or that I am 3,400+ words behind, and things of that nature. The belief in me seems almost non-existent, but I am still trudging along. Even though I have reached a measly 3,426 words, that is still a lot in my book. It does not help that my depression is kicking in.

If not for others who believed in me, I would have quit by now. 

Until next time...

Happy Writing!

I am behind schedule on my NaNo challenge

I survived the first two days of the challenge. I did not write anything for Day 3. If you include today, I will have to write 3,400 words to be completely caught up.

I hate to admit it, but I am already getting burned out on this challenge. I have almost quit twice. Boy, was that a mistake. Once my friends that are also participating in this found out, I got nailed. They were not rude. My friends just told me to not give up so easily and write what I can. I had plenty of time to catch up. This is true. There are twenty-six more days left to catch up. 

I think I may have found a way to help me make it through NaNoWriMo 2012. Write my story down on paper first, THEN type it up in the offline electronic diary I am using as a writing journal. I make sure I have the word count tool page open on the internet. There are three I use frequently.

http://www.wordcounttool.com/

http://www.wordcountertool.com/

http://wordcounttool.net/

It helps me to see how many words I have left to write to reach my word goal for the day. Of course, when I do, I copy and paste my words in the word count validator on http://www.nanowrimo.org.

I have a great support team and I will try NOT to quit this challenge.

Until next time...

Happy Writing!

Day Two of NaNoWriMo begins

Today marks the National Novel Writing Month challenge's second day. All over the world, millions of writers are participating in this challenge of all challenges. People are typing away on their computer or taking the longer route of writing a novel by hand. Either way, the NaNoWriMo is a true test of writing discipline.

I made it to 1,700 words yesterday. I must say that I am proud of myself. I almost quit on the first day! Usually, the minimum word count is 1,667 words. However, I decided to round it up because I will have a cushion to fall back on if life gets in the way. We all know that life can be unpredictable. 

I figured out a way to make it through each day of NaNo 2012. Instead of looking at it as "I have to write 1,667 words a day," I will treat the challenge as just another normal writing day. The word challenge is enough to make a writer run to the nearest cave. It is fun and stressful at the same time.

What are other things that keep me moving forward during this time? That is easy. I have friends participating in this challenge alongside me. We are each other's cheerleader and help keep each other going, even when it seems hopeless to reach 1,667 words or 50,000 words. I have a great support team.

My adopted "Momma," Brenda, has been my best cheerleader so far. My sister, Krysha, is also a great cheerleader/motivator. I can talk to them when I just want to say "Forget it! I can't do this!" They nudge me forward and will not let me give up. They are two of many inspirational people I have for support. I am so glad Brenda and Krysha believe in me. It helps me believe in myself even more than I do.

To all NaNoWriMo participants reading this, here is my message for you: You can succeed in the challenge. If you only reach 20,000 words in these thirty days, at least you tried. Do not beat yourself up. There is always next year. 

Until next time...

Happy Writing!

One Day Away from Beginning the NaNoWriMo 2012 Challenge

Today is Samhain (Halloween) and I have a long day ahead of me. 

I have to go to the library to print out, scan, and send back papers to my academic admissions counselor via email. Of course, I will be checking out a couple or so books.

Since I have completed my October NaBloPoMo challenge, all that needs to be done now is to complete my last NaNoWriMo Prep assignment before midnight. I need to finish up some things before the actual challenge takes place.

For me, midnight will be the "magic" hour. I do not mean "magick" like us pagans and others practice. When midnight strikes, it will be the first day of the NaNoWriMo challenge for 2012. It will be a long month for me and a lot of other participants. 

I am both nervous and skeptic. I am nervous about reaching the word count goal for each of those thirty days. That goal is 1,667 words. I am skeptic about actually reaching the 50,000 words that is the total word goal for the month of November. The inner editor that refuses to shut up and loves to keep the criticisms going is constantly at work. When it comes to me, I am my own worst enemy. I have a difficult time believing in myself when it comes to challenges like this. Well, writing in general. It is typical of most, if not all, writers. I love to write and want to keep my readers happy. Or, at least get them interested in my work. At the same time, when you are told "You won't amount to anything" or other various criticisms on a regular basis, it is hard to not believe it yourself after a while.

This year, I hope to reach 50,000 words in thirty days. I have to remind myself  that if I do not make it, at least I tried. The hard part will be not beating myself up over it, should that happen. I hate it when I do not complete my writing goals. I am such a perfectionist. I suppose that is one of my worst qualities or faults.

If you would like to keep up with my progress in the NaNoWriMo challenge, follow this link:

My NaNoWriMo page

Your support is most welcome and appreciated.

Until next time...

Happy Writing!