It's no longer 'a week or so'. It's no longer a matter of days. No, it's only a few more hours until I can start NaNoWriMo!! The suspense is killing me!! Will I still have any of the ideas in my head when I sit down to write?? Will my characters be standing by to make their entrances? Or will I find myself bereft and adrift without a story? Nah, it's all good. I've got enough little notebooks and scraps of paper with cryptic notes, to keep me going for hours. Days, even. Some of it might even make sense in the long run.
Some of my NaNo buddies have already started ... Saipan was first, W. Australia, India, Germany and England ... and I haven't heard a peep from any of them, so I assume that means they got off to a fast and furious start (and probably, by now, are crashed and sleeping off the remains of that first adrenalin rush). Of course, the NaNo website has crashed, as it always does about this time, so our network is rather tenuous. I can't imagine why I didn't think to send everybody my email addy before now! The Americas contingent is all waiting, as I am, for writing time to be official.
I'm working on an early supper as I write this, need to stay up for another 30 minutes to finish an eBay auction, and then to take a nap. Plan to write from midnight till 3:00 AM, but with the time change, that gives me 4 hours writing time ... then to sleep until noon (or later!), and wake up with only an hour or 2 more to write, to meet my first-day goal. That's the plan. I have no idea if it will actually work!!
I'll be tweeting my word count a couple of times each session, so stop by and check on me.
And stay tuned for reports from the novel-writing factory!!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
OMG ... Only 9 Days Till Nano!!!!!
**hee hee**
I'm beginning to feel very anxious, but without any reason. Granted, I don't have many plot notes, or even a list of characters, but I do have a pretty good idea of what I'm going to write, and I'll trust the Muse (thank you Trudibelle!) to fill in the blanks as we go. It seems like there's still a lot of RL stuff that needs to be done, but hey, it's not like I'm going disappear off the planet for 30 days. Oh ... wait ... it kinda is!!
But today, I'd like to step away from NaNoWriMo for a moment to tell you about my most favorite charity. It's called KIVA, and is a fun and relatively inexpensive way to help fund entrepreneurs around the world. KIVA partners with 'micro-finance' organizations ... bank groups in less-developed nations, who give unsecured loans to people wanting to start their own business, or to expand a business they're already running. Loans requested are listed on the KIVA website, and you can lend as little as $25, along with other members who are also lending on the same request, to make up the total loan. It's a true community effort, to band together with other KIVA members to help someone half a world away provide more for their family.
But, there's an even better part!! When the borrower repays the loan to their micro-finance group, your contribution is returned to you!! That's right!! Every cent you donate comes back to you as the loans you helped to fund are repaid!! Then, you can relend the same money to someone else!! It's just a brilliant concept!! From my original investment to contribute to 8 loans, I've gotten the money back and reloaned it to 69 more deserving business people!! Every month, I get an email telling me how much credit I have in loan payouts, at which time I choose a few more people to lend to. And unless I decide to put more money into it in the meantime, it will never cost me another cent!! (You can also get the money returned to you, if you wish. But I figured I'd already spent it and hadn't missed it, so it might as well stay out there, doing some good!) And by the way ... of the 77 loans I've contributed to, not one loan has defaulted!
Visit the KIVA website and click on "Lend", and read some of the stories of the hopes and dreams people have for bettering their lives and taking better care of their families! (My favorite so far was a woman in the Philippines, who sells Tupperware and wanted to get more stock, because it was something new in her community, and everybody wanted some! And I'm particularly drawn to the ones who want to expand their business so they can hire someone else to assist them ... helping 2 or more people with one loan!)
And if you decide that this is worthy cause you could support, please drop me a note and let me know!!
I'm beginning to feel very anxious, but without any reason. Granted, I don't have many plot notes, or even a list of characters, but I do have a pretty good idea of what I'm going to write, and I'll trust the Muse (thank you Trudibelle!) to fill in the blanks as we go. It seems like there's still a lot of RL stuff that needs to be done, but hey, it's not like I'm going disappear off the planet for 30 days. Oh ... wait ... it kinda is!!
But today, I'd like to step away from NaNoWriMo for a moment to tell you about my most favorite charity. It's called KIVA, and is a fun and relatively inexpensive way to help fund entrepreneurs around the world. KIVA partners with 'micro-finance' organizations ... bank groups in less-developed nations, who give unsecured loans to people wanting to start their own business, or to expand a business they're already running. Loans requested are listed on the KIVA website, and you can lend as little as $25, along with other members who are also lending on the same request, to make up the total loan. It's a true community effort, to band together with other KIVA members to help someone half a world away provide more for their family.
But, there's an even better part!! When the borrower repays the loan to their micro-finance group, your contribution is returned to you!! That's right!! Every cent you donate comes back to you as the loans you helped to fund are repaid!! Then, you can relend the same money to someone else!! It's just a brilliant concept!! From my original investment to contribute to 8 loans, I've gotten the money back and reloaned it to 69 more deserving business people!! Every month, I get an email telling me how much credit I have in loan payouts, at which time I choose a few more people to lend to. And unless I decide to put more money into it in the meantime, it will never cost me another cent!! (You can also get the money returned to you, if you wish. But I figured I'd already spent it and hadn't missed it, so it might as well stay out there, doing some good!) And by the way ... of the 77 loans I've contributed to, not one loan has defaulted!
Visit the KIVA website and click on "Lend", and read some of the stories of the hopes and dreams people have for bettering their lives and taking better care of their families! (My favorite so far was a woman in the Philippines, who sells Tupperware and wanted to get more stock, because it was something new in her community, and everybody wanted some! And I'm particularly drawn to the ones who want to expand their business so they can hire someone else to assist them ... helping 2 or more people with one loan!)
And if you decide that this is worthy cause you could support, please drop me a note and let me know!!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
NaNo - 10 Days and Counting!! And a Celebration
Another shift for my story ... a new title!! 'Astro-Cache' was always just the working title ... I didn't like it a whole lot, and thought something better would come along. And so it did. Since realizing that this year's story is directly related to my 2007 effort, 'Bringing the Blues to Gloxia XII', I've wondered how to make that link more obvious to the casual observer. And so, the new title is: 'Gloxia-Cache'. I knew that my MC would, at some point, visit Gloxia XII, where his ancestors made first contact between Human- and Gloxkind. Now I know that the Cache, the big prize, the much-coveted treasure that has had the Princes of the 7 Galaxies zipping all over creation in their nifty little ships, will be found on that far-away planet. I know some other things about it too (though not what that prize is), but I'm not telling, because I want you to want to read the stories!
In the meantime, still lots of RL things to get out of the way. At the moment it seems like plenty of time, but I know in a day or two, it will suddenly be last-minute crunch time. Want to make one more geocaching blitz (35 to go for my 250th find, and I want that to be in Oregon in December, so need at least 10-15 more before we leave on vacation); and our 9th wedding anniversary to celebrate this-coming Saturday (Dinner and a movie, perhaps. The September trip was our early present to each other.)
Nine years?? It's a record for both of us, and hardly seems possible. Nothing much has changed. We were like an old married couple from the minute he stepped into my apartment for the first time; and we still are. It's a nice comfortable relationship. I'm so proud of my guy, for everything he's accomplished since applying for that fiancé visa ... not bad at all for a guy 'just off the boat'. Literally. A submarine. He'd just retired from the Royal Navy!
Nothing new on the drumming front. I'll be skipping Woodstick this year, since they insist on having it in November. Odd timing. Cold, dark, bad weather ... and of course, interferes with NaNoWriMo. I tried to do both last year, which resulted in missing the first 2 days of NaNo for the event, working myself into exhaustion and missing 3 more days of NaNo when I got sick, still managing to write more than 200K words, not getting well until about March, and not unpacking the drums until May or so. They'll just have to do 'We Will Rock You' without me this time, I'm afraid. And anyway, Kenny Aronoff isn't going to be there (again!), so what's the point?!
Since I'm spending more time in the study in prep for NaNo, the kitties are beginning to get nervous. It's a hoot to see what toys they've managed to push under the door, trying to get my attention. This will go on through the first week of November, then they'll give up and just sulk at the top of the stairs. We're monitoring Cassie and the catbox carefully, and she's nearly broken her record of days without a boo-boo, but that can change in a heartbeat. She can be very clever in many ways ... she's learned to sit-up for her breakfast (and I don't even have to ask her anymore), and Bill has taught her to climb up on his shoulder without much prompting ... but the catbox remains an issue. After nearly 2 years with the main box on the same spot, she still is often just astounded to see it there! Maia is still going through her Terrible Twos, and can be a real pain ... but sometimes she stops worrying about getting into mischief, and becomes a lovely, cuddly furball ... for a minute or two. I still wonder if they're even actually related ... the only similarity is the pattern of their markings. Otherwise, different body types ... Maia is tall and lanky, Cassie is short and 'boxy'; very different fur ... Maia is sleek and silky, Cassie is soft and fuzzy; and quite different personalities. All I know is that they were rescued together in that WalMart parking lot. And I'm almost certain they were dropped on their little heads in the process!
Stay tuned for updates and further reports of the excitement in Glynes' alternate universe!
In the meantime, still lots of RL things to get out of the way. At the moment it seems like plenty of time, but I know in a day or two, it will suddenly be last-minute crunch time. Want to make one more geocaching blitz (35 to go for my 250th find, and I want that to be in Oregon in December, so need at least 10-15 more before we leave on vacation); and our 9th wedding anniversary to celebrate this-coming Saturday (Dinner and a movie, perhaps. The September trip was our early present to each other.)
Nine years?? It's a record for both of us, and hardly seems possible. Nothing much has changed. We were like an old married couple from the minute he stepped into my apartment for the first time; and we still are. It's a nice comfortable relationship. I'm so proud of my guy, for everything he's accomplished since applying for that fiancé visa ... not bad at all for a guy 'just off the boat'. Literally. A submarine. He'd just retired from the Royal Navy!
Nothing new on the drumming front. I'll be skipping Woodstick this year, since they insist on having it in November. Odd timing. Cold, dark, bad weather ... and of course, interferes with NaNoWriMo. I tried to do both last year, which resulted in missing the first 2 days of NaNo for the event, working myself into exhaustion and missing 3 more days of NaNo when I got sick, still managing to write more than 200K words, not getting well until about March, and not unpacking the drums until May or so. They'll just have to do 'We Will Rock You' without me this time, I'm afraid. And anyway, Kenny Aronoff isn't going to be there (again!), so what's the point?!
Since I'm spending more time in the study in prep for NaNo, the kitties are beginning to get nervous. It's a hoot to see what toys they've managed to push under the door, trying to get my attention. This will go on through the first week of November, then they'll give up and just sulk at the top of the stairs. We're monitoring Cassie and the catbox carefully, and she's nearly broken her record of days without a boo-boo, but that can change in a heartbeat. She can be very clever in many ways ... she's learned to sit-up for her breakfast (and I don't even have to ask her anymore), and Bill has taught her to climb up on his shoulder without much prompting ... but the catbox remains an issue. After nearly 2 years with the main box on the same spot, she still is often just astounded to see it there! Maia is still going through her Terrible Twos, and can be a real pain ... but sometimes she stops worrying about getting into mischief, and becomes a lovely, cuddly furball ... for a minute or two. I still wonder if they're even actually related ... the only similarity is the pattern of their markings. Otherwise, different body types ... Maia is tall and lanky, Cassie is short and 'boxy'; very different fur ... Maia is sleek and silky, Cassie is soft and fuzzy; and quite different personalities. All I know is that they were rescued together in that WalMart parking lot. And I'm almost certain they were dropped on their little heads in the process!
Stay tuned for updates and further reports of the excitement in Glynes' alternate universe!
Monday, October 19, 2009
12 Days to Nano ... and the Disappearing Blog
OMG ... I hope this isn't a premonition of things to come in November! I worked all afternoon to craft an excellent blog for your enjoyment. Now it's gone. Just disappeared into the ether. I guarantee you, if anything like this happens to my novel, I won't have to blog about it ... you will hear my screaming.
So, generally my lost masterpieces can't be rebuilt, but I'll try to reclaim at least a little of the spirit of the magically 5:16 PM post.The gist being, it was a busy weekend, catching up on errands and chores unique to Real Life and Owning a House. Not directly writing-directed, but necessary to get taken care of before writing starts in earnest. Getting the preNaNo to-do list pared down, while keeping myself distracted from worrying that all the great characters and ideas careening around in my head will wear themselves out, or get bored and leave, just as I'm ready to start writing. Realistically, I know that won't happen, but it wouldn't be countdown to NaNo without all the angst.
Hey! Did you ever think that you could be a writer? Ever read something and think "Man, I could write better than that"? Want to take a wild ride in November? Well, I've got a plan for you. Get yourself over to www.nanowrimo.org, and sign up for National Novel Writing Month!! It doesn't cost anything (although I'll warn you, they've got cool swag for you to buy, and they'd be so happy to get a contribution!), there are lots of really awesome people, a totally fun forum, and a month's worth of literary insanity like you can't imagine. And after you're all signed in, look up glynes on the author search, let me know you're aboard, and send a buddy request.
The biggest excitement in my day ... my AlphaSmart Neo arrived!
I've heard nothing but good things about them, and I have to say I was impressed with it right out of the box. Put the batteries in, turned it on, and started writing. Just like that. Love the feel of the keyboard (typing speed right 'up there'), the display (easily-readable with these old eyes, and 4 lines, just enough that I can catch boo-boos and fix on the fly, but not look further back and be tempted to stop writing to backtrack for repairs) the lightweight on my lap, no cables and cords to worry about if I want to take it from the livingroom couch, to the study recliner, to bed, to the deck, to the library, to a write-in, or to Harborview Park to sit in my car and write while I watch the comings and goings on the bay. It was shipped quickly, and the accessories were very reasonably priced. Still have software to install on the desktop, and loads of features to learn about, but I like that I could just sit down and write with no muss or fuss.
So, there's my endorsement. I can see the bulk of my 2009 NaNo novel being written on this little puppy. We hope that means it'll be good for the book.
In Geocaching news, several of my trackables were on the move today ... the coin that made it to Holland is just zipping through those dutch caches at an amazing speed. One of my greatest enjoyments of the (sport?) (game?) is getting comments back on trackables I've sent out, that people appreciate and enjoy finding them. Great artwork and craftsmanship. Is it any wonder that I buy two of everything, and keep one in my private collection?
Keep checking back, to read more exciting adventures in Glynes' alternate universe!
So, generally my lost masterpieces can't be rebuilt, but I'll try to reclaim at least a little of the spirit of the magically 5:16 PM post.The gist being, it was a busy weekend, catching up on errands and chores unique to Real Life and Owning a House. Not directly writing-directed, but necessary to get taken care of before writing starts in earnest. Getting the preNaNo to-do list pared down, while keeping myself distracted from worrying that all the great characters and ideas careening around in my head will wear themselves out, or get bored and leave, just as I'm ready to start writing. Realistically, I know that won't happen, but it wouldn't be countdown to NaNo without all the angst.
Hey! Did you ever think that you could be a writer? Ever read something and think "Man, I could write better than that"? Want to take a wild ride in November? Well, I've got a plan for you. Get yourself over to www.nanowrimo.org, and sign up for National Novel Writing Month!! It doesn't cost anything (although I'll warn you, they've got cool swag for you to buy, and they'd be so happy to get a contribution!), there are lots of really awesome people, a totally fun forum, and a month's worth of literary insanity like you can't imagine. And after you're all signed in, look up glynes on the author search, let me know you're aboard, and send a buddy request.
The biggest excitement in my day ... my AlphaSmart Neo arrived!
I've heard nothing but good things about them, and I have to say I was impressed with it right out of the box. Put the batteries in, turned it on, and started writing. Just like that. Love the feel of the keyboard (typing speed right 'up there'), the display (easily-readable with these old eyes, and 4 lines, just enough that I can catch boo-boos and fix on the fly, but not look further back and be tempted to stop writing to backtrack for repairs) the lightweight on my lap, no cables and cords to worry about if I want to take it from the livingroom couch, to the study recliner, to bed, to the deck, to the library, to a write-in, or to Harborview Park to sit in my car and write while I watch the comings and goings on the bay. It was shipped quickly, and the accessories were very reasonably priced. Still have software to install on the desktop, and loads of features to learn about, but I like that I could just sit down and write with no muss or fuss.
So, there's my endorsement. I can see the bulk of my 2009 NaNo novel being written on this little puppy. We hope that means it'll be good for the book.
In Geocaching news, several of my trackables were on the move today ... the coin that made it to Holland is just zipping through those dutch caches at an amazing speed. One of my greatest enjoyments of the (sport?) (game?) is getting comments back on trackables I've sent out, that people appreciate and enjoy finding them. Great artwork and craftsmanship. Is it any wonder that I buy two of everything, and keep one in my private collection?
Keep checking back, to read more exciting adventures in Glynes' alternate universe!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Countdown to NaNo Madness - 15 Days!!
And I'm getting excited!! The characters are so anxious to start the story, that I've got ideas banging around in my head like crazed bumper cars! I only hope I can hold onto them until I'm allowed to start writing! Those pesky aliens who hijacked my original story idea in 2007 ... well they've been invited in, and are already working up some nefarious schemes. They're not bad kids, just like to get up to mischief. A favorite prop from last year will make a reappearance and be stolen again, and certainly won't turn up in Duluth this time.
I added a little something as an excerpt on my NaNo page ... it's not really part of the novel, of course, since we can't start writing yet ... but more an answer to the question of how Mr. Ian Woon woul appear. I had fun writing it. Click on my NaNo Profile link to the right and check it out if you have a couple of minutes (I don't think you have to be signed on to NaNoWriMo to see it ... if you discover that you do, well, then that's a sign ... get yourself onboard and start planning your own darned novel!!)
Thursday, October 15, 2009
NaNoWriMo - 16 Days to Launch!!
Yes kiddos, it's almost November again, and time for 30 days of authorly insanity. The original story idea (1920's or 30's adventure) has already morphed into something completely different and writing hasn't even begun! Well, the premise is the same, the characters are more or less the same ... only the setting has changed ... to far future across the universe. Oh, and it's now sci-fi. With some adventure. And of course there's a girl. And it'll most likely a complete farce. My favorite kinda story! Stay tuned for more NaNo excitement!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
