Alternately titled: Updates and News and Writing, Oh My!
On Things I Want, A List:
On Recent Literary Happenings.
Nathan Bransford is a literary agent with a pretty large audience in the blogosphere thanks to his site, his Twittering, and the contests he runs on his site for writers of all genres. Before last week I’d never entered one of his contests, but had instead watched friends enter (and win!) his contests, wondering if I would ever grow a literary pair big enough to put my prose where my mouth is, and just TRY.
The realization that I really had (and have) nothing to lose coupled with some seriously supportive friends led to me submitting a first paragraph before the contest deadline.
I was not one of the ten chosen finalists, but I have to say (and have said via Twitter and Facebook already, so forgive me if this is redundant for you; I’m just a little psyched) that a “free night’s stay at Schrute Farms and honorable mention” out of 2,651 entries feels pretty unexpected/amazing/rad/enter happy adjective here.
The contest also led to me making a new writing buddy (Hi! Stephanie).
More than anything, it was just the boost of writing confidence I needed to keep me cheerfully plugging along on a few projects I’ve been working on in the past few months.
On attempting to write 50,000-75,000 words in 30 days.
I was on the fence. “The Crazy Fence” I decided to call it, and there I found myself, one leg dangling on the sane side, and the other flopped enthusiastically on the crazy side, the core of me feeling equally committed to both potential scenarios.
Scenario, The First: I decide to sit on the proverbial literary sidelines again this year and watch friends and fellow writers seek to (destroy their sleeping patterns and) create a book laden with actual WORDS on actual PAGES. I happen to be a pretty good cheerleader, lack of flexibility aside. Scenario, The First looks pretty comfy. Especially if someone hands me a mug of hot cocoa and maybe a giant foam hand, post haste.
Scenario, The Second: I decide to forgo resting on my (very comfortable) laurels to meet somewhat heinous (albeit thrilling!) daily word counts, in order to best a daunting deadline and arrive at an ultimate literary destination whereupon I will be lifted onto cheering shoulders, amidst sparklers and confetti and with banners of personal accomplishment flying. Despite the promise of actual work, Scenario, The Second sounds pretty great, too.
So you probably already guessed I chose the crazy side of the fence, otherwise known as Scenario, The Second.
I’m more in it for the guts than the glory, because to be 100% honest, I need the discipline. I need a structured day, and starting my day with a run followed by a chunk of quiet writing time sounds beyond ideal; it sounds necessary.
I also need to write. So I’m going to do it. A lot of it, for thirty days straight. Wish me luck?
Thinking about joining the fray? You should (DO IT, and then) read this.
Want to be November writing buddies? You can find me under username “Kerri Anne” at www.nanowrimo.org.
What is up with daylight savings time? It is just stupid. Let’s revolt!
I’m proud of you for writing and admire the discipline it takes to stay true to your craft. Rock on, sisterfriend.
xo
Wow, congrats on the writing props! That is really, really cool. You know I’m a HUGE fan of yours, and you inspire me every day to keep writing, too. I will hang out on the sane side of the fence next month with that giant foam finger that says, “I Puffy-Heart Kerri Anne!” Woo!
I’m not at all surprised you got mentioned.
And also, you inspired me to join you on The Crazy Side Of The Fence.
Woo!
Or, EEK!
In TOTAL agreement regarding Daylight Savings Time. So sick of waking up at 5:45, only to bump around in the dark for over an hour. GAH.
Oh! Congrats on the wicked writing props!
(My DST issues cloud my memory at times…)
I am so happy to read this because I want to be your Nanowrimo writing buddy!! I did it 2 years ago, got to a little over 30k words and quit. I was on the fence about doing it again, but you’ve inspired me.
Guess I better sign up, asap.
This is the year I actually (and actively) cheer from the sidelines. (And yes, for you, silly. Who else?)
Congratulations!! And good luck. Just the boost you needed to feel confident in your already-kickbutt writing skills!
And thank you to you for providing a little inspiration. I can’t do NaNoWriMo, but I have other committing to writing goals that your post reminded me of. :)
yes! how awesome is that tree bookshelf! i’m pretty sure it would make all right with the world.
I think that in addition to our reading and coffee club we should also start a writing club. Also possibly a vodka club, since the payoff is immediate in most cases.
Good luck with the NaNoWriMo!
I’m so excited you’ve decided to do this! (As long as it doesn’t mean I’ll never get to see you.) I can’t wait to read what you write — if you’ll let me, of course. Also: I want to join vahid’s vodka club. I’m all about immediate gratification. xoxo
Good for you! That whole write a book in 30 days thing really is crazy, but I’m thrilled you’re going for it. I think it’ll be good.
Yay for the crazy side! I won’t be on it this year, but I’m so glad I did it a couple of years back. I wrote a whole (albeit short) book! Now if I could just get all of the very necessary revisions done…
Congrats! That is awesome! Not that I’m surprised because you’re awesome!
Seriously, as much as I hate it being dark at 4 PM, it’s much better than it being dark when I wake up. I don’t want to get out of bed in the first place, let alone when it still looks like night time!
Congrats, first, on wading into the contest stream at all, and then for winning a most honorable mention! Count me among the growing crowd cheering you on for NaNoWriMo. I’m sorely tempted to jump in with you, but I’d better stay focused on my work-in-progress or it will never get done. You have inspired me to set some new goals for that. (BTW, I, too, am longing to return to morning normalness and get that hour back!)
I’m so proud of you for almost making the finalist list. And dude, on nanowrimo.org, better you than me! I can’t hardly commit to a consistent hairstyle, forget about 30 days of writing. You go lady!