Dr. Wicked's Writing Lab

I've never used Dr. Wicked's Writing Lab: Write or Die application before, but I know a good friend who has in the past. If doesn't matter whether or not you're a NaNoWriMo participant, if you're stuck and need to get through writer's block, I recommend giving this application a chance. The basic premise is to write something, and if you pause for too long, the application starts deleting what you've written already. Pretty wicked, yes? Of course there are different modes to pace yourself: gentle, kamikaze, and electric shock. I guess it depends on how much of a masochist you are :P !

On a similar but different note, I'm not sure about my NaNoWriMo venture. I'm being completely ADD with my writing. I keep switching back and forth and have my desktop monitor splitting up 5 different Word documents for me to work on at the moment: 2 novel WIPS, one novel revision, an appendix for one of my WIPS, and a short story. I guess that as long as I dedicate my time this month to constantly writing, it should count for something, yes?

Dial 0 for Operator

Since I've been participating in NaNoWriMo, the regional moderator listed some awesome links (in case of writer's block, inspiration, etc). I want to share them with you because these sites are very helpful:

1. 911: Writer's Block: This site has a bunch of prompts from settings and characters to endings. It is also a visually/graphically appealing site (which to someone like me is important). Each section is designated to a number on a phone pad--so dialing #2 would be asking for help with "x".
2. One Word. So Little Time: Click the "Go" button and a word will pop on your screen. You have 60 seconds to write a small blurb about it.
3. Language is a Virus: A neat site that has sections for writing games, author shrines, NaNoWriMo widgets and so much more!
   

On that note, I should get back to pumping out a decent word count!!! I write too much but not for where it counts...aka my novel.

NaNoWriMo and Interesting Posts

This is how I've been all week:

... in other words, I've been dead to the world. I'm trying to get my game on for NaNoWriMo because I'm only at a smacking 1,417 words so far. Part of me is debating, however, whether or not to even continue with the WIP I decided to work on this time around. It's just not clicking with me so I've been tinkering with the idea of starting over again from ground zero. Now that would be very ambitious of me at this point in time. We'll see. I'm restless, tired, and somewhat bored at the moment.

On a completely different topic, I want to revive featuring blog posts that I've enjoyed reading/find insightful. Here are a few interesting reads:

• * The Literary Lab talks about producing an effective first act (if the classic three act structure is used). I found this to be the most poignant part of the post:

What happens to people is not nearly as interesting as what people are trying to do. This is a very important distinction. Don't let your plot push the protagonist; have the plot result from the protagonist pushing against life.

• * Natalie Whipple presents some valuable pointers on picking a critique group that is right for YOU. I agree with Natalie that a good crit partner is not only someone who understands the technical aspects of writing/editing, but also is someone you can consider a friend--someone that you can trust and have good chemistry with. I know that for me, my husband is my best friend and we both love writing. While we could never co-write a story (we have different writing styles), we can easily bounce ideas off of each other and give objective, helpful insight/critiques. I owe a lot to him :) .
  

• * Kiersten's post has to do with the new trend in the YA genre. Check it out! It has to do with the growing movement of YA geared towards an older audience, particularly to readers in their twenties.

• * For NaNoWriMo participants: read this forum post about CreateSpace giving a special offer for 2009 winners. While I see the pros of this promotion, I probably won't take advantage of it. While there are benefits to self-publication, that is not the road I wish to travel.

• * Congrats to Lisa and Laura Roecker, who are celebrating the publication of their book The Haunting of Pemberly Brown by giving away a free Kindle via contest/drawing. While I have not entered the contest myself, I want to promote their hard earned work--getting published is only half the battle, after all! :)
  

Well, that's all for now! Off to some relaxing and then a late night of NaNo writing, writing, and some more writing! I gotta break through because I don't want to go under this time around.

NaNoWriMo: Day One

Technically I haven't made the 1,667 min. requirement...yet. I probably won't for tonight since I do have to get up early for work tomorrow.

I'm impressed with my word count, especially since I was actually working on two stories today. I still cringe at how sloppy my grammar is but that is to be expected. I highly doubt that these posts are any better in that regard :P !

What makes me so happy about this NaNoWriMo, however, is that my husband decided to join me in my insanity--or so they call it. It's great to have that kind of companionship without even having to leave the house :) .

On a different but similar note, I just want to post that the Liquid Story Binder is on sale in celebration of NaNoWriMo: 50% off !! Go and check it out if you haven't already :) . I'm a sucker for discounts and I've been pleased with the product so I've gone ahead and bought it for myself.

So how is NaNoWriMo going for you?