NaNoWriMo 2013 - Day 1

Day one is over.  Now it's time for me to get to my 'regular job'.  

Here are my counts for this first day into the NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) 2013:

I started with the first three chapters already written.  I wrote them several weeks ago, but as always... life got in the way, the brick wall of writer's block slammed into my face and the story was pushed to the side.  I wasn't even sure if I was going to participate in NaNoWriMo this year, knowing the dedication, determination and drive it requires to reach the 50,000 (+) word goal, but with the encouragement of some of my friends, I jumped in.  Mostly because some of my other writer friends wanted to do it and needed the encouragement, and how can I encourage others to do something I can't or won't do myself?  So, here I am.

Start Word Count: 3,794 words

Added Word Count: 2,584 words

Total Word Count: 6,378 words

Words left to go: 43,622 words

Days left: 29 days

Daily Word Goal: 2500/week day - 12,500 words per week

Till next time,

~T.L. Gray

Related Articles:

http://www.bubblews.com/news/1464902-nanowrimo-2013

http://www.bubblews.com/news/1472021-nanowrimo-2013-day-1

http://www.bubblews.com/news/1472901-mid-morning-break-day-1

NaNoWriMo 2012 Winner!

Well, I did it!  I set out to accomplish another goal, and I completed it.  It feels good. It always feels good, that's why I keep setting goals, within reason of course, and then going about  completing them.  It fills me with a sense of accomplishment.  It invigorates me.  It encourages me to do it again.

I wrote a 56,387 word romance novel (my first) in less than 17 days.  This novel is called Survival - Book #1 in the Second Chances series.

Once I begin editing, it will be much longer than 56,000; I'm predicting around 65,000 - 75,000 words, however, I will not set that goal just yet.  Instead of jumping right into the editing phase, I will instead dive right into the second part of this series and begin outlining novel #2 - Separation.  Once I have the outline complete, I will set another writing goal.

For all my fellow NaNoWriMo participants and winners - congratulations!  It's been a huge pleasure making new buddies, forging new friendships, and witnessing how wonderful a little bit of literary abandonment can feel.

Till next year (NaNoWriMo),
~T.L. Gray

The Joy of Writing

Today is the halfway mark in the NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) challenge, the fifteenth day of thirty days and nights of literary abandon to write a 50,000 word novel.  I’m excited to say that I’m well beyond the mid-point curve, facing less than 3,000 words to win the challenge, and perhaps 15,000 words to complete the novel.  My biggest testament of this contest - for the past fifteen days I have relished the true joy of writing.  It’s not only exciting, frustrating, cathartic and even a touch erotic, but truly one of the few things in which I participate that brings me complete joy.

I wake in the mornings with an excitement and an urgency to get started, and quickly jump into my writing regiment (make a thermos full of coffee, get my particular snacks out, pre-make lunch, start the background music, pull out my notes, adjust the office lighting and temperature, and then boot my computer).

I believe we are all made for a particular purpose, a specific task in this life.  I’ve done many things in my life, held many different jobs, walked in many different levels of income, success and social standing.  By the world’s standards, choosing to be an author and spending the majority of my days writing, editing and marketing my finished products, is not considered a rational, practical or  a socially accepted form of employment; where success is measured in sales, networking and social status instead of content and creativity.

I thank God I’ve discovered my purpose, because in it I’ve found my joy.  I know the world is set against me, to steal that happiness and rob me of its presence and its benefits.  I have to protect it, like a valued treasure.  I have to purge those obstacles from my life, encourage myself daily, and stand firm the course set before me.  Some days it’s a challenge, but most days, I do with a smile on my face.

I wish this sense of fulfillment and purpose for everyone.  While we are approaching the joy of the holiday seasons, I’m blessed I’ve found something that brings me joy every day.

Till next time,

~T.L. Gray

P.S. For my fellow NaNoWrimers – keep going.  You’re halfway there! You can do it!

Survival Update

Wow!  Things are going much better than I anticipated with my NaNoWriMo participation.
I'm now entering day 9 and I'm at 30,000 words for my novel Survival, Book #1 of the Second Chances Series.  Only 20,000 more to go to win the contest, and perhaps around 50,000 more to complete the novel.

I'm really, really loving how the story is turning out.  I can't wait to share it with you when it is done.

To all other NaNoWriMo participants out there, I wish you much luck and success.

Till next time,
~T.L. Gray

NaNoWriMo 2012

10 …9 …8 …7 …6 days left and then the madness begins.  November 1, 2012 is the first day of (Na)tional (No)vel (Wri)ting (Mo)nth.  This annual event is described as “Thirty days and nights of literary abandon”.  I find this sentiment both euphoric and a nightmare waiting to happen.

So far, my journey in preparation for this literary abandon has been exciting while I’ve been outlining, compiling character dossiers, researching locations, environments, muses, and timelines.  However, if October is any indication of what may occur during November, I’m in for some pretty wild roadblocks.  I have less than a week to complete my ‘preparations’ to be sufficiently ready for Nov 1^st – that is, if I can avoid computer problems, switching internet providers, having to prepare and market author events, editing projects, website, social media, and resume updates, or writing club and tutorial service participation, not to mention a few lunch dates and birthday celebrations with friends and family. 

I mentioned all the above to get to this point.  During the month of November, my friends, family, club and church members, business clients, and social aquaintences are just going to have to forgive me for my stress, erratic behavior, absence, and avoidance during the month of November.  This is my official proclamation.  Don’t say you haven’t been warned. 

For my NaNoWriMo companions – GOOD LUCK!

Till next time,

~T.L. Gray