June 2011
1 post
3 tags
JulNoWriMo
JulNoWriMo (or July Novel Writing Month) is just like NaNoWriMo except it takes place in July instead of November.
Rules:
Write 50,000 words in 31 days. (You get an EXTRA day in July!)
Write a minimum of 1,613 words per day. (Unless you want to cram.)
Writing begins midnight of July 1 and ends 11:59pm July 31 (your timezone).
That’s it! Now, it helps to register at the URL above, but...
April 2011
6 posts
Resources for thought...
Many people ask me how I can sit down and write a novel. I guess people (non-writers) assume that everything is in my head, and I have a firm grasp of what’s going to happen next.
HA!
I can’t remember what I did yesterday - much less what a character did, or a group of characters. Of course I have a record of what’s going on. Sometimes, I plan until I turn blue - also known as...
The procrastination kitty...
Meow. Just because. :)
Photo credit: NY Daily News
Weekend Writing
I think it should be called “weekend planning,” but I sort of like alliteration, so it’s staying. After all, I have to write while I plan, so it kind of fits.
Many readers don’t know, but I don’t have classes on Fridays, and I usually use it for a “rest day” where I don’t do any work. In order to jump-start a lot of these projects, I’m going...
Creative Juices
Oh, the creative juices are just FLOWING through me right now. This is exciting. I’m charged up, and I feel that I can just write endlessly for days on end without any distractions. Too bad it’s not November! I’m finding myself wrapped up in these new concepts, and I can’t help but to Snowflake the heck out of them. Characters are emerging, plots developing (even...
Patterns form quite easy...
It’s said that habits form easily, but they are hard to break. But then, there is a contradictory saying that says that habits are difficult to form. Who knows?
I am pleased to say that my Muse is working DOUBLE time to bring me fresh ideas to novel about. Yes, I used “novel” as a verb. To me, it means “write in a novel-format.” Hey, if Shakespeare can make up over...
Just an illusion?
It seems as if for the past few months, I have been running away from my inner-writer. I was questioning this a few days ago when I realized that I didn’t have a slew of characters throwing themselves at me with their own plots. Truth be told, I missed it. I still miss it.
I don’t want to think it’s “just an illusion” that I’m back planning another novel. In...
June 2010
4 posts
1 tag
Determined
I’m more determined than ever to actually participate (and win!) NaNoWriMo. I’ve written many, many posts about the event, but as a recap:
http://www.nanowrimo.org
November 1-30
50,000 (new) words minimum
new writing project
Oh, and have fun is the most important thing to remember!
Thousands of people around the world come together for this one event. Every opposing idea is...
10 tips for that all important month
#1: Take advantage of the burst of adrenal in the beginning. It won’t last all month. Make your goal not 1,667 words per day, but 2,000 and upward. Mine? At least 5,000 for the first week.
#2: Make sure you know you actually want to write this story. Once you’ve started NaNo, there really isn’t any turning back. Sure you can scrap the project and develop a new one, but the...
"That" time of year...
Yes, we all know what “that” time of the year is and it’s approaching fast. Of course it’s none other than NaNoWriMo. Click here for the website and join in with the chaotic masses.
Already I’ve done some pre-outlining. Yes, pre-outlining. I haven’t even gotten to the good stuff yet.
I’m going to answer a few questions then share my method of ...
1 tag
Back to NaNo
Funny story, between talking to Alan and doing homework, I decided to give NaNo another try. See, I have this outline of characters and I love them so I need to give them their story.
NaNoWriMo is in November, so I have plenty of time to outline the plot, conflict, and all sorts of fun things. Last year, I was too busy with Organic and Biology to do much writing and never did make the 50k...
May 2010
1 post
The Summer
Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to maintain the writing website since I’ve been incredibly busy in class.
I’m halfway done with the May term: a two week intensive semester. I’m taking two courses (4 credits).
On 5/24, I will have another two courses (8 credits) until 7/1.
On 7/6, I will have another two courses (8 credits) until I believe 8/12.
I apologize for not...
April 2010
1 post
Blog?
Followers and readers,
This semester has been incredibly busy and the summer will only prove to be even slightly busier unfortunately. With all the stress, I’ve found no time to post on here or maintain the Wordaholic website. I hope I’ll find some time to devote to these, but I appreciate everybody reading older posts on here and participating in discussion threads on the website.
...
March 2010
1 post
7 tags
Wordaholics, listen up
I created a website. I know, how tech-savvy am I? Actually not really, but I am excited about this new adventure.
It’s a writing forum with specific groups to discuss anything about writing, film, reading. Anything really. There’s even a coffeehouse group where (near) anything can be discussed.
Here is the link. To use it, you’ll have to sign up; but don’t worry,...
February 2010
8 posts
1 tag
Are you really a creative person?
I was catching up on my online literature and I happened on a blog post on creativity. As writers, bloggers, painters, sculturists, web designers, and so on, we need to have a certain amount of creativity to keep us at the top of our game or to keep climbing.
So then I started to think. What is creativity exactly? How do you know when you’re being creative? Sounds very philosophical, no?...
Friday Night Dare
I know this post is a few hours late for my part of the world, but not late enough for the whole USA, so it’s okay. :)
Okay, tonight’s (or this weekend’s) dare is to actually sit down and write. That’s right. That’s all there is to it. I dare you to write.
See, I haven’t been able to write. It’s on my “to-do” list, but then again, who ever...
1 tag
Weekly Wednesday Writing Prompt(s?)
Again, as usual, I’m apologizing for being so absent these days. I haven’t forgotten about any of you, but I’ve been swamped with work. On a good note, I’ve been getting As on assignments and exams, so that’s exciting. The assignment I’m doing tonight for tomorrow is a list of 26 writing prompts. I’ll give you a couple. They’re meant to be very...
3 tags
Something a bit different....
I know. You were all waiting for it. The Thesaurus Thursday post, BUT I do have some pearls to give you tonight. Some nights in my writing class, my professor passed these same pearls to us. I figured it’s a good way to remind ourselves of what we’re writing when we’re writing or revising. So without further ado, let’s begin.
1.) Say exactly what you mean. This may seem...
2 tags
Weekly Wednesday Writing Prompt (ADDED BONUS...
As I was typing the title, I was hoping that it actually was Wednesday and I wouldn’t be getting a lot of emails telling me what a crazy bat I am.
Now that I’ve checked the desk calendar and confirmed the day, we can begin.
First of all, before the prompt, I have to apologize for making myself sparce. I’ve been swamped with school work and it’s only been put on thicker...
3 tags
Who needs to write anyway?
I just read this article that made me (seriously) laugh out loud. You can find the full featured article here.
It got me thinking. We all procrastinate some time or another. Nobody is immune. So why do we let it get us down? Embrace the procrastination.
Mull over your short story, poem, novel, screenplay, whatever you’re writing, think about it. And I mean really think about it.
...
1 tag
Weekly Wednesday Writing Prompt
I nearly forgot it’s Wednesday. I was thinking about writing a prompt for you guys and then remember. Except it’s not going to be a prompt.
I’m going to select at random…or at least dictionary.com will select at random three words.
Then (this is where you come in), then, you take five minutes out of your day and write.
Note: The first word in the writing MUST be one of...
2 tags
Motivational pep talk, anyone?
A whole month is past us in the new year. Yes, 2010 has officially began now. There’s no turning back.
Thirty one days are done and gone. Maybe you’ve kept your resolutions, maybe you slipped up and are trying again, or maybe you’ve given up on them completely.
Well I’m here to tell you that if you really want to achieve your goals, don’t give up. Just don’t.
...
January 2010
34 posts
1 tag
Friday Night Dare
It’s been awhile since I’ve dared you with anything. Since Gasparilla is tomorrow for Tampa people, I could say something cheesy like: Don’t drink and drive, but you shouldn’t do that anyway.
So, I’ll dare you something regarding the WIP.
I dare you to have your character do one thing out of character.
Say she’s shy. Put her in an uncomfortable situation. In...
3 tags
Discussion: Introduction, ground rules, and #1
Randomly throughout the week, I’ll make a post and it’ll be titled “Discussion,” quite like this one. What I’d like to do is talk about writing/publishing related things and then talk about them. I think it would be a pretty neat idea and to really enjoy the full benefits, I’d highly recommend you NOT using the answer feature Tumblr offers but clicking on the...
6 tags
Has THIS ever happened to you??
Okay, so those who follow my blog know I’m in the middle of a huge undertaking of impossible proportions. That is, I’m writing one million words this year.
What you may not know is what I’m writing about.
Project 1 (the ‘current’ one that’s not so current anymore) was about four high school seniors and the pressures of university and how each change to better...
2 tags
Thesaurus: nice
“The kittens were nice.” “That sweater looks nice.” “Those chips tasted nice.”
See a pattern? If not, reread. If you do, choose one of these twenty synonyms (or your own synonym).
delightful
kind
likable
pleasant
charming
agreeable
gratifying
lovely
friendly
appealing
gracious
polite
amiable
congenial
affable
benign
comely
suitable
...
1 tag
Weekly Wednesday Writing Prompt
I know what you’re thinking. You’ve missed these prompts so much. Well, good news! They’re back.
Today, I’d like for you to look out your window and describe what’s outside. After your description, write how it makes you feel.
For example, if you see the sunset, it may bring feelings of contentment. If there was a gun war outside, you’d probably feel...
4 tags
Have you ever...?
Have you ever been in the middle of a project, immersed in the plot, characters, everything when all of a sudden another character from a different project tugs at your shirt tail? I mean, what are you supposed to do then?
This happened to me yesterday. And I gave in. Maybe it wasn’t the right choice, but I couldn’t take the whining anymore. (It’s quite like raising your own...
5 tags
What do you do?
Maybe this happened to you. Maybe it happened to someone you know. All I know for sure is that this happened to me and I’m going through this situation right now.
I haven’t put fingers to the keyboard and wrote on my writing project in a long time. Nearly a week or two. I opened my document and scrolled through the pages and the fire, the passion is gone. I no longer feel...
2 tags
To all the readers, fans, friends
New and old, I have to thank you each individually for continuing to follow me though the blog had come to a complete stand still. As for an update, my computer is fixed and I can finally see!
I’m going to pick up on the writing and the blog posting as of TODAY.
Thank you all for standing by me, offering encouraging words, and cheering me on as I quietly waited for the new screen to...
2 tags
Thesaurus: interesting
These are a compilation of my favorite synonyms of interesting. Enjoy!
captivating
compelling
entertaining
stimulating
intriguing
fascinating
absorbing
engaging
enchanting
challenging
attractive
gripping
riveting
enthralling
exhilarating
mesmerizing
noteworthy
striking
significant
alluring
5 tags
Greetings fellow readers, fans, and stalkers...
I have to apologize for not posting. I’ve gone off the charts completely. I have no laptop. That’s right. The lightbulb burned out plus the inverter died. No worries; I’m having another part sent here.
Classes started this week and, as most of you know, I did change my major. Let me disspell a little thought about Writing majors: It’s not easy, even coming from a biology...
2 tags
Friday night dare
Okay this one is a little different.
Find a print dictionary (not online) and open it to a random page, close your eyes, and point to a word.
*I dare you to write a short story OR poem centered around that word.
**I double dare you to somehow incorporate the short story in your novel OR the poem in your poetry collection.
4 tags
Inspirational word of the day
Strut: Strut your stuff on life’s runway. You never know until you write it down.
Source
2 tags
Thesaurus: funny
Have you ever had this happen to you? Your friend comes up to you after seeing a comedy show or film and tell you, “Oh, man, was that funny.” Now, if your friend would have used one of these words, you would have gotten more of idea of how it was.
hilarious
comical
humorous
weird
curious
droll
absurd
ridiculous
silly
witty
side-splitting
laughable
odd
peculiar
ludicrous
...
7 tags
Which or That?
I was looking on Amazon right now for grammar books. One can never know too many grammar rules.
Well, while I was looking at “Eats, Shoots and Leaves,” I saw in the recommended box another book “Woe Is I.”
In it, I found a valuable lesson all writers could learn from (even me and you!). It’s the difference between “that” and “which.” I...
3 tags
Know somebody with atrocious grammar?
Do you know anybody who has bad grammar? Maybe it’s you. Or maybe you’re a stickler when it comes to grammar. Maybe you’re like me and manually fix grammatical errors wherever you go whether the grocery store or library.
Well, do I have a solution for you!? It’s called the “Apostrophe Protection Society.” It’s much like the Witness Protection Program, but...
3 tags
Utterly random
For those who use Tumblr, I can safely assume you’re familiar with the new dashboard and settings and whatnot. I’m also surprised to see the “tumblarity” (or however you spell it) is now vanished.
I wonder why that may be. I’ve heard some complaints about it, but since the blog name was in the Tumblarity name, I figured the administrators would keep it. I’m...
1 tag
Weekly Wednesday writing prompt
Since it’s technically Wednesday (by an hour and half in the Eastern time zone, USA), I figured why not post the writing prompt since there I’ll be quite busy tomorrow.
Option 1: Use all these words in a poem: crash, crumpled paper, straw, gravel, ochre.
Option 2: Start your story with this: She touched the little box in her pocket and smiled.
There are two options since I know some...
8 tags
Word play (editing tip)
I’m a lover of words. If you give me a word, I’ll immediately try to figure out the root of it, which is why I took Latin in high school and still remember a lot of it.
Well, now that you know I’m a sucker for words, here’s something unexpected. You can find the full article here. However, I’ll touch on some interesting parts.
The article is in reference to words...
2 tags
Apology? Or warning?
I would like to inform readers, Facebook, and Twitter that I just typed a post. In lieu of the writing tip of the week, I had an emotional breakdown. Most of it was due to unsuccessful days spent staring at the screen, watching TV, sleeping, or anything else that kept me from writing and, of course, the computer.
Everything I said in the previous post was raw and unedited. I do not plan on...
2 tags
Writing tip of the week and other musings, if you...
Well, I suppose since I’ve already made a reference to the writing tip of the week, I thought I would talk about other things. (In case you haven’t been following daily, I made a reference a few posts back. If not yesterday. My memory seems to fail me at crucial moments.)
I still have writer’s block and as such, little words have been written. I now know that it’s not...
2 tags
Brain Freeze *Writing update*
Here I am writing, sitting at the dining room table typing away madly and patiently listening to my characters. All of a sudden, I start to shiver; the heating unit was off again somehow. I shiver so violently that it’s impossible to type, much less think.
Now, you know how when you eat ice cream too quickly you’ll get a brain freeze? Well, it’s the same principle: It was so...
5 tags
Week one: Finished; Pep Talk #2
It’s hard to believe that a whole week has passed us by. Whether you’ve written a novel already, haven’t started, or are somewhere in between, it’s not too late.
All these posts are directly sent to my Facebook profile and people leave little comments sometimes.
My friend commented on the last post and said, and I quote, “If you’re writing to hit a word count,...
4 tags
Day 8. (Is it really that far into the new year?)
Toward the beginning, I thought today was going to be yet another bust. After all, I was procrastinating and even by 10pm, I hadn’t written a word. I couldn’t bear to see another day wasted, so I took it into my own hands- sort of.
It was a slow start. A very slow start, but a start indeed.
I planned on only writing 2,000 words. (The daily minimum is 2,740.) At the rate I was...
3 tags
Friday Night Dare. Any takers?
It’s the first Friday night dare post, and these are on every Friday, as you could have probably guessed from the name. On Fridays, what will happen is I’ll post a ridiculous thing to do or add to your novel, short story, song, poem, anything. If you want to take me up on the challenge, just leave a little note saying you’ve taken the dare. There are no “winners” per...
3 tags
Is this writer's block?
Since I didn’t write anything yesterday, I was supposed to make up the word count today. In a perfect world, that would be easy to do, but we all know this isn’t one.
I’ve never had the “writer’s block” feeling before. Sure, I’ve blogged on it, read about, witnessed others with it, but never experience for myself- until now.
It’s a weird...
2 tags
Thesaurus: bad
Bad is in the same boat as good. Again, here are twenty synonyms.
poor
unsatisfactory
ghastly
dreadful
terrible
appalling
horrific
awful
unacceptable
disappointing
substandard
atrocious
abominable
loathsome
offensive
shoddy
dire
disastrous
grave
ominous (another favorite for suspense)
*Tip: If your MC has a dog, please don’t allow them to say, “Atrocious dog”...
5 tags
And on the sixth day...
…I rested. That’s right. No writing today. It was back-up the entire computer and download Windows 7, and other things, and re-downloaded it back.
(Hm. Maybe that’s why I couldn’t do any writing.)
So, tomorrow, I need to write a total of 8,000 words. I’m up for the challenge and I gave the novel some breathing room, which I think is good.
How is your writing...
1 tag
Weekly Wednesday Writing Prompt
Everybody has a cause they support whether financially or not. Write about a cause you support, then write a short (200-500 words) passage on why people would be opposed.