Sunday, November 30, 2008

NaNoWriMo Results - Sometimes We Just Need to Let Go

Last year I was an excited winner of the 2007 NaNoWriMo novel writing month. I have a novel that I am proud of, but as I haven't spent much time on revisions, it will be a while before I submit the manuscript. This year I had hopes of accomplishing that feat once more, but knew in my heart early on that I had other priorities and might not be able to complete another novel at this time.

I spent much of this month writing blog posts for my websites and articles for the two article sites where I am now an author/publisher. As I am preparing to start writing for a third site, writing is keeping me pretty busy.

As disappointing as this is, I know in my heart I sometimes need to let go of the high expectations I have for myself. My mind and my dreams sometimes succumb to reality.

Have you ever had a writing dream you had to let go of? Will you ever pick it up and run with it? How do you feel about letting go?

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

China Bayles and Thyme and Seasons

One of my favorite authors is Susan Wittig Albert of the China Bayles mystery series.
China is an herbalist and amateur sleuth based in fictional Pecan Springs, TX, midway between Austin and San Antonio.

Every week, I receive an email newsletter from Susan through her AboutThyme website and blog.

The newsletter I received this morning reminded us that November is National Peanut Butter Lovers' Month and National Raisin Bread Month. Great reminders as I love both. But the greatest news is November 28th is National French Toast Day.

The best french toast ever is made from raisin bread. How cool is it that both are the same month.

Along with the french toast made with raisin bread, is that November 29th is National Chocolates Day. Dessert anyone?

If you would like to read a good mystery series with a cast of interesting characters, check out China Bayles, and find out what she, Ruby, Mike and gang are mixed up in now.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Time for NaNoWriMo Catch-up


As of this date I have approximately 23,000 words on my current WIP. As this is the 18th of the month, I think I better pick up the pace.

Last year, I used a 1700 words per day goal as a guideline and finished on November 26. Using the same number, with the current total count, I am at the 13th. Hmmm!

Therefore, doing the math, to finish by November 30th, I need to write 2076 words a day. Okay, where we go...

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Review: A Daily Dose of Pride and Prejudice

Having received six installments of Pride and Prejudice from DailyLit.com, I must say I am having a blast reading this famous classic.

DailyLit brings short book installments to your email box or RSS feed on the day and at the time you choose.

I just finished reading installment 6 of 146, and each email gives the reader the option of clicking to immediately receive the next installment. It has been a pleasure to read this book, one that I probably would not read right now if I had purchased or obtained it from the library.

Just the fact that I see it arrive daily, Monday through Friday, encourages me to click on the link and read that days portion. The installment is just the right length, always leaving me wanting more.

This book, as well as many others, is free. Some books cost a very low amount of money, but there are many in the public domain. All you have to do is go to the website, register, choose which books you want and when, and receive. Reading classic books could not get any easier.

In fact, I am enjoying it so much, I am thinking about subscribing to another book for two different reads a day. Maybe one in the a.m. and one at night?

Friday, November 7, 2008

Making Money Online

Although this blog is predominately writing related, it is also about making money, on- or off-line. Therefore, at times I will share important sites concerned with monetizing blogs, making money on-line, and a myriad of similar topics.

On Blogger is an interesting site called How to Make Money Online for Beginners. The author is Griz.

Someday maybe this blog will be a place to come and hang out, but right now I would rather point you to sites that can teach you, uplift you, and help you accomplish all that you desire.

Toward that end, please click on the above link and open your heart and mind to what Griz has to say. A visit to his site is well worth your time.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Author Matt Richtel and His Twiller

Matt Richtel has created a techno first. He is writing his latest novel, as yet unnamed, via Twitter, the web- and text message-based service that allows users to send frequent updates of no more than 100 characters at a time to friends, family and the Internet at large.

He has an update on Blogger, that will bring the reader up to date as of September, then go to Twitter and follow Matt/Lev as he travels around the country trying to regain his memory, and find out how he was involved in the death of a D.C. madam.

Richtel leaves random updates on Twitter, as hundreds follow his story. At last count, he had over 800 Twitterers following his story.

Richtel's first novel, Hooked, was published in 2007. Check out his website by clicking on the title of this post for more information.