Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming, Swimming, Swimming, Swimming …

Hey November! Yeah, you! I don’t really think it was the best time to schedule NaNoWriMo. Do you think you could possibly change it to some other month? … No? … What if I gave you a cookie? … No? … Okay, fine. I guess I’ll suck it up.

I’m on 3,000 words so far, which isn’t bad, I guess. But I know I’m going to fall behind. I can feel it coming! I have loads of work on my hands with little time for writing. My work term is time consuming, unfortunately.

So what’s my solution, you may ask?

Well, running off to some quiet, remote location to write isn’t really the answer, so plan B … which is finding time to write.

Yes, we all have those moments in the day when we’re tired and worn out from work/school, etc., and those other times when you just don’t have the motivation to write. That’s fine. Take that time to relax. But don’t sit there all day watching TV reruns, being unproductive while your computer is making sad faces at you because you won’t spend some quality time with it.

I know I have several procrastinating problems. One is watching my favourite TV show until I reach the end of the season. Another would be social media sites, such as facebook. Even game shortcuts on my desktop are distracting.

 

Here’s some helpful advice for the struggling writer:

- Hide your TV remote and stay away from that evil box!

- Remove all game shortcuts from your desktop

- Try to stay away from media sites such as facebook, twitter, etc.

- Don’t put it off. Schedule a certain time/date to write and stick to it!

- Reward yourself for completing a page. “Here, Sandra. Have a cookie!” (remember to bake cookies beforehand)

- Music can be distracting, but it can also help depending on the writer. Choose songs that fit your story

- Take a break from time to time. Not a long one, but long enough to grab a snack or a relaxing bath

- Ask someone about your progress. A bit of encouragement goes a long way!

- Walks are good for collecting thoughts and clearing your mind of all negativity

- Finally, talk with other writers and share opinions. You’ll feel more motivated when you are surrounded by others with the same passion for writing!

 

This is going to be a hectic ride, but I’m strapped in and ready to go! Good luck to everyone competing and remember, as Dory says, “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming, swimming …”

~ Sandra

Two Days Until NaNoWriMo!

Eek!! Two days left! Two days until National Novel Writing Month, that is!

Unless you’ve been living under a rock all these years, you’ll know that Halloween is tomorrow night, but after that comes the hectic NaNoWriMo.

Honestly, I’m a little nervous about it. I’m going to be on my workterm starting tomorrow, and then both Skyrim and Skyward Sword come out in November, both of which I want to play. It’s going to be intense, I tell you.

On the bright side, however, I managed to come up with an idea for my NaNoWriMo project. Let’s just say it involves magic, dragons, floating islands, and dangerous enemies.

Meanwhile, I’m trying to find an envelope big enough to fit my manuscript in and also trying to decide what colours to paint the apartment.

Decisions, decisions.

Anyway, off to watch some Criminal Minds and eat some smiley fries! : )

~ Sandra

National Novel Writing Month … A.K.A. NaNoWriMo

So I signed up to NaNoWriMo, which is the National Novel Writing Month. It’s my first year as a participant and to be honest, I think it will be quite the challenge. I’ll be on my workterm during the program, so it’ll be somewhat of a rush to me. I’m a little worried I won’t be able to finish 50,000 words in time, but I’m going to try my hardest!

I think this is a great program to get people involved with writing. It’s not only forcing you to push yourself to your limits, but it provides both new and old writers with a great experience that will really get them motivated. There’s so much practice to gain from this program, not to mention the fact that if you aren’t already completely familiar with the keys on your computer, you will be afterwards. : )

I haven’t found any ideas yet, but I’m going to follow my old strategies and brainstorm a bit. I have a whole month to think about the kind of story I want to write, after all.

What about you guys? Is anyone out there signed up or excited about the upcoming National Novel Writing Month? I’d really love to get some helpful hints about the program myself from anyone who has joined it in previous years, and would also like to hear what newcomers like myself have to say about it. Drop me a comment and tell me what you think/love/look forward to!

Take care everyone.