I Survived NaNoWriMo and Lived to Tell About It

For writers, November 1^st is much like January 1^st is for the rest of the world. November is our month of resolutions. Many of us dig deep, take a deep breath, and resolve to write an entire novel in one month.

I don't know about you, but NaNoWriMo is a process for me. This year, I spent weeks pouring over different story ideas I'd jotted down, trying to find just the right one for November. Then, I plotted out in my mind where I wanted my story to go. I only have a month, after all. Every minute is precious and I'm certainly not going to waste those valuable moments sitting at the computer wondering what to write next.

Then, I declare to the world I am doing NaNoWriMo, in hopes that by declaring my intentions, I will somehow solidify my resolve to spend inordinate amounts of time typing away on the keyboard while the rest of the world buzzes on around me.

Next, I make sure to have each of my favorite writing implements. You've gotta have a notebook and at least 37 pens. You know, in case the other 36 quit working. And a pencil in case it decides to rain inside the house, or we have a tsunami...in Spokane, Washington...300 miles away. Well, a person can never be too prepared.

Then there are the snacks. Bottles of water, veggies, fruits, and a stash of comfort foods for the really difficult scenes when a cucumber just won't do the job of filling the gaping hole I just ripped into my heart when I killed off one of my favorite characters. And don't forget the tissues. Oh, and a garbage can, for said tissues and food wrappers. And pages ripped out of the pad of paper because all sixteen variations of the story were decidedly stupid and I decided to start over.

On the first night of NaNoWriMo, I donned my favorite pair of sweats, put my hair up in a messy bun, and locked the office door. For hours, all the family could hear was the pitter-patter of excited fingers tapping away at the keyboard. I think I finished nearly 7,000 words that first day. Wahoo!

I fell into bed at three in the morning, only to be woken up by my five-year-old three hours later to start the day. He pulled me out of bed, dragged me to the kitchen, and insisted I actually feed him breakfast. Seriously? Didn't he realized I was up all night? The nerve of that little boy! I let him live only because he's so doggoned cute. And because murder is frowned upon in certain circles.

That night, I managed another couple thousand words before I found myself falling asleep at the keyboard, leaving several rows of unintelligible characters on the screen. Sweet little five-year-old Jake was kind enough to wake me at four thirty the next morning. He must've known I had work to do. By the time I sat down at the computer that night, my eyes were crossing, and I felt a cold coming on. I logged 12 words.

Then there was the wind-storm heard around the world. 189,000 houses without power. My husband, an employee at the local utility company, logged 100 overtime hours in a week. I got to see what it's like to be a single mom. I do not recommend it. I bow in the general direction of any woman who has to raise children on her own.

And whose idea was it to put NaNoWriMo in the same month as Thanksgiving? Don't they realize there's relatives, and baking, and cleaning, and vacations from school, and children running around, and chaos to be had by all? Someone clearly did not consult me when choosing NaNoWriMo.

For whatever reason, it seemed all of my efforts to sit and write were thwarted by some unforeseen, and a few totally expected, but ignored-until-it-was-too-late, event. By the end of the month, I logged in a paltry 24,211 words. A far cry from the number I was shooting for, but it is still 24,211 words more than I had when I started. I am right where the story gets exciting, and I try to add a few hundred more words per day.

I may not have “won” NaNoWriMo this year, but I did break through my writer's block, gain several new writing buddies, finish nearly half of my story, and managed to avoid any scenarios that would necessitate the use of my pencil. In all, I'd consider the month a success!

Getting Organized As A Writer

I've decided that this is the year of the novels.  I've written two in my series, and am half-way through my third novel.  Book one has been edited, and I'm beginning to concentrate on query letters synopsis' and networking.  Book two is in it's second draft/edit group (I do not recommend this method, but it does force me to keep moving at a steady pace to keep up with deadlines).

I have made it a goal to have novels two and three ready for submission by the time I go to the ANWA writer's conference in Arizona at the end of next year.

The thought of presenting the last four years worth of work to a complete stranger to shoot down terrifies me.  But I'm also painfully aware that this is the next step in the progression of what it takes to become published: Risking rejection.

In my efforts to finish my books, I've invested in a laptop so I can type when I'm away from home, or the other two computers are occupied by other family members.

For my main PC, I've decided the best way to achieve my goal is to organize my desk, which quite frankly is a rat's nest of chaos because it's the hub of everything.  I have papers from my transcription work, bills and finances, medical  bills and statements (that another sordid story in and of itself), books I'm reading and/or reviewing, printing and paperwork from my mystery game business, and a bevy of other projects I'm working on at any given moment.

In an effort to organize my writing work spaces, I opted to try several items for free in exchange for an unbiased review.

One of the biggest hang ups I have with my PC workspace (aside from the paperwork) are the cables.  My feet are constantly getting tangled up in one cable or another.  So I ordered some cable clips.  

 They're a simple concept, quite frankly.  They're clips used to bunch several wires/cables together rather than letting them run loose in a maze of chaos behind the computer and my desk.  Why some engineer hasn't mastered the art of wireless technology for computers and their peripherals is way beyond me.  But here I am, with my 3-month-old computer, clipping wires together to achieve some semblance of order and organization.


When I bought my laptop, I quickly realized that I needed more charger cables.  I have a cable next to my bed to charge my phone while I'm sleeping, one for my PC, one for my laptop, one next to the recliner so I can read on the Kindle App without draining the battery, and another in the car when I'm driving around.  We have three Apple Iphones in our house, so if I'm not using the charging cable, someone else is.

I ordered a package of three charging cables, varying in sizes from three feet, six feet, and nine feet.  These are fantastic. First off, the piece of metal you slide into the phone is stronger than that of the cable you get when you purchase an Iphone.  Secondly, the sizes are great!  I use the 9 footer in the suburban, so the kids in the back seat can use electronics on long trips without the battery dying.  The 6-footer is used in the living room so that I can be charging my phone while using it in the recliner, or reading books for hours at a time.  And the 3-footer is next to my bed for charging the phone at night. The only time I haven't been able to use these is for my youngest's Ipad.  He has a LifeProof case, so there is a small opening for the charger, but the head of these new cables are too large so I can't get them through the tiny hole.  That means the Apple-issued chord is reserved for the Ipad only.

And finally, I got a second portable charger.  My 15-year-old son stole my first one (which, by the way was hot pink) as soon as it arrived in the mail, and he has used it non-stop for the last several months.  So, I decided to get a second charger (this time it's red). And again, another child (my 19-year old daughter) grabbed it before I could even get it out of it's box.  (sigh) One of these days, I'll get a charger for myself - even if it kills me!!!

Regardless, my office space now looks more organized, and I'm one step closer to being productive enough to reach my goal of being able to offer up three books in my seven-book young adult action series when I send out my query letters and pitch to the agents and publishers.

I'll keep you posted as I progress!


*I received these products for free in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion

Book Review: Bridges of the Heart

I had the opportunity to read a book called Bridges of the Heart by author Joan Sowards this weekend.  She and I became acquainted through the ANWA Writer's group and she sent me a copy for review.  

I've never been a big historical romance reader, but I gave it a try and was impressed with the story.  Maybe it's because I have a soft spot in my heart for family history and genealogy.  My parents and a few sisters are/were avid genealogists.  We estimate my parents submitted more than 300,000 names before they passed.  Imagine THAT welcoming committee on the other side! ;)

Or maybe it's because the story line was different from so many that I've read in recent months.  I don't know.  Except that over the couple of days I spent reading this book, my mind would often wander back to the place I was at, wondering what would happen next and pondering the turn of events in the story.  

It was easy to get lost in the pages and the time period with the less-than perfect (although spot-on for that time period) dialogue, and little reminders that life in the 1800's were so very different from today.  At times I'd catch myself smiling at the pages, and toward the end there were tears steaming down my cheeks.  

I think what I enjoyed about this book, though, was the gentle reminder of how intertwined our destinies are with one another in our families.  I love how the author illustrates that who we are is because of our ancestors, and how those same ancestors depend on us, their future generations, to cement in heaven what was started here on earth. 

I was enlightened, inspired, and finished the book feeling a strong sense of belonging in the universe. If you are looking for a book that encourages and uplifts, mingled with a dose of gospel doctrine and a look into the eternities, this is the book for you.   I highly recommend it. 

~Susan

Click on the picture to go to the Amazon Page

Synopsis:

Bridges of the Heart is about the power of love and forgiveness and the eternal nature of families. Twenty-one-year-old Rachel's life falls apart when her mother becomes ill and passes away. To add to her confusion, Maxson proposes on the evening of the funeral. Rachel escapes to Utah to think and take time off from the relationship. After returning to Arizona, Rachel finds Maxson in a relationship with Paige—Rachel's rival throughout high school. With time, Rachel convinces herself she is over Maxson, but a strange Southern visitor named Jonathan tells her that in the eternal scheme of life, she was always meant to marry Maxson. Jonathan insists it is her responsibility to apologize to Maxson and set things straight. But Rachel refuses, and because of her stubbornness, she is whirled back in time to 1820 to learn that families are eternal—not only through time forward, but also the past. Latter-day Saint women of all ages will enjoy Bridges of the Heart. With a heart-warming, unique perspective of the early-nineteenth-century American South, Bridges of the Heart is a story about the power of love and forgiveness.

You Know You're a Bibliphile When...

Funniest thing ever:

So I was taking my 15-year-old to school this morning.  When he climbed into the car, he had an old, worn down hard-back book in his hands.  One of the Fablehaven series, I believe.  He's read them several times and loves them.



We drove to school like we do every morning, and as he climbed out of the car, I reminded him to grab his book.

He looks at me and says, "Nah.  I don't need it.  I already have several others in my bag."

I laughed so hard.  How many 15-year-old boys carry around a stack of books with them just in case they need something to read?  Plus, I happen to know he has another 200 books downloaded onto his phone.

That boy is worse than I am!

By son is a bibliophile.  And he's got it bad!

I am NOT the Same Susan Allred that wrote Beyond the Wall

Just to make a few hazy points clearer, I am NOT the same Susan Allred who wrote 'Beyond the Wall'.

Yes, I am a writer.  No.  I am not a published author...yet.

I do write mystery games though.  And I actually sell them.  Does that make me a paid author?  Hmm.  That may be up for debate. You can see some of my work at www.whodunnitmysteries.com .

But as far as publishing a book.  Nope.  I'm not there yet.  Though, admittedly, I haven't even tried to pitch any of my books to a literary agent or a publisher yet.

I respect this trade, and there is a gigantic learning curve for someone like me who has never done any serious writing up until 2  years ago, and has no degree in literature, English, or similar subjects.

I respect this craft, and therefore take my work seriously enough to know that there is much I must learn before I can be arrogant enough to think that I should ask someone to take time out of their busy schedule to read my stuff.

A) Because there are hundreds and thousands of other aspiring authors requesting the same.

B) Because I want the reader to be so enthralled with my book that they want to sit and read the WHOLE THING. Not just a couple measly pages.  But that's just me.  :)

So, I will continue to write this little blog of mine, and keep plugging away at my many manuscripts and learning every little detail there is to learn about not only writing, but being an excellent writer.

Maybe sometime soon, I will be able to announce that I'm going to be published though.


Soon.   Very very soon.  (maniacal laughter in the background).


P.S.  I'm up to 16,000 words on my 3rd manuscript!!  It's coming along!

What? More Ideas?

I had the privilege of going to an ANWA (American Night Writer's Association) Retreat a couple weeks ago.

While there, I came up with nearly 10 new Novel ideas that I wanted to write about in the future.  Wahoo!  New Novels.  At this rate, I'll be busy for the next 10 years doing what I love: writing.

Last night as I was putting my youngest child to bed, I fell asleep (what a pleasant surprise!).  Except it gets better.  When I woke up, I remembered a dream I'd been in the middle of that was so unique and so neat that my 15-year old son (an avid reader and one of my biggest advocates) told me to write it down on a piece of paper.

"It must mean something," he said.  "Go write it down so you don't forget it."

So I did.

And from that one little dream, evolved six more titles and books, creating another Young Adult Book Series that I will be writing once I finished the Unleashed series.  I'm so excited about this new series idea too.  The themes are fun, unique, and will hopefully be uplifting to the teens who read it.  Now, to plow through and finish the Unleashed books so I can get to the "Deadly Wins" Series!

I certainly hope I get published.  Otherwise, I'll have shelves and shelves of paper in my office! lol  Oh well!  It's more about the love of the process for me.  Who knows? Maybe I'll eventually spend my life getting paid to do what I love.  Could I be so lucky?  I guess we'll have to wait and see.

My name is Susan Allred. And I am a writer.

Tap tap tap.  "Is this thing on?"
(pause)
"Testing, testing, one two three."
Sigh.  (clear throat)
"Uh.  Hello.  My name is Susan Allred.  And I am a writer."

***

How do I know, you ask?
Well, that depends.

Maybe I knew I was a writer in 3rd grade when I won a school wide writing contest that sent me to an area-wide young writer's conference.

Maybe I knew when I started getting A's in my creative writing classes, and decided that I loved to write.

Maybe I knew when I decided to minor in English in college.

Maybe I knew when my father gave me his mystery game business, and I began writing and selling mystery games all over the world.

Or Maybe it was when I finally sat down and finished writing my first novel.  And then my second. And now I'm half way through my third of five books in a series.

I don't know when, exactly, I decided I was a writer.  But I can tell you the moment I decided to say it out loud for the world to hear.

I was at an ANWA writer's conference in Rosario Beach, WA with my friend Kat Rosenbaum.  We had the distinct pleasure of listening to Carla Kelly, a historical romance writer.  On her final speech, she urged us to say it loud and say it proud, "I am a writer."

So hear I am.

I am Susan Allred, and I am a writer.

Thank you.