I'm a Loser

It's not going to happen. I'm not going to win NaNoWriMo.

Again.

I don't know why I thought it would be possible with a two-week vacation to Florida in November. I only just hit 4,600 words this afternoon. I should be close to 40,000 now.

Oh well.

But I'm not to give up on the novel. Even though sometimes I think the story drags and I should just give up because I suck at writing, sometimes there is a little flash of a good scene. So I just keep reminding myself that this is just a first draft. A starting point. Besides, I know I'm a rewriter. That's when it's the most fun. First drafts blow.

Oh No Nano

I had really good intentions. I brought my laptop on vacation. I thought I'd have a ton of time to write after everyone went to bed. But it's not working out that way.

First, the time change and jet lag had me all screwed up. Plus, I am still getting over a cold. Still, as in two weeks. So I'm not sleeping well when I do sleep. And my brain hurts from all the coughing I've been doing.

Second, the family's been staying up pretty late. By the time they all go to bed, I'm totally wiped out, too, and just find myself staring at my computer screen. Too tired to think.

Third, cold medicine gives me writer's block. The only reason I'm writing this is because the Sudafed wore off and I am up early at my sister's in New Orleans. The kiddo's with grandma in Florida. I'm sure everyone will else around here will be up shortly since I'm hacking up a lung out in the living room.

I've got another week of vacation, so I'm hoping I can get on track. Not sure how, though. But if I don't, I'm going to have about 47,000 words to write Thanksgiving week (during which time my father-in-law will be staying with us).

Why does NaNo have to be in November? Why couldn't it be NaFebWriMo?

Hello NaNo!

I'm in trouble. I already started over and it's only Day 3 of NaNoWriMo. Well, at least it's only Day 3.

But I love my NaNo novel. It's fluffilicious! That should be a word. You can find me HERE. I need to change my author profile -- that one's from last year. *gasp*

My synopsis is below. I'm going to try hard to leave it alone now and focus on the story. (I'm only 560 words in and should be at 5,000. Yikes.)

Kate Running (Working Title):

Everyone at Dunham and Burke loves Kate. She’s the life of every after-work party, at ease under pressure and would gladly set up camp in the spotlight. And, at 27, Kate McKendrick’s at the top of her game in this small advertising firm just outside of Seattle.

But when another writer is hired to be her teammate, Kate finds her job threatened and, more importantly, her status as coolest coworker. Now everyone loves Phillip with his tan face, toned legs and healthy lifestyle. A marathoner. Whatever.

On one particularly soul-crushing day, Kate declares anyone can run a marathon, to which Phillip retorts, “You wanna bet?” Of course she does. Kate’s not one to run away from a challenge. The only problem: Kate’s not one to run…at all. (That is unless it’s from the office to happy hour at Downtown Dave’s next door. Hello, $2 margaritas!)

Will Kate win the bet? Or will she die trying?

Copyright 2010 Kerrie T. and How To Be an Author

The Pledge

I've wandered. I haven't been paying attention to my works in progress. I need to be better about fitting it in -- making time to write for me.

Today, I did the final interview for my paying gig over the phone. It's been a while (about a year?) since I've done a freelance article and my typing-while-listening skills are rusty. So are my interviewer skills. But I got it done.

Now, I just need to write the article. Well, finish it. I started writing it on Friday. I like to step away and come back to an article with fresh eyes.

In fact, every time I look at a piece of my writing, I can change it. That's why writers need deadlines. Maybe that's my problem with the things I'm writing for myself. Maybe that's why things like NaNoWriMo are so popular.

Liz over at Writing Mommy had a great idea to create a pledge for aspiring authors. I've been meaning to sign up, so here I go. You should sign up, too!

I, Kerrie T., take The Aspiring Writers Pledge to write a book in 2010 with the intent of publishing. I promise to update my progress weekly, ask when I need support and encourage others to complete the task at hand.

I just hope I don't wait till Dec. 31st to get it done...