Moving Right Along

How are things going? Well, they are moving right along (thus the picture below). This was one of my all-time favorites when I was growing up. I had this movie on VHS and watched it hundreds and hundreds of times. I think I wore it out. There was actually static at the bottom of the screen from all the back and forth of watching. And this song, Moving Right Along, was one of my favorites. So naturally, I thought about it when I wrote this title.

So, I did a lot of prep this year and that's what's saved me. I wrote 3500 words on Sunday which is great, but that's all I've written for the week. I've had some other projects going on. Leadership training at work, new large scale project at work, a HUGE project for school, and this week is the week I'm supposed to present for my class on the proper way to budget and manage finances for large programs. So, this past week has been a bear. BUT, as I said, today, I got to sit back and get some great writing in. 

My plan to use dictation didn't work at all. Just not at all. The transcription process was laborious and listening to my own voice for a half-hour to hours on end, not a fan of that. Secondly, the "writing" through dictation just wasn't very good. Why do it if the writing is no good? That seems like a step backward.

How's the writing? What are the scenes like? I like them. I think although it's a bit spotty in terms of the flow between chapters, the chapters themselves are fun to write so I hope that means it's fun to read. Another thing I'm doing is I'm looking for conflict everywhere. If there isn't conflict (both internal and external) then I go back and find some. This poor gal in my novel is gonna be a wreck when I'm done with her! 

So, all told I'm at 20K words thanks to Sunday's writing fest and my prep work. How's that translate to the rest of the month? I think I'm ahead of schedule so that's a first for me I think. Thank god for prepping. 

Guest Blogger for NaNo - First Weekly Update - Shannon Hovey

Following up on last week's prep update (see here), Shannon provides a week 1 update with the below post! Keep up the great work!

Well we made it through the first week of NanoWriMo, amidst political unrest in the states that kept the entire world on the edge of their seats, holding their breath. I know for me, as a Canadian who spent almost twenty years in the states, it was incredibly difficult to concentrate on writing this week. That said, I did manage to make some headway on my work-in-progress.

As I mentioned last time, I’m a Nano Rebel. I did not start Nano with a blank page. At the onset of Nano I was 34,876 words into my 2nd draft. My goal was to finish Acts 1 – 3 during Nano, which would hopefully bring me to 50,000 words. Then I would work on my Epilogue after the Nano frenzy.

I’m really pleased to say I made it to 44,343 words this week, despite being glued to CNN for the better part of four days. That leaves me with 5,657 words to sort for the rest of the month. If I did 9,467 words the first week, it seems likely that I can make it (less than 2,000 words per week for the remainder of NanoWriMo).

Can I do it? Only time will tell!

Those of you who started with a blank page, if you’re struggling to find a path to the finish line, I highly recommend you check out Abbie Emmons on YouTube. She has a plethora of videos explaining every step along the way, and she’s doing Letters from Abbie for the month of November, where you can sign up to receive an email from her every day of NanoWriMo. These letters are encouraging, but also informative, and even though we’re a week in, you may still be able to sign up for the remainder. So if you find yourself lost or just needing a bit of a push, check it out.

In closing, I want to say that for those who think it’s crazy to try to write a novel (even just a very rough first draft) in 30 days, think of this: it takes about 30 days to develop a habit. This is why Nano is so awesome, because it can create habits that continue long after the month of November – habits that successful writers need.

Are you on your way to developing a daily writing habit? 

For a look at all of the NaNo guest bloggers feel free to see (here).

Self-Directed Learning

Recently read a list of strengths and weaknesses of adult learning in terms of self-directed learning. I recently wrote a blog post discussing Blanchard's Situational Leadership model and Grow's Stages of Self-Directed Learning (SSDL) model (see here). Grow's Four Stages of a Self-Directed Learning Model (SSDL) espouses a theory of adult development from Dependent, to Interested, then Involved, and finally Self-Directed (2020). Several things about your post in comparison to Grow's SSDL caught my eye.

First, I really liked that almost all of the strengths were balanced with weaknesses. It's an acknowledgment that there are no absolutes and that these statements are not as clear cut as they might seem. However, the strengths that caught my eye were a quote that stated, "Adults are more inclined to seek and acquire knowledge," which was immediately counterbalanced by the weakness "not all adults are ready to learn" among others.

The other strength I read was, "Adults are generally self-directed, life-long learners who have a unique concept of self." This one is where I would argue that Grow's SSDL comes into play. Not all adults are or will make it to that stage of Self-Directed learning. It's incumbent on us as teachers, trainers, and facilitators to model our styles to meet their specific needs at the stage they happen to be in.

It's important as trainers that we model our training to the needs of the student. Just as we as writers need to change our writing based on the type and needs of the reader, and we need to model our leadership based on our employee's needs. If we don't do these things, then we risk not being as effective as necessary.

Teach Thought Staff. (2020). Four Stages of a Self-Directed Learning Model. Teach Thought. https://www.teachthought.com/learning/the-four-stages-of-the-self-directed-learning-model/

Guest Blogger for NaNo - Reina Pennington

Continuing with more guest bloggers, Reina asked if she could participate. She comes with a deep background and an obvious record of success! I can't wait to hear more about her work, and love her list of things to do to get off to a good start!

I I wasn't sure I'd join NaNoWriMo 2020, but today I'm glad I did.  I'm drawing on my background as an Air Force intelligence officer and Soviet analyst to write a novel about the Eastern Front. It was great to spend today back in the Great Patriotic War with Soviet fighter pilots!

I managed to "win" NaNo five years out of the past six. My day job as a teacher is taking almost all my energy this year, but my novel just had to come off the back burner in November. I may be a "NaNo Rebel" in the year of COVID-- I can't commit to 50K this time around--but I can commit to doing a little something every day for a month.  

Here are my three tips for a quick start:

• Use the Daylight Savings Time shift to your advantage (best for early risers). I stay on the old clock for a week or two for bedtime and rising. That gets me up and writing an hour earlier. That's my NaNoWriMo hour even if there's no other time in the day.
• Plan & prep. Doesn't matter if you're a planner or pantser -- I'm not talking about your writing project, but your life. Reduce all possible friction that will get in your way. Plan a schedule, carve out those writing hours, and hold them sacred. Prepare your life and your space to keep your writing top priority. Stock up your pantry and freezer, keep a list of quick and easy meals, and/or have a meal plan. If you need a clean desk, shove everything you don't need into a box and hide it a closet until December.  Get whatever distracts you out of your way, and keep whatever helps you close at hand (coffee! Indian Monsooned Malabar for me!). 
• Rituals, Rewards, and Tools. Ritual draws a line in the sand between writing time and the rest of your life. Light a candle, wear writing-time-only special cozy clothes, use a special mug, whatever makes writing a little more special.  Reward yourself for achieving goals. For me, it's one Sanders Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel for every thousand words I write, and a fountain pen from my wish list for bigger milestones. Use the tools that get you there faster; mine are a Filco mechanical switch keyboard, Scrivener, Aeon Timeline, and the Pomodoro technique.

Good luck with NaNoWriMo or whatever writing you're doing! You can find me on NaNoWriMo as "NUHistorian," or check out my web site at http://www.reinapennington.com.

Guest Blogger for NaNo - Rebecca Hougham

Continuing with more guest bloggers, Rebecca is up. The fourth in the series and she's a veteran of NaNo. Looking forward to hearing more from Rebecca! 

Prepping for NaNoWriMo: Third time’s the charm!

I’ve always loved the written word (and imaginary worlds) since I could read really. I finally made the move to a career in writing about eight years ago, and ghost-write articles for business leaders — but I’m increasingly wanting to write my own content/fiction! 

I'm currently preparing for my third NaNoWriMo. Last year, I only made it to 10k because of work projects getting in the way; in November 2018, both my parents were seriously ill, so I achieved 0 words! However, I’ve just gone freelance, so hoping I’ll have more control over my time this NaNo. (Plus, my social calendar is definitely ‘lighter’ this November!)

My favourite genres to read and write are fantasy, fairy tales, science fiction, gothic horror etc. But, this time, I’m going to try my hand at writing a pure romance — although I am throwing in a dash of gothic-themed mystery for good measure. And, I’m being a bit of a ‘Rebel’ and adapting a short story into a full novel, so I already have about 7k words written. 

To prepare for this change in genre, and NaNo in general, I’m deploying several methods:

• Researching how to write successful romance — such as reading Gwen Hayes’ ‘Romancing the Beat’.
• Reading pure romance novels, as well as other genres with strong love stories. And watching tv shows/films with romantic elements.  
• Merging specific plot structures for romantic novels (e.g. Hayes’ four phrases/five beats) with generic plotting methods (e.g. Watts’ eight-point arc) to create a bespoke plan for my romance/mystery.
• Signing up for my home regions’ remote write-ins/prep sessions.
• Even writing this blog is refocusing my mind on what I need to do before Sunday! 

So, with more time, and lots of prep here’s hoping third time's a charm and 2020 is the year for me. Although, I am a ‘Plantser’, and heavy on the ‘Pantsing, so who knows what will happen to the plan during November! 

Good luck to all your NaNoers, whether it’s your first time or you’re a veteran. Find me on NaNoWriMo under R.J.G.Hougham if you want to chat romance or writing in general.

Guest Blogger - Linda Rader on NaNo

As a part of the continuing series on guest bloggers for NaNo (see here and here), I got an entry from Linda, unexpectedly, and it's an awesome peak into what it takes to prep for NaNo. I look forward to hearing more about how her journey goes!

If I am going to write 50,000 words for the month of November why not start now in October? That is what I thought last year, 2019, and I started on my wip early and continued through the month of November. This year I started even earlier in October. It is never too soon to build good habits.

My goal is 2000 words a day on a specific story idea. I was successful in writing that much last year, but it was sometimes like pulling teeth to get the words out. My mind just goes down a certain path and comes to a dead end.

When that happens I usually starting writing what if's: “Just supposing I did have something to write about what would it be?”

“Well, it would be a fantastic idea with lots of action.” Or something along those lines is what I reply. All I needed was a jumping-off point to start talking about the ideas in my head. I talk to myself constantly, as many people do, and so I really can simply write for minutes on end. More than 20 minutes at a stretch wears me out and I need to take a minute or two breather.

But “what if” questions help me get over that internal editor who says I have to write something deep, something exciting, or worse of all “Something Original.”

No, you just have to write and all those other things happen in the rewrite. Once I agreed to give myself permission to write badly, on the theory that bad writing is better than no writing at all, I began to produce quantity. Did quality eventually come from that? I'm not sure I have made that goal yet, but at least I am on the path. I have written something. I have started NaNoWriMo in October.

Guest Blogger for NaNo - Shannon Hovey

Another Guest Blogger to follow up from Alex's post last week (see here). Shannon has agreed to give us her thoughts on the upcoming NaNo adventure and keep us abreast of her progress. 

It’s just over a week until NanoWriMo, which means it’s Nano Prep time for all us writers participating this year. For most of us, that means developing your story idea, creating characters, deciding on setting, and making an outline for your plot (if you’re starting Nano with a blank page, check out the Nano site – they have lots of resources and checklists and exercises to help with all of that prep work).

For me, Nano Prep is a little different. I’m not starting a new story with a blank page, so the development of characters, plot and setting is complete (I’m told this makes me a “Nano Rebel”, which is a label I rather like). I crafted my rough draft using the Three Act Story Structure (which I highly recommend). My story is formatted into two sections, both written in the epistolary style. The first part is a series of journal entries taking us through the complete story arc, character arc, and ending with the Resolution. The second part is an Epilogue that is a series of letters (or emails) back and forth between the two main characters. My plan is for the journal entries to be about 50,000 words, and the letters about 10,000 or so. I am deep into the rewrites, so my Nano Prep is basically gearing myself up for a giant push through the month of November - making sure other commitments are as few as possible for the month, organizing notes, and focusing my attention on the upcoming scenes so that when the clock strikes midnight on November 1st, I’m ready to go (okay, so technically I’ll probably be asleep at midnight, but I’ll be chomping at the bit when I wake that morning!).  

So, what’s my NanoWriMo goal? To complete the 2nd draft of the first part of my story (50,000 words). I’m now just over halfway through the rewrites of the first part, giving me a starting point for NanoWriMo of about 25,000 words. With the help of Nano Buddies holding me accountable (and perhaps a weekly check-in here with all of you!) let’s see if I can get to the 50,000 word point with my rewrites by the end of November!  

What are your goals for NanoWriMo? Send me a Buddy Request and help hold me accountable!

(You can find out more about me and my writing at http://shannonhovey.com ) 

Guest Blogger for NaNo - Alex Cole

I've been working hard to find some other viewpoints that I can share with my readers for the upcoming National Novel Writing Month challenge that begins November 1. I have found some guest bloggers who have agreed to share their NaNo prep and NaNo writing adventures. 

Earlier this month when I released my compilation of short stories I heard from my Number 1 Fan, Alex Cole (my cousin). Alex has always been curious about writing and has in the past asked about my writing process. I convinced him to try NaNo out and to share his experience with me in blog posts. Here's the first!

This first sample he's sent me belies his capabilities and experience. Having graduated from West Point and served as an officer in the armored cavalry,  . . . not to mention being a new father, . . . he certainly has more than 50,000 words worth of stories in him. I look forward to his next post and seeing what he produces!

Well, I guess this is happening. I am gearing up for my first National Novel Writing Month, which means I have no idea what I am getting myself into. I don’t think I wrote 50,000 words in four years of college. But I couldn’t say no because Dick was so enthusiastic about it. His optimism and motivation are infectious, but I hope he knows that he has to keep me motivated and accountable as the month rolls on. 

 

This type of endeavor is not typical for me. I am a very private person, so the idea of being vulnerable and putting a creation out into the world is terrifying. This will be a growth experience, and I’m already starting to broaden my horizons. 

As I start to brainstorm ideas, I am learning that the things I want to write about are the things that normally excite me. I am an avid military history student and find myself looking to the past for inspiration. However, I’ve surprised myself as well by considering other genres and finding story ideas in mundane things around me that are not my normal passions. 

I have also started thinking about my writing skills, finding my writing voice, coming up with an ideal story structure, character development, etc. I’ve even been asking myself questions like, “Can I realistically and convincingly write from the perspective of a young woman when I need to? Can I write about something I don’t know about? How do I learn to do that? How can I relate and connect to readers that are very different from me?”

I’m certain I am not the first NaNo participant to ask these questions of themselves, so I am in good company. So far, this journey has also brought me some joy and a new hobby to pass the day, which I am thankful for. More to follow.  

Emotional Intelligence 2.0

So, I haven't written much about first lines lately, because as I've said, I'm not reading for fun as much, and who really wants to hear a bunch of first lines from books on the theory of adult learning. But, first lines are still quite important, and I always look for them. 

The warm California sun greeted Butch Conner as he stepped out of his truck and onto the sands of Salmon Creek Beach. It was the first day of a long holiday weekend, and a perfect morning to grab his board and head out for a surf. Most of the other local surfers had the same idea that morning, and after 30 minutes or so, Butch decided to leave the crowd behind. He penetrated the water's surface with long, deep strokes that propelled him away from the pack and over to a stretch of beach where he could catch a few waves away from the crowd. 

Once Butch had paddled a good 40 yards away from the other surfers, he sat up on his board and bobbed up and down in the rolling swells while he waited for a wave that caught his fancy. A beautiful teal wave began to crest as it approached the shoreline, and as Butch lay down on his board to catch the wave, a loud splash behind him stole his attention. Butch glanced over his right shoulder and froze in horror at the sight of a 14-inch, gray dorsal fin cutting through the water toward him. Butch's muscles locked up, and he lay there in panic, gasping for air. He became hyper-focused on his surroundings; he could hear him his heart pounding as he watched the sun glistening on the fin's moist surface. 

Emotional Intelligence 2.0 - Travis Bradbery & Jean Greaves

So, for an adult learning and leadership book, non-fiction, it's not a bad start. And it only gets more exciting when the shark starts toying with him and trying to eat him. Emotional Intelligence is an area that I'm really looking forward to digging into. I read about it years ago, and I'm looking forward to finding out much more. 

NaNo Prep

 So, I freaked out the other night when I started planning some more for NaNo. Why? Cause I was supposed to find some time this week to write a bit. Did I? No. Why not? No idea. Why's this bad? Cause it's about to get worse.

The past few weeks I've been between classes. I had a week or so off and I wanted to take advantage of that. I failed. That transition time has come to an end, and now I'm looking at the amount of work I have during November and I'm FREAKING OUT!

Additionally, I thought this class ended the first week in January. The professor told us that nope, we would get it all done by the first week in November!!!

Work too is busy. Tons of projects all being run at once with no sight of letting up. Then there's the daily hoi polloi of school for kiddos, soccer for one, clubs for the other, family chores galore, and did I mention I'm doing a running challenge? Thank goodness that's almost over. But the only time I could find for running yesterday was 5:30 in the morning! Guess who was up at 5:30 running in the rain. 

November is a perfect storm of busy. 

I'll get through it. I have a plan. I spend two or three days (sometimes four) driving to work. Each drive to work is one hour there, one hour back. That's a lot of time to listen to music, listen to podcasts, call people, etc. Guess what else that time is perfect for? 

Right! Dictating novels for NaNo. 

I've done my first test. I'm completing the transcription tomorrow. I will say this, there is nothing quite so dorky as composing and writing a novel out loud as you drive. Dork or not, it will get done!!!