Day 11

Today is the first day in a verra long while that I woke with a migraine that made me want to vomit and turn off every light in the house and the sun outside. I finally drove to purchase lunch around 1pm... after pain meds made functioning possible. I had to wear my gorgeous, senior-citizen sunglasses over my regular frames so I wouldn't spontaneously combust from the pain of bright outdoor light.

And now I write...

Day 9

Writing a book is hard work, but it's only stressful if you make it that way.

My life is stressful, (very much so at present) and I really, really, really hate to whine about or focus on that which is out of my control. I know so many others are struggling with finances and personal issues, so I hate to add what is in essence my own personal panic to the pile of community "when-are-things-going-to-get-better-itis".

I have a poster in my home that reads, "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% what you do with what happens to you." It's been my mantra since crap began hitting my fan a few years ago.

But there is no 90/10 when it comes to writing your novel.

When it comes to writing a book, it doesn't matter how stalled you become, how frustrated you get, or how awful you may believe your first draft writing is, because YOU CAN ALWAYS MAKE IT BETTER. ALWAYS. But you have to keep writing.

There is no other way.

Day 1

I bought a creepy cake yesterday, one my children have ignored in the wake of well-earned candy loot. I knew it would be this way. I knew I was using the purchase as an excuse to be a good hostess for Halloween company.

In reality, I bought the cake for me.

Last minute Nano nerves.

I woke several times this morning, stared at glowing numbers, then pressed snooze. I tackled a portion of my word count after Mass today. Then I took a Belgium Waffle induced nap. I'll the tackle the rest in a few. Will log word count before bedtime. You can find it here. And inspiration for the next month here.

Happy writing, y'all!

Imagine

Written by my oldest child, age 11.

Imagine, if from birth, someone had planned your life for you. If you were born in the Pueblo culture, you wouldn't get to choose your profession. There was only one choice; women were potters, and men were weavers.

I'm thankful that I don't live in the Pueblo culture because for one, I don't think it's normal for men to weave, and two, men and women should choose what they're supposed to do. Jobs are performed more efficiently when freedom of choice is involved.

The reason boys and girls should pick a job they like is so they get more out of it. Also, if a job offers tips for good service, and it's a job they like, they will make more money. So try to choose a job you like.

Life would really stink if the freedom of choice was stolen from you. After all, life should be made up of your dreams, not the dreams of someone else. That's why I'm thankful that I don't have to obey the rules of the Pueblo culture. I'm glad I have the freedom to choose my career.

How Not To Write A First Draft

Photo found on Flickr

Please don't walk on the grass.

Admire, but do not experience.

Rely on chemicals to treat and feed.

Eradicate weeds and nature's surprises.

Focus on pristine green at the expense of missing the beauty of fall.

Common Zense

Photo found on Flickr

"...to look life in the face, always

to look life in the face, and to know

what it is, to love it for what it is.

At last to know it. To love it for

what it is. And then to put it away."

-Virginia Woolf

La Laurell

@LKHamilton Write reasons you can't write. Seriously. Start bitching on screen. I find that a few paragraphs, or pages & real wrds start.

Complaints can be: room is too hot. I'm too tired. I don't feel well. Anything, everything, until your muse starts peeking over shoulder.

Ray Bradbury said, "The muse cannot resist a working writer." Sit down and write anything see if it breaks something loose.

The worst thing you can possibly do is sit & stare at the blank screen, or paper, writing anything is more productive.