2019 Nanowrimo Tips and Tricks!

 

 

Nanowrimo is arguably one of my favorite times of the year. Yes, it is stressful but it is the one month where writers come out of the woodwork to encourage each other on their products. I finished my first original novel (and several after) in Nanowrimo. Heck, HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO was finished this month so many Nanos ago. (I sat on the manuscript for a LONG time before looking at it again.) Book 2 of the Order of Olympus Series was drafted last November (I also sat on it for a long time.) 

For better or worse Nanowrimo has helped me get the words out and on to a blank page. 

Unfortunately, I am not doing it this year. Prepping a book for publication, work, and school are keeping me busy this month. It’s always hard to say no to Nanowrimo but I wanted to let you all know that you are amazing for taking on this endeavor! It is going to be a great experience. 

Whether it is your first Nano or your tenth, below are a few tips that have helped me in the past! I hope they help you as well. 

Title Announcement and Back Cover!

Readers, 

I have some exciting news! Book 1 of the Order of Olympus Series is coming in January and it has a TITLE (and a back cover!) Everyone, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and I am so so so excited to share my story and my characters with you all!

Read more to get your first sneak peek at this project I’ve held close to my heart for so long. 

Why You Should be a Newsie (with Newsletters)

Everywhere I go I feel like I’m in the Newsies musical with people pushing the importance of author newsletters on me.
“If you’re not doing a newsletter you need to rethink your strategy!” and “Newsletters are the best way to create fans!”

Five years ago I rolled my eyes every time I visited an author page and it bombarded me with, “Have you signed up for my newsletter?”

As a reader, nothing annoyed me more. As a writer, I just didn’t get it.

But now, things have changed. The way writers and readers interact has changed. Years ago newsletters felt more like spam advertisements then what they’ve become today, a way to promote your book, your life, and reveal fun excerpts to readers. I’m realizing that maybe newsletters aren’t so bad after all and I’m discovering a whole new world I was missing out on as a reader. **Cough** Sorry, I just watched the new Aladin.

Blurring the Lines of Genre

Otherwise titled… “Help! I’ve written a Historical Fantasy Romance… with a little bit of Paranormal!”

There’s No Contest! You Should Consider Writing Contest

For a long time, writing contests felt like something unattainable to me. This was mostly due to my opinion that contests were reserved for publications like Readers Digest or Publishers Weekly, where they were looking for “serious short stories” or the next American Novel.

There was no place for my silly romance novellas, and I didn’t really know what I would get out of entering a contest, except the inevitable rejection letter.

It wasn’t until I joined the Romance Writers of America, discovered their various local (and digital) chapters, and their writing contests that I realized there was a place for my stories.

News and Copyedits

This isn’t my typical Writerly Resource post. Instead, this is a celebration post! Because it is so important to celebrate our victories, no matter how small they seem. And I figured maybe some of you would like an update on how my own writing progress is going.

Today’s victory… I’VE FINISHED MY COPYEDITS!

Before I turn into a pile of excited mush, let me start from the beginning of this story…

What to Do When You Don’t Achieve Your Writing Goals?

Long-time no write readers!

Unintentionally, I have been absent from the blog and from a lot of things. I’ve essentially been gone for 5 months on work related business. But you already know about that. 

Work promised me the last two months would be a “nice break.” I had high hopes of time where I could get ahead on blog posts and writing goals, keeping the momentum from the three prior months I spent away.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t the break I expected.

Throwing Yourself Into The Craft

“Almost anyone can be an author; the business is to collect money and fame from this state of being.” —A.A. MILNE

Last week I talked about my lovely “writing retreat”  and how I spent three months throwing myself deep into studying the craft of writing. Today let’s talk about how I did that.

The answer is simple: I consumed all things writing.

For three months I was unstoppable. I read all the romance novels on my TBR list with a critical eye, I listened extensively to podcasts, youtube channels, and of course, read books on writing.

The Gift of Writing Time

“Think of it as your own personal writing retreat.” That was the advice my husband gave me when I found out work would be sending me away for three months. And it is advice which has been fueling my creative tank for 90 days.

This I what I’ve always wanted. Time away from the obligation of family, without the distraction of TV, video games, and social media. Time to just… write.

Hiatus and Fear

Uh oh ya’ll,  Time for a personal blog. You can probably already tell what it is about, but don’t worry I won’t be gone forever.