It's Official.

I am officially registered with NaNoWrimo. *breaks out in a nervous sweat*

Here's my synopsis (keep in mind, it is rough and brief):
Lucas Shaw returns home after being wounded in battle. All his hopes of proving himself and making his family, and his only love, proud drip down the drain. 

Sarah Holmes never felt complete since that long day standing on at the departure gate. Never would she imagine their kiss good-bye would be her last. Years pass along with bad choices and men she'll never give herself completely to. 

When Sarah and Lucas meet again after four, long years, are the fires still burning? Lucas wants to love her like she deserves but he's afraid too much time and not enough words build a wall between them that he's not sure should be taken down. She'll be better without him and his problems. 

The past fills Sarah with hope but she knows Lucas is hiding a part of himself from her. Until her boyfriend from college shows up and forces her hand, Sarah realizes that heart left on that same plane some many years ago and she doesn't intend on getting it back .

Healing and discovering can bring these two together if only Lucas knows how to use the keys Sarah gave him to her heart.

I have been planning this novel in my head for about 6 months but could never start due to edits and finishing a New Adult novel. Everyday, this story lingers. New scenes. Shared moments. Harsh words. It's all in my head and in two days, I can begin the journey of bringing it to paper. 

Nervous? You bet but starting on something new is such a rush. Excitement boils over and I make time to write and plan. 

I've written a lengthy outline this year, something I don't normally do, and I'm hoping this keeps me on track. I've recently picked up a new project so I'm concerned about the amount of time I'll be able to give this new story. I predict many long nights and early mornings. 

Bring on the coffee!

Are you participating this year? Have you registered? Share with us your thoughts? Are you a newbie? Seasoned veteran?

NaNoWrimo begins in 7 days!

I love how the NaNoWrimo website has a counter reminding participants when it begins. Honestly, how could we forget.

Like last year, I'm participating. Yikes! I know. What am I thinking? Didn't I just have a baby? Am I not in the process of some major work for TMP? Have I lost my mind?

Absolutely yes to all questions.

I can't help it. There's something about signing up and committing myself to this event that motivates me. And this year, I've roped a good writer bestie into trying it again. *looks at Julie Anne Lindsey*

Whatever happened to my NaNo from last year, you ask. Well, nothing except it's gathering computer dust. But don't worry. I have plans for that novel that time hasn't allowed me to finish it up yet.

What's going to make this year different? Easy. I've signed a contract stating that I will have a finished manuscript that will be ready for edits next year. Double Yikes!

Never fear because I'm not. Unlike last year, I've outlined (gasps) this novel out which is something I never do. Ever!

But the main reason I'm jazzed to participate this year is because I love the creative process of writing. I love throwing my words to paper and seeing what happens and lately I haven't allowed myself any writing time. I've been busy editing books due out this year and next.

Oh yeah, and there was that pregnancy thing which sucked my creative juices!

Are you doing NaNo this year? If so, how are you feeling? Is it your first time? Or are you an old pro and can offer some tips for those of us still figuring it all out.

I'd love to hear from you. I also hope to keep you current on my progress. And sent me a message or leave me one and let us know how you're doing. After all, we could all use a little encouragement during those days in the middle when the end seems so far away.

I'm a Writing Vampire

Or I have an aversion to sunlight.  I'll explain.
When I started out writing, I wrote at night.  After the kids were tucked in bed, after the dinner dishes were cleared and after I done any work from my day job.  Sure, I was tired but when else was I going to write.
Don't get me wrong, I still have kids, a husband, a day job and a new side job.  I'm still ultra busy and now that I'm published I need to continue to write.  I've tried to write during the day when I'm home on the weekends or when I get an idea I want to flush out right away.
But yet, I'm not as creative or productive.  It's like the sun sucks  the creative juices right from my body and I'm left frail and clutching onto any thread of an idea I may have had.  But when the sun hides away or sets, my fingers fly across my keyboard and the ideas can't stay in my head. 
So with a warm cup of coffee or tea (if I may be gross, like warm blood) and no sunlight to be seen, I can crank out 2K words or more.  I jump from one scene to the next, reaking havoc in my path.  I drain the life from my character and leave them grasping to hold on.  And with every sip from my cup, a new idea forms and I'm off again. 
Why do I even shed light on this little aversion?  I'm getting down to the last 8K words on NaNo and while my child was home sick yesterday, I could barely crank out anything.  I thought perfect, she's home, no day job work to stop me, I can try and finish or at least get close.  Yet, the sun shown brightly in my living room and I could barely do anything.  Yet, as soon as the sun sank, I cranked out 2K no problem.  And today?  She's back at school and it's a rainy, yucky, OVERCAST day and all I want to do is take my MC and throw her off a cliff and see what happens.
*rubs hands and grins* Yep, I'm a writer.  Only question is am I writing vampire.

Why November?

As many have heard, it's Write a Novel in a Month, month.  Throw the confetti.  Sound the horns.

I'm a newbie to NaNoWriMo (isn't it a cute abbreviation) this year but I can't help but ask, "Why November?"

And here's why I want to know.

November is the worst month for me and probably others as well.  November kicks off the holiday season.  My hub's bday is in November.  The launch of Honey Creek Books is in November.  November is one month prior to December and we all know what happens in December.  Why not February?  Or March?  Those months are open for me.

Except I'm sure when those months roll around, I'll be saying the same thing as I am now.

I'm busy.

Wake up Jen, we're all busy.  And that I believe is the hook for NaNoWriMo.
Let me explain.
Anyone can participate but to have a certified NaNoWriMo novel, you need to start with word one on November 1 and end with word 50,000 either on or prior to November 30.  So you have to make the time to write almost 2K words a day on average.  You have to push yourself and among the hustle and bustle of your busy life, crank out a novel.  Now, no one said it would be perfect.  The point is not to correct or rewrite.  Just write, write, write and fix later.

But I think the draw is the challenge of it.  It's like extreme sporting for writing.  Extreme writing.  And in the end, the survivor doesn't win money or a prize or ruler of the island.  The winner has a finished, an unperfected manuscript and the praise among their peers for the accomplishment.  Many have tried and failed.

So to my fellow NaNoers, I say write on and prosper.  Sure this month sucks but when it's all said and done, you will come out a better person.
 Happy Writing!