The Writer's Raincloud

Every once in awhile I get what I now call The Writer's Raincloud. Like this week, for example.
What is The Writer's Raincloud? Allow me to illustrate:
It's this:

And this:

And also this:

Get my drift?
In non-gif format, The Writer's Raincloud is period of time where you (a writer) feels like:
1. There is no point to writing; the odds of being successful or even getting published are tinier than--well, you're too melancholy to be creative enough to think of something "tinier than."
2. All of your books are terrible. Awful, even.
3. There are so many amazing novels and novelists out there, you're just a sneeze at a concert.
What triggers The Writer's Raincloud? Maybe a mental recovery period from NaNo-ing? Or the realization that tons of work (editing and query-writing lies ahead)? I have no idea. I just know it takes awhile to get over.
And that's okay.
Though my mental timeline had me start editing this week, I'm going to push it off until my fervor returns. That's what writing is supposed to be after all: fun! 
Once my self-esteem recharges, I know it will be again

The End of a Novel

20 days of writing...
4,000 words/day (give or take)...
88,451 words later...
And SECOND-HAND SCAVENGERS is complete! 

Well, as complete as the first draft of a novel can get. Trust me when I say that this book will need a lot of work. But not this week! This week I'm taking off writing as a sort of Thanksgiving break.
Editing picks up again on November 30th (that's a Monday).
Final thoughts about NaNoWriMo?
Phew.
Oh, and yay. Because I now have my seventh book completed. It's such an amazing and rewarding feeling.
Okay, okay, I know I should probably be more chatty about how NaNo's been for me this time around and my feelings about it... But I'm kind of talked out. If you want to know the ins and outs (day by day, nonetheless!), click here.
Finished NaNoWriMo too? Not sure of what to do next?
First on the list should be a delicious Thanksgiving meal and well-deserved rest. Second (after said rest) will be lots of editing. Third, if you're feeling particularly crazy Camp NaNoWriMo picks up in April...
I'll just leave that tidbit of information with you. I'm not feeling particularly crazy at the moment.
Keyword: at the moment.

How Growing Out Bangs is Like Writing

I've decided to grow out my bangs. A hairstyle I've sported for almost ten years. TEN YEARS.
At the same time I've been slogging through NaNoWriMo, trying to hit my 80,000 word goal before December 1st arrives.
Combine the two and what do you get? This post.
How Growing Out Bangs is Like Writing:
1. It seems like a great idea at first. You're excited.     Bangs: Woo-hoo! I've been waiting too long for this!     Writing: This is an AWESOME idea!

2. Then a few days later you just can't handle it and want to give up.     Bangs: They're all over the place, but I can't pin them up. My forehead is so naked!     Writing: Why. Is. This. So. HARD?!

3. Finally relent and hear a joyful chorus.      Bangs: Pinning bangs so awesome. And easy! Low maintenance hair, here we come!     Writing: The words are flowing, things are happening. 80,000 words, I'm on my way!

4. The mistake: looking back.     Bangs: But I looked so cute with bangs (and they're so good at hiding blemishes). Maybe this was a bad idea...     Writing: Eek. There are so many mistakes and inconsistencies. I should an edit.

5. Determination sets in.    Bangs: Look at all these people without bangs. They're goregous. I can do this.    Writing: Everyone is hitting their word counts, and I'm ahead. No editing. Just writing!

See what I mean? So much in common!

#NaNoWriMo 2015: Week Two

Pantsless for Words

Ahem. By "pantsless" I mean skirts and dresses. Not, well, you know...
Because of church and work I have a huge collection of dresses and skirts in my closet. Coincidentally more for summer than fall/winter. But I digress. 
In this video I discussed ways to get inside the mind of your main character. Well, today I'm doing some more of the same. Except in an extreme way.
Guys, wearing a dress/skirt every day takes some serious logistical planning. Way more than is involved with pants. Not only do I need to have a matching shirt and bottom, but there are tights and shoes to think about. Everything must tie together!

To be honest, it's been a lot of fun. It's opened up my outfit creativity in ways wearing jeans hasn't. I don't even miss wearing pants. I've actually kind of fallen in love with leggings. I need to get more in my closet (and the tops that go with them). But that's another story...
If you're wondering if this style change has helped me understand Jane (my MC) any better, the answer would be a resounding YES.
Not only do I know how to write her movements (there are just some things you can't do in dresses), but there's a greater feeling of femininity sans pants. Jane's voice is able to fly from my fingers, loud and clear.
But the skirts/dresses isn't where it ends. I've donned my glasses too (Jane wears glasses, fyi). At times I feel like it makes me look more artsy and smart. Other times I swear it enhances the size of my nose... The sacrifices I make for writing.

It's so much fun guys. If you're participating in NaNoWriMo, or just writing in general, I highly recommend getting into character in whatever ways you can. Sometimes, it's fun to slip into another personality.
Just don't stay there!

#NaNoWriMo 2015: Week One

Drawing a Blank

The title says it all. And, no, I don't mean a blank in a gun. Though I am missing something vital.
Like a topic for this post.
I know! This hasn't happened in a long time. The I don't know what to write syndrome. I blame NaNoWriMo. And my (processed) sugar-free diet. It's really done a number on my thinking capabilities. All you have to do is check out my NaNo vids at the end of each day. I'm pretty sure I look more and more ragged as the days go on.
I'm tiiiired. Critics might say: why are you tired? You just sit at a desk all day typing. It's not like you even do any real work.
Oh, boy are you critics wrong.
We writers aren't just typing. We're battling foes, traveling through time, suffering a life-shattering heartbreak. Do endure all these things in less than 24 hours?
Let me say this again: I'm tiiiired!
I don't think I've ever been this wiped out when writing a manuscript before. But then I suppose with THESE WICKED WATERS and WISHES, MAYBE, I wasn't employed...
Sorry to have such a pointless post for you guys. We all have those days you know? Where you just feel...

Idea to Pages: Wading In

Step One: The Inspiration & Jewelry Step Two: Prepping My Muse Step Three: Building My World (Part 1 & Part 2) Step Four: Let the Plotting, Begin! Step Five: Wading In
Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final part to my Idea to Pages blog series. It's bittersweet, but also very exciting.
From July through November, you loyalists have followed me through the process of going from getting an idea to developing a story. 

And now?
Now I'm writing that story.
In fact, I plan to have said story finished by the end of November. Different writers have different ways of getting their story written. As I've learned and grown in my craft, I've learned that the more writing done in less time, the better. Which is why my last two books have been finished in one month. The same will happen with SECOND-HAND SCAVENGERS (I hope!).
Furthermore, if you too are intigued by the idea of getting a novel written in a month (or two weeks!) and want to know how... Well, just take a look up at the beginning of this post and follow the five steps above.
Thanks for joining me on the ride. I haven't quite decided, but later on I might just unearth this post from retirement by adding a Step Six.
We'll see...

#NaNoWriMo 2015: #NaNoMeet Blog Hop

NaNoWriMo 2015 is almost here! 

To give NaNo a great kickoff, I thought it would be fun for us NaNo-ers (did I just make that up?) to do a fun "About Me" blog hop. 
Here's how it works:
1. Here's some inspiration for your "About Me" (in whatever pizazzy layout you like). It's just a mental push to get the ball rolling. You never realize how hard it is to write about yourself until you stare at a blank page and realize you're wholly uninteresting.

Name (or pen name).
NaNo Book Title.
One Sentence Summary (or more if you're feeling over-zealous).
NaNo Goals.
Fun Facts About You.
Got a Social Media Presence? Give Links!
Link Back to This Post so others can join in the fun.
Click here for an example (it's mine!).
2. Share your post on Twitter with the hashtag #NaNoMeet. Let's get lots of writers connected!
3. Enter your post address and name into the little widget at the bottom of this page. Don't forget to check out other writers' posts. Show your support!
4. When November comes, write, write, write!

NaNo-er's Assemble!

November is Coming

It's that time of year again.
Well, almost.
The leaves are morphing into vibrant flame and feather-light gold. Temperatures are shifting to the 50-60 degree (fahrenheit) range. Pictures of people holding pumpkins litter every form of social media. Fall is most definitely here... with NaNoWriMo soon to follow. Not sure about what NaNoWriMo is? Or pondering if you should do it (or not)? Click here.
I've already got SECOND-HAND SCAVENGERS set up on NaNo's site and am *almost* ready to start writing. I just need to get a little more plotting done...

I've got a little less than a week, okay? I'll be fine!
This post is to serve as a reminder for you (while you've still got some time to prepare). NaNoWriMo is coming, and if you've got a story idea just waiting to be formed by words--now is the time!
Join me for 30 days of reckless abandon in the wonderful world of imagination. Here's my NaNo account! Shoot me a message or friend me. In this writing business, encouragement is worth more than diamonds!
I'll be vlogging each day of NaNo, keeping you updated of my progress (victories and pitfalls). Don't miss the adventure, even if you're not taking part. Make sure you follow my YouTube channel.
NaNoWriMo. Sunday, November 1st. Mark your calendars.
I hope to see you there.

Idea to Pages: Let the Plotting, Begin!

Emily Layne's Steps to Write a Book:
Step One: The Inspiration & Jewelry Step Two: Prepping My Muse Step Three: Building My World (Part 1 & Part 2) Step Four: Let the Plotting, Begin!

Ahh! At last! After starting this blog series on July 9, 2015, I've finally hit the all important stage of plotting. That statement should answer the question: Is Emily a plotter or a pantser? Not sure what a plotter or panster is? 
Click here.
Plotting is probably one of the most complex parts of the Idea to Pages process (other than actually writing). In this step I'm determining the direction of the story, the characters, and the plot. If a story moves too slowly or the action seems contrived, this is where I need to fix it. Because, if not?
70,000 words later, after my book is written, I'll have a lot of editing to do. I know this from experience. Though I can see the fun of pantsing, it results in way too much work for me down the road. Plotting gives me security, direction, and keeps me from having to tear my story to shreds.
Though my plotting time is very limited for SECOND-HAND SCAVENGERS. I've got until October 31st. Why is Halloween my deadline, you wonder. Well, this year I'm participating in NaNoWriMo a.k.a. National Novel Writing Month. It's going to make things a bit crunched for time, but I'm looking forward to the challenge.

Now if someone will just buy me NaNo's winner's t-shirt to give me even more motivation. My birthday is coming up, you know!

The Final Step: Wading In!

Put the "Pro" in PROcrastinate

I'm participating in NaNoWriMo this year. In fact, I'm planning on writing the entirety of SECOND-HAND SCAVENGER in November. Only one problem.
I'm a plotter. 
Okay, maybe two problems.
One: I'm a plotter.
Two: I haven't plotted anything.
This issue is in part due to laziness, but also procrastination, plain and simple. I suffer terribly from a lack of butt-to-chair syndrome. At least, in the beginning. Once I'm rolling, it takes a lot to pry me away. Like that time I wrote a book in two weeks...
It's just the whole getting started business that laughs in my face.

Are you in the same boat? Do you have an awesome idea, but you can't quite force yourself to work on it?
Sign up for NaNoWriMo. Trust me. Though November seems like light years away--today is the first day of October. Time is of the essence. You and I better get to work!
The race...is on!

A Writer's Wounds

I got another rejection yesterday.

Well, more like yesterday at 5 AM. Why did I voluntarily put my email on my phone again?

The rejection stung particularly more than the others. Why? Because now I only have one submission out, a full request. Of course there are still some odd twenty query letters awaiting responses, but still. The realization that I might not get an offer of representation for "After Alice" was terrifying.

               

It still is, honestly.

I allowed myself to mope for an hour or two. I googled "way to deal with rejection" and all the sucess stories of writers who were rejected tons of times. I even contemplated the possibility of driving to the store and purchasing Woe-Is-Me Chips (aka Cool Ranch Doritos). Luckily for my waistline, I didn't.

                                

Instead I started writing "Shattered," the sequel to "After Alice" and the book I'm doing for NaNoWriMo. At first the words didn't flow.

And then they did. Oh, yes they did!

Yesterday, in the midst of my despair and self-doubt, I hammered out over 6,000 words in five hours. And by the end of the night, I didn't care what any agents thought about my book. I know it's worth publishing, I've just got to make them realize that too.

                      

Thank You, Elementary

I'm a huge fan of anything Sherlock Holmes. Not that I've ever read the books (it's on my bucket list, okay?), but I love the spin-off TV shows. Sherlock, Psych (it sort of counts), and Elementary.

                                                       

Earlier this week I got season two of Elementary out at the library. Commence binge watching. 15+ episodes in three days. Huge accomplishment. Now you can probably see why I was so behind on my NaNo-ing!

                                          

Anyway, in one episode, Sherlock was trying to solve a particularly difficult case. Watson came downstairs to see Sherlock doing sit ups and push ups. Sherlock explained that physical activity helps get blood flow to the brain, which aids in thinking.

                              

Elementary, my dear Watson.

So what have I been doing before I sit down at my desk to write?

I stretch.

I do push ups.

I do sit ups.

                                             

Then I get a glass of water and start working. The difference between "warming up" before writing and just sitting down is enormous.

Give it a try. You may be as surprised--and efficient--when you start writing as I was.

Rocking My NaNo

Okay, that title was false advertising. I'll admit it.

Am I on track to finish by the infamous November 30 deadline? You bet! Did I sprint out of the word count gate on November 1? Not so much. Because I'm a fan of self-inflicted humbling here's my word count chart so far.

Yup. Those first two days, I didn't write. At all. Then I wrote a lot and managed to catch up, even get ahead. Then I didn't write anything on Sunday. Laziness and Procrastination were paying me a lengthy 24 hour visit.

                                       

But that's how it works with NaNoWriMo. You get behind, catch up, get ahead, and fall behind again. Or maybe you're one of those insanely awesome people who have already hit your 50,000 word mark.

                                        

No matter what word count is reached come November 30, the point is that major writing was done. And I plan to blow 50,000 words out of the water. Or so I hope.

So excuse me while I bang my hands against a keyboard and attempt to make words.

Preferably words that make sense.

Where Do You Go?

Writing takes intense concentration.

Broken up by frequent visits to Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Some people call this procrastinating. I like to think of it as... staying up-to-date.

                                      

Back back to my original statement. Writing takes intense concentration. And as NaNoWriMo season approaches (T-minus TWO DAYS!), I'm contemplating how to sink into that "zone." C'mon, you know what I mean. The magical place where the outside world vanishes, and you're totally submerged into the world of your book.

There are many ways people achieve that kind of focus, and they're different for each person. For me, I've found three things that boost my concentration.

1. Having a dedicated writing area. When I sit down at my desk, I know I'm going to be doing something writer-related. Immediately that gets me in the right frame of mind.

2. Being comfortable. Yes, this usually involves pajama pants and slippers. Nothing's more aggravating than trying to imagine a scene and that tag in the back of your t-shirt is playing a game of indian burn with your neck.

                                       

3. Force, by any means necessary. I'm a procrastinator. I'm also lazy and at times very unmotivated. So I have to force myself to write. This is why I love NaNoWriMo so much. It shoves me into writing mode. Every. Single. Day. Rewards are also great motivators. Like if I keep ahead on my word count, on Monday I'll be reworded with a sandwich, chips, and the latest episode of Sailor Moon Crystal. It seriously works.

                                       

Slogging Through the Slush

So last week I entered the miry trenches of querying. I was so involved I forgot to do a post last Thursday.

                                     

But here I am now! That has to count for something, right?

Here are so updates for you so we can commiserate together. Over the last week I have received the following:

Query Rejections: 18
Full Requests: 2

You know that sound Lucy makes in I Love Lucy where she messes up pretty bad and Ricky finds out? Yeah, cue that.

                                     

Not as stellar as I was hoping. In fact, I was pretty annoyed/frustrated/depressed/melancholy over it this weekend. Especially since my novel for NaNo happens to be the sequel to After Alice (my querying manuscript). My family tried to cheer me up, but it didn't really work. I was determined to be pessimistic.

                                   

Then I got to talking to this writer on twitter then on NaNo's website. She probbaly doesn't realize how much she boosted my spirits, but shout outs to her website! She's querying too, so we commiserated and she reminded me how cool of an idea After Alice is.

Maybe you're wondering what the point of this post is? Well, let me sum it up for you in one sentence. When braving the querying trenches, have a fellow writer/soldier at your side, it works wonders.

Unfortunately, I'm still going to jump every time my phone vibrates...

                                   

Vlog #3: Why I Want You to NaNoWriMo