Momentary Setback

In case you've noticed (or in case you haven't), writing hasn't been a huge topic around the blog lately. Mostly because I haven't been doing much of it. 
After I completed SECOND-HAND SCAVENGERS, I hit a major rut. We're talking at least six feet deep here. It wasn't a "writer's block" rut. I'm not going to be writing for awhile--I've got too many books waiting to be edited!
I've been extremely (and quietly) discouraged. I've questioned question my talent, ideas, and if my voice even needs to be heard.
The thing is, guys, my books are just a few in a infinite shelf of books. 
Which led me to the inevitable: What's the point?

Since I crashed into this rut--more like a pit--I've stayed away from all things writing. Sometimes a break helps gain perspective. I am happy to say that I miss writing and my characters a lot. The time away also helped me come to one major conclusion as to my down-in-the-dumpsness.
I'm lazy.
Seriously! Part of what has me so "blah" is the fact that my books need major work. And I don't want to do it. I want them to be 101% perfect from idea to keystroke. Unfortunately I'm human, so they're not.
I'm working to get over this aspect. The "infinite shelf of books" thing? Well, that's something I'll just have to accept as part of the writing world.
Time to yank myself up by my hypothetical bootstraps and get to work.
If you're feeling discouraged about your work, here's a message just for you.
You can do it. Your voice matters. I want to read your story.

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.