Holy Crap, I Did NaNo!

In the interest of full disclosure, I didn’t win NaNo, but what I learned changed my writing life.

Brass Tacks #7

Finally, a good week!

For Your Linky Pleasure

With the kids going back to school, after school activities starting up, unexpected medical emergencies, and getting ready for an out-of-state wedding, I’m a disorganized mess and didn’t prepare a post.

I feel so naked.

Instead, here are links to some pretty cool stuff that I hope you’ll find interesting.

Get That Writing (Revising, etc.) DONE

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had this crazy notion knocking around in my head that I needed large blocks of time in order to write. I waited around for the perfect set of circumstances to line up. Now, I’m a slow writer anyway. Add this and, well, it’s no surprise it took me so long to write my first draft or that I’ve been working on my revision for a year and only half way done.

Holy crap, has it been a year already?!

Yes, I’ve seen contrary advice before. I’ve also managed spurts in which I worked like mad at every opportunity. But it didn’t last and didn’t really change my thinking. Until I read examples in the blogs of two writers, husband and wife, Kristine Kathryn Rusch and Dean Wesley Smith.

Creativity Resources – IWSG

The last two months I was seriously in need of help and support. The Insecure Writer’s Support Group made me feel welcome, calmed me down, and pointed me in a new direction.

Worried By Lack of Momentum

I discover some of the best stuff just clicking on links through Twitter. This time, I found author Alex J. Cavanaugh and his wonderful brainchild The Insecure Writer’s Support Group.

It’s a blog hop on the first Wednesday of each month where writer-types can share their insecurities and/or encourage others.

I soooo need this.

My Muse Brought Out The Goodies

This morning, I got hit by a series of ideas from my Muse and all I can say is:

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

The intensity actually made me dizzy for a while. Too bad I had to break the moment and take my kid to Driver’s Ed.

No, I was NOT driving impaired.

Sheesh…

Panels: First Steps & First Chapter

One thing I regret about my ConCarolinas experience is not getting enough photos of the author panels.

Faith Hunter (aka Gwen Hunter) and I

What’s wrong with me?

Thank God my husband was paying attention and reminded me to get one with Faith Hunter. Honestly, I was so tongue-tied around her but my inner fangirl was screaming! Faith writes the Jane Yellowrock paranormal fantasy series and is a contributor to the group blog www.MagicWords.net .

Alright. Alright. On to the writing goodies…

My Shitty First Draft

Anne Lamott would be proud. She sang the benefits of writing a shitty first draft in her book Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life.

Well, I did it, Anne. Oh, yes, I did!

Let the Revision Begin!

Conventional writerly wisdom says one should wait weeks or even (gasp!) months between finishing a first draft and starting revisions. But, dammit, I couldn’t wait that long.

Yes, Prrrrecious, I’m back….