Sept. 15 Writing Update

With September now half over (EEK!), many writers are thinking about prep for National Novel Writing Month. I’m one of those writers. I love participating! There’s such a wonderful, supportive community around this event.

National Novel Writing Month is a worldwide event that takes place every November. The challenge is to write a 50,000 word 1st draft novel in 30 days time. The objective is quantity over quality, getting the words on the page and getting you in the habit of writing every single day. At the end, if you “win,” you get a certificate you can print off. (I had 2 on my parents refrigerator before I moved) I’ve gotten quite a bit done in the past. I don’t worry about the word count. My books are relatively short, so if I make the word count, it’s just barely and a lot ends up getting cut in the editing.

This year’s project is definitely the 3rd book in my Witches of Coolersville series. MAYBE I’ll get to plan some of the 4th one in the next 45ish days. I really like what I came up with for book 3, though. It’s dark and creepy and I just love it. I can’t wait to finish planning and start writing in November. It’s takes place around Halloween and the prompt I found is just perfect. So, I took the prompt and made a bunch of notes and ideas in one of my notebooks. And, the more I outline and tweak details, the more excited I am. I don’t usually do dark. But, as I’m mixing elements of paranormal, fantasy, and a little horror, I’m taking my writing and this series in directions I’ve never tried to go in the past.

I’m also focusing on a character I’ve not had to before. So, along with the story itself, I’m expanding her backstory and family history and it’s been so much fun.

I’ve been getting a ton of books from the library about magic and witches throughout history and different cultures to get new ideas and inspiration. I’ve been also checking out more writing books. The best ones I may add to my permanent collection. My mother-in-law is asking for my Christmas list already so I’ve been writing some titles down.

Well, time to go. Have to take the hubby to get his car from the mechanic and then heading to the library. I’ll update at least a few more times as it gets closer to NaNo.

Bye!