Wannabe Writers #40

Wannabe Writers is a great online meme for those of us that are working to become "real" writers.  Every week Sarah posts a question on her website that you answer on hers, you sign up on the Mr. Linky, and then ask a question on your website.  A great way to get tips from other writers.

Where I am in the writing process:
Still a (mostly) unpaid author.  No payment for any fiction I've written.  I have an album review coming up for Frequency Magazine, and am waiting to see when my article for Existentialism.com will be published (check out the sidebar to find the links to anywhere I've been published). I have 10k into my untitled Lilith novel and about 5k of planning written for my NaNoWriMo novel, A Wind to the Gift.  (Click here to buddy me on NaNo)

My current problem:
Right now, probably because I'm just waiting for NaNo to get started I really don't have one.  I think I have just the right amount of planning done, and I've really had to make myself wait for Monday.  I guess just kinda anxious about finally getting around to it.

My question this week:
I know at some point I'll fall miserably behind on NaNo, so give me some hope and tell me: what's the most you've ever written in one day?

Also:
I'm experimenting with serial story writing with 3WW.  Check out Taking Liberty.

If you have a blog with 300 or fewer followers, I'd like you to join my Small Packages blogfest.  C'mon, you know you want to.

Trying to get my act into shape

So if you haven't noticed, I've been a bit absent from the bloggersphere lately.  I'm trying to remedy that, and I thought I might ask for some ideas.

I'm thinking about doing a theme for every day, that way if I don't have something to write about, I can have something to fall back on.  Here's my thoughts so far:

Monday: Random Monday Goodness--Links and videos of weird stuff I've run across lately.  Monday's are usually my toughest days to write.

Tuesday: I have absolutely no idea.

Wednesday: Three Word Wednesday. It's a pretty cool meme that I've been meaning of taking full advantage of, but just keep putting it off.  I was also thinking of highlighting my favorites from the last week.

Thursday: Another blank.

Friday: Fiction Friday?  I was wanting to have a day where I post part of something I've written or a flash fiction piece.  But I've noticed that I don't get a whole lot of response on those types of pieces.  What do you think?

Saturday: Wannabe Writer's Day.  If you've followed me for long at all, you know I probably stick to this more than anything.  It's a great support group for those of us wanting to get published.

Are there memes/themes that you use in your blogging?  Do you find them helpful or harmful?

Also, my husband has started his own meme, inspired by Wannabe Writers.  It's the Monday Weigh In.  We're looking to find a group of people who are also struggling with weight/health issues.  Check out his or my posting for this week.  It's a bit nerve-wracking, but very cathartic and helpful, too.

In Memoriam: 50k in 50 Days

Yesterday was meant to be the final day of 50k in 50 Days. 

I failed.

But then again, maybe I didn't.

My final word count was 9,314.  That's more than I've ever written on any one piece. I think it's a good start on a novel, and has given me hope that my ideas really can be expanded enough to fill a whole book.

And the writing-without-editing process really helped me out.  I tend to be a bit obsessive as I write, and nitpick sentences, etc.  This means I usually only do one draft, but it can take ages.  My usual method would still have me stuck in the first thousand words.

It's also made this whole "being a writer" thing a bit more real.  Getting up and writing everyday (when I was still on the wagon) really did something to boost my ego.  I still didn't go around telling people I was a writer (partially in fear that they would ask me what I was writing), but it made it more real to myself. 

Thank you, Sarah, for giving me the opportunity and the push I needed to get started.

Maybe next time, I'll just start with 20k in 20 days instead.

Wannabe Writer #31 (Better late than never!)

Click for the origin

Where I am in the writing process:
I've gotten three articles published on Associated Content this week, so that feels good. I still haven't heard anything about the two short stories that I submitted. I haven't written any for a while on my novel, although I'm still interested in it.

My current problem:
Simply getting back in the habit of writing.  I know that summer is a busy season for everybody, but it's really thrown me off my game.  Now I need to focus on getting back in the swing of things.

My question this week:
In an effort to make some extra money and build my writing habit, I'm trying to write an article for Associated Content everyday.  My problem is that I'm starting to reach the bottom of my idea barrel.  Any hints for coming up with short non-fiction articles?

Wannabe Writer #26

Click for Origin of the Meme

Where I am in the writing process:
Still unpublished, but I've sent off two short stories for possible publication.  HOping to hear something positive soon.

My current problem:
Time.  Isn't it always?  Right now is prime visiting time from family members, and in a couple of weeks I'm going on vacation for a week.  I find little bits of time here and there, but not enough to keep up with 50k in 50 Days.

My question:
How do you make characters' motives clear without spelling it out for the reader?  I have a lot of mixed characters in my current WIP.  They aren't fully good or bad.  For example, one of my characters is Lucifer, and while he's evil, he does have moments where he's sweet or funny.  So how do I show his mixed motives without making it too boring for the reader?