Camp NaNoWriMo - Week 4

I wish I could say that I'm dashing toward the 50,000 mark, but that wouldn't be the truth. There have been too many interruptions not to mention everything I have to do for the anthology I'm editing so it will be ready by the publishers deadline. On the up side my next novel has gotten a healthy start and I'll be able to get the first draft finished more easily. Not to mention the short stories I've managed to get submitted. So while I'm not hitting the final word goal, at least I had some limited success that will help me complete my next novel. One last thing I'll share - I did have a virtual pitch session with an editor for the Love Inspired line at Harlequin and she requested a synopsis. That's a huge win in my book.

Camp NaNoWriMo - Week 3

Week 3 already? Really wish I could say I was doing well and getting lots done on my next novel, but that would be an untruth. However, I have managed to get other writing and editing done. I've accepted two more stories for the anthology I'm editing. (Time Traveling Coffers) Plus resolved an issue with another story I'm considering. Attended our local ComicCon where my publisher informed me she sold all copies of my book she'd brought with her. Yeah! We also had out of town family visiting. Family is important. Something I'm learning the longer I live.

Camp NaNoWriMo - Week 2

Welcome to the second week of camp. Can't say I've done as well as I'd like. I had three days when I did not write at all. Got side tracked for a day of hitting neighborhood yard sales and then, since I'm editing an anthology, I spent two days reading the final submissions that came in right before the deadline. While my novel is behind, I have managed to write and submit two short stories with fast approaching deadlines. Today, finally, I'm hoping to get back to my novel and make up word counts since I'm lagging so far behind. Particularly since tomorrow, I have out of town family visiting and a local convention to attend on the weekend.

Camp NaNoWriMo - Week 1

Week one of CampNaNoWriMo and I'm already behind. I'm only at a little over 3000 words. However, since I elected to take the weekend off, partially be design and partly because of a horrific lightening and thunder storm - I turned off my computer to keep it safe - one could actually say I'm right on schedule. Several of my fellow campers have checked in and a couple still haven't posted. I'm hoping they didn't get lost during the wilderness hike or maybe they elected to stay around the campfire and eat s'mores. More on this wild summer adventure next week.

Collaboration and a new Tween series

Yesterday during Denverfilk I got a few minutes to talk with my two young collaborators. We're working on a possible Tween series and did some brain storming on characters, plot ideas, and some different monsters we could introduce. While we're in no hurry to launch the series, the first book isn't even written yet, I do hope to start marketing it by early next year. Not to mention more collaborations over the summer with my two young friends. And yes, their parents know what we're working on. I would not be doing this without their permission. So stayed tuned for updates as this Tween series unfolds.

Camp NaNoWriMo

Most are familiar with NaNoWriMo which happens every year in November. For the past couple of years I've participated finishing the first draft for 'Worth the Wait' at over 50,000 words (my first romance) and then the next session completing 'God's Gift' and several short stories. I'm uncertain if I can participate this year. However, I got an email for Camp NaNoWriMo which will happen in June and also in August. Sooo...I signed up for June. My goal - finish 'Winter Emergence' or at the least the first draft. Already, I have several who have requested I be in their virtual 'cabin' where we will hang out and encourage each other. It'll be fun. As the month progresses. I'll keep everyone updated on how it's going. Better yet - join me in camp!

Never Been Happier

Every week, at least when I'm able, I attend a group called Writers for the Journey. It's a local Christian writing group who encourages and supports each other. We celebrate rejections and cheer for acceptances. We're instructed in our craft so we can improve. There are write outs when we all come together and spend the time writing either on paper or our laptops. It's a celebration of the gift God has placed in all of us. And today, Terry Burns, a literary agent here for the Colorado Christian Writer's Conference in Estes Park, was our guest speaker. He shared the tricks of how to be shy yet still pitch to an editor or agent and market our books. Watching the faces of my fellow writers, I could see the 'light bulb' switching on as we all figured out how to use what he was teaching us in our writing career. More importantly, the question was asked, what really is our goal as writers? Is it to write lots of books? Is it to reach just one reader who needs the message contained in the pages of our novel or piece of nonfiction? In the world, success is measured by having a book on the best sellers list and making lots in money. For Christians, it's the one person who is reached with the message God has for them. In many ways, what Terry Burns said today made lots of sense. I write because I love to. I have many stories published for which I am never paid and to me, that doesn't matter. There's a message in them for someone. I also mentor up and coming writers. I have a huge heart to see them succeed. It's one of the reasons I edit anthologies. Would I love to be the next J.K. Rowlings? Won't lie and say that I wouldn't. I'd love to be able to write and not worry about having to work a day job. But the day job adds to my experiences and gives my writing more depth. Bottom line, as a writer I'm successful. Maybe not in the way most popularly think, but I'm following my calling and have never been happier.