National Novel Writing Month: THE PREP

NANOWRIMO IS NIGH 

It's that time of the year again: where I participate in a crazy annual tradition known as NATIONAL NOVEL WRITING MONTH. 

I started this tradition in my freshman year of college with a story about the children of astronauts stranded on an alien planet. Since then, I've done the challenge every year except during my semester abroad in the United Kingdom.

90% of the stories I plan for NaNoWriMo are just for practice. Only two that I've done in the six years I've participated in are worth revisiting and revising. One of them, Displaced, is currently being rewritten and re-visioned as a webcomic.

THIS YEAR'S SAGA 

I wasn't certain I'd be able to participate this year, given personal circumstances, however I decided to do it to get back in the groove of things. That's the most important thing for me to do right now, and I have a great idea!

Or, at least, I think it is.

This year's NaNoWriMo novel is called Scrumptious! A retired superhero decides to pen a food memoir, and notes how food has changed his life and his superhero career. This story will include silly food recipes that are not in any way edible (yet so good!). 

Also inspired by epic meal time:

Be sure to add me as a writing buddy if you're also doing NaNoWriMo!

One Thing About Me

Happy October!

Project Updates for October

It's hard to believe that it's already October! Once a month I want to take the time to do a sort of "State of the Union" address, with progress on my original creative projects. Eventually I'll install a progress bar on the side of my blog a la Brandon Sanderson because I like graphs and stuff.

September Short Story: Dust

In an effort to produce more writing, I'll be posting some short stories that I work on in between novels. September's story is "Dust," a short story about a student who studies magical terraforming--and of his final exam in a howling dust storm.

Fantasy Worldbuilding: Drinking Songs

THERE'S WHISKEY IN THE JAR

I have to admit: I'm a fan of drinking songs in fantasy and science fiction. And not just drinking songs, but folk songs in general as a form of world-building in the genres.

Take a Break from Writing

 Writing During a Personal Crisis

In one of last week's posts I talked about what to do when you're not writing--when you're exhausted or have writer's block. I'm in agreement with the majority of writers who advise new writers to write constantly. How else are you going to finish your book? Don't talk. Just do. 

Disability in Epic Fantasy

Disability in Fantasy: Questions to Consider

Disabilities aren't too common in many epic fantasies and science fiction, though I see them often in the form of characters losing limbs (hands seem to be a common theme...looking at you, Star Wars). Here are some things to think about when creating your characters.