moderndaystoryteller

Archive for November, 2009

Day 27 – Finished! Done!!!

In NaNoWriMo on November 27, 2009 at 12:00 am

Woke up at 5.30am to finish final 3K. Got so engrossed in story that when finally glanced at word count, found to my surprise 50 860 words.

Could it be?

Did I pass 50K and not even know it? Entered novel into NaNo word count tally and got this:

You Won!

What was the 50 000th word?

No idea.

But feel like this:

A lean mean writing machine.

However, could not have done it without incredible support of all of you who encouraged me, commented on blog, pimped my progress, gave me tips and had my back when reached breaking point. (See Day 19 – Thanks/Pimp List: Humbled & In Awe)

Still going, in terms of novel. But did it.

50K in 30 days. Three days shy.

Those of you who are toying with idea of doing it next year, I say go for it. Won’t lie and tell you it’s easy. It ain’t. But once you’re done, will be left with most amazing feeling of accomplishment .

Started without a clue about story, title or characters. Through bushfire weather, single motherhood, work duties, and other shit, got those darn 2000 words down daily – save Sundays. And now have three-quarters of novel, pretty cool characters – one of which got a sex change while I wasn’t looking – and no title yet. But think it’s a black comedy about domestic violence. Yep, barrel of laughs. Actually it’s quite funny – in parts.

Anyway, this being my last official post for NaNoWriMo 2009, would like to thank ALL OF YOU for so kindly following my progress and giving a shit.

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Coming next, some Christmas cheer – heh heh.

Day 23: The Last Week – Excited Yet Technologically Challenged

In NaNoWriMo, The Write Stuff on November 24, 2009 at 6:46 am

Total Word Count: 43K – Can you believe it?

After the drama and hump of last week, the final week of National Novel Writing Month has arrived.

So quickly and yet, thank god.

Only 7K to go and here’s what I’ve found:

1. My novel is nowhere near the end

According to literary agent websites I have visited, the acceptable word count for a novel these days is somewhere between 70,000-80,000 words. At 43K, I sense am closing in on what novel is actually about (ha ha) but am nowhere near resolution.

2. Will have to keep at it till Christmas

As my aim at the start of November was to complete the first draft of a novel, chances are – after completing NaNoWriMo, will have to keep writing for another two weeks in order to complete a real first draft. But at least can continue with confidence of having successfully completed NaNo and hopefully keeping up the rhythm of getting a few thousand words down daily. (Fingers crossed)

3. Am starting to get really excited

The finish line is at last in sight. Plus, am starting to realize why I wrote this in the first place and have discovered a thing or two about myself – to be shared once this whole damn thing is over.

Had, however, moments of heart-sinking panic over the weekend which I’d like to share in the hope that it may spare any writer the agony of what I experienced – due to sheer stupidity and carelessness.

First, decided to use Write or Die to surge through what was a rather difficult week. It proved to be just the thing I needed. Only, being a complete ditz when it comes to computers, software and such shit, forgot to copy and paste what I had written on the WriteorDie site before exiting and returned later of course to find my 2000 words nowhere to be found.

Ugh. Noooooo….!!!

Luckily found a savior in the form of Penny Ash (@PennyAsh on Twitter) who gave me two tips:

  • If you still have the writing window, click Undo and your precious words will come back.
  • If you have WriteorDie installed, go to the file and look for the date’s text file.

Thankfully found the writing window tucked away somewhere, clicked Undo and all was saved. Penny Ash, my hero.

Then, on Sunday night, my computer refused to start. Just because. Perhaps it was the forty degree weather (Celsius) that lulled it into some sort of coma. In any case, it would not start and once again panic, as had just hit 40K and of course it had not occurred to me to save my work anyplace else.

Bozo.

Fortunately, after a sleepless night of hair-pulling and self-kicking, the computer – capricious bloody thing, decided with change of weather and cool breeze, to start again. Bought it second-hand so perhaps it’s had enough and is leaning towards retirement.

Whatever the case, will never chance it again.

Backed up everything I could onto USB and even emailed novel to self, in case of faulty USB – no more chances.

Also, am saving up for external hard drive and dropping little pre-Christmas shopping hints to friends and relatives who might wish to splash out on me on account of my fabulousness but have no idea what to buy.

“Gee, could really use an EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE wrapped in Santa Claus wrapping paper under the tree this year.”

Hope they get the hint.

Anyone had such nightmares lately or ever with software, erratic computers, lost files? Months or years of hard work down the drain? Anybody?

Please own up and assure me that am not the only technologically challenged idiot on planet.

Day 19/Thanks/Pimp List: Humbled & In Awe

In NaNoWriMo, Networking & Social Media, The Write Stuff on November 19, 2009 at 11:29 pm

Total Word Count So far: 34K

Wow, yesterday I could advance no further. Today I’m all set to go because of you. Yes You!

All you incredible people who showed your tremendous support here and on Twitter.

I am in awe and humbled beyond belief.

Honestly, I didn’t know you were all paying attention, much less cared – lol.

Your encouragement, jokes and words of wisdom moved me to the point that I felt guilty for having whined and set about to do something about it.

Jeanne (@jeannevb) and Sharla (@WinterWrite) had both recommended WriteorDie so thought I’d give it a go.

Am usually skeptical about such things but, it works. In thirty minutes, I got 1000 words down.

Here’s the link – http://writeordie.drwicked.com/ Basically you enter a time, click Start and write as much as possible in allotted time. If you stop or go too slow, it turns red and eventually starts making noise and if you go too slow, it sounds an alarm that shames your fingers into banging for dear life.

But no way would I have been remotely in the vicinity of doing anything of this nature had I not received the kindness and support that I did yesterday.

So today, I’d like to give each and every one of you a special shout-out – for yesterday, for NaNo support in general, and just for being so goddamn awesome.

In the words and footsteps of my dear friend, Jeanne Bowerman, I’m gonna Pimp It Good.

For posting your comments yesterday and saving me from certain writer’s death:

Jessica & Julie

Jessica and Julie at http://kingisafink.wordpress.com/ and @kingisafink on Twitter are a fearless and generous screenwriting and filmmaking duo who most recently made a kooky short film (one of many) called Snow Bunny, which just showed at the Queens Film Festival. Check out their website for details of their cool adventures from Chicago to the Big A for the screening.

Carrie Brozovic

Also known as @brozogirl on Twitter, Carrie is a barber by day, ninja screenwriter by night, and a very dear friend who has had my back at all times. She posts poetic stream-of-consciousness in the form of prose on her blog – http://purelycarrie.wordpress.com/ – quaint snapshots of her life and simultaneous attempts to figure out the maze she refers to as screenwriting. Her sense of humor, priceless!

Ann Marie Gamble

Ann Marie edits manuscripts for university presses, gives amusing and interesting writing tips on Twitter (@amgamble) and posts useful “notes from the wordsmith trenches” on her blog – http://annmariegamble.wordpress.com/ She’s a kind soul with a sharp mind who’s always there to help you on your writing way.

Brittany Langrebe

Another wise and helpful soul, Brittany is a most dedicated writer who not only completed NaNoWriMo in a graceful flurry (yes, already!), but also runs two blogs – one for herself at http://thewordsofawriter.blogspot.com/  and the other for her muse at http://thewordsofamuse.blogspot.com/ Somehow, she also managed to post as guest blogger for another writing site. Bitch!

Sheri

Sheri is a fashion buyer by day who also runs two blogs. One – http://theuneasywriterdiaries.blogspot.com/ – posts musings on everything from aging and etiquette, to being organized. And the other, a fashion blog – http://fashionautopsy.blogspot.com/ -  which I absolutely love and stands somewhere between Carrie Bradshaw and The Devil Wears Prada, takes an honest look at latest trends to embrace the catwalks. Sheri also has a wicked sense of humor so watch out, she bites.

Sharla

Sharla (@WinterWrite on Twitter) is the one who got me into this NaNo mess in the first place *strangle* *hugs*. She reviews books and has also posted amusing NaNo updates on her blog – http://www.winterwrite.com/ Unfortunately her studies has left her a little behind in her NaNo quest but with the help of WriteorDie, she is catching up admirably and I’m sure could do with more support.

Jeanne Bowerman

Is a screenwriter, gifted pimp, force of nature, dear friend and a mean blogger when she puts her mind to it. Actually, she is mean at anything she puts her mind to including #scriptchat which she runs on Twitter every Sunday 8pm EST (US time). Her last post about the passing of her friend Sharon – http://jeanneveillettebowerman.blogspot.com/ moved me to tears. She is currently adapting a novel called Slavery by Another Name by Douglas A. Blackmon. If you find her on Twitter – @jeannevb – ranting madly about this, that and the other, I guarantee she will make you laugh.

Jerry Dennis

Jerry (@JerryD70 on Twitter) is one of the hosts of Movie Geeks United – http://www.blogtalkradio.com/moviegeeksunited – which twice a week discusses the art of cinema and has terrific interviews with the likes of  Francis Ford Coppola, Paul Schrader, Brian De Palma, Jeff Goldblum, John Sayles, Howard Shore,  Jon Voight, just to name a few. Jerry has been one of my most loyal supporters and he also writes a mean review. His latest on Richard Kelly’s The Box can be found at http://blogs.myspace.com/cinemajunkie70

Tim Null

Tim is a writer, an indie publisher and another kind and loyal supporter. You will find him posting links from all walks of life as @timnull on Twitter. He is also currently working on a novel called Harry and Olive, and posts installments of his work in its various stages at http://www.befuddled.org/

CT Kingston

CT Kingston (@CTK1 on Twitter) has the funniest and most irreverent blog I have ever had the pleasure of reading – http://ctkingston.com/ If you want to find out how chicks cook corn and what aliens are really up to with their anal probes, check out her site. It will have you in stitches.

Simon

Would also extend another warm shout out to my mentor Simon who told me to stop whining and get on with it.

First Time Visitors

And other first-time visitors who shared their kind words during my time of dire need – Thank You!

Also to the following who pimp and re-tweet my posts and continue to send me priceless messages of encouragement and inspiration:

Marvin Acuna @MarvinVAcuna http://www.businessofshowintitute.com

Penny Ash @PennyAsh http://www.pucasforest.com/

Lori @Hereallalong http://www.hereallalong.blogspot.com/

Leslee Horner @lesleehorner http://lesleehorner.wordpress.com/

Jenny Martin @jmSapereAude http://jmartinlibrarian.wordpress.com/

Debbie Ohi @inkyelbows http://www.inkygirl.com/

Kristi Thompson @HowDidIGetHere http://howdidyougetthere.wordpress.com/

Sedef Onder @nsedef http://www.thehaloproject.com/

Alison Wells @alisonwells http://alisonwells.wordpress.com/

Than Niles @manvsballoon

Wow, I am truly blessed.

For those of you not here, please forgive my absent-mindedness and rest assured this list is a work in progress.

Also, those of you not already on my blog roll will soon be there.

THANK YOU for picking me up when I needed it. You guys totally rock!

Day 18 – What Is The Point?

In NaNoWriMo, The Write Stuff on November 18, 2009 at 10:49 pm

Word Count: 32K – but who cares, really?

Okay, so have passed the halfway mark.

It’s supposed to get easier this week. And seeing as have 18K to go as opposed to 30K, guess in a way it is.

But now the excitement of story and character and fact that am attempting to write novel has settled, other questions perturb me.

So What? Who Cares? And What Is The Bloody Point?

At least when I post, somebody reads it and some wonderful souls leave comments.

But here I am, slogging away at some novel that have as many chances of seeing light of day as I have of running for Prime Minister of Australia.

Not to mention fact that am talentless, can’t write and well, can’t write.

So I finish Stupid Novel – which as we speak remains title-less – and prove to self can finish Stupid Novel. Big deal.

Will it stop domestic violence and violence in general amongst women?

Will it stop the spread of HIV/AIDS, the H1N1 virus, cure cancer?

Will it help reduce greenhouse emissions?

Will it bring an end to world poverty?

Will it do anything but satisfy my ego?

At least if I had become an accountant, I could have helped innocent tax payers save money and not-so-innocent dodge the tax system.

If I had become a doctor, I could have saved lives or at least write prescriptions for the common cold.

Even if I had become a divorce lawyer, I would have done more helping one person retrieve what’s theirs from the person they believed was the love of their life but turned out to be scum, than I would within the isolation of four walls, crouched over keyboard, banging out words that have no meaning and chances are, will make no difference to immediate environment or people or world in general.

So who cares and what is the goddamn point?

Day 15 – As Week 3 Begins… Simon Says

In NaNoWriMo on November 15, 2009 at 12:07 pm

Total Word Count So Far: 25 001

Snack Of Choice: Vanilla Ice Cream with Chocolate Sauce – it’s summer in Oz

Drink of Choice: Iced anything – it’s bloody hot

Album of Choice: Heart Of Saturday Night – Tom Waits

Major Distraction: Heat and imaginary beckoning of ocean waves

State Of Mind: Questionable

So last week was tough.

Everyone I talked to agreed.

Tough. Tough. Tough.

With the exception of a certain Brittany Landgrebe – aka @lights_aurora – whose word count last time I checked was 28K (am sure it’s multiplying as we speak), and of whom I am becoming increasingly convinced is from another planet, most fellow NaNo nutters seemed to struggle.

But take heart. According to my NaNo mentor, this is normal.

Yes, I have a NaNo mentor in case you haven’t been reading the comments. His name is Simon and he rocks.

Seeing as I decided to sign up at the last minute without any idea what I would write, thought it might be a good idea to check out the forums and in doing so, found one for Mentors. Not sure how it came to be but after monotony of scrolling through pages, stopped at Simon, liked his post and wrote him.

He replied: “Seeing as how you’re going to be winging it – I’m in.” I knew then we would get along just fine. And I was right.

No nudges, just encouragement. He reads my posts and leaves cool comments. And here’s some handy info and advice he’s given me for Week 3.

Simon Says: (And me in Italics)

  • After the pressure of Week 2, once you’re past or almost past that halfway mark, Week 3 is way easier. So hang in there!
  • It doesn’t have to be a great story, just focus on getting the words down. Need to be excited about story so have been re-writing despite fact that it slows me down, but am trying not to be too fussy!
  • There are little cheats that can help you catch up or boost your word count (in case you didn’t know them already). If you write “is not” instead of “isn’t”, “do not” instead of “don’t”, it helps.

I HAD NOT thought of that. Duh…

As Week 3 begins, I am pumped. Took my mandatory day off, did fuck-all. And once again am ready to go.

But before I do, would like to give a warm Shout Out to Simon, as well as all my dear NaNo supporters and fellow nutters. Promise to post list of every one of you special people once I reach Finish Line and have more time.

Am certain I WOULD NOT still be here without you.

2012 – Cusack’s In It!

In My Two Cents Worth on November 13, 2009 at 8:14 am

Still of John Cusack in 2012

Roland Emmerich’s blockbusters of past have been about as memorable as episodes of Prison Break – which send me to sleep faster than the last season of Lost which is really saying something. Independence Day and The Day After Tomorrow were all right though thoroughly forgettable. Godzilla sucked eggs (Matthew Broderick up against a giant lizard? I mean gimme a bloody break!). 10 000 B.C. prompted me to eject the DVD after ten minutes and hurl to my local video shop begging for a swap – which I got (thanks Tony!).

Fortunately, I have never made the mistake of actually watching any of these vacuous flicks at the cinema.

But this time, was prepared to make an exception.

Cusack’s In It!

So. In case you missed it, am a bit of a Cusack nutter which prompts me to watch him in anything I can on the big screen. Though might have to resist that impulse when Hot Tub Machine (WTF!) comes to town. You wouldn’t see me there even if Marlon Brando himself (favorite actor of all time) rose from the dead and starred next to Cusack (ooh, on second thoughts).

Anyway, back to the movie at hand.

I was pleasantly surprised.

I expected 100% crap and got only 80% crap. That’s a massive 20% less crap than what I thought I would get.

The first ten minutes felt sort of like a Bourne movie – sort of – skidding across the globe from Washington DC to Paris to Tibet to London, which kept me guessing. Then the “human” part of the story, with a pretty decent array of actors.

Chriwetel Ejiofox as the government scientist with a strong moral compass who sounds the alarm to world leaders about the Earth’s crust heating up. Oliver Platt as ruthless politician with a thirst for power – surprise, surprise. Danny Glover as US President with a conscience. Thandie Newton as First Daughter who inherits her fathers good conscience, who you know is going to end up with the scientist with the strong moral compass and if there’s a sequel to 2012 (ah yes, the irony), they shall churn forth off-spring who will carry on the spirit of the human race. (Whoops, Spoiler. But come on, like you don’t know that’s gonna happen the moment they meet?)

Then of course, Cusack himself as unsuccessful novelist Jackson Curtis, whose latest novel sold all of 400 copies. There’s also his ex-wife, Kate (played by the lovely Amanda Peets), her husband Gordon Silberman (Tom McCarthy) – a plastic surgeon who we know must die in order for Cusack to see the error of his ways and reunite with Peets and their adorable kids Noah (Liam James) and Lilly (Morgan Lily) by end of the movie.

Finally, there’s the performance that steals the show. Woody Harrelson in his element, as the pickle-crunching spaced-out crackpot Charlie Frost, who sprouts conspiracy theories on the airwaves from a camper in the middle of Yellowstone National Park. Emmerich disposes of Charlie early on – pity. But it’s such a breath of fresh air that you’re happy to strap in and go for the ride.

And what a ride.

Owing to credible performances by Cusack, Ejiofox, Harrelson and Glover (though would’ve liked to have seen more of him, acting-wise), a script that focused as much as any popcorn doomsday flick can on character, there might even have been something reminiscent of – dare I say it – the disaster flicks of old.

Though that being said, 2012 remains an apocalyptic movie of limited Emmerich dimensions.

First, there’s the prediction of the Mayan calendar that the world will come to an end by Dec 21 2012, which features largely in previews, but barely comes into play in the movie. In fact, the only time we touch on it is when Cusack, asleep on the couch, has left the TV on and a reporter refers to it on the news.

But that’s cool. Cusack’s in it.

Jackson Curtis does survive some ridiculously incredible situations with the resilience of a superhero – for which one might be prepared to suspend one’s disbelief had he been a cop or athlete or stuntman. But a fiction writer?

That’s cool. Cusack’s in it.

And of course, the usual insufferable cornball monologue, just seconds before a massive tsunami threatens to wipe everyone out – about humanity and integrity and all that bullshit which we know no one would give a flying fuck about should the world truly be coming to an end.

But that’s cool. Yes, you got it. Cusack – looking mighty cute and hunky.

All right. So if you’re not a chick, or a chick who likes Cusack and you’re actually reading this to find out if you should go see the movie, Why not.

I mean, as far as mindless disaster epics go, it pretty much ticks all the boxes.

Not short of thrills. Has a little twist towards the end – not telling. Good fun. Doesn’t send you to sleep.

Oh, and almost forgot. Cusack’s In it!

Still of John Cusack in 2012

Women Live Longer But Do They Live Better?

In Right Here Right Now on November 11, 2009 at 11:48 am

On average, women are expected to live 6 to 8 years longer than men, but are their health care needs met at crucial points in their lives – in particular, adolescence and old age?

According to a WHO (World Health Organization) report released November 9, the answer is No.

Launching the report entitled Women and health: today’s evidence tomorrow’s agenda, WHO Deputy-General Dr. Margaret Chan made it clear the obstacles that stand in the way of womens’ health were neither technically or medically related, but rather social and political in nature.

“We will not see significant progress as long as women are regarded as second-class citizens in so many parts of the world. We will not see significant progress as long as women are excluded from educational and employment opportunities, are paid less or not paid at all, are denied the right to own property, are victims of violence, have no control over household income, and have no freedom to spend money on health care, even if it means saving their own lives.”

Here are some alarming facts:

HIV/AIDS IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH & DISEASE AMONG WOMEN AGED 15-44 (!?)

For women in their reproductive years (15–44), HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death and disease worldwide, while unsafe sex is the main risk factor in developing countries.

99% OF MATERNAL DEATHS OCCUR IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Every year, 99% of some half a million maternal deaths occur in developing countries.

TUBERCULOSIS IS THE THIRD LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH AMONG WOMEN AGED 15-44

Tuberculosis is often linked to HIV infection and the third leading cause of death among women of reproductive age (15–44 years) in low-income countries and worldwide. It ranks fifth worldwide among women aged 20–59 years.

MOST VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IS PERPETRATED BY AN INTIMATE MALE PARTNER

Violence against women is widespread around the world. Women who have been physically or sexually abused have higher rates of mental ill-health, unintended pregnancies, abortions and miscarriages than non-abused women.

SUICIDE IS THE SEVENTH TOP CAUSE OF DEATH GLOBALLY FOR WOMEN AGED 20-59

Women are more susceptible to depression and anxiety than men. An estimated 73 million adult women worldwide suffer a major depressive episode each year. Mental disorders following childbirth, including depression, are estimated to affect about 13% of women within a year of delivery.

BREAST CANCER IS THE LEADING CANCER KILLER AMONG WOMEN AGED 20-59 YEARS IN HIGH INCOME COUNTRIES

CERVICAL CANCER IS THE SECOND MOST COMMON TYPE OF CANCER AMONG WOMEN

Almost 80% of cases today and an even higher proportion of deaths from cervical cancer occur in low-income countries, where access to cervical cancer screening and treatment virtually does not exist.

CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD) CAUSED BY EXPOSURE TO INDOOR SMOKE IS OVER 50% HIGHER AMONG WOMEN THAN MEN

Tobacco use and the burning of solid fuels for indoor heating and cooking are the primary risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – a lung ailment – in women. Women prepare most of the family food, hence, the burden of COPD caused by exposure to indoor smoke is over 50% higher among women than among men.

GLOBALLY, CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IS THE LEADING KILLER OF AGED WOMEN

Chronic conditions – mainly cardiovascular disease and COPD – account for 45% of deaths in women over 60 years of age worldwide. Cardiovascular disease (mainly heart attacks/ischaemic heart disease and stroke), often thought to be a “male” problem, is the main killer of older women. Women often show different symptoms from men, which contributes to under diagnosis of heart disease in women. Women also tend to develop heart disease later in life than men.

In a statement released by Dr. Chan, she stated:

“From the report, we know that up to 80% of all health care and 90% of care for HIV/AIDS-related illness is provided in the home, almost always by women. Most of this work is unsupported, unrecognized, and unremunerated. Women are less likely than men to be in formal employment. They work most of their waking hours but are not paid. Because they are less likely to be part of the formal work force, women lack access to job security and the benefits of social protection, including access to health care.

Worldwide, more than 580 million women are illiterate, which is more than twice the number of illiterate men. The impact of educational status on the health of women and their families is very well documented. How can we tolerate such a huge difference in such a hugely important opportunity?”

HIV/AIDS the leading cause of death and disease among women aged 15-44?

580 million illiterate women in the world?

How is it possible that we can build international space stations, invent prototype cars that can drive without the help of humans, examine laser particle acceleration as a potential future use in cancer treatment, and we can’t make sure every person in this world can read and write, or that 80% of our health care givers receive adequate health care when they need it most?

To read the full report go to – http://www.who.int/gender/women_health_report/en/index.html

Day 9 – One Day Off Makes All The Difference

In NaNoWriMo on November 9, 2009 at 11:16 am

Total Word Count So Far: 14 015

Come last Saturday, as in the day before yesterday, I was a wreck.

After one week of NaNoWriMo and 12 345 words in the bank, I felt drained and defeated and not too crash hot about what I had written.

Granted, this is supposed to be about – in the words of NaNo founder Chris Baty – “having fun writing crap.”

Granted, as I said before starting this whole darn thing, output is what counts here.

But as it turns out, while I am in the habit of writing crap, I am NOT in the habit of carrying on writing it regardless.

I need to fix the crap, move on till it gets crap again, fix that and so on and so forth.

And I know I the trick to 5oK is: Keep moving, don’t look back, don’t rewrite.

But come Saturday, when I realized the last 2000 words or so were nothing more than excrement – masturbation if I was lucky, I could not proceed. Correction. Would not proceed.

Have fun writing crap? Are you mad?

If I wanted to do that, I’d write soap on TV.

Writing crap isn’t satisfying, let alone fun. It’s irresponsible and quite frankly, bad karma.

You think Stephen King’s Misery was some fictional horror story? It’s what really happens to writers who sell out and write empty characters or stories that don’t mean anything.

It’s what happens to writers who continue to write crap after they realize what they’re writing IS crap.

So, you see, on Saturday I was going slightly nuts.

Which is when I decided to take the day off and do fuck all.

Did not turn on the computer – not so much as a glance. No internet. No email. No Twitter.

Just the company of friends and family, good food and beer and conversations about Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s policy on asylum seekers, Fort Hood, Britney Spears lip syncing in Australia… Everything but work and what I was writing.

Here’s what I figured.

If on Monday, I felt the same way I had on Saturday, I would scrap what I needed to scrap and start from there. Screw the quota. Screw the motto.

Asking me to have fun writing crap is like asking me to have fun cooking with bad ingredients or have fun losing a game of poker.

Baking a cake with off milk – no fun. Losing at Texas Hold ‘em – no fun. Writing 50 000 words of crap – no fun.

This morning, I turned the computer on, refreshed and without dread. Printed out what I had written and you know what? It didn’t read that bad.

It wasn’t perfect and needed some fine-tuning, a couple of edits here and there, but it didn’t require the kind of overhaul I had anticipated.

I scrapped about a thousand words but wrote heaps more than I usually do in one sitting – over 3000 words. I’m much happier about where the story’s heading and how the characters are developing. Most importantly, I have refueled and am ready for another week.

One day off makes all the difference.

If you feel like slitting your wrists, a day off will make you content with a couple of Valium and a stiff drink.

If you feel like killing someone, a day off will make you content with just punching them.

And if you’re ready to quit, a day off will make you feel not quite ready to do that.

At least not today. Maybe tomorrow.

Day 6 – Missing The White Space

In NaNoWriMo on November 5, 2009 at 8:28 pm

Yesterday’s Word Count: 2011

Total Word Count: 9256

Drink of Morning: Coffee, lots

Okay, massive screenwriting withdrawals today as I continue quest to complete novel in one month.

Second novel, I might add.

The very first one, written more than a decade ago, sits at back of cupboard in plastic container along with old walkman from eighties and tap-dancing shoes – of all things – that belonged to someone I haven’t seen in also over a decade.

Anyway, stopped banging away to find page packed with words and sentences that have grown into paragraphs that fill entire page.

And realize the following:

Miss the white space of a screenplay.

Miss having to keep story moving for benefit of camera.

Miss writing for camera.

Miss writing with knowledge that will be re-written by someone else if am lucky enough to get read and sold.

Miss the clipped sentences, not having to delve into descriptive sentences about emotions and aesthetics.

Miss knowledge that will not be primary player should screenplay be made (which is point of writing one) unless producing or directing.

And after reading this list of what I miss about writing a screenplay have come to this conclusion:

Need to get head examined.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 4: Never Stop At End Of Chapter

In NaNoWriMo on November 4, 2009 at 7:09 am

Today’s Word Count: 1675

Total Word Count Thus Far: 7202

Writing Snack Of Day: Dumplings

Writing Drink Of Day: Lemongrass tea (it’s yum, try it)

Writing Album of Day: World Gone Wrong – Bob Dylan

Writing Distractions: Just about everything (will explain)

All right. All you Nano writers out there and writers in general who seek to bang out a first draft…

Here’s a tip.

Never Stop At The End Of A Chapter!

It makes the next day THAT much harder.

I’ll tell you why.

Yesterday I thought I was King Shit, right? I mean, not only did I get 2011 words and a whole chapter down, I also managed to win me 98 bucks through new found psychic horse-betting powers. (Check out Day 3 if you haven’t already)

So today I swagger up to keyboard, open file, and nothing.

What happens when you’re writing almost 2000 words a day on top of everything else is, as days go by, you grow mentally and physically weary. Your body actually starts to ache if you’re not used to it. It really is a marathon.

If you end a chapter the day before, what you have to the next day is start a new chapter. Which sounds simple enough.

But what it actually means is, staring at a blank page.

Which is as good as starting all over again.

Especially when you’re drained, to navigate – both emotionally and mentally – the course of a story from a blank page, is a feat near impossible.

By contrast, if you end somewhere mid-chapter, you get to pick up where you left off and go with the flow into the next chapter.

It’s a lot easier and requires a lot less stress and discipline.

Needless to say, missed 5.00-7.30am Nano time slot again. Took me all day to get into the swing of things. Almost gave up for the day. Literally forced self into zone by re-reading and somehow resisting temptation to rewrite. (Aargh! as she sinks teeth into knuckles)

But so glad I did.

Day 3 – A Poor Start With A Shocking Twist

In NaNoWriMo on November 3, 2009 at 11:51 am

So today I woke up Not In The Mood to write.

You know what I mean. You’re willing to do anything – clean the house, do the laundry, wash your car, wash your neighbor’s car. Just as long as it doesn’t involve sitting down and writing?

I’m not sure what brought it on though am almost certain it can be attributed to exhaustion.

A quota of 1600 plus words a day seems harmless but on top of work, family and domestic duties and other obligations, it does take its toll.

Gawd, listen to me. It’s only Day 3.

So I woke up at my 5am which is my Nano slot – 5am to 7.30am. I love waking up early and fulfilling my writing quota for the day. It’s like that early morning jog or swim. Invigorating.

But today I was – yes – Not In The Mood. So I read instead – Bridgette Jones’ Diary. Had to be something light.

An hour passed and I got guilty so dragged myself to the computer and babbled mindlessly. Never have I been so happy to get to the paying job.

But then something happened.

It was Melbourne Cup today – the spring carnival horse race that stops the nation. Everyone drops what they’re doing for this one race at 3pm (if you’re in Melbourne, it’s a holiday) and even if you have five dollars to your name, you place a bet. It’s mandatory.

At lunch time, a colleague and I ambled over to the local TAB in the thick of an unprecedented heat wave that climbed its way to a sweltering 36.9 degrees Celsius (about 98 Farenheit). And as I perused the long list of horses, heard a voice whisper in my ear, Shocking, Shocking… Over and over.

At first I thought it was my dead grandmother berating me for gambling away my lunch money. Then to my surprise, discovered a horse called Shocking and lay $1o on it to win.

Guess what?

It came first and I won 98 friggin’ dollars!

After dinner tonight, I sat down and scrapped the shit I typed this morning and have just completed a word count of 2011 for the day.

Better still, I discovered more about my characters and story and sort of think I know where it’s going now. Though have yet to decide on a title and am expecting to be continuously surprised. Have to keep myself opened to possibilities, right?

Entered everything written so far into the Nano word count tally and am proud to announce a total of 5542 words.

Only 44 458 to go. Ha.

Go Shocking!

While this may sound like a tale of random luck and total chance, I truly feel with this Nano experience – where as a writer, you have no choice but to go with the flow and interfere as little as possible – that I am dealing more than ever with the occult.

Call me crazy but somebody from another realm whispered that horse to me today. Truly (don’t laugh). I have never picked a horse to win. Just like that. I suspect it will never happen again. (And if it does, maybe I should just ditch writing and become a psychic for punters!)

I guess what I’m trying to say is, I feel angels watching over me as I write and speak for those who have chosen me to speak on their behalf. And while my technique may seem unorthodox at the best of times, I feel truly blessed and humbled to be at their service.

98 bucks, 2011 words. Cool bananas. Good night!

Day Two – A Tad Harder

In NaNoWriMo on November 2, 2009 at 2:50 am

Word Count for the day: 1833

Writing Duration: 2.5 hours

Word Count so far: 3526

Writing snack for the day: Dark chocolate – Lindt

Writing drink – always: Espresso, lots of it

Temptations: Twitter, phone, friendly neighbor, work pile

Tips of the day: Do NOT read book from start. This will prompt you to automatically revise/edit which will screw with your head and your flow.

So today was harder.

Precisely because I decided to read what I wrote yesterday and as stated in tip, it screwed with me.

After editing extensively, re-read what I had re-written and decided, preferred the original stuff anyway.

Moral of Story #1: Do Not Revise. This is a marathon. Aim of month – to keep going and get to end. Save quality assurance and rewrites for December and other months to come.

Moral of Story #2: Trust Yourself. This is a good exercise in getting out of the way and just letting story and characters through. Trust that you will know something isn’t working and alter it as you go.

Moral of Story #3: November is about moving forward. Never, ever, look back.

Once I got over the looking back part, which by the way consumed about an hour, it took me a while to recover – lots of stopping and starting and second-guessing – before getting into the moment and running with it once again.

By the time I stopped, found I had written a little more than yesterday.

I suspect as days dribble on and book grows thicker, it will get increasingly difficult to keep going and ignore urge to rewrite.

The other obstacle I encountered today was after yesterday’s success, I thought about the story heaps and sort of had a preconceived notion of where it would or should go today.

Result: I kept getting in the way.

When I decided to surrender myself once more to the muses, the story flowed – not the way I thought it would but in a way that surprised me and made me discover a few more things about my character.

Tomorrow’s Aim: Go with flow and trust myself.

I want to thank you ALL for your generous support, comments and re-tweets thus far.

Am deeply touched. Couldn’t do this without you.