IWSG, ROW80, Basel Zoo, and the End of NaNo
irsts!
First time in many weeks that I'm posting on my blog in real time, rather than a week or two in advance. I'm far behind in commenting, but hoping to visit you all soon!
First time ever not completing NaNoWriMo. I squeaked in at 20k short of the goal.
First time leaving the country and first time getting on a plane in about two years: I visited family this past weekend! First time I'd seen them in person in over two years! Very glad to have gotten back before borders started closing again.
First time celebrating Christmas in England -- cancelled. I'm looking now into refunding or extending all our train and hotel bookings. Sigh.
Some not firsts!
I'm participating in WRiTE Club again!
A new ROW80 update: Submit things! Send queries! Also, try the December writing exercise on the litforum.
Another set of photos: our second visit to Basel Zoo!
It's Insecure Writer's Support Group Day!
This month's optional question:
In your writing, what stresses you the most? What delights you?
The awesome co-hosts for the December 1 posting of the IWSG are PJ Colando, Diane Burton, Louise – Fundy
Blue, Natalie Aguirre, and Jacqui Murray!
Action scenes worry me. And I'm always stressed that I'm not throwing enough rocks at my characters. I'm trying to think more and more often of "what's the worst that could happen?" then trying not to be afraid to write it.
There's delight in every other aspect! The rush of drafting, the excitement of discovering new characters and story links, the thrill of serendipitous findings in research, the satisfaction when plot elements come together with the inevitable fit of puzzle pieces, the glow of a well-turned phrase...
Don't forget the IWSG book club! Today's suggestion is to mention a book I'm excited about. There are so many! The new Diana Gabaldon, the new Kait Nolan, the new Ryan Bevan, the new Luke McCallin, and the new Monica Byrne!
I've read them all and I'd recommend them!
Which books are you excited about?
Comments
I do pretty good with action scenes, but the blank pages in general stress me out. I'd much rather revise. Happy Holidays!
Looks like you're on a baking frenzy.
Hope you can reschedule that visit.
I'm too easy on my characters, too. Getting better at it.
Happy Holidays! Fantastic pics!!!! WOW. You are ONE BUSY LADY! Congrats on you new book! I just happen to be getting a review copy from your publisher and I CAN'T wait to read it and review! YAY, YOU!!!! I love all aspects of writing EXCEPT, the querying part. UGH... Since I am not published, YET, I haven't delved into the marketing end yet, either. I heard it can be a nightmare. Sorry to hear you Christmas plans have been put on hold. Sad. I had to cancel my Colorado vacation last year because of COVID and the wild fires, BUT, I did get there last month and had a BLAST.... Wishing you and your family a HAPPY, HEALTHY, and PROSPEROUS new year!!!!
Fight scenes are tricky. Mine are either glossed-over or so detailed they're unreadable.
Thank you for the book recommendations! And happy holidays...holiday baking season at last!
Julia Quay
Eek, Michael, I really hope you like it!!!