Camp NaNoWriMo… the Final Countdown begins!

 NINE DAYS! Until the doors of the camp are thrust open…

If you have been following these posts you will feel pretty prepared (or scared) depending on how you handle your pre-camp nerves! I have been busy packing up to move out of my apartment this week, I have still managed some NaNo prep time though.

I have a list of targets to achieve – this may be bitesize word counts or skeleton frames of the 50,000 word novelette you’re attempting or chapters of a book.

If you haven’t already –

• DRAW UP YOUR LIST OF TARGETS FOR THE MONTH!
• GET A CABIN!

Cabin assignments started yesterday 20th June. Remember if you’re not happy OPT out, they will assign you a new cabin within 24 hours. As I have said before I had a fruitless cabin experience but was too guilty to opt out – I will NOT be making that mistake twice, after my 1st camp I know how essential this support is to get you through the month.

Although I am hoping that working on several smaller projects will be easier than the turgid 50,000 word Non-Fiction Chapter Fest I attempted back in April!

• CONSIDER FUNDRAISING

Want to get your friends and family involved in your July writing adventure? Fundraise, and have them pledge towards your final word count!

I am going to attempt sponsorship funding this camp as now I know it is as hard work as all those sponsored cycles and runs I donate money to for my much sportier friends!

• CHECK THESE OUT

Go check out the Office of Letters and Light blog, you may find an inspiring read (and there are links to the Camp NaNo website)

BLOG

And for those who might like to make a donation rather than raising sponsorship, check out NaNoWriMo’s “In Your Pocket” Summer Drive!

• BUY THE BUG SPRAY
• GET READY TO HAVE FUN!

 

Why Writers Need Writers!

Since January 2013 I have submerged myself into a writing world, with the intention of resurfacing as the writer I once was (or a better, older, wiser version!) What I didn’t bank on was how I would feel, my creative spirit is glad not to be under lock and key and I am meeting some fantastic (and talented) people.

Writing is often described as lonely, much of the work is done in solitude (please, don’t interrupt me!) and for fiction writers we are not even present in the room whilst we are working, we are ourselves shackled to the world we are creating on the page (or screen).

  This is why it is even more IMPORTANT that you get out there – find some creative circles and move in them. I don’t just mean the business of networking, I mean the benefit you get on a soul level connecting to other human beings who get what you do, who understand the pressures, passions and desires that drive you to a place of a imprisoned mono-existence.

Last Wednesday I went into the city to my writing class (now just one week left!), I experienced my first real critiquing, especially as it was also my first attempt at writing in this genre.

I had managed to slash my manuscript from over 900 words to just over 500 (it’s a picture book) and I knew there was still something not right about my story. It was too complicated. I had already edited an entire hobby and pages of non-advancing scenes. The group feedback really helped me identify what I need to focus on and what to do next.

 After (as is generally the case) we went for a relaxed conversation in the pub.* It was brilliant. I think because more of the class needed a drink after a 2 hour intense critique session! So more people came with us. The conversation ebbed and flowed and took us to more interesting places than most fiction can!

I can’t remember the specific muses (dang for not scribbling into my writer’s notebook) but I do remember the glow of adrenalin when I (finally!) got home after spending the whole evening with writers. Some of whom will become writing buddies I am sure.

I had always planned my writing year – but I hadn’t considered how it would make me feel as a person and what else I would gain other than a ton of work and some publishing contracts.

Creative people need creative people.

It is as essential as hydration is to existence.

* Cocktails taken at a Hen Party Mixology class – not consumed by writers in the pub!

Friday Fictioneers – The Guard

I have managed to get online this morning for a quick catch up in Blogland before the rest of the weekend (which I will spend packing boxes!)

This is my entry for Friday Fictioneers this week.

copyright -Managua Gunn

“How funny, in a modern world we cling onto traditions.” laughed Julia.

“I think it’s nice that loads of countries still dress their guards in uniform.”

“Katherine! You and uniforms!”

“Come on let’s see if we can make him smile!” giggled Katherine.

“Kat, he’s got a gun!” Julia retorted.

“Are you sure? I think he’s pleased to see us!”

Julia loved travelling with Katherine. To think one month ago she was about to give Paul his world wide travel dream. This experience made the split bearable. She couldn’t wait to see Kat’s face when they got closer to the guard!