Why, Hello There

You're probably wondering why I haven't written much lately.  Simple:  I've been writing.

November is National Novel Writing Month, and I've decided to take up the challenge:  Write a 50,000 word first draft -- in 30 days.  I did it last year and, despite having just moved to Edmonton, I managed to complete the task.  And I was left with something that might become something decent, if I edit it. 

This time around, it's much more difficult -- for a lot of reasons.  Mostly, I'm creating everything from scratch -- characters, location, plot, dialogue.  Last year, I based my story and characters on the year I spent in Guatemala.  This time, I'm not so lucky. 

As I write this, I'm more than half-way.  30,000 words down.  20,000 to go.  I'll be glad when it's finished.

At the same time, I've been working on building websites and working as a freelance SEO guru -- all while adjusting to this new life in Southern Mexico.

All-in-all, the first six weeks have been good, but I find it a bit of a quiet life.  There isn't a big ex-pat community here and not speaking much Spanish doesn't help.  So I spend most days hunched over my laptop, save the hour or so a day I go walking.

I used to wonder what could possibly be wrong with living in San Cristobal.  Now I know the answer:  It's lonely.

However, Guatemala is less than a day down the road. I think I'll try and catch a ride back to Lake Atitlan before the end of the month.  Belize is also close by, but requires some long bus rides to get there.  Lots of time for that. 

And then there's Canada.  My quest for a reasonably priced ticket to the land of snow for Christmas is not going very well.  The hunt continues.

And so it goes...

from the "the end" dept.

Tonight, after 28 days and spewing forth 52,027 words, I typed the final two: The End.

I already have an idea for a second book, but it will have to wait until I finish revising and editing the first one.

I never thought I could write something so long. Of course, it's really a first draft full of bad grammar, awkward structure, and plot holes big enough to drive a truck through -- but it's mine.

I also finished with two days to spare!

On the list of life's 'to do' list, I can now cross off: Write a book.

Cheers!

from the "man of many words" dept.

Today is day 14 of National Novel Writing Month and (surprise, surprise) I'm already past the half-way point -- a day early! As I write this, I'm over 28,000 words -- which is nearly 5000 ahead of schedule. Yay, me!

What I'm written certainly isn't great, but there is now a decent plot, a few sub-plots and characters that I think are interesting. And I know how it ends!

Meanwhile, I've finished my second week at my new job. 50 to go. But who's counting! The weather has been bearable, if much colder than I'm used to. And, so far, no snow.

And I have a place to move into on Dec 1. Looking forward to having an actual home for the first time in a very long time. Dec 2006? Sheesh!

That's enough writing for one day. Time to go exploring!

Cheers!

from the "nanowrimo" dept.

It's day five of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). To be on track for finishing a 50,000 word first draft, I need to write 1666 words a day. Sounds easy. It isn't.

At midnight tonight I should have written 8330 words. My count as of this morning: 8337! I've got a 7 word cushion!

And so it goes...

from the "bedtime story" dept.

You'd think that the biggest thing in life right now would be settling into Edmonton and the new job. But you'd be wrong.

No, the biggest thing right now is my participation in the National Novel Writing Month. The idea: write a 50,000 word first draft in 30 days.

I've been at it since November 1. And as of early on November 4, I'm doing OK. The average daily word count one needs to crank out is 1666. I'm at 5200 or so... which is just a little ahead of schedule. I need to do another 1400 today.

It's hard letting go and not worrying about editing as I write. But that's the point. It's a brain dump.

Other than the novel, I've been searching for a new home. Nothing to report there. But all is good. Day three of work begins shortly. Day four of novel writing begins right now.

Cheers!

from the "sands through the hour glass" dept.

"It was a dark and stormy night... "

As November 1st looms, so do many changes and challenges: A move from Guatemala to Edmonton, a new job, and the challenge of writing a 50,000 word novel. In a month.

Now, I have lots of experience with new places, faces and jobs. But penning a book concurrently is a whole new thing.

And why, you may ask, would I move Edmonton, start a new job and attempt to write a book all at the same time?

Blame NaNoWriMo – the National Novel Writing Month. Each November, NaNoWriMos take on the possible: hammering out a 50,000 word first draft of a novel. For most, November is usually a slower month, allowing folks the few hours needed per day to write an average of 1600 words.

Me? I'm starting a whole new life, which should force me to utilize my writing time for maximum benefit.

The characters and story are already alive in my head – and they're just waiting to get out. I'd unleash them right now – but that would be cheating. No. They'll have to stay cooped up in my cranium for another week.

What is the story? I can't tell you yet, because I'm not quite sure of the story arc. But it involves Lake Atitlan, a group of ex-pats, extraterrestrials and the end of the world. I can tell you the title: Tropical Depression (or: My Landlord Doesn't Take Ham).

If you're interested in joining me on this journey into madness, check out the NaNoWriMo website. You know you wanna...