Ja'Nese Dixon's Blog, page 20

NaNoWriMo Day 16: Don't Ask...

[image error] Graphic by Konrad MostertUnfortunately life, family, drama, etc. continues during NaNoWriMo--and while writing. I will let my word count--or lack thereof--speak for my weekend.

Urgh!!!

NaNoWriMo Day 13: Can Love Conquer All?

I have one more element from African Emerald that I want to share. This will be a rare weekend post for me (at least I believe so...).

Have you ever experienced a relationship that literally saved you from yourself? Talib may have a chance to change...to be a different person, a better man.

Today's video represents another element of African Emerald--the power of love. Enjoy this video thanks to Drake.
"Find Your Love" by Drake

Do you believe love can conquer all things?

NaNoWriMo Day 12: Self Destructive Behavior

Self-destructive behavior is visible by everyone. Loved ones, friends witness the behavior and in reality they are watching you burn. Watching you be less than your true self. Watching you be sucked it...

I'm continuing on the theme of this week--music that represent elements from African Emerald. Today's video is from Eminem. It's graphic but it's about self-destructive behavior and the violence that can lie in wait.


"Love The Way You Lie" by Eminem featuring Rihanna
Have you witnessed a situation or person burn (i.e., figuratively) before your eyes? Did you address the behavior or the fire?

NaNoWriMo Day 11: Glitter in the Air

Angelica Joseph is a woman that shines in a dark place. Talib is at a crossroad in his life, Angelica will represent many things in African Emerald. For today, she will be represented by P!nk and this wonderful song (and performance) Glitter in the Air.

"Glitter in the Air" by P!nk

I love this performance I feel hope. And hope is mere steps before belief. I don't have a question to share today, but I have a small request. Hit "Repeat" and think about a relationship in your life that gives you hope that things could be better.

NaNoWriMo Day 10: No One Man Should Have All That Power

Yesterday I shared a video that represented Talib. Today, I'll continue with "Power" by Kanye West. This song represents The Concave.
"Power" by Kanye West
The lengths that some go to acquire power is relentless. This group is no exception. Can you think of one group and/or person that yields too much power?

NaNoWriMo Days 8 & 9: A Bad Man

I am almost ready to share my short synopsis for African Emerald. In the meantime, I plan to share some of my inspiration while writing. I use several techniques but the one that I most is enjoy is creating a soundtrack for my book. A soundtrack? Yes, a soundtrack. (smile)

I am starting today by showing you a video that helps to identify with the main character, Talib Kamwi. I first introduced Talib to readers in Black Diamond. (Don't have a copy? Order it on Amazon.)
"Bad Man" by R. Kelly


I will leave you with a thought. What would it take for you to believe that a bad man has changed?

I would love to read your comments.

NaNoWriMo Days 5 - 7: Weekend Writing Frenzy

[image error] Graphic by Dominik Gwarek.How was your weekend?

It's Monday and after not posting over the weekend I'm happy to share some good news.

I've found my groove!!! (smile)

Before I lose you let me explain. Last week I felt out of sorts wring for NaNoWriMo without my stuff together. By stuff I mean, I have a outline, notes, research, etc. all neatly together in a binder ready and waiting as I write my book. This time I didn't have time to prepare, the way I normally do. And since I'm participating with my kiddos I couldn't opt out of participating this year. Anyway, this weekend I worked hard at catching up.

What did I do?

First. I gave myself permission to write a first draft.

What I mean is, my story doesn't have to be perfect. I will write a deceit first draft and plan to work out the issues later.

Second. I spent some time with my characters.

I'm not crazy...I promise. (smile) I made some decisions on the main characters, their motives, issues, etc. This helps as I write because I have to interpret their story. I had a writing day Friday that focused only on character development.

Third. I flipped the script.

How? Well, I decided to write and what happened is I'm writing separate stories for my main characters that I will later merge into one story. It came about due to my writing time Friday. I used my work to start on individual summaries and well the rest is history...for now.

Check out my NaNoWriMo update. My word count is now on course. YEAH!

NaNoWriMo Day 4: Don't Ask

[image error] Graphic by Zsuzsanna Kilian.Don't ask. I feel like this stick figure I'm moving but I yielding a single line. Urgh!

What happened? (I know you're thinking it.)

Thanks for not asking aloud. (smile)

Life happened. Kids. Work. Me.

I don't have a good report. However, I'm planning a block of writing one tomorrow and Saturday.

Wish me luck!

NaNoWriMo Day 3: Outline or Write?

[image error] Graphic by Andrew Beierle.I'm indecisive.

Not planning is already irritating me. I normally write with my binder close by, character names identified, a basic outline of the chapters, etc. So, my indecision stems from wondering whether I should give myself a day or so to get a basic outline together.

Pros:
I write faster once I have an idea of where I'm going.My rewrites are limited.I feel more comfortable with the content, i.e., storyline, characters, plot, etc.Cons:
Writing 50,000 words in one month is a lot of writing. Thus, I would lose time.The point of NaNoWriMo is to embrace the unknown and forge ahead.Outlining is time consuming. Thus, again, I would lose time.
I plan to decide tonight. I could plan for the next couple of days and plan a writing day on Saturday.

We shall see...
I am updating my 2010 NaNoWriMo page daily. Click here to see my current word count and my progress. I just love the little potato dude.

NaNoWriMo Day 2: Do you have a writing mentor?

[image error] Graphic by Stephen EastopDay 2 and after a long night I'm ready to write. I worked until early this morning getting to know the characters in "African Emerald". It's a process that helps me write and connect with the goals of each character. And while working I received an email from my writing mentor.

For the writers that visit my blog, do you have a writing mentor?

I met my mentor during NaNoWriMo last year. She is AWESOME! One of the techniques I use to develop my characters I learned from her. She sends me articles and information about writing materials. We share our stories and are supportive of one another. It is invaluable.I will write today. Yesterday I wrote less than 600 words, but I needed to spent some time pulling together my cast of characters and ironing out my plot. I'm excited about this story. I intend keep you all posted.

Follow me on Twitter (@janesedixon) to stay posted throughout the day.
"Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart."  - William Wordsworth