Jenni Merritt's Blog, page 10

WIP Day - NaNoWriMo Week 2

Another week is coming to a close.How am I doing you ask?
I am chugging along!  I have to admit, I am a bit downhearted that I do not seem to be busting this out as fast as I have in previous years.  Though I am ahead of the "needed" amount to finish on time, I know I could have so much more.  Still, I am ahead.  I just need to keep reminding myself this.
Hey Kimmel!  I miss writing with you! (Had to shout that out...)
I think the research has been the most entertaining part this week.  I reached a spot in LJ where I realized I needed to actually look some things up before I moved forward with the story.  I googled for a bit, then moved over to Facebook to ask for help from my friends.  Lucky for me, tips and thoughts came pouring in.
Thank you, friends.
I giggle at the thought of what someone who didn't know me would think if they saw my internet browsing history:
Child labor lawsKorean family structureHow to print a newspaperExplosives
Just to name a few...Oh, the things writers look up!
My current count (as of about an hour ago):27,126
I plan on writing more tonight.  Thank goodness for Twitter #writeshoves and Portland region sprints.  You all are saving my bum this year.  Hopefully I will sail into the 30k word mark in the next day or less.
My fingers are hurting.  I think I might have caused early arthritis.  My back is pain, my bum feels flat, and my brain is smoking.  Boy, does this feel amazing!  I have vowed to never let myself go this long without writing again.  And now you are my witnesses!
(Don't forget!  If you are able to donate to NaNoWriMo, do it soon!)
And to close, here is a little thought from dear Millie

"Most of life isn't a good idea. But we keep doing it." -Millie, (Lady Justice)

How are you doing?  Writing away?  Do share!
Happy Writing!

Donation Day

As you know, NaNoWriMo is a non-profit organization.  Their sole purpose and goal is to keep our novels coming.  Which means they need our help.

While NaNoWriMo and OLL (Office of Letters and Light) do make some money off product sales, they need donations to keep them going.  Each year during November, I sign up to be a sponsor and try to raise money for this cause.  And here is where I ask: Will you help?

Just $10 can go a long, long way.

Here is why I appreciate NaNoWriMo:
It finally gave me the kick to write my novel.  For years I was a "someday" writer.  Someday I was going to write a book.  But it was never that day.  Then NaNoWriMo came along.  It is a program full of encouragement, humor, passion and amazing fellow writers.  It helped me realize that that some day was today.  And with it, I wrote.

Since I started, I haven't been able to stop.
In three years, I have written three books and am in the process of writing my fourth.  I have published one.  I have gained confidence.  Knowledge.  Friends and fans.  I can honestly say I have no idea where I would be without NaNoWriMo.  Most likely stuck somewhere back in "someday" land.  And I have to say: I like it better where I am.

Please, take a moment and think about about donating.  I am not asking for a lot.  Just $10 can do a world of difference.  Help keep NaNoWriMo around for years to come by showing your support today.  Every donation is tax-deductable, and full of pure awesome.

Today is Donation Day.  All day NaNoWriMo will be giving out prizes and special shout-outs as we race to raise the goal.  We need your help.

Not to mention:  If I reach my goal, I just might be planning a special giveaway of my own.

Click HERE and donate today!
THANK YOU!

Just Some NaNoWriMo Pep

NaNoWriMo is officially a week in!  How is your noveling?

I thought to stop by real quick and share these quotes I have been gathering from our awesome NanoWriMo pep talks.  I love getting these!  If you are doing NaNoWriMo this year, and haven't taken a moment to read the pep talks, do it!  You will feel that fire under your bum for sure!



Happy Writing!

WIP Day - NaNoWriMo Week 1

Today is day seven of NaNoWriMo.
Really?  Honestly?  Since when?

Things are going well, on this writing end.  It was a slow start for me.  Day 1 and 2 I was really pushing for word count as I waited for the story to come to me.  Then the weekend hit, and I finally got that spark I was needing.  Though I might not be writing as fast as I have in other years, I am still happily ahead of the game and moving along.

Then came last night.
I knew what I wanted to write.  But a certain election kept stealing my attention.  I am far from a political person.  But I was still intrigued with how this would all turn out.  Not to mention I was playing a fun little game on Facebook, where every time you saw the word "vote" you would replaced it with the word "fart" in your mind.  Oh, those status updates were just hilarious!

Regardless of it all, I still managed some awesome word count.
Pretty much thanks to the sprints with my Portland region writers.  You all rock!

And, on top of it all, I am also hacking away at my photography backlog.  I managed to finish three sessions last week and am almost done with session number four.  Edit photos during the day, write at night.  I might be tired (okay, exhausted) but I am getting things done and feeling great about it!

So how is LJ doing you ask?  
I am getting more and more excited with where this book is headed.  I go into my stories with a rough idea of what I want.  But most scenes write themselves, and surprise me most times.  I have some great new characters, new twists, new problems.  Millie is learning more about who she is, how strong she has to be, and where she really wants to be in life.  And I am growing right along side her.

I am trying to decide if I want to post any sort of character profile, snippets, or teasers.  What do you think?

As of last night:Total Word Count: 15,190
Do ignore the fact that nothing is written today. That will change tonight!
Now, time to finish this photo session.  Then tonight... I write!

Are you writing?  How is it going?  Do share!

Happy Writing!

NaNoWriMo: It Has Begun!

That's write right!
It is November.  Meaning one thing (aside from gorgeous rainy days, turkey dinners, and lots of cider)... It is now officially NaNoWriMo!

I know I have been absolutely horrible lately at updating my blog.  The main reason is that I have been scrambling to hack away at my photo backlog before NaNo hits.  I still have quite a backlog to go, but enough is done that I am ready to punch out some word count!

And boy am I excited!

How did I prep?
Well, for one, I went to the Portland Kick-Off Party!  As always it was a blast.  And it was packed.  I believe over 130 people showed up, filling the room we had booked.  I love the Portland NaNos!  I feel pretty special that I get to be a part of this region.  The energy and love for writing literally throbs with this group of people, and I ended up leaving the party not only pumped for NaNoWriMo, but also spinning two new book ideas my mind came up with.

I have created a sponser page again.  If you are not familiar with that:  NaNoWriMo is a non-profit organization.  Meaning they need out help to stick around.  Each year I try to raise some money, that in turn will be donated to OLL and will help keep those much needed lights on!  Even $10 goes a long way.  Please think about donating!  (HERE)

As for novel prep... it has been interesting.  As in, I have ideas here and there.  Sparks.  Some pivotal moments.  Great new characters.  But no solid, outlined plan on how LJ will turn out.  I have to admit I am a little nervous.  But more excited than anything.  I am a pantser.  And this will be epic.

I have created a Pinterest board for LJ.  As I find things that spark some inspiration, I will add them there.  I have also been searching for suitable music as the soundtrack for this book.  While I have yet to find a great "theme" song for it, I did find the LJ Beatles song.  As you know from PN, there is a certain Beatles song that plays through out it.  I felt I just had to carry on the tradition.

So here you go.

Are you excited?
I am!
I am super, crazy excited!
And now, off I go to get my first 1,667.  Wish me luck!

Are you writing this month?  Keep me updated on how you do!  YOU CAN DO IT!

Happy Writing!

New Facebook Page... Go!

I am stopping by for just a split moment.
I literally can't sit at the computer long.

This last weekend I did something to back.  I was coughing (dang coughs that stick around for weeks on end!) and suddenly I was hurting.  We are thinking I either strained a rib muscle or bruised/cracked a rib.  Either way, I am in pain.  On bedrest.  And hoping this heals fast.

But that isn't what I came here to mention to you all.
This is:

I created a new Facebook page!

That's right.  While I love the one I have, with all the likes, memories, comments and more... I am no longer an "aspiring author."  And sadly, after 200 likes, Facebook does not let pages change their name.  I have tried to decide what to do about this for sometime, and finally gave in.

Time for a new page.

I am still in the process up moving photos over.  But now I need you.   Go like my new page!
Help me get my numbers back up to where they left off.  (788 likes) Who knows, I may even spark a giveaway soon for this cause.  So spread the word, leave some love, and like away!

Indies in the Sound RECAP

The Indies in the Sound book signing event was awesome!  I have been trying to think of the best way to recap for you all, and finally decided that my usual ramble would suit it best.

I arrived at Orcas island with my hubby and two little guys the morning of the event.  We headed straight to the home of the lovely Keary Taylor, where I kidnapped her family and ran off to take their family photos.  What a blast!  After the photo snapping was done, I was able to hang out with Keary for a little while as our kiddos ran around like the little maniacs they are.  Talk about energy!

Finally, the time came.  Keary and I dolled ourselves up, then headed into town.
I will admit it: I was pretty nervous.

I grew up doing theatre.  I know how to talk in front of people, perform, make things up on the fly.  But this time it was different.  I was going to be talking about my book.  My book.  Needless to say, my stomach was doing enough flips to be an Olympic gold medalist.

Nikki Jefford and Rachael Wade arrived to Darvill's Bookstore just as we did.  Having the chance to meet other authors like myself, the ones who chose to go the Indie route of life, and see they are just as crazy as I am, was just what I needed.  We gabbed.  And laughed.  And I totally felt like I was home.

Bookstores.  They truly are home for us, aren't they?

Before the event was scheduled to start, we decided to duck outside and get some photos of the four of us taken.  I pretty much chucked my camera at Nikki's husband then sat down to smile with my Indie ladies.


The time had arrived.  Being as the event was on Orcas Island, it wasn't a huge turnout.  But it was still amazing to see the faces that did show up for us.  We each took turns reading from our novels.  Telling why we chose to go Indie.  Answered some Q&A and cracked some jokes.  An hour later, and it was over.  It felt like it had just started when we found ourselves saying our goodbyes, drawing the raffle winners, and signing copies.


Like I said: It was awesome.

The moment that literally brought some tears to my eyes?
Seeing copies of my book sitting on an actual store bookshelf.
Take my breath away.


Thank you to everyone who supported this event.  I am hoping we can find a way to make this a potential yearly outing.  The support and excitement from everyone who showed meant the world to me.  Thank you Indie ladies for putting on this event.  And thank you Darvill's for hosting the signing for us.  I couldn't have chosen a better way to spend that gorgeous Fall afternoon!

To see the entire folder of photos I got from the event, GO HERE .
Here is a little recap video that Rachael's hubby put together of the event.  I love it!

Where the Book Sales Go

It seems there is a misconception about the writing world.  Okay, more than one.  But there is a certain one I decided to lightly address today: Money.

Not all authors are JK Rowlings or Stephenie Meyers.  Those ladies wrote great stories, managed to snag great agents, great publishers, go on to make great movies... And no doubt have great bank accounts.  While it is true that authors can and do strike that luck in their career, it is not something that happens over night, and not something that happens to every author out there.

I recently had a conversation with a friend.  It went something like this:

Friend: So, how are your book sales going?
Me: Pretty good, this month.
Friend: But you have a published book.  Aren't you making tons now?
Me: Uh, no.  Not really.
Friend:  I would think by now you would have enough to get a car or house or something.
Me: *thinks of my 95 Astro van...* Nope, sad to say, book sales aren't that high.
Friend:  What was the point of publishing then?

I just smiled and changed the topic.

People, at least many I have talked to, seem to think that as soon as you have a book published, that's it.  You get to sit back and watch the money roll in.  Buy houses and cars.  Quit your day job.  Sign that movie deal and cast that ideal cast.  In all honesty, the bookish life is far from that.  While I won't lie and say I make nothing, I make no where near enough for the easy life.  Here are some answers to some common misconceptions:

I use my book sales to buy new, pretty cars.Sure, yeah.  I do.  In my dreams.  I drive them nightly.  Then in the morning I decide it would be a better choice to use my Astro van.  Wait, nevermind.  I can't do that.  Because we are a one car family and my husband uses the car to get to work.  Daily.

I use my book sales to buy a nice, huge house.It's true.  And every night in my dreams I park my stack of pretty cars inside the house's ten car garage.  Then, when I wake up in our two bedroom, bottom floor apartment with our noisy neighbors pounding on the floor and wish I had a yard to let my kids play in, I fondly remember my million dollar dream house with heated pool.

Book sales fund my extravagant, monthly vacations.Are you kidding?  I take daily vacations.  I go to the grocery store and try to balance kids with coupons with "Can I splurge and get this candy bar today?"  Who needs Hawaii or Vegas or France when you have WIC appointments, diapers to buy, doctor check ups and bills to pay.  All while begging for rides most days because hubby has the car at work?

Book sales are so amazing I quit my day job.Well, to start: My day job is being mommy.  So I can't fully quit.  But yeah sure, I have my British nanny who takes care of my kids night and day for me while my husband gets to sit and game nonstop because he too quit his job in hopes that my sales will never dip and cause us to give up our mansion, ten cars, daily vacations...

Alright.  Sarcasm aside.
Book sales, as awesome as they can be.  As excited as I get every time I see a new reader has given my book a chance.  As ecstatic as I get when I get my monthly payment... They aren't that dependable.  I would never invest my faith to my sales to support my entire family.  At least not yet.  Day jobs are important.  Having a roof over your head, even if it consists of noisy neighbors, is important.  Having a running car even if it is far from your dream car, is important.

Who knows where my books will take me in the future.  But for now, I can tell you the two things my book sales ARE paying for:

See that food in my fridge?  In my cupboard?  The food my little kiddos are eating?  My book sales pay for that.  Crumbs and all.

And see this adorable face, of this adorable preschooler?  That is my son.  And each month my book sales are paying for him to attend his school.  To learn, grow, make friends.  And get more and more excited about writing.  That is what my sales pay for.

And that is why I appreciate my readers like nothing else.  You have helped my baby go to school.

One of the best supports you can give an author is the simple purchase of their book.  Being an artist is a struggle.  Money-wise.  Confidence-wise.  Sanity-wise.  We struggle daily with our passion.  And at the end of the day, one of the main things that keeps us creating is you.  Our fans.

To answer my friend's question on why I even bothered to get published:

I don't write for the fame of it.  I write for the love of it.  And how rich am I?

WIP Day - Hello Muse!

Today was a busy mama day.

In the morning I got my two kiddos all put together, picked up my friend's daughter, and brought the kids to preschool.  Then I headed back home with my youngest.  While he was happily watching Cars (again... he loves that movie!) I managed to get some photo editing done and post a preview for a certain little lady's first birthday (Happy birthday Nora!)

Once that was done, I bundled my youngest kiddo and the cat up and booked it back to the preschool.  This week is Pet Week, and today we got to show off our cute little kitty.  The kids loved her!

*takes deep breath*

Bundle three kids and kitty up.  Head home.  Decide to let friend's daughter come over and play.  Walk to park.  Play play play.

Finally, it is time to bring the little girl home.  So off to my friend's we go.  Where the kids play and I end up chatting with my friend for... erm... a long time.  Hey, the kids were happy.  (And, to find out later, were throwing a tea party with milk in the other bedroom.  Milk, everywhere.  Oops.)

Well, while chit chatting with my friend, something amazing happened.
A muse struck.

I won't get into details of what we were talking about.  But let me tell you: I am a million times more excited than ever to get to work on Lady Justice!

From the sounds of it, my face lit up.  It was epic.
Remember Christmas morning when you were a kid?  When you would sneak down into the living room to see the tree full of the presents waiting to be torn open?  How you would shake inside and out, barely able to contain yourself and about to burst?  Yup.  That was me.  Today.

November can't get here fast enough.  I am itching to get going on LJ!  I still have some rough plotting to do. Not much, being as I am a pantser by all descriptions.  But just enough to keep this Christmas morning excitement going.

I had to pop by and tell you that.
You never know when the muse will strike.
And when it does: It is a beautiful thing.

Thank you Muse!

How about you?  Having any muse luck?  Do share!

Happy Writing!

Indies in the Sound | Booking Signing Event

What are you doing October 3rd?I can tell you what I am doing:
The Indies in the Sound book signing eventIf you are in the Western Washington and San Juan Islands area, you should be there too!
Come spend the evening at Darvill's Bookstore in Eastsound, WA (Orcas Island) with me and three other local Indie authors. We will be spending the evening telling you a bit about who we are. Reading snippets from our novels. Hosting a Q&A. Snacking on cookies. And of course: Signing copies of our Indie novels.
And to make the deal even sweeter, there is going to be a giveaway that night as well!I know.  How awesome.
Who are the authors you ask?
Keary Taylor (Author of Eden, What I Didn't Say, and the Fall of Angels Series)Nikki Jefford (Author of The Spellbound Series) Rachael Wade (Author of Preservation and The Resistance Trilogy)
And of course yours truly...Jenni Merritt (Author of Prison Nation)
These are some amazing Indie ladies, and I am more than excited to spend the evening with them.  I hope I get to spend the evening with you as well!  Feel free to RSVP on our Facebook event page.  Then gather your books, hop on that ferry, and come our way!  See you then!