Vanessa Barneveld's Blog, page 5

NaNoWriMo – Day 24

Day 24. Scarily close to the end of November! As of this moment, my word count is 39,605. I’m still in the middle of writing the date night from hell. My poor characters…

Today’s playlist song is dedicated to one of my oldest and dearest friends, Helen. She’s been reading my stuff since we were a couple of crazy kids working at a cinema. Died Pretty was one of her favourite bands back then. Here’s their song “D.C.” Gorgeous strings in this.

Thanks for your support, Helsy! xxx

NaNoWriMo – Day 23

Day 23. All this will be over soon. NaNo, that is. I’m currently on 38,168 words. Hmm, I should go back the manuscript and add two more words to round up that total. I’m still writing that “first date” scene.

My playlist song of the day is from 1989/1990 — “Soon” by My Bloody Valentine. It’s another recommendation from my hubby.

NaNoWriMo – Day 22

Day 22. 36,500 words to date. The heroine and hero of my ghost book are on their first date right now. To cut a long story short, this date is not going to end well…

Here’s my playlist song of the day by Spandau Ballet:

 

 

NaNoWriMo – Day 21

Day 21. Current word count: 34,543. I’m all out of M&Ms, but I’ve got nine mini-bags of salty-sweet popcorn left, so I should survive the next few days.

Today’s playlist song is one of my favourite covers ever—”I Second That Emotion” by Japan. I’ll be quite overcome with emotion when NaNo wraps up this year. It’s been quite a rollercoaster ride.

Here’s the original and synth-free version of “I Second That Emotion” by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles:

NaNoWriMo – Day 20

Day 20 of NaNo! Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” is my playlist song of the day. There are 10 more days to go in this writing challenge. At this point, I’m pretty sure my book will end up at around 70,000 words, so I will keep going after November, but maybe at a slightly less frenetic pace…

If you need help getting started with a project, check out these coaching businesses run by two extraordinary writer friends of mine. They’ve both helped me with all kinds of issues more times than I can count! Amanda Ashby at Creative Light Life Coaching specialises in helping people in fields like writing, music and art, for example. And Dr Sally Rigby at Way-Ahead Life Coaching primarily helps women over 45 who are looking to make changes in their lives and careers.

NaNoWriMo – Day 19

I cracked the 30,000-word milestone on my ghost book yesterday! So I’m still on track to write 50K by November 30. Still very dependent on M&Ms to get me through this challenge. Still very, VERY weary.



My playlist song today is something my husband played on Spotify this morn—”The Living Kind” by the Ups and Downs, a band from our old home town.

Buy “The Living Kind” on iTunes.

 

NaNoWriMo – Day 18

Can’t quite believe I’m still writing. It’s day 18 and my current word count is 28,752. I’m hoping to crack 30K today.

Today’s playlist song is dedicated to my heroine and hero. It’s Tracey Ullman’s cover of “They Don’t Know.” Cute song, cute video. Watch for a cameo by Paul McCartney at 02:35.

NaNoWriMo – Day 17

Day 17. I’m beyond exhausted right now, but happy with the momentum I’ve gained with this manuscript. As of this morning, my current word count is 27,080. #whoo

Back in the ’70s, my dad was a huge Olivia Newton-John fan, so I grew up listening to and  loving everything she did. I’ve picked “A Little More Love” as my playlist song of the day. Must say she looks particularly foxy in this video!

I’m off to add a little more wordage to my manuscript.

 

NaNoWriMo – Day 16

Day 16. Well, things *did* go to plan yesterday and I’m now officially past the 25,000-word mark. (Throws confetti). I’ve got to keep on writing. 25,000 words to go!

Here’s Edwin Starr, who’s got “25 miles” to go. Love the dancing in this video.

NaNoWriMo – Day 15

Day 15! “Whoa, we’re halfway there…” Sorry, Bon Jovi fans, I won’t be posting “Livin’ On a Prayer” as my playlist song of the day. Instead, I’m listening to Josh Rouse’s “Miracle” because it’s a miracle I’ve reached this point of the challenge with my sanity intact. If all goes well, I’ll hit the 25,000-word mark tonight.

Buy “Miracle” by Josh Rouse on iTunes.

Okay, okay, here’s “Livin’ On a Prayer” for Bon Jovi fans too: