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Footnotes 2017-2018
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Any Aspiring Writers Want to Join Me?
Good for you Anita! I wish you a wonderful journey-although I have way too much on my plate right now, would love to hear an update every now and then!
Awk! It sounds interesting, but I can't afford it at this time. But good luck to you!
I figured this would be a long shot, but can't hurt to inquire, right? Just in case . . .But thanks for the encouragement!!!
I too have been thinking about it Anita! Let me mull over the idea for a bit.
I know Jason has been super busy, and that it’s hard to find time to carve out for reading and Goodreads, nonetheless writing. But I also know that writing is important to him. I wonder if that might entice him? I’d love to do it myself, but I’m a bit overwhelmed with other life priorities.
Amy wrote: "I know Jason has been super busy, and that it’s hard to find time to carve out for reading and Goodreads, nonetheless writing. But I also know that writing is important to him. I wonder if that mig..."I'm a little overwhelmed too which is why I think a class will force the issue for me. If I spend the money, I know I'll do it . . .
Hopefully Jason sees this just in case . . .
Susie wrote: "I too have been thinking about it Anita! Let me mull over the idea for a bit."Of course that would be amazing! But even if not the class, perhaps just the commitment of support for the writing process . . .?
Anita wrote: "So, I can't stop thinking about writing. I don't know why because I have exactly zero book ideas, but I feel like this is a goal I'd like to at least try more seriously, and thinking that making a ..."I'd be interested in the second half so I can get back to a novel I started 3 or 4 years ago, but can't do a class as I'm already taking voice lessons and doing a couple of music continuing ed classes this semester. As some of you know, I teach piano, but am hoping to do some vocal coaching at some point as well.
BUT, since I foolishly destroyed that novel I was working on when I met you (not my smartest moment!) I will work on this other one instead but it would be much better with a support/encouragement group.
I really want to join you Anita! I've been struggling to write my book since 2015 and I think this might be the prefect push. I'm really overwhelmed right now so I'll need a few days to figure out if it's going to work for sure but it just sounds prefect and I'm going to do everything I can to try to join you (if you'll have me of course).
ideas are definitely the hard part! Good luck.
My problem isn't ideas it's that I never just sit down and do it!
Oh, I would love your company, Magdalena!!! I hope it can work for you . . .it would be so fun to have a friend!
Thanks, Nicole . . .pretty sure I will need it lol. But I need to try.
Karin, well just chime in when you feel ready lol!!! Sorry about the missing original work . . .ugh . . .
I'm so proud of you girls! (And guys) No pressure, but remember that I collect signed first editions .... Cheering you on!
You can count on me for support, Anita! Message me any time - I’m happy to read stuff or just play with ideas. I’d usually be game to do the online course but it looks like I may be writing a book next year anyway (the work variety - strictly non fiction lol). If the publisher turns down the proposal, though, you could yet have company 😋
You’re right about carving out time. It’s the only way to do it, I think .
Thanks so much, BC!! If I ever actually write a book (should be saying when, but being a realist I'll stick with if), I will make sure you get signed first edition, lol.Kate, you are writing a non-fiction book??!!! Ok, that's super cool. I need to hear more . . .and of course, thank you for the support.
So many budding artists in the group-just a marvelous! My daughter, the journalist, has finally decided she needs to crave out that time to finish her book and will applying, next year, to schools to gain her MFA in Writing. Wishing you luck with your proposal Kate!
That’s pretty exciting Kate! I will get to hear about it in less than two weeks as Kate is coming to Melbourne and we are meeting in real life.
Susie wrote: "That’s pretty exciting Kate! I will get to hear about it in less than two weeks as Kate is coming to Melbourne and we are meeting in real life."Oh, so jealous! Please do report on all the fun I know you will have!
Susie wrote: "That’s pretty exciting Kate! I will get to hear about it in less than two weeks as Kate is coming to Melbourne and we are meeting in real life."Oh, have fun!!
So looking forward to seeing you, Susie!
Way to go Kate! Thrilled to find out there's so many writers in this group! Anita, I've had a little more time to go to the website and poke around and I'm still very interested but I think the science fiction and fantasy course they have that also starts on January 8th might be a better fit for me. I've compared both syllabuses and it looks like minus the sci-fi and fantasy element the classes are pretty similar so I think we'd still be able to encourage and support each other. :-)
Anita wrote: "Karin, well just chime in when you feel ready lol!!! Sorry about the missing original work . . .ugh . . ."I started something quite different. So, we're going to support each other here? I need to pull out what I have for this other book I started 3 or 4 years ago and what I can do, because if there are a group of us all working away at things it's much easier to get things done, plus I'm happy to support and encourage fellow pbt aspiring writers. I figure if I can get up and sing at a student (all continuing ed from beginners to professionals and I am in the former group) recital at my age, (going to this weekend) I ought to get a novel written. I don't have a bucket list per se, but do want to meet some goals done.
100% I am in for the cheering each other on/support group I think that would just be so motivating! Just thinking about it is inspiring me!
Anita wrote: "So, I can't stop thinking about writing. I don't know why because I have exactly zero book ideas, but I feel like this is a goal I'd like to at least try more seriously, and thinking that making a ..."
Anita I think this is wonderful and you should do it! I am in the midst of researching and writing my outline as we speak. I really hope to be done with both late January so I can begin writing. I think the outline and research is the most laborious but also interesting.
Anita I think this is wonderful and you should do it! I am in the midst of researching and writing my outline as we speak. I really hope to be done with both late January so I can begin writing. I think the outline and research is the most laborious but also interesting.
This is fantastic! The course is too expensive for me, but I'm down for the support aspect. I'm working on a 'practice novel' right now (I'm calling it that so I don't scare myself and chicken out, but I'm treating it like the real deal) so this is coming at the prefect time. I'm always tickled pink when people finally start doing something they've dreamed of doing, so good for you, Anita! I can safely say that carving out time is the absolute most important thing: I didn't make any progress until I set aside some dedicated time and made it priority.
November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). Erin Morgenstern wrote her first draft of The Night Circus during NaNoWri Mo.
You can do it!
I am participating in NaNoWriMo this year! Lots of encouragement and inspiration.
Rachel, that's so awesome! Are you writing a novel? Historical fiction? Non-fiction? Have you always been interested in writing?I can't wait to hear more!
Amy N. wrote: "This is fantastic! The course is too expensive for me, but I'm down for the support aspect. I'm working on a 'practice novel' right now (I'm calling it that so I don't scare myself and chicken out,..."I love your idea of calling it a "practice novel"! Can I steal that? I do feel like the dedicated time will be the key as that has worked for me with exercising and other things I care about.
Book Concierge wrote: "November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). Erin Morgenstern wrote her first draft of The Night Circus during NaNoWri Mo.
You can do it!"
Ha ha, for some reason, I'm not really sure why someone thought November would be the best month for a writing jag. Anyone consider Thanksgiving (and the various family arriving, travel etc.). I feel like the dead of winter, after the holidays, will work a lot better for me as a starting point . . .
That being said, GOOD LUCK CRITTERBEE!!! Do you have an idea already?
Anita wrote: "Ha ha, for some reason, I'm not really sure why someone thought November would be the best month for a writing jag. Anyone consider Thanksgiving (and the various family arriving, travel etc.). I feel like the dead of winter, after the holidays, will work a lot better for me as a starting point . . ."Anita, I thought the same thing - why November? So several years ago I started my own writing group actually called "Dead of Winter Writing Group" with the same basic idea as Nano, but it started January 1 and ended March 31. Several friends joined in. It was fun for the one year it lasted :) Since then I've tried Nano every other year or so, but have a really hard time making time to write at the end of the month. It does offer a lot of support and inspiration - lots of encouraging words and it feels good to be a part of such a large group all working toward the same goal.
Critterbee, I'm actually participating in Nano Wrimo this year too. If you are looking for any extra writing buddies, let me know what your User Name is on the nanowrimo website, and I'll find you there. (I'm KimberWolf there.)
I did NaNoWriMo last year for the first time, and got about halfway through, but really enjoyed it! This year I am trying out another project, because it was so much fun. I think my name there is Critterbee as well. I have not declared my title yet! I'm late already, haha!
Anita wrote: "Ha ha, for some reason, I'm not really sure why someone thought November would be the best month for a writing jag. Anyone consider Thanksgiving (and the various family arriving, travel etc.). I feel like the dead of winter, after the holidays, will work a lot better for me as a starting point . . .That being said, GOOD LUCK CRITTERBEE!!! Do you have an idea already? "
True, it is a busy month! Thanks for the good luck wishes! That class looks interesting, looking forward to hearing how it goes.
And, in advance...
Go, Anita, Go!
After hearing about NaNoWriMo here I decided to sign up and I'm really excited! I haven't really figured out how all the forums and everything work yet but I will. I'm Magdalena6 over there if anyone wants to add me as I writing buddy. :-)
So, I got wondering where NaNoWriMo started... thinking maybe it was not in the US (given the Thanksgiving busy-ness there in November). Apparently (according to wikipedia), it actually started in July 1999 (in the US), but it later moved to November:
"Freelance writer Chris Baty started the project in July 1999 with 21 participants in the San Francisco Bay area. In 2000, it was moved to November "to more fully take advantage of the miserable weather."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nationa...
Anita wrote: "Rachel, that's so awesome! Are you writing a novel? Historical fiction? Non-fiction? Have you always been interested in writing?
I can't wait to hear more!"
A novel. I have always wanted to write and life just got in the way. But now I am ready and have been working on this for a few months. I'm making good progress and the research is going really well.
I can't wait to hear more!"
A novel. I have always wanted to write and life just got in the way. But now I am ready and have been working on this for a few months. I'm making good progress and the research is going really well.
I can't afford to take the class either, but I have a ton of free time and so I am finally participating in NaNoWriMo this year. If anyone cares to add me, my username on NaNo is the same one I use here.I'm not writing a novel, per se, though it has the potential to be come one... or several. I've decided that to get the creative juices flowing again, I'm going to attempt to write as many short stories in November as I can, though overall I'm keeping the same word count goal.
Rachel wrote: "Anita wrote: "Rachel, that's so awesome! Are you writing a novel? Historical fiction? Non-fiction? Have you always been interested in writing?I can't wait to hear more!"
A novel. I have always w..."
That's incredible!!!! Is the research part because it is historical, or are there other aspects requiring the research?
Last night, I had the chance to hear Lisa Genova speak, and she did a ton of research for her books. It surprised me because she is a neuroscientist so I kind of assumed she already knew her topic well enough to write it, but when she explained her process, it made so much sense.
LiteraryMania wrote: "I can't afford to take the class either, but I have a ton of free time and so I am finally participating in NaNoWriMo this year. If anyone cares to add me, my username on NaNo is the same one I use..."That's great, LM. What word count do you aim at? Sounds like I at least need to check out the website for NaNoWriMo since it seems inspiring at a minimum.
Anita wrote: "Rachel wrote: "Anita wrote: "Rachel, that's so awesome! Are you writing a novel? Historical fiction? Non-fiction? Have you always been interested in writing?
I can't wait to hear more!"
A novel. ..."
The research covers some different aspects of the story, ranging from geographical locations to international law. Right now I'm deep into wineries and that research is fun.:) There is history in it as well as I just want to get certain aspects right. I'm heading to a winery in a few weeks for a tour so I have a better understanding.
I've listened to a few authors as well and the research they do is what most readers would never consider. But now that I'm writing I can really understand the importance of research.
I can't wait to hear more!"
A novel. ..."
The research covers some different aspects of the story, ranging from geographical locations to international law. Right now I'm deep into wineries and that research is fun.:) There is history in it as well as I just want to get certain aspects right. I'm heading to a winery in a few weeks for a tour so I have a better understanding.
I've listened to a few authors as well and the research they do is what most readers would never consider. But now that I'm writing I can really understand the importance of research.
I did NaNoWriMo years ago and wrote a spectacularly bad 50K novel so I proved I could do it. My thumbs don't allow me to do that much typing in a day now and still demonstrate for my piano students, but I am going to finally figure out how to dictate things (NOT 50K words in a month! for writing and then just fix it up.Also, I am the designated typist for my son's big college essays right now because he is VERY SLOW at typing, students hired typists when I was in university back in the dark ages of typewriters only. He has to take 18 credits his first semester (they all do in his program) and works on his practising 4 hours per day and studies 7 days a week, etc already--the boy needs to sleep at night! We thought that given he's going to a CONSERVATORY and it was based on talent first, the academics would be college level but easier than places like Boston U, etc. Boy, were we mistaken!
Anita wrote: "I love your idea of calling it a "practice novel"! Can I steal that? I do feel like the dedicated time will be the key as that has worked for me with exercising and other things I care about. ."Honestly, calling it a practice novel took so much pressure off me I can't recommend it enough!
I am also doing Nanowrimo this year, but since I'm working on the third draft I won't be clocking 50k during the month of November. My pace since March has been around 1,000 words a day, and I've been able to keep to that pretty well. So I call it doing Nanowrimo, but I won't be doing anything I wouldn't have been doing in November anyway...
But I love meeting with my local group, it can be really inspiring to chat about writing and hear about everyone else's stories. Anyone doing Nanowrimo should find their local group and sign up! Most groups have meetings during November.
Unfortunately it's looking like I'm not going to be able to afford the class either but I really hope we manage to set up a little writing support group! I'm very grateful to this thread since I had no idea about Nanowrimo and it's a very inspiring if a little bit confusing place.
Anita wrote: "LiteraryMania wrote: "I can't afford to take the class either, but I have a ton of free time and so I am finally participating in NaNoWriMo this year. If anyone cares to add me, my username on NaNo..."Anita - NaNoWriMo is definitely worth checking out. Even if you don't go to any of the official or unofficial write-ins, the forums have a lot of good content. It's also a lot of fun to see the other artistic achievements inspired by NaNoWriMo. For example, I just found out that there are a bunch of artists who like to challenge themselves by doing 30 book covers in 30 days. There is also a fun adoption section where people throw out character ideas or plots they've abandoned and are willing to pass on to other people. I'm just starting to explore the forums myself.
I'm going to aim for the standard NaNoWriMo goal of 50,000 words total. However many short stories it takes to get there. Some ideas may take me further than others and that's fine with me. I'm looking at it as a writing exercise, something to get me back into the habit of regularly generating story ideas. It used to be effortless for me, but life got in the way and I stopped writing for a few years. I'm rusty! I figured this was a good way to jump back in and challenge myself to without the pressure of writing an entire novel.
Karin wrote: "I did NaNoWriMo years ago and wrote a spectacularly bad 50K novel so I proved I could do it. My thumbs don't allow me to do that much typing in a day now and still demonstrate for my piano students..."I feel ya! I'm losing a lot of use of my hands. If you're trying to get into dictation, I find it's often a lot easier to get into the flow if I take a walk while I dictate.
Also, you might want to look into fountain pens. They have been a life saver for me. My hands have degraded so much that I stopped writing altogether for years, because I couldn't even write a full page without stopping. Now I can regularly write 5-10 pages before my hands need a rest and last week I even managed 20 pages in one sitting.
Since fountain pens not only don't require you to put any pressure on the page, but will in fact, be damaged or rip your page if you do press a bit too hard, there is so much less hand strain to do it. It's really not much of an investment either. One of my favorite pens to write with is actually a lightweight plastic fountain pen that cost me $12 for eight of them.
Sure, they're a little hit and miss. Three of them were defective when they arrived, but for the price, I couldn't complain and the rest have served me well for nearly three years at this point. Ink cartridges are pretty cheap too and if you are willing to deal with the minor inconvenience, you can make it cheaper by buying a bottle of ink. I'm still working off the same $15 bottle of Noodler's ink I purchased three years ago.
Rachel wrote: "The research covers some different aspects of the story, ranging from geographical locations to international law. Right now I'm deep into wineries and that research is fun.:) There is hist..."I agree, you never realize how much research is a part of writing until you start writing yourself. It gives you new appreciation for books. Luckily I enjoy research.
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I'm going to try to approach it like I approach exercise - - carve out some time 5 days a week and just do it, even if it sucks or doesn't feel great.
For inspiration, I am going to invest in learning something about writing and take the online class below which starts on January 8th. I would really love to do this with a buddy and was wondering if anyone here would be interested . . .in both the class and to create a small writing support group. Not a critique group, but more of a "let's do this and encourage each other" squad!
https://www.writingclasses.com/classe...