Chances are, if you’re a word nerd like me, you not only enjoy reading, but you also like writing! Since National Novel Writing Month has started, I wanted to share some writerly information today.
During NaNoWriMo, thousands of writers vow to pen an entire novel in one month! I’m not participating this year, but if you’re interested, you can find more information at the official NaNoWriMo site.
If you’re writing for NaNo or on your own time frame, let me introduce you to some wonderful people…
Helpful Writing Blogs
Since I spend so much of my time as transportation supervisor, laundry manager, and nutritional director for five robust personalities, I cannot spend my days reading 1000 word posts on the craft of writing. I prefer posts from bloggers who are: personable, informative, encouraging, and above all, succinct! Over the past year, I have found the following bloggers, who offer wonderful content with these expectations in mind. Check ‘em out:
- Jeff Goins– who frequently offers courses on blogging and networking, some of them free
- The Write Conversation by Edie Melson
- Jody Hedlund
- Writability by AvaJae
- Finding Bliss by Laura Howard
- Writing While the Rice Boils by Debbie Maxwell Allen
- Kidlit by agent Mary Kole * Mary has just released a new book, Writing Irresistable Kid Lit
- Aliventures by writing coach Ali Luke
Best of luck with your writing!
And since I like to write…
My blogging buddy Amy has “tagged” me for “The Next Big Thing.” So in this writerly post I’ll briefly share some information about my current WIP (work in progress).
What is the working title of your book?
Redefined. That’s its third name.
Where did the idea for the book come from?
My experiences as a teenager caring for my chronically ill mother. My current observations of life in a small town. The idea that sometimes to be true to yourself, you have to stand up to the people closest to you, and trust that they will still love you.
What genre does your book fall under?
Young adult
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition of the book?
If and when the book ever gets published, all the actors I have in mind will be in their 30s. Not good.
What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?
Cat Tierney has always done the right thing, including caring for her ailing mother and respecting her father’s strict mandates, until Adam Jordan moves to town.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
I’m going to try the agency route first.
How long did it take to write the first draft and may we see an intro?
One year. At least.
Dianne and Marcy graciously posted the first page of Redefined for critique for their “First Impressions” series at In HighSpirits (Dianne) and Mainewoods (Marcy). Please read and critique for yourself. I love input! You may also want to submit your own work; Dianne and Marcy are both published authors and give great feedback.
What other books would you compare the story to?
The Truth About Forever, by Sarah Dessen
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
After I read the Twilight series and learned that Stephenie Meyer wrote her books as a stay at home mom of three young boys, I thought, “What a great idea! I want to use my brain and creativity like that.” So I told my husband I wanted to write a book, and he, as always, encouraged me.
What else might pique the reader’s interest?
A boy with penetrating blue eyes, photography, star gazing, Shakespeare, and a near fatal collision with a tractor trailer.
Now I’ll tag five other Word Nerds to share about their Next Big Thing:
Laura Howard
Emily McGee
Jennifer Chow
Muddy Kinzer
Alvarado Frazier
Rules of The Next Big Thing:
*Use this format for your post
*Answer the ten questions about your current WIP
*Tag five other writers/bloggers and add their links so we can hop over and meet them
Which writing blogs do you like to follow? Would you like to share information about your WIP? Thanks for stopping by.
Julia
Great sites, Julia! And I love your WIP – such potential! Excited to watch it develop 🙂
Thanks so much Julia, I am so floored by the mention! I have loved being part of your word nerd challenges, and I’m thrilled that you get something out of my blog, too. 😀
Hi, Julia! Thanks for the shout out!
Are you working on something new for NaNo, or are you revising Redefined?
You’re welcome. I’m revising Redefined, and I’m hoping to read “Plot and Structure” by James Scott Bell. How about you? Working on your new big project?
Thanks for the links and your book sounds intriguing, especially because it’s based on personal experience. Now I want to know more about you and your mother…!
Thank you for the tag! It’s forced me to come out and say, “I am a writer”! Also, thanks for introducing me to Dianne and Marcy!
Julia,
Thanks for the helpful tips today. I’m excited for you and your project. MY WIP is a Bible study I’m working on. Research takes time, and then making it applicable for life. I love what I’m learning and pray for the Lord to use it to help others.
God bless you, HEster 😉
Hester, you do a great job of making your devos applicable to everyday life. Good luck with the Bible study.
Julia, wow! Thank you for including me in the list. I loved reading about your WIP! Good luck with NaNo. Blessings, Edie
Thanks Edie; I always enjoy your helpful, concise posts.
I follow kid lit and Jody’s blogs as well. Stina Lindenblatt always has posts as well.
Thanks for the tip, Patti! I’ll have to check that one out.
Thanks so much for tagging me! It’s very cool to read about your WIP. Also, thanks for sharing all those writing blogs. I read too many travel blogs and not enough writing blogs!
You’re welcome, Emily! I hope you’ll share about your Next Big Thing soon! I think it’s understandable that you read lots of travel blogs- there’s only so much time…