Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Pssst, Buddy! Got Any of those ADHD Pills?


International symbol for National Write a Novel in a Month


Welcome to November.
The month when aspiring novelists torture themselves by attempting to write 50,000 words. In 30 days.
I don't know whose bright idea it was to do this during one of the four months with 30 days. Does no one understand that this is only one quarter of the available months? Why not just choose February? Especially when you figure in Thanksgiving - which in my house encompasses three days: cooking day, eating day, recovery day.
Anyway.
I have attempted this craziness a couple of times, once with a writing group in January, because we were rebels. The January attempt actually did yield 50,000 of the most syrupy ridiculous words ever. But I have to admit, the sense of accomplishment was great.
This year I am passing on the panic and trying a new route. I have always wanted to take a writing seminar, but short of setting up a GoFundMe to cover the tuition, I chose to purchase $15 book on plotting.
(I must note that the real genius, as pointed out by my husband, is the person who writes a book on 'how to write a book'.) My goal is to work at least 30 minutes a day on this, using it as a lesson plan with the hope of getting some kinks worked out of at least one novel idea that has been simmering in my head, my computer and various notebooks for several years.
Which leads me to the original idea for this post: My Notes app on my phone.
Here is a list of my notes:
Tom Huck
http://www.nwyachting.com
Ipsy
43792
rodales.com backstory jacket
Things I did in August
Movies I want to watch
Limelight Hydrangea
Iko Tiko
Baker Creek Heirloom
Viagra and Spanx

It's as if my multiple personalities got together and wrote a demented sonnet. It took me a while, but I did decipher most of these. 
Tom Huck - is a super cool wood block artist. We met his rep at the Tiki Bar one evening. You can check out his work at www.evilprints.com
 http://www.nwyachting.com - an address for sailing apps.
Ipsy- had the tag Birchbox under it. I believe this, and the jacket note are gift ideas. for someone....
43792 - no idea. none.
Things I did in August - I guess was my way to ward off Alzheimers. However, the info under the tab made about as much sense. At least Movies I want to watch is self explanatory.
Limelight Hydrangea, as well as the Baker Creek are gardening ideas.
Iko Tiko is an awesome song we heard performed by Sarah Jane and the Blue Notes, when we attended their super cook rooftop concert in August. 
Check out their website: http://www.sarahjanebluenotes.com/#!
And Viagra and Spanx....crime fighting duo? Combo pharmacy/lingerie shop?
I'll let you know...

It is now even later in the morning than I had anticipated. I have a ridiculous to-do list, plus my November writing lesson and no real end to this blog entry. With that and the rather flight of ideas going on here, I leave you with a video clip of my brother and his band performing an original song. If you are ever in Berlin, Germany please check them out! (He also plays amazing jazz.)

Karl Schloz and the Basement Band


8 comments:

  1. Hi Laura, I think the Nov. push yourself like crazy writing thing is silly. If you want to write a novel or anything, you will do it--even raising children or working part time. Love you notes. Life is full of crazy tidbits. Have a great November.

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    1. It is the ultimate crazy!! Yet every year I am drawn to the event!! My goal this year is really just to get into the habit of finding writing time daily.

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  2. I have a friend who does this every year and it drives me a little crazy 'cause she actually writes these really great-sounding murder mysteries (sometimes with sailing!), and she feeds us bits of what's going on and whole samples, and yet I have never managed to find one of these that she's finished so I can read the whole thing. I must ask her about that!

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    1. Her idea sounds awesome!! You must harass her into sharing!!

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  3. That list is hilarious! I didn't join up simply because it is in November and I have enough stress going on in that month anyway! The book sounds interesting though!

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    1. I can't imagine who picked November for this event, but my guess is he had a penis!!! Lol!! The book is Plot Perfect-so far I really like the ideas, but my brain is over heating from all this deep thinking!

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  4. I just became aware of this Nov writing event and I'm with what Beth Havey said above. I write when it feels right, being pressured with time limits and words written would completely stress me out. So now it's not fun! I use me Notes app too. In fact just yesterday I was trying to decipher mine. I clearly had some moments of "what was I thinking" followed with huh? Like that you shared yours.

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    1. I have mixed feelings about the NaNoWriMo. I would love to try it again but my life just doesn't allow at present. I think it is good motivation to get started but agree - it is better to write without the pressure!

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