It's seven minutes away from midnight and I'm writing this post to say that this blog is not dead. Let's just say NaNoWriMo has sucked practically ever intelligible word out of my system. On that note, I reached 50,000 three days before Thanksgiving. Now I've just got to finish the novel.
For those of you sitting around waiting for something to happen on this blog, sit back and get ready. My Sam, Fin and I are working on some crazy stuff. At least, it sounds crazy when you're this tired.
I've also discovered you will laugh an insane amount at this video when you're tired. If you're anything like me that is.
I also must say a hint of steampunk has started to show up in my novel. I am okay with this. In fact, I find it rather enjoyable.
Welcome to the Holiday Edition of Beautiful People! If you're unsure what Beautiful People is you can read about it on the FAQ page.
Seeing as how the holidays are getting closer and closer, my Sam and I decided we would dedicate this months questions to celebrations. We'll be taking a break through December, but Beautiful People will be back in January.
A lot of writer's don't think about holiday's, or celebrations while writing their story, but it's a part of life. Even for fantasy writer's. Your character might be a typical American who celebrates Christmas and the Fourth of July, but they must have something to celebrate. Parties are a part of almost anyone's life, even if they aren't given for the same reasons. Stretch your imagination on this one. Try to make your characters holiday seasons as real as you can.
1. What kind of holidays do they celebrate, if any? 2. What are they most thankful for? 3. Do they have any family traditions? 4. What is their most memorable holiday memory? 5. What is the most memorable gift they have ever received? 6. Do they consider it important to be with family during celebrations? 7. Do they usually wait till the last minute to purchase gifts, or do they buy them ridiculously early? 8. Favorite Christmas song? For fantasy authors, is music a part of their celebration? 9. Do they celebrate for religious reasons? 10. How do they celebrate the beginning of the new year?
This post is a bit late. Week two has come and gone, but oh well. Let me just say, I expect to reach the 50,000 word goal the same way I did last year. In a futile attempt to beat Fin in getting there. Sometimes I wonder how normal people have fun.
Wordcount: I shall fill this in later. I'm keeping Fin in terror at the moment.
Favorite Place to Write: The coffee shop, still. Especially when I've got writer friends with me.
Most Productive Place to Write: That would still be my bedroom. On my bed. With earphones in my ears.
Favorite Snack: French fries from McDonald's. I know, I'm weird.
I'm a daughter of the most high God. I'm an aspiring theater director. I'm an opinionated film critic. Mostly, I just write words. Especially, during the month of NaNoWriMo.
1} What's the nerdiest/geekiest/weirdest think about you?
Let's see... I have a crooked face. Seriously, if I put on any pair of glasses they will sit crookedly on my face. Unless it's my glasses, those were made to look straight.
2} If you could live in a fictional universe from any book, movie, or television show, what would it be?
Aanoor. That would be... my own fantasy land. Almost all of my fantasy novels/stories are set somewhere in Aanoor. It's been growing considerably over the years.
I made this map several years ago and it has changed a bit since then, but it gives you a general idea.
3} Little or big, practical or frivolous, what is one of your favorite items in your house?
My book shelves. A fairly recent addition to my house, but my favorite none-the-less.
Reasons love to them? 1. My Daddy made them for me. 2. They hold awesome books. 3. They're green.
4} Do you like animated movies? If so, what's
your favorite?
Oh yes, I love animated movies and my all time favorite is Lilo & Stitch. How could you not love a cute and fluffy mutant alien?
5} What is your favorite household chore?
Sweeping. I used to hate it, but after years of doing it every day, I actually kind of like it now.
6} What's your favorite thing to get at Starbucks (or your favorite coffee shop)?
In my case, that would be my favorite coffee shop. I don't visit Starbucks much. Anyway, my usual, memorized by two different baristas in town would be a 12oz white mocha. They're also pretty good and guessing if I want it iced, or not by how thick a coat I'm wearing.
7} What is your favorite pizza topping?
Pepperoni. I'm pretty basic when it comes to pizza.
8} Waffles or pancakes?
Uh... I don't really like either of those. Especially for breakfast. Then again, I'm not much of a breakfast eater in general.
9} Do you like to play games? If so, what is your favorite?
I actually don't really like to play games. I get weird looks whenever I say that, but it's the truth. The only games that I'll actually be in the mood to play are card games. My least favorite is probably charades.
10} Have you ever let anyone win a game?
I don't remember. I doubt it.
11} Have you ever dyed your hair?
No, although some people find that hard to believe when they see my natural red highlights.
12} Do you make your bed every morning?
Ah-ha, let's just say, I try.
13} Picasso or Norman Rockwell?
Norman Rockwell. I'm actually not crazy about him, but I find Picasso disturbing.
14} Do you like carpet, tile, or hardwood floors?
Hard wood, but it's all carpet in my house.
15} If you could put one thing in a safe under your bed, what would it be?
I'm not really sure. My favorite books?
16} What's your favorite condiment?
Barbecue sauce. Yes, I hail from the west.
17} Have you ever thrown up on someone (excluding when you were a child)?
No... I don't even remember the last time I threw up.
18} What was the last thing that made you laugh.
My brother playing charades last night. It was rather comical.
19} Think fast... what's the first song that pops into your head?
Blessed Assurance. I was just playing it on my guitar. One of my favorite hymns, especially when sung by Alan Jackson.
Well, the first week of NaNo is over and I'm still breathing. One of my characters isn't, but I told him from the very beginning he wouldn't be lasting long. I hope he didn't mind. I would ask him, but... like I said, he's not speaking anymore.
I finally updated my Current Writing Projects page, so you can read the quick synopsis of my novel there.
So, how's it been going? Pretty good! I've got to say, I love working with these characters again. They're probably my favorite group of fictional people.
Word count: 17,003
Favorite Place to Write: The coffee shop
Most Productive Place to Write: My bedroom
Favorite Snack: Chocolate, either white, or dark, but not milk.
Music: Michael Buble (Lost),
Damian McGinty (Home),
and Josh Groban (Hidden Away).
I would make this longer, but I haven't reached my word goal for the day. I'm hoping for 18k before midnight.
I am totally live blogging right now. I've never done this before, but I'm in love with it already.
At this very moment I'm sitting in my very favorite coffee shop. I've already spent many hours at this table, and I'm sure there will be many more. It's got the perfect atmosphere for writing a novel.
People come and they go. I can look out the window to the road across the street and see people that I recognize. The majority of the people sitting around me are people I've seen here before. Their faces familiar from days past.
I really should be writing right now. After all, it's the first day of NaNo and even though I've already got the suggested word count for the day, that's never enough for me. I know I can reach above and beyond that. I'm going for 5,000 before the day is done.
I start working at a new job tomorrow and while I'm totally excited about it, I'm also a bit nervous. Okay, a lot nervous. This is my first "real" job. What if I mess up? I guess that's the same question everyone has when they step out and do new things. I'm no different from those who have succeeded. Why shouldn't I? This quote keeps running through my head.
"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." -Walt Disney
I don't think I'm exactly curious, but it makes me feel better anyway. Maybe because Walt Disney has just always been awesome, and you know if he was sitting next to me right now he would have just the right words to say.
Welcome to the Holiday Edition of Beautiful People! If you're unsure what Beautiful People is you can read about it on the FAQ page. 
Well, the first week of NaNo is over and I'm still breathing. One of my characters isn't, but I told him from the very beginning he wouldn't be lasting long. I hope he didn't mind. I would ask him, but... like I said, he's not speaking anymore.
