NaNo Day Twenty Three ~ It's Hopeless!

NaNo Stats: I haven't even hit 20K yet! [dismal & still counting]

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A friend stopped by Friday to help me with a few things around here. BUT! In order for the place to look respectable for company, I spent most of Thursday running the vacuum in the bedroom [where she helped me change out the bedskirt], and the upper landing. I managed to dust a little and then I crashed on the couch--in pain--for the rest of the evening. Early Friday morning, I started the entire process over in the living room.

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By the time she arrived late in the afternoon, I could barely move. She helped carry the 25# bag of bird seed and 21# bag of cat litter from the trunk of my car to their respective places inside. She also carried two tubs of yarn down from upstairs. I do my knitting when I'm in recovery mode. So, the better place to store it is in the closet under the stairs.

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She sat and visited for awhile, and we talked for about our families and how things are at work. When she left, I loaded up on the pain meds, crawled under the down comforter and fell asleep on the couch. I woke once when my girls pawed for their dinner, but I returned as quick as possible to the comfort of sleep.

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My entire body ached so bad Saturday, I physically felt ill. I tried to do a little work up here yesterday, but merely accomplished a blog post. I just couldn't sit here, much less stay focused. So, I gave in to another day of recovery.

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I'm feeling better today, but I need to take a break after posting this. BUT! I'll be back up here for more NaNoing. I've not given up!

What's Your Type?

While researching symbolism this morning [See SYMBOLIC MEANINGS], I found an interesting analysis site based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, (or MBTI), Typealizer.

I submitted my blogs for analysis and was not at all surprised by the results.

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Soul Echoes: soulechoes2.blogspot.com/

ISTP: The Mechanics

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The independent and problem-solving type. They are especially attuned to the demands of the moment are masters of responding to challenges that arise spontaneously. They generally prefer to think things out for themselves and often avoid inter-personal conflicts. The Mechanics enjoy working together with other independent and highly skilled people and often like seek fun and action both in their work and personal life. They enjoy adventure and risk such as in driving race cars or working as policemen and firefighters.

These two both scored the same:

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Soul Echoes ~ Quill of the Heart: quilloftheheart.blogspot.com/
Diary of a Prisoner: theforbiddenworldchronicles.blogspot.com/

INTP: The Thinkers

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The logical and analytical type. They are especially attuned to difficult creative and intellectual challenges and always look for something more complex to dig into. They are great at finding subtle connections between things and imagine far-reaching implications. They enjoy working with complex things using a lot of concepts and imaginative models of reality. Since they are not very good at seeing and understanding the needs of other people, they might come across as arrogant, impatient and insensitive to people that need some time to understand what they are talking about.

Throughout my 17 years in electronic publishing I’d taken the Myers-Briggs personality type test on three different occasions, and each time the results indicated I’m an INTP. [See: Wikipedia]

Extraversion/Introversion
Sensing/iNtuition
Thinking/Feeling
Judging/Perceiving

[Click here for a breakdown of the dichotomies. See also: Carl Jung for the psychology on which Myers-Briggs based their questionnaire.]

Though the company had obvious ulteriors for psycho-analyzing, my first experience came when the entire editorial department received the lengthy questionaire and everyone shared their results. It's an excellent team building exercise and helped us all to better understand our co-workers.

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I saw the same lengthy set of questions from a placement agency, as part of the company’s effort to prepare our quests for new jobs when those of us working the 12-24 month project received potential walking papers. This just happened to coincide with the current corporate reorganization. Yeah! It’s just fancy expression for layoffs. One among the many including, Downsizing, Rightsizing-- call it what you will. Fortunately, many of us ended up transferred to other editorial departments in the parent company.

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I took it a third and final time [albeit a much shorter version], while attending a company-sponsored career seminar. During open discussions, my comments were to the effect, ‘I KNEW it was more that just being different. There’s a category for me! But why did my family never know this?
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When you have time, visit Typealizer and have your blog analyzed.

Resource List Pending

Writing Tip of the Day: Nov. 20, 2008

Always take the attitude of a learner in your writing

and be open to new insights from any source.

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I'm a proponent of learning being a never-ending process. The creative mind simply never knows when inspiration might strike, and is many times clueless of what source may ignite the flame. There is never a promise of where one ends up discovering that perfect tidbit of knowledge they didn't even know to look for, and I believe it important to share what I found of value with those who may otherwise never have sought it out.

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As stated in a previous post [Click here for: Lea's Rotating Disc Method], I'm going to include a Resource List in the side bar that most likely will not appear until after the first of the year. The idea simply hasn't found its proper place, yet, in the milieu of goal setting priorities.

A Woolly Resurrection?

NaNo Stats: 17,486 [dismal & counting---]

While doing some research yesterday online, nope! It had absolutely nothing to do with ANY of my pending storylines, but I simply couldn't pass up the argument with an idiot that believes it's a good thing to clone and bring back the Woolly Mammoth! [See: Woolly Mammoth Resurrection, "Jurassic Park" Planned & Mammoth's genome pieced together] My Good God! Medicine can’t seem to even provide the masses with permenent cures to what ails us most, and we’re going to allow the repopulation of pre-historic mastodons? Did they not read or see Jurassic Park? You know, that line uttered by Jeff Goldblum's character, [paraphrased] 'just because we know a thing doesn't mean we should do a thing?'

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Africa is killing off the elephants because human beings can't control themselves and continue to leave them less and less territory in which to live. [See: South Africa to cull excess elephants ] And on the whole we’ve failed miserably as masters of the stewardship of this planet we call Earth. Who exactly is going to end up suffering most from the stupidity and arrogance of a handful of highly-educated minds who want the opportunity to better study them? What more do we truly need to know? And to what end? So that—well, providing they even survive the process and aren’t mentally challenged beyond pooping and pacing—it's easy enough to see their ultimate demise by helicopter tours. Ending up as head mounts on the proud and glorius walls of private or secluded retreats of wealthy Great White Hunters.

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There's my rant for the day. Exc-e-e-p-t! [extended rant]There’s a new movie coming out [no, I don’t remember the title], but the trailer shows a family (or friends?) sitting around the table while someone uses the word, “conversate.” Please, please, P-L-E-E-E-A-S-E tell me someone is going to correct him in the subsequent dialog! If I hear that word (along with “conversating”) in an immediate one-on-one conversation ONE MORE TIME— well, I simply cannot be held responsible for the carnage that is likely follow. Heaven help the soul that converses and evokes my rath![/extended rant]

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As you can determine above, yesterday's NaNo writing didn't proceed as planned. I ended up conversing at length, with my sister over the phone, about the upcoming holidays and family matters. Thanksgiving is going to be simple, but-- I did want to take my sweet potato souffle. I don't have the money to pay back my sister and brother-in-law for the new car battery and the groceries they brought to me during the Great Wind Storm of 2008, but I know he (and my mother) likes that dish. So, it's the least I can do. I may surprise them all with a quart of homemade pumpkin ice cream as well. No. They don't read my blogs, so they'll be none the wiser!

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I also spent some time sorting through some of my more recent digital photos of orbs. I'm working on an entry for Quill of the Heart, but I'll probably upload and share few more images on my Pearls of Wisdom site for the Thanksgiving update.

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All that aside, if I'm going to accomplish any writing other than this today, I'd best be off and get cracking!

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Blessings to All,

NaNo Day Nineteen Word Count:

NaNo Stats: 17,486 [currently & holding: ---]

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COLD, COLD, COLD!!!! That’s the forecast for— well, they don’t really know how long it'll be before we warm back up. Meaning, the local weatherman stated last night we're running at least 10 degrees below normal for this time of year. That holds with my belief that the seasons are off. Even last week there were still too many trees holding on to most of their leaves. Fall is not quite over and Winter is simply too fast setting in. And, while I'm on the topic of weather, the morning and evening clouds [though not the first time] were an odd shade of red yesterday. And the sky in the east last night— I grew up with the old grammar school adage, "Red Sky at Night, Sailors Delight" —it was not that kind of red.
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On a much lighter and healing note, a friend circulated a link to the YouTube video of Many Voice and their performance at the Maumee Powwow in October. Raymond Roach, [born on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation, SD & sitting in the plaid shirt] is the drumkeeper. I responded to his email first to say thank you for forwarding the link, and that it was nice to finally see Many Voice on YouTube, but second to relay how listening just made me feel good. The best medicine doesn't always come via the traditional prescription pad. I just wish the video ran the full length of the song. Enjoy! powwow2008

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Now, on to the business of writing. I visited Lea Schizas' blog again yesterday and want to share the following post: Lea's Rotating Disc Method. I already have it noted for my upcoming goal setting sessions. I can see the benefit and this may well remedy the dreaded Out of Sight, Out of Mind Syndrome.

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As I finished sharing Lea's recent post, I gave thought to setting up a Resource header on the side bar. I like the idea of sharing posts, articles, etc., that I've found helpful. Look for that soon.

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Okay, though it's another late start, I'm off to NaNo. My goal today is to hit 20K!

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Have a great day!

NaNo Day Eighteen Word Count:

NaNo Stats: 17,027 words [@ approx. 8:35 p .m.]

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With the exception of a few cumulus clouds, Southern Ohio finally has a relatively clear blue sky this morning. We haven't seen the Sun shine in a few days. And, though it was only 30 some degrees outside, I had the window open for a little while. I like to have fresh air circulating in through the windows, so when I can the windows are open. Through that opened window, a Chickadee sang. And rather loudly I must say. Had it been closed I might otherwise have missed its voice, and I truly love to hear their song.

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We had a barely-discernable flurry of snow Sunday morning. But, we had a lake-effect dusting pretty much all day yesterday. There is something quite beautiful about the first snow of the season; a little like comfort food and the best of childhood memories. As an adult though, my favorite walks were when it snowed.

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I did a little online research last week for a new chair, here at my desk, and am going to risk my already shaken budget and order it. It has a padded headrest [something I was looking for!], it swivels [that means I won't have to totally rearrange my workspace], and a 'detached' foot rest [that's what bugged me about the recliner idea]. Just not sure if I can handle next month or will wait until after the holidays. Not that I have any money for Christmas!

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Okay, back to business. Yes, I’ve been somewhat MIA of late. The first week of NaNoWriMo took every bit of effort I had to stay in this seat, stay focused and concentrate. And, though I finished out the week ahead of my word count goal, I accomplished next to absolutely nothing else. It was writing, and then recovery mode. Fight fatigue, back to writing, stuck in recovery mode. A vicious circle to say the very least.

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So, I took last week to get done what I could around the house—which was much less than I would like, because EVERYTHING requires recovery! Enough about that. I will take it all as a lesson learned and will concentrate next month on how best to set and achieve my future writing goals.

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That said, I had a very good NaNo day, yesterday. Also my new Moist Heat Heating Pad came in last week and I put it to work. Though I didn't meet my 15K goal, neither did I to beat myself up over the matter. Reaching 50K now, at this late date, does indeed seem daunting. But, I hope to have another good day of writing and that means I need to get started.

NaNo Day Seventeen Word Count:

NaNo Stats: 14,103 [@ approx. 7:44 p.m.]

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Yes! I've been down and out. More on that later. I'm working to break at least 15K tonight.

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Surrender

As promised, my Mini Halloween Contest entry.

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I worked with this piece in a few of the 2008 Muse Online Writer's Conference workshops.

But, one of my organizational goals for the week following the conference was to submit a piece

to the above-mentioned contest. Though some of you will recognize it, I've reworked it just a bit.

And, as I'll more than likely submit Walks with the Moon, under the nom de plume of,

Willa Rawlings, I'm posting the following snippet under my own name.
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Surrender

an excerpt from Walks with the Moon

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The near full moon shone bright in the clear night sky. Juniper, sage, and sweet grass lilted upon the cool autumnal breeze as Sophie Lahey walked up the steps and onto front porch of the isolated mountain cabin. Just as her knuckles struck the cedar planking the door eased away, and a faint light echoed from deep inside.
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“Hello!” Sophie hesitated and then called, “Conall?”

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When a wave of melancholy drenched her senses, Sophie drew in and blew out a hard-drawn breath. She summoned her courage, pushed upon the door, and raised her voice, “Conall!”
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“Miss Lahey?”

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A quick sigh escaped her lips. Startled by the unfamiliar voice, Sophie closed her eyes and took a moment to collect her wits. Her heart raced as she craned her neck through the opening. An old Indian, bathed in the harsh lighting of the old miner’s lantern--held down past his waist--walked in silent footfalls through an unearthly dark.

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Soothed by his demeanor Sophie answered, “Yes.”

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“I am Calvin. I do not believe my grandson was expecting you.” He motioned with his free hand to welcome her inside.

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“No.” Sophie said as she crossed over the doorsill. “He wasn’t.”

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The flickering light glistened and danced in the elder’s compassionate eyes. But Sophie couldn’t rid or disconnect herself from the desolation that permeated the shadows of the room.

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“I, on the other hand, have waited a very long time for you.”

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Sophie stood agape; with not the first word in response.

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“His sorrow was never mine to heal. My love cannot reach far enough inside to touch the agony that chases him.”

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Sophie then sensed the presence of a spirit guide. Deer reiterated its lesson in healing, matching the old man's words when a guttural howl pierced the silence. The old man stood motionless, unaffected. When a chill rippled up her spine, Sophie knew-- it was Conall.

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She feared the question forming. Calvin said nothing. Deer offered nothing. Sophie breathed deep and shook her head; refusing to give it voice.

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“What haunts my grandson now haunts you.” Calvin closed the distance between him and his grandson’s salvation.

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Sophie stood inert, shaking her head. Unwilling to accept what she felt. And from whom it came.

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“You know these things are real.” Calvin said.

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Chains thrashed and the clang of steel resounded in the dark. With yet another howl, a vehement rage swept through Sophie’s entirety.

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“You think you came here by chance?”

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Sophie shook in the night air. Tears welled and spilled over her cold cheeks. Her heart surged in her chest, and she began to back away; one laborious footstep at a time.

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“Reach for his love. I know you have felt it.”

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Calvin lowered the lantern to the floor and rushed to grab her forearms. “Touch his soul, Sophie. Temper what you feel now with your love. It is greater than his rage.”

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Sophie fought to calm her breath and heart.

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“You know it is there. See beyond what you hear and feel and reach for the love he refuses to surrender to.”

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Copyright 2008, L.L. Abbott Soul Echoes & Quill of the Heart.All Rights Reserved

NaNo Day Six Word Count:

NaNo Stats: 11,184 [@ approx. 9:52 p.m.]

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Not bad considering I was in recovery mode most of day after accomplishing only a couple of errands, and didn't key the first word yesterday. Plus I had a very slow start this morning, along with finishing up and recovering the rest of my errands. I didn't get back up here to work until some time after 3:30 p.m. Though Chapter Five is not quite complete, my goal was to reach 10K by Friday. So, I am still ahead of my game plan.

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For that-- here I am,

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History in the Making

NaNo Stats: 8419 words [& holding…..]

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Well, first off-- I would be remiss by not mentioning the historical aspects of this new morning. Let us trust this day does indeed usher in the change we are so desperate to know.

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Yesterday’s 30 Tips for 30 Days: Discovering what techniques work. For me that’s knowing I simply cannot follow, what is for many, a normal day’s process. [whine]When I took that break yesterday morning [part of that had to do with not having any coffee. Caffine is a no-no for fibromyalgia, so I'm trying not to live on the darn stuff!], it ended up being another nap, and I didn’t get back up here until around 1:30 p.m. This also means I bumped up my vitamin intake.[/whine]

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Today's 30 for 30: Getting and staying ahead of the pace. It felt quite good to reach 8K yesterday, even though it took me all day to do it. It also means absolutely nothing else got done. I have several errands to run today, and this means I may not be as productive with my NaNo Stats.

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Regardless, this little WriMo is on to Chapter Five ~ Holding Back

Which Way to Go

Writing Tip of the Day: Nov. 5, 2008

Every writing project competes in the marketplace.

It's important to know your competition.

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I had a good look at my competition the other day [those two Mini Halloween finalists], and it didn't take long to know it's just not were I want Walks with the Moon. Not that I begrudge having found the idea at TWRP. Not at all. And I've no intention of changing my storyline. I like the characters and the way it's progressing.

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But! I did a little research Tuesday and decided to switch my intended audience. It's more a matter of directing it toward Urban Fantasy, and knowing that's where it belongs; where I belong.

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Now! Might I change my mind later? That's an excellent possibility. I am female of the species, and we do hold to the prerogative of mind changing. It seems to be part of our DNA. For now, though-- Walks with the Moon, is goin' Urban.

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Antagonist Awakened!

This is going to be another brief post. I need all my energy [which is already waning] for Chapter Four ~ The Amethystine Chamber.

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I am so pleased with my breakthrough this week. I discovered my Antagonist. Though I’ve yet to determine how Anders worms [Okay, — I've no doubt he’d say "charms"] his way into meeting Sophie, just this morning I determined how he, along with his family, interacts to Conall. It is Anders’s family who brought the old world curse to America.

Special note: The contest finalists were posted the other day, and no, my entry: Surrender, was not among them. I believe there is another win in store.

NaNo Day Four Word Count:

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NaNo Stats: 8419 words [@ approx. 10:50 p.m.]

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I will update the word count throughout the day. Unfortunately, the day has barely begun and I need to take a break already. Where is that darn heating pad?

NaNo Day Three Word Count:

Just a quick update.

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Today's 30 Tips for 30 Days: Send the internal editor packing; on vacation. Yeah! We've already wrangled with each other, and she's puttin' up a fuss! For now, let's just chalk it up to not buying the perfectionist in me a ticket as well.

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NaNo Stats: 5385 words [@ approx. 7:50 p.m.]

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I made it through Chapter Three ~ What Not to Tell, and worked on the Walks with the Moon storyline as well. I have my Antagonist!

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This is it for me today, though. My body's ready to crash.

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NaNo Day Two Word Count:

Since I'm unable to even log in today, I'll post my progress here.

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NaNo Stats: 3164 words

Not a Bad First Day

It's a beautiful November morning! I'll take the warmth, though I know it should be colder. But that's a whole other Oprah Show and blog.

I'm almost at a lack for words to say how thrilled I was to hear Clan Chickadee singing at the feeders today. They’ve been somewhat MIA of late. When I peered out through the upstairs window, I delighted in the sight of an entire herd fluttering in and around my humble little pine tree. They are truly an expression of cheer, and I welcome Chickadee as my Guide today.

The cupboards and refrigerator are finally restocked. I managed to get out to the grocery this morning; very early so as to avoid crowded checkout lanes. My treats for the coming week? Homemade berries, bananas, and cream smoothies. Yes! I bought some carrots too. I’ll churn up a few carrots and apples into smoothies as well. I also bought some fresh sage for a pot or three of tea. I have found nothing more soothing than the first swallow of sage tea.

And oh what Joy! On my way to and from the store, I marveled that the price of gasoline is now $1.97. That’s ONE DOLLAR and 97 cents. I've read where some believe the recent drop in price is nothing more than a tactic to buy our vote for Senator McCain. Can't say that's what I'll be thinking on when I head back out to fill up my tank.

No Mini Halloween contest winner announced yet. No matter. Moving on!

Now, to the essence of the post. As regards Day One? All in all it was not a bad first day effort. What surprised me was just how impossible it is to maneuver NaNoWriMo.org. OMG! I logged in yesterday [after half a dozen tries], and could see my profile. But entering my word count was absolute frustration. I couldn’t get into the forums, the word count widgets aren’t working— I’ll end my rant there. UGH!!!! Though I managed to eventually upload 2102 words to my NaNo Stats, I ended the day with 2127.

Since I uploaded the current draft of book one's Prologue onto a hidden page of my Chronicles website, and I believe I have Chapter One saved on a disc, I started yesterday with Chapter Two ~ A Mother's Touch. I’m pleased to state a fair amount of what I keyed is new; a more in depth POV of the mother and narrator. I also have a working Word.doc file up at all times, to note anything not necessarily revelent to the subject matter at hand. I have another one specifically relating to potential research.

And, during Muse2008, I signed up for Linda Jo Martin’s, Perspectives of Writing. I thought I’d share her beautiful November 1st post, A NaNoWriMo Moment: Stillness Speaks. I trust you'll enjoy it as much as I did.

I’m off now, to begin Day Two. I’m off to monitor my blood pressure, smudge and cleanse the energy, light incense at my alter of creativity, and to meditate on my chakras [as they are in desperate need of attention!]. And then? Well, there's a huge mug of coffee to savor first. Then! To write. To Create. To NaNo!

Blessings to you all,

And So It Begins!

Good November Morn!
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Yes. I didn't wake up from that nap yesterday, until around 8 p.m. And I felt just about as tired as before I laid myself back down. If it’s what my body needs right now, I intend to allow it. But! I awoke again, around 1 a.m., and seeing as how I’d intended to start at midnight, I came up here, set myself down and eventually logged in 257 NaNoWords. That was about all my brain could handle. [whine]It’s all just part of my challenge![/whine.]
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Before this current bout of fatigue set in, I shopped for and ordered my new programmable moist heat heating pad, and I am merely waiting for the site-to-store pickup notice. It should be here early next week.
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The winner of that Mini Halloween Contest will be announced today. It’s not like there’s a contract is in the offing, but— I’d like to believe I wrote something worthy of a win. We shall see. Regardless, I’ll post either a link or the snippet here and let the judging begin.
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Now, to focus on NaNoWriMo.

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Yesterday morning I managed to create a little NaNo graphic. And, as I thought on how to proceed today I am reminded of the tip, earlier in the week, about one’s writing not being set in stone. I wrote that I sometimes tend to leave things unsaid. Right now, I believe erring on the side of overdoing it would be of benefit. If I take nothing for granted, I can always edit out or rework a scene and weave descriptions into action or to flow with dialog in a subsequent edit.
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There's also the confusion over opposing critiques--too much description versus leave it to the their imagination--which also has me at odds. Not every reader will know the experience of hiking a mountain trail. It’s my responsibility to share what it’s like.

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Regardless the thinking process, music is a must today. When the moving-in-reverse beep-beep-BEEP! sounded outside and startled my girls from their respective windows this morning, I looked out to find that my next door neighbors are moving. Drowning out their goings-on is a necessity.

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As regards 30 Tips for 30 Days? Day One: Words on Paper!

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Ok! I fixed a good breakfast, took my meds and vitamins, and now I'm off to Tim Horton’s, for a large Cappuccino. Then? Back here to NaNo my quota for the day.

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