2019 marked my TENTH year taking of part in National Novel Writing Month. I had planned to do my usual process; writing an update each weekend throughout the month. However, some health stuff kicked in, some day-job stress happened, and …
NaNoWriMo 2018: Reading versus Writing
Traditionally, I avoid reading fiction during October and November, because when my brain is lost for words, it’s easy to end with a slight (or more obvious) copy of aspects if they are too familiar, too recently read. However, this …
Preparing for #NaNoWriMo
This is my 9th year of attempting National Novel Writing Month. It’s the 10th of November, and last night’s aim was 15,000 words. My total, as of midnight last night was 14,372. So I am not far off. I can generally …
Writers Block versus Goals and Guilt
I’ve barely written any fiction this year, certainly compared with normal. I’ve sometimes opened my Work-In-Progress document, but found myself with nothing to write! However, I don’t put this down to writer’s block. In fact, I don’t believe in ‘the …
The Pull of Multiple Projects
Sometimes, having a couple of projects on the go is an energising, motivating space to be in. At other times, they pull every ounce of energy from the creative mind; only to be too thin to stretch across either piece. …
Some Thoughts on The Inspirational Muse and Scheduled Plans
When hanging out with other writers, you soon learn that the “rules” of writing are pretty variable. Some people talk of the importance of routine and consistency. Others talk of writing in terms of inspiration which strikes when it fancies. …