For those of you who don’t know, NaNoWriMo stands for National Writing Month and it takes place November 1st through the 30th. The goal is to write 50,000 words during the month of November.
I did it once a couple years ago and won, but I have yet to attempt it since. This year, however, is going to be different. Not only do I have an idea that’s been brewing in my head since last July – I’ve already got more than half of the novel outlined. I guess I should make a point here, and that point is this: I’m gearing up to write 50,000 words during the next month while taking a full credit load and working two jobs. I’m making this post not only to inform you about this amazing program, but to ask you to join me in competing so that you may hold me accountable while relishing in your own success. To complete NaNoWriMo, you only have to write about 1,700 words a day – it adds up pretty quickly.
This year’s is going to be the start of a trilogy, I’ve already got the entire series planned out in my head – and now it is just a matter of getting it finished. I don’t want to say too much about the first book, but I can tell you this. The book is going to be called Golden, and as of right now I plan on calling the second book Crimson – book three’s title is up in the air.
Golden, a Young Adult fantasy novel, is going to be centered around Bethany McAlister’s freshman year in college – but with a bit of a twist. What kind of fantasy novel would it be without one? I can tell you this: there will be dragons, swoon-worthy romance, and an abundance of sarcasm (I can’t help myself).
I’m currently working on a cover, and I will post it when it’s finished.
As a teaser, here is a bit of a short excerpt:
“I am trying to make friends, strangely enough.” He murmured, the faintest of frowns pulling down the corners of his lips.
I couldn’t help myself. A huff of air – meant to be a laugh – escaped through my lips. “Trying? I find that hard to believe.”
Caden turned to look at me, this time there was what could be described as a gentle inquisitiveness to his gaze. “And why is that?” He softly questioned while tapping the edge of his pen against his lower lip.
It was distracting.
I found my gaze drawn toward the motion of his pen as if on their own accord, I certainly had not told them to go in that direction. I tore my eyes away, dropping my gaze back down to the table as I pretended to shuffle through the pages in front of me. In reality, I was stalling – trying to come up with a reasonable explanation that wouldn’t come off as too mean.
“Well…” I stalled, drawing the word out longer than usual. I stole a quick glance back up at him, my previous train of thought fleeing my mind altogether. Very distracting indeed.
I cleared my throat, trying for some sense of normalcy before trying again. “Well,” I repeated, “if you were trying, you’d be more like Warren. You’d be more open to conversation and not ignore people when they say hello. I might mistake you for him, in fact, if it weren’t for the fact that he is-”
Caden cut me off, humor dancing in his emerald hues. “Shorter? Ill tempered? Immature?”
“Not an arrogant ass.” I stated, deadpan, when he finally finished.
“An arrogant ass? Me?” He seemed aghast, his hand placed over his heart in mock horror. “I shall have you know that I am the perfect gentleman.”
So, what do you think? Horrible? Interesting? You don’t have to answer, I’m mostly rambling to myself at this point.
Are any of you guys doing a NaNoWriMo novel? What’s it about? How long have you been planning/outlining? (if you’ve been planning at all, that is).
Let’s band together and finish this beast of a challenge!
Love the excerpt! I hope you can give us more at the end of November. I’m doing NaNoWriMo too, so I’ll be an accountability buddy for you 🙂
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Yay! Thank you so much ❤️ I’ve never really put my work out there before so I’m a little nervous : ) I’ll help you, too! We can die in agony together 😝 I definitely plan on giving a little bit more, I’m still working on the beginnings and stuff. I know that once I finish it and get through some edits I’ll be looking for beta readers ❤️
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I volunteer!
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I would love that : ) I’ll probably start the beta reading process during December (hopefully). I still have to finish it first, lol ❤
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You can do it! Can’t wait to read it (:
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Aww ❤ Thank you so much!
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That’s okay! If you post more I will definitely be reading it 🙂
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I really love the excerpt. Usually excerpts don’t work on me but this one definitely made me want to know more! G’luck with NaNoWriMo, I’m going to participate as well and it’s my first year. :]
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Good luck ❤
Thank you so much! I was really nervous about posting it but your response makes it so worth it : D
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I believe in these characters because I’m a sucker for all that’s spontaneous, I just love reading something but not FEELING that I’m reading it, I love it when characters and the world they live in come to life, love it when conversations between them don’t feel forced. And that’s what this excerpt felt like, “realistic.” Go on writing, you can bring this trilogy to life! 💙😇
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You’re going to make me cry ❤ This made my day, seriously. Thank you for the kind words! It means a lot to me 🙂
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Nothing to thank me for, really. You’re very welcome. Cheers! 💙
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That extract is awesome! I’m now desperate to read your novel. If you ever need a beta reader or critique partner, you know where to look!
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Thank you so much XD I’ll definitely send it your way when I finish it ❤
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Yay! I’m super excited now and you haven’t even written it! I’m quite nervous about my own NaNoWriMo novel.
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You can do it ❤ trust me. It seems really hard looking at it from afar, but doing it is easier than it sounds. It adds up pretty quickly and your first draft doesn't have to be perfect : 3 that's what editing is for. I'd be glad to read yours and help with it when you finish
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Makes me want to read more! And I was thinking about participating, but depends on my schedule… 😉 Good luck!
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Thank you : D You totally should, we can be buddies ❤
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Maybe to the participation. But if I do decide to participate, I would love to be your buddy. 😀
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Yes please ❤
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THIS IS SO GOOD! I would love to take part in nanowrimo but not sure I would actually be able to write and finish a decent story, you know?
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Thank you XD You have no idea how happy it makes me to hear that.
Of course you can do it! Your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect ❤ That's why it's a first draft. For NaNo, just write your heart out and see what happens : ) You should try, it feels like such an accomplishment to win
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That’s true! Can you continue it after the end of November if you do not have time to finish?
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Absolutely : ) The only goal in November is the word count, you don’t actually have to finish the book during the one month – though a lot of people do.
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Oh okay! Thanks 🙂 I am signing up now!
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You should add me as a buddy! Here’s a link to my profile:
http://nanowrimo.org/participants/sammi-reed
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okay!
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Oh! That GIF IS AMAZING!
But not as amazing as your blurb here. Well done, Miss Reed, truly. I’m intrigued, I want to know more, and you’ve read my books, so you know that I’m in on anything that is dragons and snark. (snickers behind hand). Also, I like the title ‘Golden’, but can’t rule on it decisively until I’ve read the book more. It reminds me of Cress and Scarlett by Marissa Meyer. Just one word is all that’s needed, really.
I’m pleasantly surprised with your writing, actually. I didn’t expect that good of a flow from someone breaking into it. Can’t wait to learn more!
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AHHHHH XD Thank you so much!! And Fat Amy is amazing, plus I love cheesecake – so it’s a win win.
Your comment literally just made this entire weekend so worth it ❤ I'd be lying if I said that the introduction of Dragons in Antebellum Awakening didn't remind me of why I loved them so much in the first place.
I'm still very iffy on the title, and I know that it is subject to change if (and when ; D) this gets published.
Thank you, again ❤ I can't wait to get more out there (and have you read it hopefully :3)
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It sounds really interesting and I love the excerpt 😀
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Thank you! I’m currently working on Chapter 9 XD it’s coming along! Yay ❤️ how’s your NaNo going?
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I wrote over 5000 words today so I’m happy 😀 I’m at chapter 7 ^-^
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That’s awesome!! You’re killing it 😘
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