Tips For Catching Up in NaNoWriMo

Yesterday we hit the half way point in NaNoWriMo. For everyone who is up to date with their word count, that means you have already reached 25K! Congratulations! But for others, I know that is sadly not the case for countless reasons. I just happen to be one of those people this year. So I thought I would make a second guide to NaNoWriMo for those who are running behind and need some help. Have a look at my first NaNo Survival Guide.

Point One: Don't be afraid to use cliches. 

When you are having writers block, and you are over 10K behind, there does come a point where anything is better than nothing. Disclaimer: Remember that this is your first draft, you're not set in stone when this draft is done. And me being a hard core perfectionist, knows the struggle to try everything to avoid using cliches. 

But in this case; you might want to reconsider. If you know some sort of cliche scene, subplot, or character will help with enhance your word count and keep your story flowing, then go straight ahead and use it. It will be painful for the time being, but don't worry *whispers* first draft.
(you might even be able to put your very own twist on it.)


Point Two: Reap the Inspiration From Anywhere. 

Similar to point one. I have been doing this over the course of NaNoWriMo this year. Get inspiration from anything and everything. Watch movie trailers, Watch Music Videos, Read books in your genre, go on Tumblr, go on Pinterest, remember stories people have told you.


Point Three: See a Scene, Write a Scene. 

Anything that comes to mind; write the scene down. And if you are lucky, expand it. I have my novel's word count, and I have a document for story parts word count. I have to add them together ever time I had more words.


Point Four: Back Story.

When you don't know what to write going forward. Then why not write some back story to fill in the space. This is amazing for word count, and helps flesh out characters more.


Point Five: Participate in Word Wars, and Writing Sprints.

These are very good if you are into competition, and getting yourself writing for a good amount of time without stopping. (I have been doing this a lot this year. I need the help.)

Point Six: It's Alright to Take a Step Back.

Don't push it. Take a break, and try and not hate your story to much. Cause that never helped anyone.


So this post was random. But I'll live with it. I just wanted to share what has been working for me. I am very, very, very behind this year. I almost gave up on writing this story. But stuck with it... was a hard decision...

-Rachy

Pre NaNoWriMo: A Survival Guide

Hey Guys.

It is that time of month again! NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) is approaching fast. I am so exited, this will be my second year attending. I thought I should probably do some sort of survival guide and intro to new comers of NaNoWriMo.

My Thoughts on Writing Romance

I'm Back!

I've been gone a while. I almost forgot I had a blog. After picking myself up with writing, if figured I should get back into the blogging.

(I'm going to try and finished How to be Invisible and Rule the World. From now on I will be calling it Invisible one here. Cause it is to long to type out every time it is mentioned.) 

(this story was published on quotev, so it's not an actual book. I will not name it. I'm not bashing the story. This is just an example.)

The other day my friends highly suggested I read this book that they found online. So I jumped into the deep end, not really knowing what I was getting myself into. It turned out to be a cheesy Tumblr romance, with just about every cliche that was ever used in a romance all within 63 chapters. I had mixed feelings about continuing. As a writer, I was getting annoyed at the story and the characters. (I still liked the story though) there were times my friends would catch me smiling like an idiot at how cute some of the scenes were... and also put up with me screaming at them for how bad it was, and how none of it was real, and how the characters should just pick them selves up! *Pulls on hair*

Here are some points (do and don'ts) you must have when writing romance (I'm not experience writer... These are just my thoughts and how I go about writing.)

Stereo Types
Popular, Rich, Jock, Hot, Jerk randomly falls in love with, Not so pretty, unpopular, Insecure, Geek. You know, just about every teen movie that was ever written. This has been used all to many times in the wrong way. Any characters can fall in love. Even popular girls can fall love. Stop looking at characters as stereo types and more as human beings.


Love at first Sight
I think it is better said as attraction at first sight. You can't truly love someone until you have learned to love all their flaws, and live through their mistakes. Sometimes you have to be pushed to the point of insanity to truly love them. This can be in friendship or a romantic relationship.
Having your characters say "I love you." A chapter or two into the book is just a bit much. There needs to be something before that.

On the same note. There has to be something that brings your two characters together. To doesn't just help with plot, but also with how it will effect their relationship, this can be for friendships as well. For example, Anastasia and Christian from Fifty shades were bought together through an awkward interview (don't ask me why I chose to use that as an example... I haven't read the book or watched the movie)  In All the Bright Places, Finn and Violet meet on the bell tower. Mix you characters relationship into the plot.


Character Development
Their is not such a thing as a perfect guy. Let me know when you find one. One thing that annoyed me in the story, was how perfect the male character was. There was just nothing in his backstory that explained why he acted the way he did. Like he had no life before he meet the girl. I was kind of rooting for there to be something wrong with him. But there was nothing. The only time he ever got angry and upset was when someone did wrong to the girlfriend.

As for the girl. There was no growth on her behalf. I was expecting her to grow in someway. But the further the story went on, she just became weaker and more vulnerable. There were points when she would stand up for herself, but then she would fall back. She had to lean on her boyfriends so much, that with out him she would fall.

Character development is crucial for any story. Events will change them, building them up taking them down, resulting in them being a different (hopefully stronger) character than from the start. In a relationship, each of the characters have to learn to build each other up. Kissing is not going to fix everything.

There is probably more I had to say on the subject. So I will probably do a part two at some point when it crosses my mind.

-Rachy

How to find a plot for your story

Hey Guys. 

So I had this question asked in the comments. So I thought I would try and answer it the best I could. First off. I am not a professional writer. I do what I can when I can. Half of the time I don't know what I am doing. I try to be a bright cookie. So here is how to find a plot for the story you want to write. 

I struggle with finding plots, or if you're a writer, you will know it as a plot bunny. Everyone gets them in different ways. I tend to find my stories concept first. Then will stumble upon a plot later on. 

So first off to start a story. 

You are going to need Characters. And a world to put them in. You will find that you will find more characters while you start to write. They will turn up, and you will just be like "Oh hey there." And they will be like. "Yeah hey. So I'm just going to come in and be a big part of the story now. Thanks."  It will happen. All I can say is go with it. 

So once you have a character or two. Start to think of the world they grew up in. Who are they? What do they do? All these will come when you are writing. But it's good to have all this at the back of your mind. 

Now for the answer to the finding a plot business. And that is. Plots can be found everywhere. You have to inspire yourself. I find my plots by having much alone time. Having a shower, listening to music, scrolling though endless pinterest pictures. Reading writing prompts.  (Just google writing prompts and it will come up with heaps.) 

I don't know how to properly answer that question. I think that it will in the end just take time to find a plot. Sometimes you just need to start writing and the plot will come to you. If this helped. Please comment. Or give me some of your tips on how you find your plots. Sorry it wasn't an amazing post. I'm just a dreamer. That is how I do my stuff. 

-Rachy

A quote from WIP.

How to Write a Book in a Month: Camp NaNoWriMo//April 2015

Hey Readers.

Many of you none writers think we writers whom attend NaNoWriMo are *crazy* Writing a book in a month. So I did NaNoWriMo in November, which I finished the first draft of my very first novel Clandestine. (I haven't touch that draft since then...But I will)

NaNoWriMo also does camps during the year. One in April, and the other in July. And I am doing the April Camp!!! Which I am writing How to be Invisible and Rule the World, my first ever contemporary idea.
The cool thing about these camp, is that you can choose your word counts. So it could just be a short story, and you might only have to write say 100-700 words a day. Or if you are like me who set the word count goal to 50,000 then you will have to write round 1700 words a day. This is so much more relaxed...

Here are some tips on how to write a novel in a month:

Have a Plan

If you're a planner, or you like to just start on the spot. I highly suggest you have a game plan of some sort in mind. Me as a writer, I like to have everything planned out. Though this year I'm winging it a bit more. Even if it's just the genre. Just give yourself something to work from. 

Set Your Self a Time and  a Timer

With it being April. Many of you will have school. That takes up your entire day. So take time in the afternoons, or night, to reach that days work count. It's also fun to do word sprints, setting a timer and seeing how much you can write in that time. Baby Steps

Make a Playlist 

This might just be something I do. But I make soundtracks for my stories. There might be a song that would go perfectly with a scene. Or just something calming, or inspiring when writing. 

See it like a Movie 

This is more writing advice. Write it like you're watching it. That goes into the whole 'show, don't tell.' But seriously, this is so true. Envision your scene, then write it. 

Sometimes, I will watch random movie clips on YouTube that inspire me. And I will get a clear mind on how to write that thing I was blocked on.

Be Inspired  

Whether that be, watching a movie, reading a book, or staring at your pinterest board for half and hour (I've done that...) Don't forget to be inspired.

Have a Community 

Connect with others doing the same thing. They are on the same journey as you. You will be able to give you advice, and sympathy you need. You can find there people in your every day life, or online (your chances are higher online) Cause we're all in this together! 

Tea, Coffee/and sweet stuff

No kidding. Drinking hot drinks is very calming. I enjoy and nice cuppa when it comes to sitting down to write. Also food in general is good. I like to snack, I suggest healthy food... But chocolate is good too.

Love your Story

I don't care how much you hate it! I think it's important that you go back to the parts that you love. Remember why you wanted to write it. Another thing that is good for a drive, is write it for someone. I read something on GoTeenWriters a while back about dedicating your story to someone. My newest project has a dedication. And that has helped me so much.

Spend some Quality time with your Characters (out side the story)

I think this helps you when you get to know your characters. Me and my friend like to do this for our characters, and that is fill out these Character Questionnaires. Do character interviews on your blog or on a private document... quality time...

Have Fun!

Over all, just enjoy yourself.  :)))

Hope this helped some of you. I know it's not all amazing advice.... just my advice. I'm very exited about this month coming. Make sure if you're doing camp this year, that you are all signed up and are in a cabin. 

-Rachy

Art Tutorial: Princess of the Wood

Hello Readers/followers

I have something exiting for you today. I have made a step by step art tutorial for you. I am not a professional artist. But I'm pretty good. I have had years of practice, just teaching myself how to draw. And I have gotten so much better.

So I wanted to share my process. And give you all some tips with drawing. It's mostly shading tips. Cause shading is one of the most important parts of a drawing, it's what makes it come alive.

Fist off you are going to need these tools: 

• 2H shade pencil 
• HB shade pencil
• 4B shade pencil
• 6B shade pencil
• Pencil sharpener 
• Eraser 
• Ruler
• A4 sized piece of paper. (in this tutorial I am using a A3, that is double the size. But that is just so you can see the detail better. An A4 is a normal sized piece of paper) 
• A couple of ear cleaners (the sicks with the cotton ends) 
• Music (I can't draw without it)

I will be drawing this picture I found on Pinterest. Now  I know what you are thinking. "Rachel! This is far to hard, how in the world is anyone suppose to draw that!!??" Just calm down will you!

This is highly possible to draw. 

I am cutting out the hat. And doing it all in black and white. 

I am just going to say now. My drawing is not going to be a carbon copy of this photo. Nothing is perfect. And everything you draw, will become your style. So walk with me. 

And also. The techniques I show you, can be used in jst about any drawing. So you doing have to do just this one. 

  

Step one: You will need your 2H pencil (make sure it's sharp) and just draw and naked outline of the figure. Starting with a circle for the head, and move on to a general shape. This does not have to be perfect. And I give you are aloud to scribble. Do not make hard lines! Go gently with the pencil. 

Step two: Dimensions. You will need to look at the photo for this. Use your ruler to make lines to where everything on the face and body line up. (this is an optional step. It just helps you get things more in proportion) Make sure you are still using a 2H pencil. 

Step three: Fix the places that were out of shape. And start adding things such as: Nose, eye holes (eyes need to be first drawn looking like an almond) I am not added the mouth yet, cause I personally don't feel comfortable drawing it. So I what till the end to do that. But you can do it if you feel comfortable. (keep on using the 2H for this step) Skip to step twelve and thirteen if you want to know how to draw the mouth. 

Step four:  Taking your 2H pencil draw out the shape of the hair. This only needs to be light, and have no additional shape to it. 

And you may also add the shape of the iris to the eye. 

Step five: You may now move to your HB shade pencil. And start adding darker lines and detail the the eyes and nose. But keep it light, cause if you need to erase, and your lines are to hard set, then you are kinda screwed. 

Step six: Still using your HB, add the pupils to the middle of the iris. And with the HB, start lightly coloring in, leaving a small space of it white. This makes it shine as if it were reflecting light. 

Step seven: Now using the 4B shade. Add darker lines to the eyes, and add more color to the iris, but still leaving that one space white. 

Step eight: Using your HB again (this is a hard step) start adding patterns of how you want the hair to fall and be formed. Every time adding many little streaks, like you are drawing each individual piece of hair. In order to do this, you must do this lightly, yet at a pass, this in-orders you to get more of it done and with a streaky look. 

Like with the eyes, You will want the hair to shine. This is more easy that you think. You must leave a white gape. So when drawing the hair, you go from the top "streak streak," the go from the bottom to the top "streak streak" and leave that small gape of white. 

Step nine:  Use your 4B pencil to add more depth to the hair, giving it more detail. 

Step ten: Now for the face. Using you HB, you start adding shadows the the features. As seen in the step ten picture. The face starts to stand out. In order to to this, you my shade softly with the pencil. You want the skin to look smooth, and not scratchy. 

Step eleven: Using your 4B start adding shadow from the hair to the back. Now you can use the cotton tip/ear cleaner. and rub it over the shadows that you have implied to the face. This is smudging it. But it helps make the skin look smooth, and shiny. 

Step twelve: Now if you are like me, and are scared of doing mouths. Then this is why you have waited. If not, "Hi" So you have this space left, and that is right under the nose and right above the chin. I can not tell you "How" to draw a mouth. You are going to have to do the first couple of tries till you get the right one in a 2H pencil. 

All I can tell you about a mouth: is that the top lip is smaller and has a heart shaped piece that sits right under the middle of your nose. And the bottom lip is always much more filled out. 

Step thirteen: Use the HB to shade the lips. And use your 4B to fill in the mouth. 

Step fourteen: This one is just cause I never did anything for the dress and the ribbon. The ribbon needs the same effect as the skin and the hair. Leave the light gapes to make it shine. 

And I don't really know how I did the dress. Just improvise I guess... (sorry)

And this is how it should end. At least, this is how it ended for me. Don't forget to sign your work. And take a photo, I would love to see/know if this helped you in any way. Let me know what you think, and if I should do another one. 

(I didn't end up using a 6B. The 6B shade is one of the darker shades. You would use that if your hair was going to be darker, or if you needed more depth.)

If you have any questions. Please ask in the comments below. :) :) :) 

-Rachel