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

Beautiful Books: NaNoWriMo Progress

I am fairly behind in NaNoWriMo this year. I have been struggling a bit with my word count and story in general. I am catching up though. I am going to do part two of the Beautiful Books Link  Up series hosted by Cait and Sky.

http://paperfury.com/beautiful-books-2-the-writing-process/

Is the book turning out how you thought it would be, or is it defying your expectations?

It has changed a lot. But I am happy with it for the time being... I know that there is going to be a lot of stuff I will need to fix. over the course of writing, I have had to go back and kill a couple of characters, then merge two characters. (all the dirty work if you know what I'm saying.) But I have loved watching my characters grow closer cause of the changes being made.

I have also began writing it on TABLO, which is an online word processor where you can publish your books. I am not publishing mine, I'm just keeping it on private. But like how it I can preview my pages in a clean and easy way to read. And you can separate your story into chapters, so it is easier to find where you are writing from, and you can go back. Also it keeps track of your word count, and how far you have to go to reach your goal. 

What’s your first sentence (or paragraph)?

So I thought I would be cool and wrote a Prologue. So here is the prologue. 

All the greats fell in the end, suffering more of the most tragic deaths than the ones of more average people. But I guess that is the cost one must pay for being special.  And in the end, we are all just humans, drunk on the idea that love, only love, could heal our brokenness. But we are wrong, cause nothing but death can really tear us from the cruel reality of what we call life.  

A Lot of things happened last summer. It’s a summer I both don’t want to, and can’t remember. That summer I woke up in a hospital, my mother gone. And I couldn’t remember anything. Even that part I have tried to forget.

Are you a plotter or a pantser? Have you ever tried both methods and how did it turn out?

Ummm yeah. I am kind of both to an extent. And I went into this year with out a proper outline... *grimaces* 

This happened; One. Cause I didn't have any time. Two. Cause I thought I could wing it... Guys. I made a big mistake. Lucky for me, just the other day I came up with the thread that tied my novel together. And last night I made a proper timeline to follow. And I am happy with it... 

What do you reward yourself with after meeting a goal?

Coffee obviously... (I've started drinking it black) Ohhh and red liquorice!!! 

What do you look for in a name? Do you have themes and where do you find your names?

I like to find my names in things relevant to my story. Metophors, quotes, words that have a meaning to the over all plot and theme...

What is your favourite to write: beginning, middle, or end — and why?

The end or close to the end. I hate writing the start. Getting into the middle and the climax is always so much fun. Cause I know what I am writing about. And stuff really starts to happen! 

Who’s your current favourite character in your novel?

I like the way Kenna thinks. So Kenna. But I also love Miller (Kenna's cousin) he is so much fun, and such a good friends to Kenna. He doesn't judge her for who she is. He looks through the bad stuff. He is also a very different character to what I have written before. 

What kind of things have you researched for this project, and how do you go about researching? (What’s the weirdest thing you’ve researched?!)

I have researched sooo much for this project. And I feel I need to voice some of my findings...

• I have looked into to just about every romance and summery movie and book there is. (I have covered nothing. Before I started writing it all seemed to be swarming about me, and when I go to look it up I have nothing!? But still. I have been trying to pick apart other stories for the slightest of inspiration. 
• I researched/ing PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Amnesia.. (If you read my prologue you will have gotten why) 
• I researched how to write a mystery. And elements of a mystery. All that stuff. 
• I researched how to write a bitchy character. (know... it's weird... but I'm serious) I researched and read about the characteristics of a mean girl/bitch. And taken into consideration a lot of the information. Trust me, it is an interesting thing to have knowledge on. 
• I looked into small coast towns. And beach types. And things you can do over a summer vacation. (If you have any ideas for cool summer activities. That would be cool :)) 

Do you write better alone or with others? Do you share your work or prefer to keep it to yourself?

I do like being on my own. I could write so much faster and more efficient if there was no one around. Cause it is in those moments where I come up with my best ideas. And my characters speak to me. (Also I get very distracted.)

I prefer to keep it to myself. Though I am always very exited about other people reading my work. It took me almost a whole year till I gave my first draft to some people to read. My writing always ends up very personal. And I would feel better knowing that no one had to read it.

What are your writing habits? Is there a specific snack you eat? Do you listen to music? What time of day do you write best? Feel free to show us a picture of your writing space!

• I don't know whether I have a habit. I mostly just open up google docs, Pinterest, and sit on my bed. 
• I drink coffee. I don't really eat when I'm in a very busy mode. So I will think about it, then be like Na, I'll have something later. But the thing is I get very distracted by food. So No. No snacks. 
• I listen to a lot of music when I write. It depends on the scene. Some times I need music, and other times I have to have nothing playing. 
• I write best at night, but that is only because it is more quiet. 
• I don't have a picture... Sorry

I'm working on another NaNoWriMo related post. I just want to share more about my characters, the setting and the family. Look forward to it! I am still 10,000 words behind. So I am trying my best to catch up. 

-Rachy

Beautiful Books: An Introduction

I have been taking my time to post about this.
It is NaNoWriMo next month. Once again I am participating this link up hosted by Sky from Further up and Further in and Cait from Paper Fury. I loved doing this link up last year. 

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.

Behind the Scenes Writing Tag

So I thought it would be fun to do another tag. I saw this tag done over at Opal Swirls; and thought it would be fun. Besides, I like talking about writing.

Rules:
Answer the questions and tag people.

Is there a certain snack you like to eat while writing?

I try not snack. So I will just drink countless cups of tea and coffee. But if I do snack, I like peanuts.

When do you normally write?

I haven't written in a while cause I have been so busy with studying and being sick... fun times. But I mostly write at night. I find I get more inspired at night than I do in the day time. My mind runs wild with ideas. 

Where do you write?

On my bed with my laptop. Or in the kitchen standing up with my laptop on my bench. I tend to write better in open spaces. 

How often do you write a new novel?

I come up with a new story idea once or twice a month. I might write 1000 to 5000 words then stop... then get back to it. I will finish one to two novels a year. 

Do you listen to music while you write?

Yes. I listen to vast variety of music. It all depends on the story I'm working on. I listen to music very possible minute. 

What do you write on? laptop or paper?

I write on my laptop. I'm a fast typeset and can get my ideas down faster than writing on paper. I will sometimes write down small ideas and scenes on paper or on notes on my phone. But I prefer my laptop. 

Is there a special ritual you have before/after you write?

I open up the Pinerest board of whatever story I am working on for inspiration, and help for when I get writers block, or to help with character and setting descriptions.

What do you do to get into the mood to write?

I will watch the Vlog Brothers. Read a book. Go on Pinerest. Other than that, I really just have to be in "the mood" to do so. I need to start making more of a habit of sitting down and writing, rather than just thinking about writing. 

What is always near the place you write?

A laptop wall charger and my headphones. 

Do you have a reward system for your word count?

No. Just the satisfaction of having a decent number of words on my document. 

Is there anything about your writing process that others might not know about?

Nothing interesting. Sometime I will read my characters dialogue aloud to see if it sounds natural. I often have a vague idea of what the end is going to be. But I'm never sure what is going to happen in the middle. 

Again I am not going to tag anyone (I'm to tired to) Writers go a head and do this tag. It is cool. 

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

A Writers Life For Me Tag

Hello Readers. 

I just found a writers tag created by one of my favorite book tubers Sara Ella and her Friend Sara Crawford. I do not have book-tube (yet). So I am just going to do it over here. And I encourage any of you bloggers to do this tag as well. Spread the love. Remember to take a look at their blogs and channels, and subscribe. Don't forget to credit them. 

A few rules before we begin. 

• Thank the person who tagged you. leave a link to their blog.
• Answer the ten questions.
• Re-post the picture.
• Tag 5-10 bloggers.  
• Have fun!!! 

1. What kind of writer are you? 

I am a writer of poetic metaphorical YA fiction. I like to write fantasy, contemporary, Dystopian fiction. I enjoy creating new worlds within our world, whether that be in the future, or in modern time. 

2. When did you start writing? What made you want to try it?

I always wanted to be a writer. When I was a little girl I would make "books" and write stories in them. As I grew up I would write stories in my head, but never write them down. Up until last year, I could hardly put words down on paper. The motivation came when I found out about NaNoWriMo, and I wrote and finished my first ever novel Clandestine.  

3. What inspires your stories?

Songs, Pictures on pinterest, Dreams, people I know. One little things can set off a shock wave of inspiration. And It is beautiful. 

4. What themes do you like to explore in your writing?

Sisterhood, mental illness, the power of humanity, and the power that we have over each other. I don't know...something like that.  

5. Are you a pantster or a plotter or a bit of both?

I'm more of a planner. I like to have an idea, or some sort of plan written out before I sit down. I will write up a document on the idea, and how I will develop that into a story plan. 

6. Where are you at in your journey? Querying, agented, published?

Still in the writing stage. But I want to be all the above in the next couple of years!

7. Have you ever entered any writing contests? Finaled? Won?

No. I want to enter a writing contest. I'm hoping to do so in the next couple of months to a year. 

8. Who are your writer heroes?

Tahereh Mafi is my biggest writing inspirational person. Her style inspired me to write the way I do. I also love John Green, Veronica Roth, Markus Zarkus, Keira Cass, Racheal Craw, Jennifer Niven...Etc. 

9. Have you been to a writing conference? Share your best or worst conference experience.

It is a dream of mine to attend a writer conference. Maybe one day, 

10. Top 3 tips you'd give to newbie writers?

One: Write like you're talking. Make things flow.

Two: Keep dreaming. No idea is to BIG or to SMALL. 

Three: Keep Writing. 

Nominations 

TessaAnn@Books,Bubbles,&Arohanui // Opal@OpalSwirls // AdrianaGabrielle@TheLibrarianFiles // BrettMichaelOrr // Aimee@ToTheBarricade! // Tori@Tori'sBolg // MorganLeAnne@BackToTheDrawingBoard // Cait@PaperFury 

Have fun with this tag!

Until Next Time -Rachy

The Realization

Dear Readers. 

I just realized. That today is July st. And that means that it is... Camp NaNoWriMo. And I forgot... All about it... How...? 

I am at home today. Sick. And unable to function, like speak, and breathe. Literally can not breathe. This is why I am skipping a day of course. It is only two(?) more days to the school holidays, where I can relax slightly, and try to start over. That was when I remembered that I should be writing today. Which I think is a good thing. Cause I have not written anything in a very long time. And I need to do something on this story. So it looks like I am starting today. 

It has taken me a long time to come to terms with this story. Maybe just because it is so personal. And also the fact that a lot of people really want to read it, due to the short pieces I have shared on it. I have let everything get to my head, in turn, making me forget about the story it self. 

Over the last couple of months though, I have come up with the solution to the problem, on how to write this story. All I need to do is write it. I need to stop thinking about it, and simply write it. It's really not that hard. 

 

Picture Scores

This story is about to extraordinary teens who are brought together from very different backgrounds and circumstances. But intern learn that that can not stop them from fight through the battle of life. They learn that friendship is important. And that both life and death a factor of living. 

So over the course of this month. I am going to try my best to write this story. Even if is is sooo bad. It is only the first draft and can be changed later. I don't really know what I where I was going with this post. But my challenge for you this month, is to try your best with your project, and also to encourage someone else with their project. 

-Rachy

Cry Room Scene || Snippet

Hey Readers. 

I have been wanting to share this with you for a while. A week or two ago when my laptop was not working, I had been getting a rush of ideas for my story. I was using my tablet to go through my stories pinterest board. And I came upon a picture I had pinned a while back. Of a door, with the words "cry room" So I decided to write a scene for this picture. And I posted it to my Instergram, then to my Facebook. And Instantly I got loads of wonderful feed back from people. So here is the scene from How to be Invisible and Rule the World. 

He places his arm over my shoulder to support me. My legs are not strong enough. We are laughing. Our voices carrying down the cold empty halls of this particular ward. At some point we are going to get told off. Though I don't know why someone would be told off for laughing in a hospital. I see it as very therapeutic. My feet are cold against the hard flooring, and I can hear our footsteps. It makes me think of things. Memories come in unclear, confusing flashbacks.
I notice a door all of a sudden. Many of the doors have formal names, and numbers. But this one simply says 'cry room.' Gabe notices it too. I try the handle. And It opens. There is nothing but silence coming from inside. "Shhh" I say smiling at him. We step through and sit down on the seats lined against one of the walls. The silence is so loud, it starts to hurt my head. It's dark, but I can make out the lonely walls, and other chairs. That is when I realized I have said nothing. He is looking into space. I lean my head against his shoulder, a tear rolls down my face, then another. The I am crying. And he is holding me. I'm crying for everything I destroyed. -By Rachel Day

Playlist || How to be Invisible and Rule the World

Hey there Readers

Inspiration to write came to me this afternoon. After I almost gave up on writing my story the other day. I wanted to cry in frustration as I looked at the flat voice of my character sitting on the page before me. But I always make it back. Even when I feel I have lost all hope. All thanks to music.

Today I would like to share the songs that almost tell the story. These songs are a deep look into the characters, the plot, and over all reason of the story.

This song, as I have said before. Is practically how Inga feels. This song is so deep. And I love it so much. I just love it when a song will give a character voice.  

I’m wasted, losing time

I’m a foolish, fragile spine 
I want all that is not mine 
I want him but we’re not right

She is unhappy with her body. With her life. She is foolish in her action, in her time. Even when she is broken. She wants everything that is not hers. She feels she doesn't deserve anything. And she wan's him. But she knows that she will destroy him. (sorry that was deeeep)

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.

Quotes and songs // April camp NaNoWriMo

Hey guys.

So I thought it would be cool to share some random quotes from my WIP How to be Invisible and Rule the World. And some songs that are a big inspiration. This project is very near and dear to my heart, based on some of me and my friends experiences, and dreams of mine. My very first contemporary, and I am falling in love with it every time I think about it.
So as some of you may know; Pinterest is my biggest story inspirations. And I will randomly quote random things from my characters to caption the pictures. So the quotes are really all over the place. None in order.

My Life and a Once Upon a Time

Hello my beautiful readers.

Sorry I have not been posting. My life has been a mess of busyness, and sleeping when I have the smallest about of time to do so. I've also been sick, and had to miss a day of course the other day, resulting in missing a meeting in which a new project was handed out. I took the booklet home in order to read it, and hope that I was supposed to do it, and wasn't going fail, all cause someone forgot to hand me a piece of paper and tell me to do work... not happening.
I am so behind in my story. I am going to say right now, that there is a very small chance that I will get to 40,000 at the end of this month. Please cheer me on though. I wish it wasn't this hard.

Though my story is on a role. That came on the ninth (???) day of camp NaNo. I was up at our friends house, my entire family and their family had gone to the last day of day camp, and I was at their house, all by myself. Up in the middle of no where, with nothing by their crazy farm dog who was tied up outside. I'm telling you, I have never been so nervous about staying anywhere by myself before. And I don't do well with silent houses...
So I had played some of their perfectly tuned piano, and locked myself in one of the houses darkest rooms. I was trying to write. But everything I had written before that sounded so bad and off plot, and unrealistic. So I went to the kitchen, and after reminding myself that I was the only soul in that house at the time, I started to speak my characters lines out loud as they came to mind, (all in this weird British accent...) and as I did that in my amazing accent, the perfect plot came to me. I had already got my characters, and concept, and a couple of key events. But not a plot. And it came to me. Hit me in the face. And for that, I am happy.

Exiting news; is that I wrote a synopsis for How to be Invisible and Rule the World. And made a quote picture for it. I am fully in love with this poetic piece. And with my story, and characters.

Once upon a time there was a troublemaker, and a trouble hider. One treasured attention and the other oblivion. One day they were brought together from their different worlds, and had to fight for life together, she wanted to hide herself from the world and he wanted to rule it. Not a love story, just two kids stupid and fearless.

  Don't forget to check out my pinterest board on the story. How to be Invisible and Rule the World on Pinterest. I'll do another post soon. I also want to do a character interview. So if you have any questions for my characters, tweet me at @Queenie_Rachy or leave me a comment bellow. :))) 

-Rachy

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

My Story-Planning-Routine

Hey Readers. 

So over the last couple of weeks I've been in the process of planning my NaNo Novel, How to be Invisible and Rule the World. As I has expressed in older posts on writing, I am most definitely a planner. So I have to have my entire novel outlined, and pinpointed with important events. 

I see the planning and outlining one of the biggest parts of writing. And for me especially I like to have things planned out far ahead of time. I say to mum "I just like to be mentally prepared." And that is so true. Or else, I will not be able to enjoy myself, or I will just get very frustrated if I don't know the gist of what's going on. 

So a couple of days ago, I reminded myself that April is only about two weeks away. And I have done hardly anything in relation to my story. 

Here is a look into my planning process: 

• Pinterest story board

I create massive Pinterest boards for my stories. And will just fill them up will pictures of my characters, and scene ideas. (Book Ideas: How to be Invisible and Rule the World) Making boards will help me with writing scenes, envisioning characters and such. 

• Tea and Coffee 

I feel like I shouldn't have to put a caption on this one. 

• Comfortable clothing (this is for writing as well as planning)

I cannot even express the clothing I wear when writing. It will be a mixture of so many clothing items. I was wearing gloves before, but had to ditch them, cause turns out you can't use a laptop and type while wearing them. 

• Music  

Thank you Spotify! I have to listen to music or some form of rhythm when it comes to writing. It gets me into the mood. Plus I will sing along to the songs while writing. 

I also get good ideas when listening to music. 

• Character Forms

These really help me get to know my characters a little more. Or at least helps me brainstorm more on them. Here's the link to the on I use Character Questioner

• Story Journalism 

This is one of the biggest parts of my planning. That's why I saved it for last.  I have a couple of journals for this story in fact. 

So I will sit down with my laptop. And just journal about what's going on around me, and about my story. And how I feel about it, and what I think will happen. (it's just talking to myself) but it helps me so much. 

That is all I can work up for now. I've been sick for the past couple of days. And have already missed two days of course this week (the break has been amazing) But being sick isn't all that nice. 

Picture Source

Cause Insurgent is in theaters tomorrow! 

Me and my Fictional Friends

Hey Guys.

I was at church today leading the intermediate age girls.  And one of my year sevens said she would like to be a writer. My heart, it stopped. Out of all the girls there that wanted to be teachers, she wanted to be a writer. I was very proud (naturally)

And that got me one to thinking. When I was her age, I wanted to be a writer, but I didn't understand how any of the writing worked. That was until I joined GoTeenWriters that I learned to unlock the inner writer deep down in the depth of my heart.

There is one thing I have learned from being a writer, and that is that your characters are your best friends.
People might tell you that they are not real. But they are wrong! Your fictional characters are just as real as you and me. And as a writer, I feel it my job to give them life.

I was thinking about my novel I'm going to write for camp NaNo next month. And I'm just so exited to getting to know my MC's. And I know at the end of the month I will come out with some amazing fictional friends.



How to be Invisible and Rule the World: Update 

I have never written a contemporary before. I was going to write a story called "dance with me" but never ended up going any where with it.

So How to be Invisible and Rule the World is going to be based loosely off me and my friends experiences, and characteristics. So Gabriel is a larger part of a friend of mine, but mixture of other people. Same with Inga, she is mostly a big part of me, but a mixture of other people. And it the end they will become who they want to be.

Hope you guys like the picture collage thing I made for it. I will give you all some more (proper) updates later. I'm still trying to put all the pieces of the story together.

HELP: This story is going to be narrated by both Inga and Gabriel. But I have never written in a males perspective. Don't know what I'm doing. Can you guys give me some tips in the comments? That would be great.

-Rachel

Story Worlds: Setting Link-up

Hello Readers.

Here with Adriana Gabrielle. And here is our other (depends which one you read first) Link-up! This link up is focused around your Story Worlds Setting. What does this world look like. How does it work. I see world building as one of the most important parts of writing a story. You have to put your characters somewhere. It could be modern day New York, or a Fantasy world.

Rules:

~Take linkup theme pic and post on your blog.

~Show us one (or two) pictures of your setting. Whether that be a place landmark, map, or landscape.

~Answer the amazing questions.  

~When your done, link back to either of our blogs. Looking forward to seeing what you come out with!

1) What is your genre? Cause that tends to determine what your setting will end up looking like.  

2) What is the majority of the setting like is it more forest? Desert? Etc

3) Has this world got a memorial landmarks of any kind. (Ex: hogwarts, etc etc)

4) What is the transport like in this world? Do they have cars? Or do they ride around on horse and dragons?

5) What time period is it set around. Have you used an concepts from  historical era. (Ex, the hunger games has the element of the roman world.)

6) Who is in control in this world? Who is leading? Is it a Monarchy, or is it run by a Government? (and if so what kind of government?)  

7) What are some of the laws this world has?

8) What is the common religion of this world? And what are traditions they have?

9) Are there any special  (annual) events or holidays that are celebrated?  

An InLinkz Link-up

The Completions of Clandestine Draft One

Hello Readers.

So I have some big news! On January 27th 11:50 I finished draft one of my first ever novel Clandestine! Yes, this is the first book for me ever to complete writing. Even better the fact that I finished it 10 minutes before midnight! Wooo!

My reaction to this was just staring at the screen and thinking, "well...I got a heck of a lot of work ahead of me.." But I'm done. That's all that matters at this point.
Over that last day or two I have been cleaning it up a bit, and turning all the more cuss words into Latin. (It's really fun to try and say Latin words with force...)

I have spent about three months working on the first draft. I wrote the 50k of it over November for NaNoWriMo. And the remaining 15k over the holiday period. I am now resting at 65k. Which is really good for a first draft. (at least I think)

I have spent such a long time inside my character's head. Walking her world, and doing things that I would never have done in real life. Lets just say I have learned a lot. And seeing that the plot went in a completely different direction.

I owe it all to  my characters. They lead me through the whole way. All I could do was be dragged along behind. The joys of being a writer...I just got no say in what was happening. And catch myself yelling at them "Listen to me will you?!" and they're just like "No way!"

(Picture looks like my MC Iris) 

The plan is now to print it off and start doing the whole crazy highlighter thing. But it will be fun to read my work on paper. Cause for the past three months all I have seen is the story on screen. I like the story. It's really hard to explain to people what it's about. I hear in a lot of writing circles and sites, saying "Write what you want to read" or something like that. And this story is full of all these places, things and stories that I love. It's the kind of book I want to read.
A mix of dystopia, secret garden, the Bronte sisters work, fantasy elements, political conflict, sci fi, etc..etc. The story is simply about the effects of past events/mistakes, playing out. And how the death of one person can set fire to everything you had ever tried to keep hidden. Technically all a power game. (very hard to explain.) I'm going to try and write out a worthy synopsis...  

-Rachel

How to be Invisible and Rule the World: MC's Names Announced

Hello Readers.

If you don't know what I mean by "How to be Invisible and Rule the World" then you might need to read my introductory post about it HERE.

(It is always such a mouth full to say this title, but it looks weird when I break it down HTBIARTW...) 

I am going to write How to be Invisible and Rule the World for Camp NaNo in April. And as some of you know, I am a plotter. I want everything planned and plotted before I write it down. So the months before a deadline project, I will be filling up Pinterests boards, scribbling every thought that comes to mind, planning out Characters history. So on and So on. Back breaking work... kidding, that's the fun part.

So today I set out to find names for my two MC's. And pictures. And I found them! With the help of my Mother I settled on the perfect names.

 Male MC: Gabriel Henderson. Female MC: Inga Wandering 

The story is narrated by the two points of view. I still don't know much about these characters yet. But I will try my best. 

Gabriel is the cool kid at Highschool. He has it all. Everyone likes him, everyone sees him. He's beautiful (and he knows it) He plays sports. We get the point. You ask him how he does it, and he will just say "Well, it comes naturally" (What a Jock) 

Inga is a wallflower. She's invisible, that one person that no one notices. She is smart, but even more talent in the art of Oblivion. Most times you'll find her standing against a wall hugging her back to her chest. 

Both of these characters are from completely different worlds. They live the complete opposite lives. And its's my job to help them clash in something amazing!

This is not a romance novel. Though can girls and boys be just friends without falling for each-other??? It's something I find hard to get around. Let me know what you think. 

This is my first ever Contemporary novel. So I'm really exited. Hope you like my Characters, and their stranger names. 

How to be Invisible and Rule the World

Hello readers.

All those plot bunnies. I seriously love the term. Its so cute! And I just keep on getting them. But the other day I was getting ready for church. (I hadn't been out of the house for ages.)
And the idea just came to me. What if the oblivious kid had to teach the cool kid how to be invisible?

The inspiration came from the thought of social order. And being a teenager I would know. I've never been to school, but that does not mean I was never categorized. We all have to fit into one. No one can not be in one. Cause we like to think in scales.

Over my teenage life I have seen myself, one way or another, Invisible. I remember the first time I ever thought that.
I know so many teenage's who say: I'm not pretty enough, I'm too fat, etc. The list will go on. But for me, I'm happy with my self image. I am confident that I'm pretty and in good shape. I just have to look in the mirror and smile. (You're never fully dressed without a smile)
But I have always felt oblivious. I've always felt invisible.

But all over all I can see that I am the perfect image of a Wallflower

Wall flower definition:

• A person who, because of shyness, unpopularity, or lack of a partner,remains at the side at a party or dance.
• Any person that remains on or has been forced to the sidelines of any activity.

Honestly when I read the definition the other night, I threw my hands in the air and said "I'm a Wallflower!"

So that is a brief history on the current teenage life of Rachel Day. And that leads me to my point. I don't know if anyone realized that being invisible/oblivious, or being a wall flower has its rules, has its tricks.  But no one has ever wanted to learn how. Cause we always want to be better rather than worse. We all want to get to the top.  

So that leaves us Wallflowers standing there with all our talent in the art of oblivion. 

That leads me to the story (sorry guys... I could go on for days about this stuff)

What if one day, someone who was popular, everyone saw them, everyone knew them. Had to become invisible? They had to learn the arts of oblivion, and turned to the kid that no one really cared about, and they taught them how. 

I often think about this. I very often thinking about how I could show someone what it looks like in the world of wallflowers.

I came up with the title 10 minutes after coming up with the idea. Which is weird, cause it was like 10 minutes... But I love it, its perfect, its a very me title, 

So after my endless rambling about this new story idea, I shall tell you how and when this is going to be.
I am going to write How to be Invisible and Rule the World for camp NaNoWriMo. So for the next couple of weeks I will be outlining, and creating characters and plots (you know the drill) 

(P.s: Hope you like the cover, I made it myself.)

I also have a Pinterest board for it Book Ideas: How to be Invisible and Rule the World