Why I'm Not Participating In NaNoWriMo...but maybe you should.

 

That time of year is fast approaching when ambitious writers padlock themselves in dark, soundproof rooms and slave over an unforgiving keyboard. If you're the least bit interested in becoming an author you've probably heard about National Novel Writing Month, a contest held every November. The idea is that you devote the entire 30 days in the month to writing a new novel of at least 50,000 - start to finish.

As their website states, NaNoWriMo is for anyone who has ever wanted to write a novel. It's a great push for those of us who have made every excuse in the book to finally start that work of a lifetime. Anyone who completes the 50,000 word count is considered a NaNo winner. Very few participants come out of this writing boot camp unscathed, but I've never heard someone regret the experience.

So why don't I participate in National Novel Writing Month?

It's simple. Because I'm always writing. In years past I could have joined the revolution and probably should have, but I didn't. Until the entirety of Onyx Moon was on paper, there was no way my mind could wrap around a fresh concept. And I won't lie. Back then I didn't have the drive and devotion that it takes to hide away from society and focus completely on writing for 30 days - even as amazing as that sounds now. Sigh.

Nowadays, I've always got a project or two going. Right now, I'm focusing on the second book in the Onyx Moon Trilogy while I'm waiting to get my the manuscript for my upcoming novel back from my editor. Then, it will be corrections and revisions non-stop until the deadline.

I don't want anyone to think I "disapprove" of NaNo just because I'm a writer and I've never done it. Yes, shame on me, but, I've never really needed it. The contest is a great motivation for people who need that kick in the pants to get started. Even if you don't win  --- look! You've actually gone through on your New Year's resolution and have a first draft of a novel! Or at least more than what you started with 30 days ago.

I'm just not one of those people who need it right now. Since I made the decision to devote my spare time to my stories, I haven't stopped. But if the time ever comes when November rolls around and I have an idea I'd like to start, you bet I'd jump on that wagon.

If you're thinking of signing up for NaNoWriMo, just know that it isn't easy completing an entire first draft in 30 days. Writer and blogger, Nicole Lautore, wrote a very informative post about the obstacles you're bound to face - and how to trudge through them - once you hit the "sign me up" button.

The Dirty Truth About NaNoWriMo

(found this on Pinterest) 

Writing Hangover

 

 

You other authors know what I'm talking about. Finishing the draft of a manuscript, sending it off, and then having that haze over you while you play the waiting game.

For like two days my I wandered around not knowing what to do with my strictly scheduled free time. It almost feels like the first day of summer vacation when you still feel like you have homework to do. One night the hubs lost his shift for his work from home job and was excited to make plans with me. I was like, "That would be nice, but if you're not hogging the computer I should really work on my...Oh wait..."

We had a pleasantly rare evening. We went out to eat at one of our favorite local places and played a card game while watching a movie after we put the kid to bed. The whole time I felt like there is something I should have been doing, writing wise.

Of course there is. There is always book stuff that needs to be done. I've come to accept that I will die without writing all the books that I need to write. Next on the to do list while I'm waiting to get my manuscript back is finishing Bloodstones, the second book in the Onyx Moon trilogy. I paused in the middle of the first draft to get Sigil in Shadow out before my head exploded. And of course, once you publish a book, you can never stop promoting.

And I will. I'll get back to all of that. But for now I think I just need a short sabbatical to rewire my brain. I'm still so rooted in the kingdom from Sigil in Shadow that it's hard to think of anything else; In the real world and in my head. The world of Alethia seems so out of reach. I see it, but it's just far away at the moment.

I just need a week or two in reality. I need to play outside with my daughter more now that the weather is becoming tolerable. And read more "gooks" to her, if that's even possible. My husband also deserves a little more attention. He's so patient and supportive of my need to write on a daily basis. He's given up a lot of game nights and set back watching "our" shows so that I can get things done on time.

I also need to reconnect with my friends. I am a terrible friend and I know it. A lot of times, instead of going out I'll think, "well, I really need to get X and Y done..." before you know it, my friends forget what my voice sounds like.

Don't worry, I'll still be reading and reviewing. I don't think I could ever quit that. I should have the next review up in less than a week. But for now, I'm going to take a few guilt-free naps and socialize a bit before I retreat back into my chaotic head for several months. 

BOOK TAKEOVER: Vera's Song

Hi! Remy Injay here, indie book reporter! Firstly, I'd like to thank Constance for letting me takeover her blog today for an interview! Today we're interviewing Ionan, a fire breathing, emerald green dragon who takes center stage in the second book in the Creatures of the Lands series, Vera's Song! Vera's Song comes out this Friday, June 10th. 

Thanks for being here today, Ionan. Can you tell us a little about the book?

It's different, this time around. In the first book my companions and I had to journey the realm in order to find a cure for a strange illness. Now my friend Kia's son has been kidnapped, and we must go beyond all reason in order to get him back.

This book is about your first love, Vera, correct?

Yes, that is what our sequel pertains to.

And? Details?

I'm not inclined to give any, at the moment. (Lets out a puff of smoke).

Darn! Okay, then tell us about your adventures. What can readers expect this time?

What else? Danger. Excitement. True love gone wrong for multiple couples, and a despicable creature out to destroy the Lands. Usual, I expect.

You sound rather grumpy today.

You cannot possibly imagine.

But this is your book!

Yes, it is my story, though not a particularly pleasant one all the way through. People died, you know. There's a fair bit of tragedy among the adventure. Not everyone gets their happy ending this time. Sacrifices had to be made for the greater good. The first book was lighter. Things are getting darker.

I see. And you're not inspired to tell us anything except for what's on the back?

I am a dragon. I do not meddle in the affairs of humans. 

Irritable reptile.

Did you expect anything different?

Okay, fine. In the first book, you participated in a great battle to save Kia's forest. Is this book going to be similar to last time?

Things involved more people in Book 1, but now all of our battles are on a much more personal scale. There's more to lose for all of us, if you can believe it. Our children are at stake, and the people who have them like to play mind games.  

Wait a second…if this is your story then why aren’t you on the cover?

Because dragons are expensive to make, you fool. I suppose none of you humans could catch me in all my scaled, green glory anyway.

Will you behave?

I do not know the meaning of the word.

You know we could call your rider, Keota, in here. He’ll put a stop to this.

…

That’s what I thought. Can you tell me a little about the book's antagonist, Wyntier? From your honest opinion?

I could tell you I want to rip him limb from limb until he goes out of this world screaming.

Ionan!

Well, you asked me to be honest. I am a fearsome creature, as you well know, and I don’t take well to people who try to destroy everything I hold dear. I don’t suppose anyone does, really. I’m certainly not going to sit down for tea and crumpets with him…that’s what you humans eat here, tea and crumpets? I’m sure that must be what the phrase is…

Fine, fine. What's the last thing you want to say to readers?

Expect the unexpected. Things aren't always what they appear in the Lands, and this time, enemies are lurking everywhere...even from within our circle of friends.

That's a wrap! Thanks again Ionan for showing up...

I really shouldn't have.

And make sure you grab a copy of Vera's Song, which can be found here at Amazon!

http://www.amazon.com/Veras-Song-Creatures-Lands-Book-ebook/dp/B010EBVBAW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1436368953&sr=8-1&keywords=vera%27s+song+natalie+erin

Blogger Spotlight: Kariny V.

 

Kariny is the host of Teen Boox Frenzy, a blog that reviews and promotes new and upcoming YA books. A full time student, she lives on a tropical island in the Indian Ocean. (Jealous!) She recently reviewed Onyx Moon on her gorgeous blog. Click to read the review here.

Tell us about your blog, Kariny's Teen Boox Frenzy.

Kariny's Boox Frenzy is dedicated to YA book reviews along with the occasional NA. I love helping new as well as old authors promote their books as much as possible to my readers!

 How did you get started as a book reviewer?

Well i started out posting reviews on Goodreads and i guess i just really wanted to create my own blog. The more i though about it, the less reason i saw not to do it! The process of creating your own little book haven is absolutely awesome! It wasn't long before i started getting subscribers and Netgalley approvals! The YA blogging world is really great and i've made so many new friends that share my passion for reading!

Where do you get most of the books you review?

The majority comes from authors contacting me for reviews and the rest from book tours and my own shopping spree!

Tell us about your hometown.

Well i live in a tropical island in the indian ocean-Mauritius. It's a wonderful place and a beautiful paradise! And the advantage is that the island is quite small so you can go and enjoy the beach every week and so on. It get really hot in summer and quite cold in winter. We often get cyclones so no school! I think personally, the only thing lacking in Mauritius is a WAY wider selection of YA books. 

If you had to pick one specific genre (basic genre/sub genre, example: urban fantasy, paranormal romance) to read for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

 

 Wow this is a really tough one! I might go with paranormal YA romance!

 

What do you do if you feel you have to give a bad review?

If the book is from an author then i let them know that i did not enjoy the book. I will not post my review if they don't want me to because that defies the point of a promotion. But i will review it and send my review to them only and not post it on my blog, so they can get healthy criticism-if they want. My reviews are always honest but i never bash the author. I also never not recommend a book because everyone has different taste and what i don't like might be someone's else's favorite! I do feel guilty at times if i have to write a bad review on a book i purchased but i will never lie on a review! I really feel bad when a book with a gorgeous cover has a less than stellar review :(

What makes a book deserve 5 stars?

I am quite picky about books deserving five stars. So basically they have to have substance, an interesting plot and a well-developed background. I love unexpected twists! I personally think that a book deserving five stars is any book that makes you feel. Whether it's irritation at the protagonist, anger, or excitement-except for boredom of course! Because as soon as a book can bring emotions out of you, you know that you're engrossed in it. If you didn't like it then you wouldn't really care about anything. The writing style is also pretty important. I love books with a melodious flow and not short brusque sentences devoid of emotion. Oh and every five star book of mine NEEDS a drool worthy YA book boyfriend!

What 3 things would you take with you to a deserted island?

MY KINDLE!!! A laptop and a never ending stock of fried rice! I drool over chinese food!

What do you do when you're not reading Are you planning on doing any writing in the future?

I have written a novel already with witches and Greek Mythology but I'm waiting till i get to university to get it published. There aren't many opportunities in Mauritius so another two years to go and hopefully I'll be an author! I'm also working on something with demons and faeries! Other than that i love to sketch and watch The Originals, TVD and Reign. The rest of the time it's spent revising and doing homework.

Thanks Kariny!

Check out her blog Kariny's Teen Boox Frenzy and follow her on Facebook for giveaways and all the latest on upcoming YA fiction.