So it's the last week of NaNoWriMo, and I still have a long way to go. For those of you who don't know NaNoWriMo is National Novel Writing Month. I've never participated before, but having a self-imposed (or nationally imposed in this case) deadline can actually help the creative juices flow. I just guess I like to be on a really tight deadline. One month is not enough, let's try to write 50,000 words in ten days.
The thing is, I've probably written more than 50,000 words this month, between blogging, re-writing my other novel, and then starting my new novel. I'm at 25,000 words in the new novel, and I can't relate the topic on this site because it's R rated, or maybe even NC-17, okay, definitely NC-17.
I've also found during the writing process, I like to listen to the same song over and over again. The song of choice depends on my mood, but for my current project about two couples who become entangled in a web of lies and deceit that song is Hurt by Nine Inch Nails. Yes, I know a lot of you who actually know me are laughing now, because I'm so not a NIN fan, but there is just something about this song. I love the Johnny Cash version of the song too. Plus, the words relate to what's going on in my novel. I wonder if any other authors listen to songs on repeat, or am I just crazy? Regardless, I can't get enough of this song right now, and I wonder if the angst of the lead singer is coming out in my novel. I sure hope so!
Enough of that. I'm releasing Chapter 4 of The Devil Within on Wattpad tonight. If you haven't read it, then click on the link above to offer me your support. Wattpad allows writers to publish their work in pieces for others to read free. It's a great way to support fledgling authors, and for me I'm using it to, *hopefully*, build up an audience so when I release my e-book I at least have a few buyers. You can sign-up for Wattpad, favorite and comment. If you see any grammatical errors, please let me know. The Devil Within has not been edited by a professional, and I'm editing it as I go, but I don't always catch every little mistake. Plus, it's a rough draft, so there will definitely be mistakes out there.
I feel like this week, I've really made writing a priority. I still find it a struggle to balance everything: life, kids, work, writing, and exercising. When I'm writing I get so caught up in the world I've created that other things start to slide in level of importance, and I tend to feel guilty. Last night, I made it a point to lay in bed with the kids and talk to them about their weekend. I asked them what they were excited about in this upcoming week, and we had a nice chat. I need to find the balance to be able to write every day without feeling like I need to sprint, so I have more quality time with the kids on the weekend when we're all home together. I know this is something every author struggles with, especially at the beginning when you're having to, not only write, but market yourself and make a name for yourself so you can stand out from the millions of other aspiring artists. I'll get there one day.
Until then...Dream Big!
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With my novel "Viral Bound" it was 4 or 5 different songs on repeat where ever I went, because they related to the story. One stood out more than others though. Turn Turn Turn, by the Byrds. My, last book "ASH, Like a Tattoo" it was between two songs. Music is a huge influence on writing, even if it's just subconsciously. And, to answer your question. You write...therefore you must be at least a little crazy.
ReplyDeleteMaybe a little bit more than a little crazy! I agree about music being a huge influence. It's another driver of creativity, and I use it to inspire.
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