Hey everyone,

Today I want to mention how writers NEED other writers. We are an unusual breed. When writing, we don’t want to be disturbed—ever. We get downright cranky when the words are flowing from our fingertips and then we get a phone call, a child needs a drink of water, the dog needs walking, and so on.

Week two of NaNoWriMo is over. So, how are you doing?  Outline, write a poem, germinate an idea while riding a train in England to eventually become a bestseller, or…. (gasp) nothing.

Yesterday, I had my bi-monthly meet-up with Ron Lovell, author and friend. And I have to say that my visits with the 85-year-old writer is the highlight of my month. He brings a unique perspective to the work, and while he too is a mystery writer, he was also a Professor of Journalism, so his style is straight-forward.

Although our writing styles are slightly different, he brings a refreshing point of view, pointing out things I didn’t think of. Do I use all his ideas? No. But do I listen and write them down? Definitely. In fact, I have learned over the last year to not dismiss anything he suggests, but instead consider, “How can I make his suggestions work in my novel?”  He is, after all, a reader.

Writing, for me, is the ultimate vacation – I can go anywhere, anytime (and without masks.) And it is a lot more inspirational and fun if you can take the journey with someone.

With NanNoWriMo – there is not just the pressure to write 50,000 words in one month. That alone is something that is overwhelming and has pushed many writers away from even looking at the site. But the site has so much more to offer.

For Example: if you do not have a group to meet with, or a writer friend to bounce ideas off of, then NaNo is a good place to start. They can connect you to local writers, called Write-ins. Or if that isn’t your style, you can visit the forum and perhaps find a writing “PenPal” that can help you for your writing life.

You NEED varied opinions on your writing. These people are your ALPHA and BETA readers—your SUPERFANS. 

I hear thunder so have to get writing before the power goes out.

Enjoy the day

Suz

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Write-ins and the Forum. Connecting with writers.

Excerpt From CHALLENGE ACCEPTED – Your NaNoWriMo Toolkit by Writers Digest

Hemingway wrote in cafés for a reason. Studies have shown that being surrounded by industrious strangers can increase focus and spur creativity.

That’s the purpose behind the write-ins organized by NaNo’s Municipal Liaisons. Write-ins—NaNoWriMo cafés, in effect—are gatherings where people write together, trade tips, and divulge war stories. The spirit is encouragement. The goal is empowerment.

“Other Wrimos are some of the most welcoming, enthusiastic people ever,” says Rebecca Leach, a writer from Austin, Texas. “Even if you’d rather not talk to anyone, you can still sit and write while surrounded by people who have the same crazy deadline and goal as you. Just being near other writers can provide a huge boost in motivation.” If you can’t make it to a write-in, you can join thousands of people in NaNoWriMo’s online forums.

Participants posted nearly a million comments last year on every imaginable writing topic. You can talk characterization in the Character Café, work out plot conundrums with Plot Doctoring tips, chat with folks writing in your genre, or even swap favorite writing tunes via NaNo Soundtracks.

“What job would best suit a fairy looking to pay her way through college?” Your NaNo peeps will answer your calls no matter what they are.