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stygianpen · 7 months

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NaNoWriMo 2023: Your Toolkit for Success

*This blog is adapted from a YouTube script. Check out the video version at the end!

It is officially Preptober – the month where we gear up for the biggest writing month of the year: NOVEMBER! As we prepare for National Novel Writing Month, I want to discuss the ultimate toolkit to supercharge your writing process. So let’s get into it and make sure you're armed with everything you need for a successful writing season.

Outlining and Planning

As we are in Preptober, let’s start out with tools for outlining and planning. Personally - I’ll let you know right now, I am super basic with everything. I’ve experimented with various options but in the end I always wind up using a physical notebook and Microsoft Word. But, that may not be for you. If you’re looking for some digital tools which will help with your outlining and preparation process, I’ll point you in the direction of Evernote, Notion, and Asana.

Evernote is your go-to for organized writing. When you sign up you can sync across devices, and explore notes, notebooks, tags, and shortcuts. Notebooks, are like virtual binders, and you can add tags within them for easy searches, making shortcuts for quick access. To get writing all you need to do is click "New Note," add a title, and get creative. But, this is not just a text app! You can enhance notes with media, and if you're stuck, templates are available too. Evernote's search function is very well put together, and you can share your notes with others easily too.

As a multifaceted workspace, Notion consolidates essential elements like character profiles, plot outlines, and research details, eliminating the chaos of multiple open tabs. With embedded integrations and plugins, it integrates seamlessly with tools like Google Drive and Miro, fostering a comprehensive writing environment. You can also capitalize on Notion's flexibility to set goals, develop characters, plot stories, organize research, and track progress. The platform's versatility extends to creating marketing plans, managing drafts, and even storing sudden bursts of inspiration. Utilizing Notion's array of templates enhances efficiency, offering a tailored solution for you to build your literary world.

Lastly, our darkhorse - Asana. Generally this is a project management tool used with coworking teams. But, it’s an amazing tool for writers too! Create a project dedicated to your novel, subdividing it into sections like characters, plot points, and scenes. Each character can be assigned a task, detailing their development arc and key traits. Tasks within the plot points section help outline major events, ensuring a coherent narrative flow. Asana's task dependencies feature aids in establishing the sequence of events. The comments section can then act as a virtual brainstorming hub for collaborative ideas. With due dates and progress tracking, Asana transforms will make your plotting and outlining a very visual process, supporting organization and productivity.

Research and Reference

Now this is definitely going to be different for everyone. For me, I create a lot of fantasy worlds so my research is all over the place. In Synterra, I research the cities my main characters are from before traveling to Synterra, so this involved a fair amount of travel guides and Google Maps. I also researched mythical creatures in those areas to see which may appear to them. No matter what you’re writing you’re likely to have some sort of research worked in there even if it’s just scrolling Pinterest for visuals.

So yes I would absolutely recommend Pinterest. On the official NaNoWriMo website you can even link a Pinterest board associated with your project along with a Spotify playlist, which I find to be a lot of fun!

But if you’re getting more serious with your writing and are really worried about accuracy, Google Scholar is your gateway to academia. I plan to explore this tool quite a bit as I get further into writing Eternity, a series which often features ancient Rome and Egypt.

Honing Your Craft

So ideally during NaNoWriMo, you’re going to be honing your craft. Sure, there is a lot of speed drafting involved but you are still going to be building your creative ability. You’d be surprised at the brilliant sentences that can appear when you’re trying to get that perfect paragraph out in a 15 minute sprint.

If you’d like to buff up on some skill building before November hits, I always recommend -as does the NaNoWriMo organization itself - “Save the Cat” by Blake Snyder. Save the Cat offers a concise and insightful approach to storytelling using methods like the "beat sheet," which provides a structured framework for crafting engaging narratives. Emphasizing character likability and clear story arcs, the book will help you create compelling protagonists and engaging plots. It is really accessible and practical which makes it a great read for any writer no matter what level they’re at.

If you’re looking for grammar assists to help you out as you speed through your 50,000 words Grammarly is of course a great option, acting as your personal editor, catching those pesky grammar and spelling errors. Another option, though one you might want to wait on until the editing phase, is The Hemingway Editor. This web and desktop app steps in to improve your writing's readability by highlighting complex sentences. So, in many cases you’re going to wind up with a smaller word count… which is just not quite the goal during November.

Doing the Thing

When it comes to doing the thing, actually drafting your novel, we should talk about hardware and software. A good laptop tends to be the writer’s primary companion these days, but I’ve had friends who have made an attempt at using a typewriter through November, or even their phone! I could never. But, y’know, different strokes and all that.

If you have trouble with writing on a device that has internet but don’t want to give up your modern keyboard, you can look into the AlphaSmart word processor, FreeWrite e-ink screen and keyboard, or Pomera. And honestly, it can be nice to do some of your writing by hand in a notebook. Personally I find that more emotional scenes that I want to craft with real care come out better when I’m channeling my thoughts through a plain old, basic pen. Though, it can be fun to spice that up with a fountain pen.

No matter what you do choose, the best device is going to be the one that helps you to complete your NaNoWriMo with the least amount of technical stress!

Moving on to software.

Scrivener is really the heavyweight champion of writing software. It's not just a word processor; it's your personal writing command center. This versatile writing software provides robust tools for organization, research, and composition. With it, you can outline, draft, and edit within a single platform, arranging content in a flexible structure. With features like split-screen editing, research file integration, and character as well as plot organization, Scrivener aids in managing complex projects. It also facilitates seamless manuscript formatting and export options, enhancing the overall writing and editing process for novelists, academics, and other content creators.

Heads up however, the license does cost $84.99 Canadian.

So - you can also go with Microsoft Word and Google Docs, which is what I do. These options are straightforward, widely used and can handle all your basic writing and editing needs.

Keeping Yourself Honest

Time is of the essence during NaNoWriMo. Writing 50,000 words in one month and ideally having those 50,000 words tell a complete story from beginning to end, is a big ask. So you’re going to need to keep yourself honest and on schedule if you’re going to get it down. To start off, the NaNoWriMo website itself is something I just love. There’s a section where you can put your word count each day and it updates as you go, letting you know how much you have left to do as well as calculating how many words you will need to write per day to reach your goal.

For when you’re actually in the weeds, Pomodone, a Pomodoro timer app, ensures your writing sprints are focused and productive.The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method based on 25-minute stretches of focused work broken by five-minute breaks. Longer breaks, typically 15 to 30 minutes, are taken after four consecutive work intervals.

Personally, I don’t really work this way unless I am doing sprints with other writers but I know many have found it quite useful to get themselves into work mode. And of course, if you’re looking for a community to sprint with you should join my Discord server where we’ll be sprinting Tuesday nights.

Writing buddies are will be your real secret weapon for motivation.

Protect Your Progress

I have been asked by more than one person what my backup method is. It seems many of us are out there trying to figure out THE ANSWER, but I don’t think there is really one solid answer. Certainly, Drive and Cloud are out there and they are the most obvious answers. Also, external hard drives. But in the end, personally, and from what I gather from others, it all is about your personal level of paranoia.

For me, I had a bad experience with drive once where I was saving the same file for months and then one day - poof - it was gone. I just don’t trust the cloud. And, though I know this is a form of the cloud as well, I do a lot of emailing of my work to myself. It’s a bit messy but somehow it’s comforting for me. Also, I work between a desktop as well as a laptop computer so I need to be able to access the same document on each and… prefer to email back and forth rather than having a cloud document.

Don’t Forget Self Care

Writing can be a solitary journey, but it doesn't have to be. Join the NaNoWriMo website for resources, forums, and writing buddies. Get into Reddit communities like r/writing and r/nanowrimo for advice and support. And don't forget the vibrant writing communities that exist on Discord. As I mentioned, there’s mine - but there are others as well. I’ve never come across one that was not super welcoming, it’s just really about finding the one that feels most like home for you.

Writing is a marathon, not a sprint. Even though we sometimes do sprint. Keep the caffeine or tea flowing for those late-night sessions. Invest in ergonomic furniture for physical comfort during long writing stints. And don't forget to stretch—both your body and your imagination. Your health is just as important as your word count. By getting up and moving around for at least 5-10 minutes every hour, you can improve circulation, reduce muscle stiffness, and lower the risk of chronic health conditions. Try setting a timer on your phone to remember!

Last but not least, I always stress how important it is to celebrate, even small victories. While NaNoWriMo is a project with a very large goal which we all want to “win”, keep in mind that participating in any way is a win. If you can get yourself writing more than you were prior and start building a routine, you’re doing great even if you don’t reach those 50k words or finish the first draft of your novel. You have made a start and that’s important. Be sure to reward yourself and mark milestones. I like to vlog and check in with myself weekly to really acknowledge what I’ve done in the past 7 days and when I wrap up the month I always have a glass of champagne!

Remember, this toolkit is a guide, not a rulebook. Tailor it to fit your unique writing style and needs. NaNoWriMo is all about dedication and discipline, so find the tools that work best for you and let your creativity flow. Happy writing, and I'll see you in the next chapter!

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#creative writing #writing #writer #writing community #writing advice #writing tips #new author #writing help #writing resources #writing tips and tricks #nanowrimo ml #nanowrimo #nanowrimo tips #nanowrimo coach #preptober #Youtube

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stygianpen · 10 months

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Finding Inspiration in Everyday Life

Discovering the Extraordinary in Mundanity

In every breath, every leaf's gentle sway, lies a tale waiting to blossom, a muse's delicate display

Amidst time’s ceaseless flow, the seeker of tales experiences a yearning; a longing to explore and bestow. As a writer’s ink dances across the page, we delve into the vastness of life’s grand design; crafting stories from whispers and making the ordinary shine. The physical page may confine our words to its boarders but its that inspiration which weaves its ethereal role where every moment becomes a glimmer waiting to spark beneath our eyes. So, dear reader, today we are going to have a chat about finding inspiration in everyday life.

The Beauty in Simplicity

In the realm of simplicity, lies a profound beauty often overlooked. Amidst the rush and clamor of daily life, we often forget to appreciate the extraordinary moments hidden within the mundane. Yet, it is within the gentlest of gestures, the subtlest of sights, and the quietest of sounds where inspiration waits patiently to be discovered.

When we shift our perspective and attune our senses to the present, we can unlock the potential to unearth new concepts in the simplest of things. The delicate flutter of a butterfly's wings, the soothing rhythm of raindrops on a windowsill, or the familiar embrace of a loved one—these are the moments that hold immeasurable significance.

By recognizing the beauty in simplicity, we can invite a sense of awe and wonder into our lives. We awaken to the profound interconnectedness of all things and open ourselves to the infinite possibilities that lie within the ordinary. So let us pause, breathe, and allow the world around us to inspire and ignite our creative spirits. In the whispers of simplicity, we shall find the extraordinary.

The Poetry of Nature

Nature's poetic allure unveils itself to those who truly immerse themselves in it. Its rhythmic symphony and mesmerizing patterns feed our creative spirits. We witness delicate ferns mirroring celestial spirals, revealing the unfathomable interconnectedness of everything in our world. Nature's vibrant palette paints vivid pictures in our minds, fueling the drive to create.

Beyond visuals, nature engulfs us in a sensory feast. Fragrances of blossoms, symphonies of birdsong, and the caress of grass evoke profound emotions. Awe, serenity, and primal connection intertwine in the enchanting realm that exists outside our door.

In this poetic realm, we find solace and limitless potential for creative growth. Nature's language transcends words, inviting us to listen, interpret, and let it guide our creative endeavors. As we open ourselves to its wonders, we become avid listeners, allowing for a timeless beauty to permeate our souls and shape our artistic expressions.

By spending time in nature as often as possible, you won't only nourish your ability to write about natural environments, but you'll hone all your senses to better pick up on the world around you.

Human Stories: Portraits of Inspiration

Human connection is a tapestry of inspiration, where stories intertwine and breathe life into our creative souls. Each tale holds the power to captivate and illuminate, inviting us to explore the vast spectrum of human experiences and emotions.

Diverse and profound, these stories fuel our imagination. From the depths of sorrow to the heights of joy, they stir within us a kaleidoscope of feelings. They inspire empathy, curiosity, and introspection, urging us to explore the human condition in all its complexities.

Personal encounters bear witness to the transformative nature of human stories. The chance meeting that altered the course of a life, the shared laughter that transcended barriers, or the wisdom gained from a stranger's words—each interaction enriches our understanding of ourselves and others.

While writing can seem a very solitary task and many of us avoid overly-social situations, it's still important to maintain our connection with humanity, whether that's peering into one another's lives through the computer screen or getting out into the world and truly immersing ourselves in humanity.

Carving Out Time: Cultivating an Inspired Writing Practice

As we carve out time to cultivate an inspired writing practice, let us welcome the world as our muse. In the tapestry of daily life, inspiration awaits us at every turn, ready to whisper its secrets and ignite our creative flames. It is in the rustling of autumn leaves, the laughter of children, and the serenity of a sunrise that stories come alive.

It can be hard to find time to seek out that which sets our mind ablaze. Many of us simply let it come to us. But we need not be passive participants! Here are some tips for finding new inspiration in your life:

Incorporating inspiration into a writing routine:

Set aside dedicated time for writing, creating a sacred space for your craft.

Engage in activities that nourish your creative spirit, such as reading, exploring art, or practicing mindfulness.

Arm yourself with the power of rituals, like journaling or taking nature walks, to exercise your mind before each writing session.

Actively seeking inspiration in daily life:

Cultivate a sense of curiosity and wonder, observing the world around you with fresh eyes.

Seek out new experiences, whether it's visiting unfamiliar places or engaging in conversations with diverse individuals.

Find comfort in solitude and introspection, allowing the quiet moments to reveal insights and spark creativity.

The importance of perseverance and discipline:

Observe the ebb and flow of the creative muse, understanding that it may come and go.

Commit to a writing schedule, showing up consistently to hone your craft.

Embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth

So, fellow writers, venture forth with open hearts and eyes, for inspiration hides in the ordinary and extraordinary alike. Seek it in the melodies of city streets and the symphony of nature's song. Find beauty in both the moments of solitude and the vibrant chaos of human connections. Through perseverance and disciplined dedication, let your pen dance upon the page, breathing life into the stories that reside within you.

In the pursuit of inspiration, may your writing practice be a journey of self-discovery and wonder. May it be a testament to the beauty that lies in carving out time for your craft. And may the words you weave inspire others, for there is a world waiting to be explored through your unique lens!

#writing #writing community #creative writing #new author #writing help #writing tips #writing advice #writing resources #writing tips and tricks #inspiration #beauty #poetry #writing challenge #grow as a writer

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stygianpen · 11 months

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When Is a Book Ready to Query?

So you've written your book, and you're ready to take the literary world by storm. You've been daydreaming for months, maybe even years, imagining the thrill of seeing your words in print, captivating readers and stirring emotions with every turn of the page... but you still have one more hurdle.

The query process.

The querying process, dear writers, is a rollercoaster ride of excitement and anticipation - and sometimes sheer terror. Because of this, it's vital to gauge when your manuscript is truly prepared for the process. In this brief introduction, I'll chat about the importance of readiness and the key indicators that signify your manuscript is poised for querying success. Ready? Let's go.

Polished Writing and Editing

When preparing your book for the query process, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to showcase strong writing skills encompassing proper grammar, syntax, and sentence structure. It is not uncommon for new authors to assume that the bulk of editing gets done once a publisher takes hold of their book, but that is not the case.

These elements contribute significantly to creating a polished and professional manuscript that captivates agents and publishers, so should be established before you send that first letter.

Additionally, thorough editing, revising, and proofreading are essential to eliminate any errors or inconsistencies, ensuring a seamless reading experience.

Last but not least, consider seeking feedback from beta readers or critique partners as it can immensely enhance the overall quality of your manuscript, through valuable insights and constructive criticism, refining your work to its fullest potential.

Always remember: Constructive criticism is your friend, NOT your foe!

Cohesive Plot and Engaging Storytelling

Your future readers want a book with a captivating plot that holds their attention from start to finish. A well-structured narrative with compelling conflicts and twists keeps readers eagerly turning pages and ensures their engagement throughout.

Focus on creating well-defined characters to add depth and relatability to the story. This will allow readers to connect with the characters on an emotional level which is SUPER important when it comes to their enjoyment of your story. And let's not forget about creating a fleshed-out world for your characters to exist in.

Finally, a satisfying resolution will bring closure to the narrative, leaving readers with a sense of fulfillment. Alternately? You can work with cliffhangers to build interest in future stories within your novel's universe.

With in your plot, character creation and world building, incorporate vivid imagery, skillful pacing, and a unique narrative voice. By going the extra mile in these areas you'll be more like to capture the interest of literary agents or publishers, but showcasing your talent and ability to create an immersive world, standing out in the extremely competitive literary market.

Market Awareness and Genre Fit

Do you know your genre? How about your target market? Knowing the intended readership and the conventions of the genre will allow you to tailor your work to meet the expectations and preferences of literary agents or publishers.

This may be something you push against for fear of it taking away your unique story or voice, but if you are pitching your work to traditional publishers, you're going to need to pay attention to the market and your genre.

By researching current trends and successful books within your genre, you can aligning your manuscript with these trends and incorporate elements that have proven successful, increasing your chances of capturing the interest of industry professionals.

You may even find a publisher during this process who has published works similar to yours, putting them at the top of your query list!

It is of course still important to strike a balance between originality and familiarity, ensuring that your manuscript stands out while still meeting the market's expectations.

Professional Formatting and Presentation

One of the more frustrating parts of querying your novel is the need to adhere to the unique requests of each publisher and literary agent you reach out to. Thankfully, there are some basic elements you can prepare to make it a bit easier on yourself. Before querying, be sure to have the following ready:

Your pitch

The synopsis of your novel

The outline of your query letter (to be tweaked for each target)

An author biography

The goal here is to ensure that your manuscript is presented in a consistent and polished manner, while being personalized to your chosen publisher or agent's requests. Let's use "Publisher 1" and "Publisher 2" to see what these differences could look like:

Publisher 1

When sending your submission, please write your query letter in the body of the email and attach the first 10 pages of your novel.

Publisher 2

All submissions must be sent via email and all items must be included in the body. Include the following:

A 150-word author biography and social links

Your story pitch

The synopsis of your novel

It is essential to carefully follow the submission guidelines provided by literary agents or publishing houses. Each agent or publisher will have other specific requirements, such as preferred file formats, word counts, or specific information they want to see in a query. Respecting and adhering to these guidelines shows respect for the industry professionals' time and increases the chances of the manuscript receiving a fair evaluation.

If you're not ready to really work on getting it right when sending your queries, you are not yet ready to query.

Confidence and Self-Assessment

Last but certainly not least, when you're trying to assess if you're ready to query. It's you who is going to really determine the answer to that question. Ask yourself these questions right now:

-Do YOU feel that your book is polished? -Do YOU feel that your book best represents the work you can produce? -Do YOU feel confident in the quality of your manuscript? -Are you prepared to send out at least 100 query letters and deal with 99 rejections?

That last one is as real as it's going to get. Because of this, it's important that not just your manuscript, but you yourself are ready to embark on the query process. If you don't think your ego can handle rejection at this point in your career (and I mean that in the kindest way possible!), then you are only going to hurt yourself.

Start by requesting external perspectives. Seek feedback from writing communities, friends, and even strangers online. Receive some criticism and get used to it. Once you've waded in the shallow end for awhile, you'll be ready to dive into the deep end of querying.

Final Thoughts

Embarking on the journey to publication requires persistence, patience, and unwavering belief in your work. Remember that the querying process may have its ups and downs, but don't let rejections discourage you. Stay confident in the quality of your manuscript and seek feedback to refine it further. Embrace the power of constructive criticism and use it to fuel your growth as a writer. With each rejection, you're one step closer to finding the right fit. So keep going, keep querying, and never lose sight of your dreams. Your words deserve to be shared with the world.

Best of luck on your publishing journey!

(Oh and hey, if you'd like to send me a query, I'm a great person to start with!)

#writing #writing community #creative writing #new author #writing help #writing tips #writing advice #writing resources #writing tips and tricks #query letter #how to query #find a publisher #find an agent #get published

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stygianpen · 1 year

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How to Write a Short Story | Part One - Getting Started!

#writing community #writingtips #writing advice #writing #writer #writer things #authors #short story #how to write #discord comunity #learn to write #learn writing #aspiring author #aspiring writer #Youtube

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stygianpen · 1 year

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Want some more insight where world building is concerned? Join authors Holly Rhiannon and Bonsart Bokel to learn more!

#Writing #writingcommunity #creativewriting #newauthor #writinghelp #writingtips #writingadvice #writingresources #writingtipsandtricks #editing #selfpublishing #Bonsartbokel #Association of Ishtar

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stygianpen · 1 year

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SO you want to write a novel | Reading your novel for the first time

#writing community #writingtips #writing advice #writing #writer #writer things #authors #Youtube

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stygianpen · 1 year

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Submission Fees in Publishing

"$5 to submit my work with no guarantee? No way!"

If you've been pounding the pavement trying to get your written works out into the world, you have no doubt come across the dreaded pre-acceptance, or submission fees!

While I always knew they were out there, I personally came into direct contact with them when I joined Submittable. There, you can filter by "no fee", buuut generally some posts with fee requests will slip in. This is likely because most opportunities on Submittable come with a pre-acceptance fee. And this is not a predicament unique to Submittable.

So why is this a thing? Why do collections and blogs and anthologies and magazines see it as OK to charge a submission fee and get away with it, when otherwise the literary world says to NEVER pay to be published?

Community Works are not Traditional Publishing

When you take a look at the publications which charge for submissions you're going to see that they're largely split into one of two categories.

Prestige works

Community works

In the case of a prestige work, your submission, should it be selected, will be showcased among the works of more prominent writers. Because of this, the anthology creators want to sift out the best-of-the-best; those who are the MOST dedicated to putting their all into their submission. This decreases the amount of reading they have to do, and increases the likelihood that they receive works writers have truly put their heart and soul into.

In the case of a community work, your submission is a part of something larger. While the creators of the publication are managing the project, they generally are not profiting from it; and if they are it's probably not by much. The fees they receive are to push forward a passion project and those funds go directly into publishing said work.

In both cases, should you be selected, I have yet to see a situation in which you will not receive an honorarium and a comp of the publication you're a part of.

Never Pay for Publishing

Because of this, one can pay to be a part of a magazine or collected work and still disagree to paying a traditional publisher to release their full manuscript.

Like with my past work discussing exposure, these are not black and white topics and need to be explored on a case-by-case basis.

If you're submitting work to a collection that looks suspicious and is asking you for a hefty fee with no good reason to back it up - don't pay it.

As writers on the internet it's important that we vet every opportunity to the best of our ability. Reach out the publication directly and get them to clarify down to the last detail! Ask your fellow community members if you're uncertain! I'm sure I speak for most of us when I say we're here to help.

Stay Safe out There

If you see a fee on a publication, don't feel bad about wanting to do your research and get more info. Due diligence is key.

A legitimate prestige publisher or community coordinator will always be happy to take the time to ensure you're comfortable with being a part of their work.

If they don't want to take the time? There are plenty of fish in the publishing sea.

#writing community #writingtips #writing advice #writing #writer #writer things #publishing #book publishing #publication #self publishing #authors #submission fees #anthology #publishing advice #publishing tips #publishing industry

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stygianpen · 1 year

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Happy New Year! | The Stygian Collection | AuthorTube Anthology

Are you a writer who also happens to post videos on YouTube? We want YOU to submit your story for your anthology!

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#authortube #youtube #writing community #indie publishing #hybrid publishing #get published #anthology #Stygian Society #Holly Rhiannon #Pae Veo #Youtube

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stygianpen · 1 year

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Reflections on NaNoWriMo

A four-time winner and Municipal Liaison's perspective

Tackling your first NaNoWriMo

I participated in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) for the first time in November 2020. The panini was in full swing and I thought it was as good a time as any to try writing 50,000 words in the span of a month. I combined this with starting my YouTube channel as a way to produce regular content and keep myself accountable.

For anyone who has not participated in NaNoWriMo before, this might seem a little crazy. And it DID seem a little crazy to me as I was planning it. I thought - no I knew - at that point, that I was not going to succeed. In fact, I didn't think I was going to succeed at keeping my YouTube channel up either.

Yet, I plunged headlong into the world of NaNoWriMo, did my weekly progress vlogs and somehow I not only persevered but I won NaNoWriMo! To win novel month, you must write 50,000 words in 30 days and in doing so, complete the first draft of a novel.

There were days where I struggled to get those paragraphs out and days where I couldn't write at all, but in the end, I did it. And my channel did indeed help me to stay accountable! I didn't build a massive following in that first year, and I still have not built anything anyone would call massive, but I have grown a small and dedicated, supportive community which I am endlessly thankful for.

When tackling your first NaNoWriMo, it's totally natural to worry about whether you're going to win and to assume you're not going to.

But the thing is, you never know what you can do until you try.

Winning NaNoWriMo

So how do you WIN NaNoWriMo? What did I learn from my experience?

I think the key is community.

When you come up with a goal, it's one thing to decide on it internally, but if you really put it out into the world and bring others on board with it, your chances of achieving that goal increase tenfold.

Writing is generally a solitary task and I, as an introvert, like it that way. Most of the time. But there's something about finding your writing community that really keeps you going through the toughest days.

That first year, not only did I launch my YouTube channel but I set up an account on the NaNoWriMo site, and joined my local chapter there as well as on Facebook. I attended chapter Zoom write-ins and even tried my hand at hosting a couple of my own.

I've got to say, that word tracker on the NaNo site also kept me going. I'm a sucker for completing tasks and inputting data and that gave me the exact brand of satisfaction I was looking for at the end of each writing session.

Getting more involved with your writing community

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed writing with others after that first year. At the end of NaNoWriMo I wanted to keep that up and I knew I wanted to be involved in a bigger way when November 2021 rolled around.

So, I kept my writing channel up. I kept doing my best to help other authors. I pushed my #writingcommunity Twitter. I started a Discord server. And, by November 2021 I was acting as an assistant ML on a trial basis with my local chapter.

Writing events were once again hosted fully on Zoom that year, and I got to host a few of them. I came up with creative ideas, worked with my other MLs and got prizes together. It was a ton of fun!

So, by 2022 I sent in my application and became an official ML. With this role, I did my best to create quality content for Preptober on my YouTube channel and had quite the jump in subscribers and Discord members.

Over three years of NaNoWriMo, I can safely say that I have not only changed my writing life but I've been able to touch the lives of others who want to write more and that means so much more than I can even say.

Keep it going and write every day

Novel writing is not something I just do during November. If you're a writer, it'll be the same for you. November is a great month to push forward and really hammer that work out. But for most of us, the real challenge comes in keeping up that momentum and writing as much as you can for the rest of the year.

How do you do it?

Well, think about what you did through NaNoWriMo. What helped you the most? Employ those tactics year-round. Maybe you're not going to have an international challenge to keep you honest but there are things you can do to maintain that energy.

Create your own challenges, whether they last a day, a week, a month, or an entire year.

Find a community where you can help one another. Discord is amazing for this and I'd be happy to welcome you into mine!

Participate in Camp WriMo. These are smaller and less strict NaNoWriMo events that take place in April and July.

If you still consider yourself to be an "aspiring writer" (which, I believe, is not something that exists - if you write, you are a writer!) and are concerned about diving into NaNoWriMo or a writing community, you can always look for one on one coaching that will help ease you into things.

I just so happen to offer this service... all year 'round! So reach out any time. I don't bite, and I'm very much looking forward to helping you fulfill your authoring dreams.

Contact me now ❤

#nanowrimo #nanowrimo ml #nanowrimo tips #writing coach #nanowrimo coach #writing community #discord community #writing #creative writing #new author #writing help #writing tips #writing advice #writing resources #writing tips and tricks

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stygianpen · 1 year

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Reading "Oil Painting" at Encore Books in Montreal this past Sunday for the second edition of Stygian Caravan!

#Holly Rhiannon #reading #montreal author #montreal writer #spoken word #creative writing #literature

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stygianpen · 1 year

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I don’t know who needs to hear this, but modern guns won’t go off when dropped.

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stygianpen · 1 year

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The art of tattooing is centuries old, yet we continue to make new discoveries of ancient tattoos! From Austria to Siberia to Tennessee USA, people around the world have decorated their bodies with art.

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stygianpen · 1 year

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Low level/continuous pain tips for writing

Want to avoid the action movie effect and make your character’s injuries have realistic lasting impacts? Have a sick character you’re using as hurt/comfort fodder? Everyone has tips for how to write Dramatic Intense Agony, but the smaller human details of lasting or low-level discomfort are rarely written in. Here are a few pain mannerisms I like to use as reference:

General

Continuously gritted teeth (may cause headaches or additional jaw pain over time)

Irritability, increased sensitivity to lights, sounds, etc

Repetitive movements (fidgeting, unable to sit still, slight rocking or other habitual movement to self-soothe)

Soft groaning or whimpering, when pain increases or when others aren’t around

Heavier breathing, panting, may be deeper or shallower than normal

Moving less quickly, resistant to unnecessary movement

Itching in the case of healing wounds

Subconsciously hunching around the pain (eg. slumped shoulders or bad posture for gut pain)

Using a hand to steady themself when walking past walls, counters, etc (also applies to illness)

Narration-wise: may not notice the pain was there until it’s gone because they got so used to it, or may not realize how bad it was until it gets better

May stop mentioning it outright to other people unless they specifically ask or the pain increases

Limb pain

Subtly leaning on surfaces whenever possible to take weight off foot/leg pain

Rubbing sore spots while thinking or resting

Wincing and switching to using other limb frequently (new/forgettable pain) or developed habit of using non dominant limb for tasks (constant/long term pain)

Propping leg up when sitting to reduce inflammation

Holding arm closer to body/moving it less

Moving differently to avoid bending joints (eg. bending at the waist instead of the knees to pick something up)

Nausea/fever/non-pain discomfort

Many of the same things as above (groaning, leaning, differences in movement)

May avoid sudden movements or turning head for nausea

Urge to press up against cold surfaces for fever

Glazed eyes, fixed stare, may take longer to process words or get their attention

Shivering, shaking, loss of fine motor control

If you have any more details that you personally use to bring characters to life in these situations, I’d love to hear them! I’m always looking for ways to make my guys suffer more write people with more realism :)

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stygianpen · 1 year

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Advice from an (Amateur) Archer on Writing About Archers and Archery

Admittedly, I don’t have the widest range of experience when it’s come to archery. I’ve only been shooting for a year now, and the time that I do take to shoot have long months between them. Still, I think it’s important to outline the basics for anyone who wants to write an archer in their book and wants to save themselves the embarrassment of having the archer do something that an archer would never do in a million years.

- Archers usually unstring their bow after battle. Unstringing a bow is exactly what it sounds like: removing the string from the bow’s limbs. Usually, archers then wrap the string around the now-straightened bow so they don’t lose it as easily. Archers unstring bows because everytime the limbs are bent by the string, there is a large amount of tension in the limbs. If the string is on too long and the bow has not been shot for a while, the limbs will start to wear down and lose their power, resulting in an archer needing to buy new limbs or an entirely new bow.

- Archers always retrieve their arrows after battle. Arrows are expensive and take a long time to make, so archers want to conserve as many arrows as possible. Sometimes they have a repair kit with them at the ready, in case they find an arrow with a loose arrowhead or broken fletching that can easily be repaired.

- Training arrows are not the same as battle arrows. Training arrows have thinner shafts and usually blunted tips so they can easily be removed from targets. Thinner shafts break more easily, and the blunted tips – whilst they can pierce skin – usually won’t get very far in the flesh. They’re also easier to make. Battle arrows are thicker, and their heads are pointed at the tip and have two pointed ends at its sides. This arrowhead is designed to easily pierce through flesh, and is incredibly difficult to pull out because its two pointed ends snag onto flesh. If you want to pull it out, you’d have to tear the flesh away with it, which can lead to an even larger wound.

- Arrows are fatal, and one can incapacitate a soldier for the rest of his life. Arrows are not easily snapped off like you see in movies. The draw weight is too strong, and they can sometimes be as strong as bullets. They will pierce through bone and tendons, which do not easily heal. Furthermore, if you want to remove an arrow, you either have to go through surgery, parting the flesh away from the arrowhead so it doesn’t snag onto anything, or you have you push – not pull – it all the way through the body.

- Bows are not designed for hitting people with in close combat. The limbs are specifically made to flex. Imagine hitting someone with a flexing piece of wood. If you hit with the middle of the bow, it still does very little because there is no weight behind the bow, and so you might as well be hitting them with a pillow. It might be annoying to the opponent, but it won’t save you. Archers need a secondary blade in close combat. They cannot strike people with their bows and expect to win.

- Draw weight affects speed, range, and impact. Draw weight is measured in pounds, at least in America, and it is measured in how much weight must be pulled when you draw back the string. A high draw weight means stiffer, thicker limbs that can shoot further and hit harder. But, this is at the cost of speed. A low draw weight means thinner, more flexible limbs that can shoot smaller distances and have low impact, but can be shot faster. Before you acrobatic fanatics immediately seize the smaller bow for its speed, understand that a bow’s advantage is in its range. No one can hit an archer from 300 meters away with their spear or sword. The archer has complete dominance over the battlefield in this way, and their arrows can kill anyone who gets too close. Not hurt. Not annoy. Kill. And a higher draw weight means a better chance of piercing through specific armor, then flesh, then bone. A lower draw weight means less range and, even worse, a lower chance that the arrow would even pierce through armor if the arrow even hits its target.

- Bows will always be outmatched in close combat against any other weapon. Bows take too long to draw and shoot, and at such close range, the opponent has an easier chance to dodge oncoming arrows. I already explained that the bows themselves cannot be used to take down a foe.

- Bowmen on horseback are utterly terrifying. Archers usually can’t move from their spot because range is more important than mobility, and at such a long range, you usually don’t need to move from your spot anyways. Bowmen on horses, however, are closer to the battle, and worse, they are faster than almost anyone on the battlefield. Not only are they difficult to hit, you have no way of predicting where they will shoot next because they can circle around you in confusing ways. If you want an interesting archer character, I’d advise trying these guys out.

- Never underestimate armor and padding. Arrows will never be able to pierce through plate armor because its curved surface will always deflect oncoming arrows. Arrows can pierce through maille because maille is made out of metal rings that can be bent and can fall away. However, padding usually lies underneath, which is surprisingly durable and can stop an oncoming arrow, as well as absorb some of its impact. Because of this, make certain that the archer is focusing on gabs in the armor. To know this, you MUST study armor. Gabs usually lie where the joints are because soldiers need those gabs open so they can move. Typical gaps lie in the neck, the armpit, the inner-elbow, the knees, and the palm of the hand. Impact is also an archer’s friend. A war arrow shot by a hundred pound bow, hurtling at incredible speeds and gaining momentum the further it travels, can evoke serious damage. To be hit by one of these arrows will feel more like being hit by a horse than being hit by someone’s fist.

#writingtips #writingcommunity

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stygianpen · 1 year

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EXPOSURE: Dirty word or selling secret?

Today I want to have a little conversation about something I’ve been thinking on a lot over the years. Today we’re going to talk about…

EXPOSURE.

What is it that first comes to your mind when you think of the word? For someone who doesn’t work in a creative field they probably think of a range of images generally all involving nudity or the great outdoors or both. But for someone who does work in a creative field… I bet ya cringed a little when I said it, right?

The artist’s outlook on exposure can be summed up quite well with these memes and comics

Friends and Family

If you are an artist (and yes, writers are artists) and a friend or family member — because come on, that’s usually how this first happens — asks you to create something for them for free and follows that up with a “you’d be doing this anyway right?” or a “If someone asks, I’ll tell them you did it!” — let’s get this out of the way right now. Don’t do it.

Friends and family members are the hardest people to say no to but it’s the most valuable thing you can learn to do as an artist. Do you want to create something for them for a holiday or birthday gift? Then do it! But it should be completely of your own volition and you should get enjoyment out of it. Because that gift is not likely to be an investment in your professional creative future.

Friend and family discounts? A bit better but still not a good idea, as it sets a precedent that you can be bartered with. Even worse, that you can get by on less, and by that logic, it builds the assumption that other artists plying their trade can get by on less than they’re saying up-front. It’s just not a good image to put across for you and everyone else.

Set your prices and stick to them

After all, your friends and family should have a high enough level of respect for you that they will pay those rates.

So — exposure. Exposure has become the dirtiest word in art and literary spaces, and given what I just said I’m sure you’d assume I’m on board with that . . .

BUT is it actually so terrible?

It can be. But what we’ve lost sight of in this age of black and white immovable opinions is that there are different degrees of exposure. Different types, and different results that you’ll get out of said exposure. Exposure on its own isn’t always so bad, but it’s the quality of that exposure that you want to analyze when considering an offer.

I’ll give you a couple more examples to clarify. I’ve already brought up friends and family who want free commissions. That’s 9/10 times going to be a no.

Nine out of ten you say now? Well, what if that friend or family member wants to display that commission at their home where they regularly host let’s say- big charity galas with high rolling donors. Now THAT is good exposure. See? We’re already in a grey area.

Next we’ll look at big companies

Total transparency here — I myself in my day job work for a large company. What do I do? For the past year I’ve been reaching out to writers and seeing if they’d like to sign up and join our beta program where they can post their works either for fun, or for — you guessed it — free marketing. This puts me in a unique position as someone who has worked as an artist and writer for well over two decades and is now on the other side of the fence as well.

If a big company comes to you as an artist or writer and says, “Hey, post this stuff on our site for free” you’re probably going to be offended if you don’t do any research. They’re a big wealthy company and they’re not offering you money for the work you put your blood sweat and tears into? How dare they.

But wait — what is the scope for exposure?

If this type of opportunity presents itself to you my recommendation would be to look into it. Find out what their traffic is like and find out what the monetary value is that they are offering you in translation to marketing. Because if you’ve ever looked into marketing online it can get expensive fast. Personally, if someone wanted to give me free ad space in a prime spot, on a site that gets 20 million hits a day, I’m going to take it, because that’s worth it.

(Look for future blogs where I go further with this and talk about what you should look for within contractual agreements in sharing your work with the world, what you need to keep an eye out for when it comes to your rights, etc.)

The thing with always turning down exposure instinctively without doing your research or giving it a second thought, is that you can really miss a lot of opportunities for marketing and networking and community building. I’ve seen a lot of people remain in this sort of unadventurous state, and it never takes them anywhere. It tends to just result in a whole lot of angry ranting on Twitter and that’s not constructive for anyone.

Speaking of Twitter and social media in general…

Love it or hate it, we live in a time where THE FOLLOWING matters. The following is important to the point where some agents won’t take you on unless you’ve already got one. Seems backwards? Maybe. My first instinct is to dislike it because a following does not necessarily equal talent.

But I can see both sides of it. The following is out there and why wouldn’t they consider it? It shows them you’re a good bet.

Not only do you have a track record of people liking you but if you’ve put that effort into self-marketing already and they can see the investment you’ve made in yourself as a business, not just a casual creator.

And we could of course get into the whole capitalism, self-expression, larger picture here, but for the sake of brevity we’re just accepting the world as it is in this moment ok? OK.

Before I wrap this up

Let me just pose some questions here for you to think on.

If you actively use social media, you are already supporting exposure by being in a writing community on those platforms. Writers lift anyone?

It’s because you feel more in control of it right?

But really, a company is in charge of your social media — without them you wouldn’t have a page.

It’s all about value exchange

If you want to make a living as an artist or writer in this day and age you arguably have to put in more work than ever. Which is funny when you see how quickly some content creators can just blow up out of nowhere. But that’s not something one can rely on happening because as obvious and out there as these people are, they are rare within the world’s entire population.

The point is, be cautious, but also be logical and do your research to find out if the exposure is good or bad. Take control over yourself as a marketable entity and take advantage of every opportunity that is going to give you returns whether those are financial, or ones that build your following.

In the end of course, it is always your choice how you run your business. I’m just here speaking from my personal experience as an artist and as someone who works in recruitment bridging the gap between product managers and artists.

To conclude

We’d all do well to be less black and white with our thoughts and go into each new situation analytically rather than with a pre-meditated immovable opinion. This applies to every facet of life. We live in a weird time and the less hostile and more community-driven we can be in creative spaces, the better.

#writing #writing community #creative writing #new author #writing help #writing tips #writing advice #writing resources #writing tips and tricks #editing #fiction editing #novelist #exposure #promotion #marketing

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stygianpen · 1 year

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#writingtipsandtricks #writer #writingcommunity #writingadvice

How to Use Character Flaws to Enrich Your Writing

Readers identify with characters who are relatable and peppered with imperfections. When a writer crafts believable character flaws, they open the door to interesting conflict, engaging personalities, and ample character development.

What Is a Character Flaw?

A character flaw is a trait that prevents a character from being perfect.

Sometimes this fatal flaw leads to a character’s demise or at least undercuts their character strengths and presents a prominent setback they must overcome.

Any character can have flaws, including a protagonist, antagonist, love interest, confidant, deuteragonist, tertiary character, or foil.

Why Give Your Characters Flaws?

A character’s flaws serve many functions, particularly ensuring that the character is relatable and engaged in inner conflict. Carefully crafted flaws can do the following:

Make the character relatable to an audience of readers or viewers

Present an obstacle that must be overcome during the course of the story

Create character weaknesses that another character in the story can exploit

Create an obstacle that prevents a character from immediately solving a conflict

Set off a character arc that allows a character to grow and change

Provide quirks that distinguish characters from one another and make them memorable to audiences

Emphasize broader themes that are amplified via specific character flaws

Create comedy—from Homer Simpson to Michael Scott, the best comedic characters are hopelessly flawed

What Is an Example of a Character Flaw?

In the Thomas Harris novel The Silence of the Lambs (and its subsequent film adaptation by director Jonathan Demme), Hannibal Lecter has what could charitably be called a personality disorder: He is a cannibal and a sadomasochist.

Lecter’s character flaws, however, are somewhat offset by his brilliant mind, which he uses to help the main character, Clarice Starling, apprehend a serial killer tormenting Appalachia.

Lecter is an example of how in fiction, even characters with the most severe personality flaws can embody a degree of three-dimensionality.

12 Character Flaws to Use in Your Writing

The array of possible character flaws is boundless. Here are 12 time-tested character traits that inherently generate conflict:

Perfectionism: A finicky perfectionist is never satisfied. They can rarely accept that a project has been completed, and they rarely accept the finished work of others. Perfectionism is a great flaw for a detective, a doctor, or an office worker.

A know-it-all attitude: An arrogant, self-righteous know-it-all has great potential to fall flat on their face, whether comically or dramatically. High school stories often feature a know-it-all foil to the main character. These archetypes work particularly well in comedy, especially when the know-it-all suffers from a broader lack of intelligence.

An inability to move on from the past: Many police procedurals and superhero stories feature heroes haunted by their past, such as murdered parents or the victim they could not save. This major flaw presents obstacles as they work to solve crimes—but when the obstacles are overcome, the story’s happy ending feels earned.

Laziness: Laziness is a flaw that leads to obvious conflict, some of which can be quite funny. Lazy sloth detectives and doctors can be either hilarious or the source of grave conflict, depending on the tone of your storytelling. A lazy character in a position of authority can generate a lot of tension for your plot.

Physical vulnerability: Some characters suffer from a physical weakness that can escalate into a fatal flaw. Superman’s tendency to wilt in the presence of kryptonite hamstrings him, while the great warrior Achilles was undone by his fabled heel.

Low self esteem: People who fundamentally dislike themselves make for fascinating characters. Jesse Pinkman’s self-loathing leads him down all sorts of dangerous paths in Breaking Bad. On the other end of the spectrum, the young adult author Judy Bloom has crafted gorgeous character arcs from youthful characters, like Linda Fischer in Blubber, who begin their journeys with low self esteem.

Vanity: Vanity is the undoing of many real world characters, and so it also works beautifully in fiction. Politicians, artists, models, and athletes in stories are routinely undone by vanity as they gradually develop a bad reputation. Ordinary people can be wrecked by vanity as well, so it’s a common character flaw in many forms of fiction.

Lust for power: Unbridled thirst for power has undone many a character, from Mr. Kurtz in Heart of Darkness to Frank Underwood in House of Cards. Power is intoxicating, and characters who seek it are both relatable and easy sources of conflict.

Lack of maturity: Many character arcs begin with a person in a hopeless state of immaturity who then grows over the course of the story. Immaturity can also manifest as rudeness, like when a bigmouth makes tactless remarks.

Fear: Common in action dramas and comedies alike, fear—be it cowardice in the face of duty, a specific phobia of spiders, or an irrational fear—is a great character flaw that naturally drives a story.

Hedonism: Some characters cannot resist temptation, whether that involves an illicit drug, food, or a fetish. Sometimes this excessive desire is due to addiction—it’s no secret that many famous protagonists are alcoholics—and sometimes it’s due to a general lack of self-restraint and willpower. For a character like Fyodor Karamazov in The Brothers Karamazov, hedonism and lechery make him both tragically amusing and subtly sinister.

A gruff exterior: Some characters seem initially impenetrable because they are taciturn, standoffish, or even hostile and lewd. Typically these characters house a vulnerable interior beneath their coarse shell. Bringing out that vulnerability and lack of self-worth can be a strong driver of story.

Please like, comment, reblog and follow for more!

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stygianpen · 1 year

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Prepping your novel for editing

Hello, authors! Have you finished a novel recently? Well, congrats! Sit there a moment and just savour what you’ve accomplished.

Did you do it? — Ok I trust you.

You have now arrived in one of the authorial limbo zones that could trap you for a very long time if you’re not careful. That being…

Your Novel is not Perfect

Even if you’ve been editing as you go, I can guarantee you that your first draft is not perfect. And, while you should cherish it for what it is, before you send it off to your editor, you’re going to need to create the second and third draft.

Let’s get this out of the way now: ALWAYS work with an editor. Some authors can make a go of it unedited, such as Anne Rice, but compare her unedited works to edited ones, and it makes a world of difference. No matter how good a writer you are, an editor is only going to make you shine more.

So what is this limbo I mentioned before? Well, once you start reviewing your novel you’re always going to find something that could be better. I want to save you from creating 10 drafts that take you the next 2 years to create, putting off your actual publishing.

Steps for Revision

I am currently working on revising my own novel, and will be taking five steps to do so. If I want to take more after that, I’m simply not allowing it. These steps are as follows:

The first sweep

The dig deep

The second sweep

The dig deeper

The final read

This allows for initial general revision, a deep dive into those first notes, followed by one more round of that process, and a final read.

Your Editor will Thank You

I don’t know about you but the last thing I want when I gather my draft together to send off to my editor is for easily-noticed spelling or plot errors to be hanging around.

By taking these five steps to revise before an edit, your editor will have more time to do real work on your story, and it’ll save you running up that tab any more than is necessary.

Getting to this point will also save you the heartache of being too obsessed with your final draft. Your editor is going to request changes, and you don’t want to be crying in a heap on the floor when they dash a scene that you deem to be crucial.

Make it easy on yourself and on your editor, and in no time you’ll have a winning novel ready to be published!

#writing #writing community #creative writing #new author #writing help #writing tips #writing advice #writing resources #writing tips and tricks #editing #fiction editing #novelist

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