Days 29 & 30 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November. 

 

It's official--we're done!

 

Both my daughter and I have finished our novels, with one day to spare.  Last year, we were down to the eleventh hour.  We kept trying to update our status at nanowrimo.org but faced a clogged website.  This year, we wanted to avoid that.  I hope to read through my story tonight and tomorrow to assess it.

 

Of course, the question is: Did the novels go the way we wanted them to go?  No.  We did free-style writing.  That means that we let our characters live out their lives.

We had every intention to follow plans and plots.  In the end, we went with what our minds dictated.  Is that wrong?  I don't think so.  I think our minds just ran on creative lines.

I've grown in my writing.  Again, I've learned some truths about myself.  My characters allowed me to explore relationships and concepts.  I am so grateful that our family and friends have followed us and allowed us our eccentricities as we worked on our craft.

Thanks so much for all the cheering.  We have greatly appreciated it. 

Days 27 & 28 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November.

There is no sense in rushing things along.

 

The novel is coming along.  I've had enough material for these last two days.  I'm enjoying the love interest going on between my two characters.  It is slow in coming, but there is real friendship first.  Friendship is very important to me and to my two characters.  

With this being Monday, and my being used to writing about medical issues, I am thinking about my health.  I am particular to my mental health.  I talked with my younger sister, and I was glad for it.  Amidst my tears, I learned that we both respect our elders, sometimes to our detriment.  Perhaps, that is being addressed in my current novel.

Anyway, I am thinking that although there are individuals who are older, if they are disrespectful, they might need some talking down to.  What about our need to preserve ourselves?  Should we speak up or remain quiet?  What should one do about it?  This has perplexed me for years, and I shall keep turning it in my mind until it is resolved.

I'm rooting for Jilly Anne and John--my secondary characters.

 

Now, about my friends, the beloved characters, how will they fare?  They are still besotted by Dale, that bad fellow.  He's pestering them, and Jilly Anne and John just want to move forward.  I believe the good characters will have their fates sealed.  With the story being a romance one, Jilly Anne and John will someday marry.

Well, thanks for reading this latest update about my NanoWriMo adventures.  Stay tuned for more.

Days 25 & 26 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November. 

I managed to do my word count for yesterday and today.  

I felt I didn't have much to tell yesterday so I left it for tonight to give an update to my novel writing.   It is much the same as for the previous days.  I have stretched the memory recovery of my character, John.  There are quick strides being made on that account.

Earlier today, I couldn't write.  I was caught up in shopping.  I came into some money.  I went to spend it.  I purchased Christmas gifts and clothes.  

Now, I have some time to tell of upcoming blog entries.  I have taken some photos of my hubby working on a project.  It was awesome.  I am excited to get that entry done, but it will wait until next month.

Also on tap is an entry about my daughter, who just turned fourteen.  She is very talented.  I plan to share a tutorial she created.  It has to do with drawing.  Looking forward to sharing that, too.

I will have to reread the story I've created in December.

Back to my writing, I hope to wrap up my story by bringing my heroines together.  The heroes will be fast friends.  Caroline's baby might or might not be born in this story.  I might leave it to another story.  I am mulling this over because it will mean that I'll have to add more to the current story and rearrange some of it.

That leads me to my thrift store finds.  I have recently been on a bent to writing poetry (which has happened often).  I saw a movie about Sylvia Plath, who was a poet.  I found a book of poetry from one of her contemporaries, Anne Sexton.  I am looking forward to reading some of her poetry and some more Agatha Christie, which I found at the same store.   

Well, thanks for reading this latest update about my NanoWriMo adventures.  Stay tuned for more.

Days 23 & 24 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November. 

I'm sorry this is going out late.  Got caught up in non-internet life.  Prepared side dishes for Thanksgiving and my hubby made the turkey.  He's been so wonderful, what with my right wrist being sprained.  

I managed to get enough words up for Thursday.  I can't believe that six days from now will mean that I've written 50,000 words.  These words have been eked out of my brain.  I've bled, cried, and been in pain throughout this month.  

I've gone through a myriad of emotions from anger to downright contempt for real people, as well as my fictional characters.  Those people, though, have been supplying me with lots of material and introspection.  Writing has also given me a way to vent my frustrations.  After all, I don't really have anyone right now to share my deepest feelings.  Writing has allowed me to channel the nervous energy that flows from me onto a blank screen.

My characters have come alive before me.  I see them interacting.  I see their kindnesses.  I see their motivations.  I see their love and hate relationships.

A new character has come into my story.  It's been organic.  She has shared her perspective on the heroine's predicament.  Jilly Anne is taking her advice into serious consideration because any mother of a victim would normally be upset.  Instead, Mrs. Arthur has taken things in stride and looked at the bigger picture in that Jilly Anne needs a healing of her mind.

Perhaps this is true of me, too.  

I believe I need a healing of my mind's heart.  I have pent up frustrations that need a voice.  It's hard to share of oneself.  There is a chance of ridicule and rejection; however there is also the chance of reaching out to someone who feels the same.  We all need someone to share from the heart and truth.

Well, thanks for reading this latest update about my NanoWriMo adventures.  Stay tuned for more.

Day 22 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November. 

Should I clean or write or cook?

I look around my house and notice the dust and hair that needs to be swept.  I can't do anything about it.  I take pride in having a clean house.  I think about how I like to decorate my house for the holidays.  I could ask my kids to pick up the slack, but I know they won't do it as well as me.

No. My family is not starving!

If anyone comes to my house, please disregard those dust bunnies.  Just know that my pets might want to hitchhike on your clothes or shoes.  Anyway, the only thing I am accomplishing is my writing, which is the only stress reliever left to me, since I can't crochet.  I don't have energy for much else; fortunately, we do have food to eat; I just can't prepare it myself. 

I feel so useless, but I have to be easy on myself.  I think that perhaps I've been through a lot this year.  I should not be hard on myself.  The problem is that my house is a reflection of me.  Oh, well, I'll just pray that mercy from God flows to and through me.

In order to write today, I played my old Christian music.  Yeah!  Guess I haven't mentioned much about that.  I wrote to the music of the Newsboys.  I hadn't heard that music in a long time. 

My heart was healing while listening to my music and writing my novel.

At times, I received comfort.  At other times, I gained insight about my loving characters.  Yes, the music gave me some inspiration.  The music I heard helped me to cement some ideas I have about life.  God was definitely in the details about situations in my life (even in my fictional story), and He was telling me that I have been on the right track.

Let me say this: Nothing happens by accident.  

Trust in God to use the situations in your life, even novel writing, to reveal Himself.  You see, I was writing about a father-daughter relationship.  As I listen to the music, still, He is revealing His love for me.  I've been needing His touch in my life just like I've received today.  To be reminded that God is my loving Father is a great comfort to me; this is akin to what has happened in my story when Mr. Donatello comforted his daughter, Jilly Anne, after a harrowing ordeal with an abusive boyfriend.


My dear friends, thanks for reading this latest update about my NanoWriMo adventures.  Stay tuned for more.

Days 19, 20 & 21 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November. 

I spent the weekend lamenting my lame wrist.  It seriously bit into my productivity.  There was so much I could have accomplished.  Alas, I had to rest my precious wrist.  My body was telling me to rest; all I could do was watch Netflix. 

I could have gotten way ahead with my novel.  I could have made some delicious meals.  I could have deep cleaned. Instead my characters, just like my raw food products, stayed on the shelf.  They all waited patiently for me to be ready.

I am so dedicated to my craft of writing!

I took oodles of Ibuprofen just to be able to type.  I cried lots in pain.  I wore a wrap for my wrist.  I had topical creams applied and even a heat wrap.  I have a stiff pinky which is slowly coming out of strike.

My hand is stiff, but I am pressing on.  I pray I get better.  Potatoes need smashing and dressing is waiting to be mixed and fluffed.  Will my wrist let me participate in preparing a delicious meal for turkey day?

More importantly, will my characters progress in their growth as individuals?  My hero, just today, managed to remember who beat him up.  Yes, I wrote enough to satisfy today and some of tomorrow's word count.  I would love to have all of Thanksgiving Day off, but we shall see.  John still needs to figure out how he got to the hospital. 

I gladly welcome your prayers that my wrist will heal.  I would love to come back full force to blog everyday in December.  Thanks for thinking of me when you talk to God today and whenever else you remember me throughout the days ahead.

Thanks so much for reading this latest update about my NanoWriMo adventures.  Stay tuned for more.

Day 18 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November. 

No pain, no gain.

I managed to write enough words to take the weekend off.  The only problem is that I will still be busy for daughter's birthday and turkey day next week.  I might still write in the weekend, but I'll have to see about that.  My tools (my hands) are both hurting.  I think it's carpel tunnel syndrome on the right hand.  On the left hand, I feel numbness on the pinky and its neighbor, which might be due to that nagging diabetes.

As for the writing, I was very sad.  My hero is struggling to regain his memory.  The heroine feels guilty.  During their conversation Jilly Anne cried, and I almost cried.  I had to hold it together to get through the touching scene.  

To balance out the seriousness, I infused the writing with some comedy.  The heroine felt she needed to spoon feed the hero.  The hero was embarrassed.  He had to tell her to stop.  It really was funny; you had to be there.  Haha!

For the next few days, I'll be decorating, cleaning, and cooking for the holidays.  I might join some of the updates.  Don't worry, friends.  There is plenty for you all to read here in this blog.  I'm glad you have visited.

Well, thanks for reading this latest update about my NanoWriMo adventures.  Stay tuned for more.

Day 17 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November. 

Today was a tough day.  I had to write about the hero being in the hospital.  I had a hard time.  I had to recall what it's like to be in the hospital.  I have experience several times over.

I had to get in the mind of the hero.  He was confused.  He was diagnosed with amnesia.  He had lots of questions.  To top it off, everyone was asking him questions, too.

He was frustrated, but something jogged his memory.  He fears what he's going to remember.  He was severely beaten but doesn't remember that.  He needs to remember.  Even the sheriff wants to know what he remembers.

The secondary heroine, Jilly Anne, will help him.  She's not going to want to plant memories in his mind.  She has been putting her mental health at risk.  She's been by John's side all the time, but she is going to suffer for it.  Isn't that realistic?

Well, thanks for reading this latest update about my NanoWriMo adventures.  Stay tuned for more.

Day 16 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November. 

 A rifle went off!

Another day of writing.  I've gotten my characters out of the kidnapping.  They are safe now, away from the drunk.  Even his sidekick got his comeuppance.

Of course there is emotional fallout from such a situation.  My characters will have a chance to explore that.  Yes, many townsfolk came together for my secondary heroine.  This tough character will come to be very important to my main character and her child.

I am now two days ahead.  I hope I can sustain it.  I would like the weekend free for several reasons.  I want a break.  Have lots of plans for the coming week.  

Need to do some shopping.  My big girl's birthday is a week away.  Then, there is the turkey and trimmings to buy.  Need to do some deep cleaning.  Fortunately, the kids will have school off next week.

Well, thanks for reading this latest update about my NanoWriMo adventures.  Stay tuned for more.

Guest Blog at Tales of An Unlikely Mother

Hi Y'all,

Before I started NaNoWriMo, I was asked to guest blog.  I'd been asked before by others (and declined previously).  I agreed this time since I wouldn't be doing my usual this month.  You can find it at Tales of An Unlikely Mother.  

My Body as God's House is very dear to my heart.  I hope you like it.  I did it with you, my dear readers, in mind.  Go and read it when you get the chance.

God bless,

Rebecca G.

P.S. Yes, I'll also be posting an update to NaNoWriMo later today. :)

Day 15 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November. 

It's amazing how fast time has flown.  We are at the halfway mark for this writing challenge.  This year, I am enjoying the freedom of writing whatever pops into my head.  It is a deep sense of release of many emotions.  

If I feel anger, I make my characters angry.  If I feel sad, they cry.  Whatever my current emotion is, I can work through it by writing.  It is therapeutic.  Writing has functioned like that for me for many years.

Years ago, when I was in elementary school, writing was offered to me as a means to tell about what I had learned after a special field trip.  The irony is that my writing now takes me on field trips.  Much like reading has served as an escape, my writing is taking me to new places.

Today, just to let you know, I've written enough words for an extra day.  I hope to once again get ahead.  I'd like to have the weekend off.  There's a lot to do.  I have yet to decorate my home with the fall decor.  Next week, my daughter turns 14 (the one participating in the writing challenge) and turkey day will follow.

Well, thanks for reading this update, friends.  I'll give another update tomorrow. 

Days 13 & 14 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November. 

I have to combine what happened yesterday with what happened today.  I felt it would be easier for me.  The unplanned getaway we had really ate into my writing time.  I thought I would be able to keep up with the writing during the weekend, but we went fishing.  Still, we had fun.

 

Yesterday, I managed to write about half of the desired word count--about eight hundred words.  A brutal beating occurred.  Ouch!  Revenge, oh that sweet motivation, is keeping the story going.

 

Today, the beating turned into a kidnapping.  Where is the secondary hero?  That's the character wh was kidnapped.  Will the searchers find the clues he left for them?  After all, he worked hard to leave them behind.

The best friend to the enemy is a bungling idiot, and I am loving it.  I've been needing to put in some comedic relief to the very serious situations.  It's working out perfectly.  As I recount to my sounding board, Iris, about my story, she chuckles.  I love having her to turn to when I need to explore an idea out loud.

 

Mhuaha haha!!!

 

I will likely have my bad guys do some time for doing their crime.  They will be so mad, they'll try terrorize the main characters in the future.  That will give me some more writing material.  Yes!  I am loving that I get to control my characters; they are my puppets, and I am their master.

Well, thanks for reading this latest update about my NanoWriMo adventures.  Stay tuned for more.

Day 12 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November. 

Oh, boy, going on a vacation really throws me off!  

I had every intention of reaching my word count for today, but I didn't.  I'm gonna have to double up on Sunday.  I might even have to catch up on Monday.  The difference this year from last is that I'm not going to worry about it.

Out of the ordinary can produce new ideas.

The ideas are still flowing.  It's just that I ran out of time.  We had so much fun fishing at the coast.  Sometimes, we gotta play a little hooky.  It's great to do something out of the ordinary.  

I'm stunned at the ideas that are still coming.  I have to keep in mind, though, to balance them out with enough dialogue and description of scenery.  I'm not good at that.  I am often afraid of over describing the characters, too.  I simply become paralyzed by that fact, and I hope to one day break free from that.

Well, thanks for reading my update, friends.  I'll give another update tomorrow. 

Day 11 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November. 

Here I am on day eleven.  The ideas are still popping into my head.  I'm very appreciative that the creative juices are still bearing fruit.  With this novel, I am practically flying on an imaginary red carpet.

I've introduced a new character who is doing a compelling job at convincing the secondary male hero to do just what he should--protect.  She's filling the stranger in on the details of the town folk.  This is better than telling.  I actually had these two characters conversing with one another.

This is building up to what will happen next.  Another major event will take place.  Possibly another fight scene will happen to bring my secondary heroine to a better place.  Before a breakthrough can occur, some chaos must ensue.  I've seen that in true life.

The saying goes that it's always calmest before the big storm.  The rude character will seem calm, but he will attack when least expected.  Will the hero get to that scene before it's too late?  I'm still mulling that over in my mind.  What would my readers want to see happen?  How young or old are my readers?  Will it be too much to make the scene graphic?  I'll think about it this weekend.

Well, thanks for reading, friends.  I'll give another update tomorrow. 

Day 10 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November. 

It's another day in a writer's paradise.  I came up with some fresh material.  I've got my secondary characters meeting today.  Now, a hero is there for each gal character.  Perhaps the feminists won't like this, but I like to feel protected, and men in a different era liked to protect their women and make them feel protected, too.

I didn't quite know whether I would have enough material, but with having a rude character, I will have enough motivation for the secondary heroine.  Jilly Anne will become stronger.  She will have an uphill battle with her abuser, but she will come out better.  I'll probably throw in some God intervention, too.

Will I get ahead this week and have the weekend off?  I don't know.  It wouldn't be totally horrible if I have to write this weekend.  It's gonna be lovely, and I can always work outside just to spend time outdoors.  I could gain inspiration if I go out in public.  

If you really know me, you'll know it's hard for this hermit to step out of her comfort zone and venture out.  I'm like a turtle that occasionally sticks its head out.  Yes, sometimes I've had my head bitten.  It's worth it, though, to get some good material to use for my writing.

Well, thanks for reading, my friends.  I'll give another update tomorrow. 

Day 9 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November. 

I didn't think I would get through with my goal for today.  So far, I've kept my word count goal.  You see, there was a family crisis last night, and I got caught up in it.  I kept as much of my cool through it.

I prayed.  I researched online...


and I cried.

My blood pressure went up.  Perhaps I was suffering a panic attack.  I started with the body aches.  I was so keyed up that I couldn't sleep.  I ended up staring at the ceiling.

Really, I thought I was gonna suffer a nervous breakdown...but I didn't.  I lived into another day, with my brain intact to bring you more of my nuttiness.  Well, I think I'm sane!


So what does a writer do during a crisis?

Well, if you are diabolical like me, you'd start plotting the next scenes to your story.  You guessed it, I used the material of the crisis for my story.  I know.  I'm cruel like that!


Beware: I might use your drama for my story!


Maybe I should blame it on my hormones, but I had to channel all my wild emotions into something positive. 


Seriously, though, I thank God that I have an outlet for the emotional issues that hit me.  Without writing, I would totally have lost it by today.  I think it's true, what is meant for bad, God turns around for the positive.  Also, what doesn't knock you down only makes you stronger...and I think I'll leave it alone on that note. ;)

Well, thanks for reading, my friends.  I'll give another update tomorrow. 

Day 8 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November.

Today, I tied up some lose ends.  I gave information on motivations, jealousies, and a look into the future with a little foreshadowing.  My main characters are now gonna be closer to each other because the male character became the girl's hero.  He came upon a scary scene at the right moment.

Their parents showed up more today.  We get to see how they figure in the story.  The parents don't take too much away from the story.  The parents just do what they need to do and stay out of the deep action.

I loved dragging out the scene. 

I was very excited to write today's climax--a fight scene.  It was almost too good to write.  I kept getting up from my laptop to find a drink or a snack.

I gave some more background to the town folk.  I explained what they felt about the fight.  Some side with the perpetrator; some sided with Caroline, the victim of the attack.  All in all, the town was divided, and that was realistic.  

I'm still thinking of a possible location for this story.  I need to do a background check on that.  I have a particular town here in Texas in mind.  It was a sleepy town a few decades ago.

Well, thanks for reading this latest update!  I appreciate you all keeping up with me.  Feel free to view my other blog entries.  God bless!

Day 7 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November.

People have mistreated my favorite gal, big time!

I decided to give more substance to my main characters.  I think the story needed background to the parents of the baby.  I'm making the father into a protective but funny character.  My momma does not trust anyone and has built up a wall between herself and the rest of the world.  

I went back to the beginning and added dialogue and information on how Papa met his best friend, too.  I think I'm managing to bring some elements together.  I still don't feel like I've added enough scenery and description to the surroundings.  I'll have to go back and describe my characters in greater detail, too.  

I'm having my characters do a lot of thinking.  Perhaps that might be a good thing.  That's turning out to be a challenge to me.  Flashbacks are popping up, too.  I'll have to look into that later.

Well, thanks for reading, my friends.  I'll give another update tomorrow. 

Day 6 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November.

I did some writing but not for my novel.  Instead I woke up at about 2 a.m. due to the time change.  I made a poem about the hour change.  It produced chaos for me.

My Day Light Savings Fiasco

Here's a little ditty
That I think is pretty:

I went to sleep at nine o'clock
Cuz Ms. Sandman did knock.

Woke up six
hours later
What a mix
I hate her.

My body said get up
My brain said not yet
Finally my brain said giddy up
so it's a sure bet
That I turned on the light
an idea in my brain did alight.

My body slept six hours
But my clock showed five hours.
 

Crazy Day Light Savings bit
at my 'puter chair I did sit
can't help but write
before it's bright.

This silly nonsense
You see, I'm not so dense
To think this too witty
but it's about this kitty
Who can't sleep
And can't count sheep.

Here's fair warning
It's not worth darning
Those socks
But those clocks
Deserve our time
To reset the flocks
To at the same point, chime.

Rebecca Garcia. 2011.

I hope you liked my poem.  I had fun making it.  It's not perfect, but I love making funny poems about silly situations.

I'll try to give an update tomorrow.  Thanks for reading!

Day 5 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November.

We went yard sale shopping.  I hadn't done that in a long time.  I wouldn't be surprised if we haven't done that since last year.  It was a great way to enjoy myself.  We got lots of bargains and met lots of decent folks.

I didn't do any writing today.  That doesn't mean that the plot to my novel hasn't been on my mind.  I've come to love my heroine.  I'm also thinking that if I have a lot of material for the current female character, I might make two novels.  The first one would be the mother of the next heroine.  I'm not sure about it, though.

I'm thinking of giving a Christian slant to my story, but I don't want my story to be too preachy.  I want to show that my main character overcomes major obstacles to be the best person she can be.  I don't want to take the effect away by becoming condescending to my readers.  The main people involved with my heroine are already Christian so it wouldn't be a large leap for my heroine to grow spiritually throughout her journey.  What do you think?

Thanks for reading my update.  I appreciate you all keeping up with me.

Day 4 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November. 

What a lovely week of creativity!  I've been having a lot of fun.  My words have spilled out onto the laptop screen so easily.  I've been in ecstasy over this new venture.  I can't wait for what lies ahead...

I've got over 10,000 words under my belt so far.  For a writer like me, that's quite a feat.  Last year was a big struggle, even though I had oodles of memories to draw from.  In many ways, I was restricted last year.  I was working with facts.  This year, I am working with fiction, and yes, I am still writing from experience.  I'm drawing from what I've observed in my forty years.  There is a lot of material to work with.

Crisis was averted.

I also have my music to work with, as inspiration.  Yesterday, I was freaking out because I couldn't find my CDs.  My original copy of the Ultimate Barry Manilow music seems too scratched to work properly anymore.  I scoured the place looking for my CD collection.  Then, I remembered I'd placed the binder in the cabinet under the TV in my room.

I went ahead and asked my geeky son to save some music from my old desktop computer onto my mp3 player.  He saved them into different folders apart from my dance music.  There's nothing weirder than having Michael Buble singing between Disco songs.  Haha!

Well, thanks for reading about my NaNoWriMo adventures!  Stay tuned for more...

Day 3 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November. 

Today was a great day.  Daughter and I both went beyond our word count.  I am so excited!  I am doing something that I love doing, and I'm not even doing it for money.

Daughter did threaten to start another story and discontinue the one she was doing.  I told her to stick it out with the one she has.  I've given her lots of ideas.  I've asked her lots of questions.  I think it jogged a lot of new ideas in her mind.

As for me, I'm plugging along in the background to my female character.  My character was finally born today.  The future seems promising for baby Catherine, but there is trouble up ahead.

As I said, we are way ahead of the ball so we might be able to take the weekend off.  I had to plot down how many words I need to accomplish per day.  I started penciling into a calendar the suggested word count per day; it is an accumulation day after day.  Having the visual on the calendar will help me reach my daily goals.

Well, thanks for reading this update!  I appreciate it.  Thanks for following along with me on my journey to writing a 50,000 word novel.  :)

Day 2 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November. 

Today went really well.  Daughter and I once again were in the same room.  We love to sit near each other.  We stop and ask each other how we are doing.  It's great to have such a willing soundboard.

I love that we have this time together.  She's growing up too quickly, and she's so smart.  I am one proud mother.

We both got ahead in our word count.  The hope is that we can take the weekend off and/or have some time off during Thanksgiving.  Iris' birthday is the day before Thanksgiving.  We often get frazzled around that time so we take school off for at least one week.

Still had enough ideas for the novel today.  I am so thankful that the gray cells, as Mr. Hercule Poirot (an Agatha Christie character) says, are still working.  Today, I ventured into dialogue.  It made my story more fun.  I might go back to Day One's work and add more dialogue there, as well.

Here's a teaser to my story:

“Now here this, Jilly Anne. I'm married to the man of my dreams. He loves me. He is with me. If you try to come between us, you will pay for it. Do you hear me?” Caroline said.

I'll try to give an update tomorrow.  Thanks for reading!

Day 1 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November.

 

I was ready to start my novel today.  I had already done some preparation.  I had printed some worksheets so that I could jot down notes pertaining to the plot and characters.

Today, I worked on the background for my story.  I wanted to explain what motivates or moves one of my main characters.

My novel is a romance story.  I am having fun as long as I have ideas.  I have much life experience to draw from so I am not stuck.  I hope to have enough ideas to last until the 30th day.

I'll try to update you all with short bits of information.  Thanks for reading!

Five Things I've Done to Improve My Health

Omelet--a choice for breakfast

During the month of October, I experienced poor health.  Happily, I am feeling much better now.  All of my proactive movements have taken a great affect on my health.  I am also thankful for all the prayers.

Once I could, I made decisions about my health.

The pity party over how ill I felt only lasted so long.  The anger took over.  I am not one to keep wallowing in my misery.  I took action as soon as I could.

Here are the advantageous decisions I made:

1. I asked for prayer.

This is the most important action.  I try not to be overly religious, but I can't avoid speaking about God.  I love Him so much because He has sustained me.  Praying to God, and asking for prayer, has availed much.  I can now boast that God has been healing me.

2. I took supplements.

I did some research.  I bought some supplements.  I started using probiotics.  I began detoxing, too.  Supplements like garlic, ginger, and cranberry have worked wonders.

3. I ate breakfast.

Taking the time to wake up in the morning wasn't easy.  It's become a wonderful habit.  I've drunk my coffee to wake up.  I've spent precious time with my hubby.  Most important, I have received essential nourishment to start the new day.

4. I slept more.

My body was tired.  I was weak.  I did not have energy to cook, clean, and home school.  My body needed to rest.  Sleeping more has helped me wake up recharged.

5. I wrote about my illness.

When my body was hurting, my mind hurt, too.  The mind/body connection was strong.  My emotions were affected by the illness.  Writing about my frustrations and responses to my illness have been beneficial.  Jotting down what has worked will help me in the future; writing has released the stress I felt about the extreme bodily pain.

 

With any major illness, one has to realize that the body is screaming.  

 

A wise person will review what has happened to his/her body.  That's not enough.  One has to act on the findings.  I had to change my diet and activities.  Fortunately for me, my health has greatly improved, but...

 

I continue to be a work in progress.

Well, thanks for reading about five things I've done to improve my health.  I hope this blog entry encourages someone to develop their own health goals.

How about you, my readers?  Is your health poor?  Do you have any new health goals for this fall season?  How have you handled setbacks to your health?  I encourage you to assess your current health.  It's a great opportunity to adjust your habits.  You might need to tweak your habits to improve your life.   

If you need to improve your health, in any form, please ask God to help you; He will, if you pray for His guidance.

This is an entry for Medical Mondays.  For past entries, click here.

Disclaimer: The viewpoints that I discussed here are just my opinions.  Please consult your physician before altering anything relating to your health.  I am only suggesting here to take charge of your health.  Don't just leave your health in the hands of your doctors; become your own advocate.  You know best how your body is doing.

 

 

The Importance of Each Member of the Church

The Bible explains the importance of each member of the Church.

I'm sorry this has been posted late.  Thanks for waiting for this entry, my friends.

  21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. 24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together , having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: 25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured , all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?   --1 Corinthians 12:20-30 King James Version    For the month of October, I focused mostly on 1 Corinthians 12.  The body of Christ, the Church, has important members.  Everyone is vital to the Church.  Each person, who helps to make up the Church, does his/her essential job within the body of Christ.  It might seem that one job in the church is more important than another.  The Bible says that every member has value.  There isn't one person who has been blessed with all of the special talents.  God has given abilities to whomever He wishes.   Let's appreciate one another more fully.  Let us not boast of our abilities.  One church member should not tell another that He/She is not as important as others.  It would be a shame if the one who brags says to another church member that cleaning the toilets in the church is not as important as a church planter.  Each function of the church is necessary for the whole body of Christ to run smoothly.      I thank God for any abilities He's given me.  I pray that I never boast about anything but that God has decided to bless me with talents and skills which are useful for the Church.  I pray that He helps me do the best with those talents and skills.  I am also thankful for those church members who have used their abilities to teach me and/or blessed me in some way.  Thanks for reading this blog entry about the body of Christ, the Church.  I appreciate you taking the time to read it.

 How about you, my readers?  As Christians, do you understand the concept of the church being the body of Christ?  What part do you have within the body of Christ?  Do you truly know what it means to be an integral part of the Church?  I encourage you to read different versions of 1 Corinthians 12:20-30 to understand what the Bible says about the Church being the body of Christ.    May the only true God of all gods bless us, my dear friends, with His wisdom and peace.  In Jesus' name.  Amen!  

This has been an entry for the Spiritual Sundays series. 

To compile this mini- bible study, I visited: http://www.biblestudytools.com/

To view past, related blog entries, read:

 

The Holy Spirit's Blessings

God-Given Abilities to Christians

The Body of Christ