Good morning, good afternoon, good evening, friends! How are you ? I hope you had a lovely weekend so far. Today is supposed to be discussion day, but I just got back from a two-days getaway with my sister, and I thought that I could do something a bit different…I hope you’ll enjoy it !
I’m not the most committed writer in the world, but I do like to write, a lot. Since NaNoWriMo is happening and you are all making me want to write so badly I want to chew my nails off or something, I thought I’d write, too. Or at least, try. Also, I thought I’d share with you and on the blog more about my writing, my story, and about my struggle to get words on the page as life and stuff gets in the way.
In case you missed it, I am currently working on a story, and publishing it on Wattpad kind of very irregularily -sorry about that, I’m doing my best- to get advice and hopefully know if I’m going somewhere with this. To get into writing spirits, I found that the Beautiful Books meme was a wonderful inspiration, both to make me talk, and inspire me to write more, as well. Hopefully. I hope you will enjoy this post. *goes away to have a nervous breakdown*
Overall, how is your mental state, and how is your novel going?
I feel like I’m a bad writer. I’m barely able to write 500 words in one week because I’m exhausted on the evenings, and I prioritize bloghopping to writing when I want to write. I guess I’m a bit freaked out at the moment about my story.
I have everything in my mind, and scattered notes in a notebook for now. I’d say my novel is going sloooooooooooooowly. I’m kind of like Flash, if you’re asking.
What’s your first sentence (or paragraph)?
I already shared the first sentence of my story somewhere here, so I’ll share the first sentence of the first chapter.
Who’s your current favourite character in your novel?
My cute little glasses nerd. I have actually written like two pages for now with him in it, but yeah, I guess you can call it insta-love. For now, his name’s Noah. He’s kind of a geek and king of awkwardness, but he’s surprisingly loud, funny and a whole bunch of more adorable awkwardness when you get to know him more.
What do you love about your novel so far?
I’m way too used to never bragging of any sorts to actually come up with this answer easily, ahah. But I think I want to love the most how everything makes me FEEL. Heartbreak, passion, broken hearts, lies and heart-pounding mystery. I’m feeling things when I write, and I love it.
Have you made any hilarious typos or other mistakes?
I don’t know about hilarious, but I DO know that…erm, I probably wrote a couple of French words here and there in the story. Kind of undercover, you know, to remind me of my roots. And I’m always like, GO AWAY.
What is your favourite to write: beginning, middle, or end — and why?
It’s funny, while I read that question for the first time, I thought I was going to say the ending. But as I’m thinking about it…well, I want to say the middle. The climax. The point where everything kind of falls apart. I’m cruel, wow.
What are your writing habits? Is there a specific snack you eat? Do you listen to music? What time of day do you write best? Feel free to show us a picture of your writing space!
I used to have writing habits before, and now I just don’t know anymore. I guess I write the most during the evenings, since I don’t have any other free time to do so. I don’t really eat or drink too much, but sometimes I do like to listen to music, drown out the entire world.
As for a picture of my writing space… Hm feel free to picture me on my couch drowning in tears and typing furiously.
How private are you about your novel while you’re writing? Do you need a cheer squad or do you work alone (like, ahem, Batman)?
I’m Batman. To be honest no one knows I am writing – well, actually, working towards something that could look like a full story, except for whenever I talk about it on here, but outside of the blog, I guess I just talk about it a bit with my sister. Mostly, the conversation goes like this.
“I’m so tired. But I want to write.”
“WRITE THEN.”
What keeps you writing even when it’s hard?
Nothing and no one, and I guess that’s why I’m such a slow writer lately. Also, life. But the reason I haven’t given up yet is that I feel like I need to get this story out there at some point. Even if it’s just for me to read it and never get published. I just want to read it and feel like it’s not that bad after all.
What are your top 3 pieces of writing advice?
Write. Write. Write. Also, don’t give up. I know I might not be the best example of constant writing, and people say you should be writing everyday to be a writer or something. But to be honest, life happens and exhaustion too. But if you want to write, just, do it I guess some time you are able to, and if when you do, you feel happy, then this is it.
Yes I am working on something. I can’t do full Nanowrimo, but I’m just writing here and there- early in the morning if I decide not to go running, as a break from SAT prep, and so on. I’m like 2500 words in, so that’s something. It’s called lighter places, and it’s about international schools and friendships and passions and what it means to do good. The first sentence is ‘Twenty minutes ago, I was perfectly happy.” Which is a sentence I’m pretty happy with. Your story sounds so great! Go you for finding time to write ?✏? I would love to see occasional updates on it!
Ohh it’s so great that you manage to write a little something everyday, even if it’s not that many words. I guess what’s important is to write, and keep on going 🙂 Ohhh that sounds good!! Are you planning on sharing some snippets or something? I’d love to read it someday, I love the idea 🙂 Thank you so much!
I do have a few snippets on twitter if you check my feed- it’s called Lighter Places 🙂
Ohhhh I’ll check this out right now, thank you! 🙂
I think it’s great that you’re still trying, and that you’re so honest about your limits right now. A couple years ago, I had a lot of writer’s block, and I really struggled to get past it. Everything I tried didn’t work, so I had to just take a break from trying to write anything related to my WIP. Sometimes you just can’t force it! Good luck with everything!
Thank you so, so much <3 I'm really glad to hear you went through the same thing, I feel less alone in this. Thank you so much for your support <3
I love that you’re comfortable enough to share, I know sometimes it’s hard to talk about one’s writing. I definitely want more posts like this one!
Hahahaha, those French words creeping in EVERYWHERE as a reminder we’re baguette eaters! I want you to type furiously, because you must do everything furiously, and most of all be a furiously happy writer <3 I don't know much about it, but if you ever need support and a thesaurus for those words, I'm right here ? I'll go on Wattpad for the first time in a few minutes to read you ouhhhouuuuh! So exciting!
My only attempts at writing were those lame fanfictions I used to write, I don't want to go and read them, I'd die of shame, hahahahaha!
Ohh thank you Donna, I’m so happy you like this! I guess I’m scared as well because, since I’ve been writing very periodically lately, I don’t feel entitled to actually share these, like I’m not really a real writer? I’m not sure, but that’s why I feel a bit nervous about it, I guess.
Thank you so, so much! <3 <3 Haha, I feel like fanfiction of some kind is where we all started haha, no shame in that 😛
You don’t have to worry, you ARE a real writer just as long as you let passion and your mind flow onto the paper, and from what I read, you’re doing just that <3 I'm so proud of you, it's great work! Haha, fanfictions will always have a special place in our hearts. I used to write to get rid of the frustration the episodes filled me with xD
Thank you my sweechie <3 <3 I really need to hear that at times! you are the sweetest. Haha yes, fanfictions will always be there, they were an awesome way to…well, feel less frustrated about episodes, EXACTLY haha.
Print it and keep it with you at all times! <3
You used to swear at writers' scenarios too? xD
OH YES. I swore way too much at these hahaha.
I’m kinda slumping right now, life is getting in the way, waaaay too much then I would’ve liked it too! But I’m hoping to as you said and try to write, write and write!
Oh no! Well sometimes life gets too busy, I get this :/ I hope you’ll manage to write again soon, even if it’s just a couple words a day 🙂 Best of luck <3 <3
Thanks Marie!
Your first sentence is definitely something that makes me want to read more. The perfect balance of random, yet mysterious 😛 French words to remind you of your roots? xD
Don’t stress about not writing enough words. Any kind of progress, even if it’s just 500 words is a good sign! 🙂
Ohh thank you so much, I’m glad you enjoy it! 🙂 Haha I guess that’s it, sometimes I just need my characters to eat a baguette or something to remind me of my roots hahahah.
Thank you so, so much for your support! <3 <3
I’m happy to report that my editor has my second novel in her possession and she’s formatting as we speak. 🙂 I need to work more on my first novel. I’m honestly too impatient to deal with the whole editor and publisher route that I’m thinking about doing Wattpad and self-publishing. I just want to post my book and be done with it. But I might send out a few query letters. For me, that’s the most annoying part about writing. Agents act like you should personalize every letter you send them when we don’t even know them. Lol Good luck with your writing, Marie! I’m still plugging along. I’ve been so distracted with my move and finding a new job that my writing has really taken a hit. I’m hoping to find my focus again sometime soon. Looking forward to reading more of your story. 🙂
Oh wow congratulations Jill, this is awesome! And I’m so admirative that you have an editor and everything, this is like a faraway dream for me, ahah. I’d love to read a full novel from you, so obviously I can only encourage you to share more of it, if it’s on Wattpad maybe someday, I’ll be your first reader 🙂
Thank you so, so much! I hope you’ll be able to get back into focus with your writing soon 🙂
Thanks, Marie! 🙂 I definitely plan to share some of my work in the future. I have two bloggers doing a beta read sometime this week or next week. I wanted to get their opinion and then I’ll probably move forward and offer review copies and things like that. I wasn’t sure if you’d want to read NA romance or not, but if you want to give a shot, I’m looking for more beta readers. 🙂
Oh I can’t wait to read more of it then ? Oh well are you looking for a specific deadline or something? I have never been a beta reader, really, so I’d be a bit nervous about it ahah. I don’t read NA romance, usually, but it’s a genre I’d want to get into more, to see if I’d enjoy it! ?
I got accepted to the kindle Scout program today. I’m actually posting about it on Wednesday, which is the day my book campaign with Amazon starts. I’ll need all of my followers to vote for my book in hopes it will get published. If you want to read my book, let me know. I’d be more than happy to send you a copy via email.
Ohhhh this is awesome, I’ll vote for you once I found the link ahah -I’ll probably be on your blog, I have seen it around on Twitter today, I’ll find it and vote for sure! 🙂 Oh that’s so sweet of you, thank you, I will let you know for sure <3
I’m not currently writing anything, and honestly haven’t really attempted to write anything since the last NaNoWriMo (last November, not one of the Camp ones) but seeing everyone take part, and hearing you talk about your story as well, makes me want to start writing again!
I love the sound of your story, and definitely need to check it out on Wattpad at some point I remember reading the first chapter when you posted it back when and really loved it so I can’t wait to see what else you’ve posted since then!
I agree with your advice as well, and it’s something I need to start doing as well! 😀
Great post Marie, and good luck with your novel as well! <3
I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one feeling this way! All of this writing frenzy going on makes me want to write a lot ?
Thank you so, so much for your support, Beth <3
Yep, the NaNoWriMo bug is catching! 😀
That’s all right Marie! <3
Haha definitely ?
Thanks for sharing this with us, Marie! I can relate to so, SO many things here, it’s crazy.
I also feel like I’m a bad writer. It intimidates me how hard I find it to write sometimes whereas others come up with thousands of words every day. Between juggling work, other hobbies and real life responsibilities, I’m lucky if I can get like 500 words on paper – my brain’s pretty much fried when I start to write and it’s like pulling teeth at times. A defeatist part of me is like: “it shouldn’t be this hard, maybe you’re not cut out for it”, and I have to remind myself it’s all part of the process.
Anyway! I’m also kind of private about my writing. I basically don’t talk about it ever, and I sometimes avoid answering when asked. For me though it’s more a fear of failure – I don’t really like people seeing me try because I don’t want to disappoint them, so I’d rather keep it all on the down-low. It’s entirely possible I’m overthinking everything. 😛
Oh thank you so, so much Reg, I’m so happy you can relate to this…. this is EXACTLY how I feel. I am lucky if I ever get time to write just a bit, and I know we are supposed to make time for what we love, but sometimes it’s just so hard because some things come first.
Ohh and I understand the feeling. I’m scared of making anyone read my writing – doing this Wattpad thing really makes me so nervous all the time ahah.
I know! I think it’s also a pressure like… “you SHOULD make time for it if you love it”. And I mean, I know, and I do want to, but sometimes I’m just sooo exhausted from everything else going in my life. When I push myself it’s other things that I’m neglecting, i.e. sleep and/or my other hobbies. It’s definitely very, very hard to balance it all and do everything that you want.
Oh yes definitely!! I know I want to write, but I’m just, exhausted at times and you can’t fight sleep, or you can’t fight other life’s commitments to write, even if you love it. Well, I can’t do that ahah. I hope you’ll find a little time to write, even if it’s just a few words here and there like I do 🙂
Thank you! I hope so too. <3
I can’t believe your character’s name is Noah! I love this name so much, I actually love him already, hahah.
Life can get in the way, but I hope you find more time to write soon! Even if you do write slowly, it is still something to be proud of. I think I always mention how impressive I find the whole idea of NaNoWriMo, but that’s because it is true (and because I don’t mind being repetitive). I could never imagine myself writing 50,000 words in a month. Even if you do it in a slow pace, it is still impressive!
I hope everything works out at the end. Good luck, Marie 🙂
Ohhh really? Well I’m glad you love him already, haha, I hope you won’t change your mind about him 😛
Thank you so, so much Lais, for all of your support, it means SO much to me <3 NaNoWriMo is something crazy, really, but it's so worth trying. Are you writing anything ? 🙂
Not really! I do like to write, but I always give up on projects after a while. It is very hard for me to stick to a single idea, but I’d really like to! I think I’m still looking for the right idea… If I find it, I’m sure I’ll be able to dedicate myself entirely to it!
Ohh I understand, well maybe it’s just that: you didn’t find the right idea yet, the one that’ll keep you motivated from beginning to end 🙂
This post was so funny! (Pease don’t take that to mean that I am laughing you! Just the gifs and everything…)
Anyway, you actually remind me a of myself a couple of years ago… I used to be really shy about my writing. Blogging put an end to that real fast!!!!
Also slow writer??? I take the prize, mon! NaNo is seriously the best thin that ever happened to me! Like maybe I wil actually finally finish this thing???
Oh of course not, thank you so much, I’m glad if I made you laugh!
Oh this means you are doing great with NaNo so far? I’m happy to hear it! What are you writing about, if you don’t mind sharing? 🙂
Hmm. How to do this without putting you to sleep or making your head explode from confusion???
Basically it’s about a girl. She is one of the last (and most powerful) of a dying race of immortal guardians of the world (which is dying, so they’re dying too, see?) but she doesn’t know that. She also has powers – she can kill people (and make them fall asleep, heal them, etc.) by singing. And she has a close kinship with light – particularly firelight. So she relies on it to stay alive and can be set on fire with no ill effects. She is kidnapped as a little girl, but the city she lives in has no light (the world is dying remember) so her caretaker (the dictator of the city) hands her over to his enemies because where they live, the sun still shines. However, she’s still working with the bad guy so when they find out, she has to run away. She meets another immortal and they join a “pack” – which is essentially a group of people trying to survive the apocalypse. Her power are stolen from her. She fell in love with one of the enemy dudes, so she wants to go the city she used to live in to save him from the trap she set for him. The immortal guy and the woman who stole her powers come with her. Pretty much everyone dies.
Wow that the worst summary ever….
Oh wow now that was a crazy summary, like that it looks SO action-packed and a bit crazy as well, I love the idea! Also, you made me curious about this whole world as well. I hope you’ll share snippets or something 😀
I’m compiling them for a “snippets post” now!
Ohhh great! 🙂
Yay! Thanks for sharing. It’s so easy to be hard on yourself. I’m glad your sister is there to encourage you to keep at it. Don’t let a bad writing week or two get you down. You GOT THIS!
Thank you so, SO much for your support, Jackie! I guess I can do it, just… with time haha, I’m slow 🙂
Slow and steady wins the race, as the tortoise proves. ?
Haha oh yes, you’re right! Thank you 😛
I’m 100% not a writer, but I love reading about people’s journeys and experiences so this was super interesting. Also, I don’t think you’re a bad writer for not being able to write a huge word count in one sitting!
Oh thank you Lauren! And why 100% not a writer? You never know 🙂
Haha! Well 100% not a professional writer. I do write for fun and find it therapeutic. I just don’t want to do it professionally or anything like that.
Ohh okay! Well it doesn’t mean you’re not a writer at all, since you write a little bit 🙂 I really think what matters the most in writing is how you enjoy doing it anyway, not how you do it for fame and sell lots of books ahah. 🙂
That’s so amazing that you’re encouraging yourself to keep on writing, more or less frequently! <3
I wish I could say the same, but I have no idea where to find the time or inspiration to write for myself. Maybe one day! 🙂
I just read your prologue and think it's really good! Especially the blood-tainted beach, hahaha :D.
Extra kudos for the sloth gif xD (it's called a sloth right??)
Thank you Anne! <3 I try to, but…it's hard at times. I guess as long as I don't give up, it's okay? 🙂
Oh you never know, maybe one day inspiration will strike and you'll write an incredible novel! And I'll be your first reader 😀
Ohh thank you, I'm glad you like it! And YES haha it's a sloth 😛
Definitely! Even if it takes you 50 years to finish it! 😀 Haha, who knows!! <3
Haha yes, as long as I get to the finish line…I guess it’s not that bad ?
I’m not a writer myself though I always wish I was 🙂 Maybe someday inspiration will strike and I will start. But until then, I love reading other people’s writing.I think it’s super cool that you are writing and I don’t think it matters how fast it goes. It’s still going and that is already awe-inspiring enough <3
Ohh well who knows, maybe someday you’ll start writing, and never stop 🙂 Thank you so, so much for your support <3
Really enjoyed this post!!! I loved hearing about your WIP!!! As I’ve mentioned a few times I’m working on something- but like you, I’m as secretive as batman about it (I love that the creator of this meme literally asked if you’re a batman kind of writer!) Also it sounds like it’s going well- and as they say in my country “slowly slowly catchy monkey” 😉 (I kid you not that’s an actual idiom)
Oh thank you so, so much! Haha really? I did not know that idiom, but I feel like I might use it hahaha, it sounds good 😛 Thank you! <3 I hope you'll want to share a bit of what you're writing about, even if it's just, clues 😛
Haha yes! It is! And you should!! You’re welcome!!
And thank you! Maybe I will 😉
Ahhhh this is marvellous! AND NOW I GET TO CALL YOU BATMAN BECAUSE THAT IS NOW YOUR NAME. *nods and whispers Batmaaaan forever* Oh and sisters are great with there sage life advice, right? ? So kind. So helpful. OH! And I love your advice! I know people talk about the importance of writing every day but…pfft. I don’t do that either. I’d rather write at specific times than force myself to always try to be focused on my writing. I get too tired too.?
Thanks for linking up! AND GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR PROJECT. I finished NaNo so I’m having a bit of a break right now. :’)
Thank you so, so much, and thank youf for creating this. It’s actually very inspiring and motivating to talk about my project, it makes me want to work harder on this, so thank you! ?
Slow progress is still progress! That is my favorite thing to say to frustrated writer friends. Hang in there! 500 words a week is still 500 more than the vast majority of “writers.” Maybe you should be more public and less like Batman. Get come accountability in there. 😉
And I am partaking in NaNo WriMo! Planning to attend my first write-in this weekend and very excited. This year I’m loosely writing a generbent Lancelot and Guinevere story with dragon shifters. It’s fun so far!
Thank you so, so much for your sweet words! I sometimes manage to write 500 words, and sometimes like these past two weeks, I don’t even have time to open my WIP, and I feel so disappointed in myself. But I guess I just can’t do it all, at times.
Oh best of luck for NaNo, I hope it’s going well! 😀
You don’t get 1000 followers by being a bad writer, Marie. You’re awesome. Embrace it. Also 500 words is better than no words. At least you’re doing the thing.
I have the same trouble balancing my blog and the other writing I want to do (and the whole earning money issue).
Oh wow thank you Lydia, you are so, so sweet, you just made my day a thousand times better right now. Thank you <3 <3 <3
It's so hard. I want to write and blog but I also need to earn money because trying to write and blogging doesn't pay at all ahah. But working is time-consuming since it takes all day long, and it's exhausting. I wish I didn't need sleep at all haha.
I know right?! If we didn’t have to sleep we would have so much more time.
I suppose one way to look at it is that the things that survive even when there is hardly any time to do them must be the things that you really love. But that doesn’t make time management any easier!
This is a great way of looking at things. I must love blogging and commenting a lot haha ?
I am on NaNoWriMo right now…I’m under Teacherofya! You know, if you want to say hi!
How is everything going? I hope you are having TONS of fun! I’m not doing NaNo at the moment but I’ll find you and add you anyway 😀
Your first paragraph sounds like some of my experiences with traveling long distances. (The trip from North America to Asia was a 50 hour jaunt and that’s no picnic…)
And no, I’m not doing NaNo this year, and I miss it. I’m focusing more on getting ready to query for an anent.
Oh wow! I already feel like 7 hours of flight is so long, I don’t know how I’d feel with 50 hours. ?
I miss doing NaNo as well, it always feels so good to write and be part of something this fun 🙂
Thank you so much for stopping by!!
Ooh I love your sentence!!! I’ll definitely be checking out your story as soon as I can get to Wattpad on my laptop since this app keeps crashing… Good luck with your writing, and I’d love to see more! 🙂
Ohh thank you so, so much, I’m glad you enjoyed it! <3 <3