Wednesday, November 30, 2016

The End of NaNoWriMo! (Hannah)

Hi everyone!  This is just a short news post, but I was so excited I couldn't help but post it.  NaNoWriMo is over, and I officially won with less than an hour to spare.  If you remember from two days ago, my progress looked like this:


In three days, through no small amount of work, I finally pushed it just over the 50,000 word mark.


And here is my happy NaNoWriMo winner badge!


OK, enough bragging for me.  There is no way I could have done this without my family's support, especially the last couple of weeks.  Every spare minute was consumed by writing, and I have barely seen them.  They covered for my housework, helped with animal chores, and encouraged me to keep going no matter what.  This wouldn't have been possible without them.

So for my parents, thank you for everything.  Everything.  I really can't thank you guys enough.

For my siblings, thank you for covering some of my responsibilities so I have time to write and for understanding when I said "I can't do that today, I have to write."

For my extended family, thank you for all of the encouragement and support you have given me.  It has kept me going.

For Brenna, thank you for being my writing buddy, and for constantly writing more than I did so that I would be encouraged to keep going.  Congratulations on meeting your 60,000 word goal.

If you would like to read some of the other NaNoWriMo posts, please be sure to check them out here.

Have a wonderful December everyone!

~ Hannah

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

NaNo Tips: My NaNo Journey (Hannah)

Hello, everyone!  We are just a day away from the end of November now.  Those of us who have been participating in NaNoWriMo are finishing up the last few words.  Some of us are already finished.  Others are still working furiously.  Where am I?  Well, with 38,715 words at the time of this writing (the evening of the 28th), I have a long way to go in a short amount of time.

The grey line represents where I should be if I stayed on par each day.

In the interest of getting back to writing, this post will be very short.  I'll just leave you with the lesson I learned this year.  It might surprise you, or maybe even shock you.  I'm sure you've never heard anything as radical as this.  Brace yourself, because here it is:

Procrastination is bad.


Revolutionary, isn't it?  Fine, so I'm sure everyone has heard this at some point.  Some of us (including me, obviously, from the chart above) haven't taken this lesson to heart.  Remember how on day five I admitted I hadn't written anything yet?  That trend continued until day eleven.  I had another stretch where I didn't write anything for four days in a row.  So I effectively halved the amount of time I had to write, which turned out to be a very bad idea.  I did manage to write quite a bit while family was in town for Thanksgiving, but I'm back to school now and there are a lot of demands on my time.

In sharp contrast, my friend and writing buddy this month Brenna did much better than I did.  She actually started on day one, and officially won with five days to spare.  Take inspiration from her, not me.

Brenna not only met but surpassed the target words-per-day goal nearly every day.
Can you see the difference?  She wrote just a bit every day instead of trying to cram it in like I am.  Most of the time she wrote about 2,000 words, which for most people would take around two hours.  A few days she did extra, but overall, her steady progress was more than enough to help her reach her goal.  And guess what?  She can sleep just fine tonight because she didn't save all the work for the last minute.

With three days and about 12,000 words to go, I'm not going to sleep much.

Pray for me to finish.

And please, for the sake of your stress levels and sleeping habits, remember: Procrastination is bad.

Thanks for reading!

Are you good at spreading out your commitments, or do you struggle with procrastination?  Do you have any tips for how to beat the urge to procrastinate?

~Hannah

Back to writing for me!

------------

This is the end of my NaNoWriMo series!  Thanks for reading, and if you are interested in any of the previous posts, make sure to check them out here:


NaNoWriMo: Write with Abandon!

NaNo Prep: Character Resources
NaNo Prep: Setting Resources
NaNo Prep: Plot Resources

NaNo Tips: Give Your Story a Chance
NaNo Tips: What Helps You Focus?
NaNo Tips: My NaNo Journey

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Top Three Fantasy Movies to Inspire Thankfulness


 3. "It's a Meaningful Life":  Okay, so not technically a movie, this VeggieTales episode is a perfect show to put you in the mood for giving thanks. "It's a Meaningful Life" combines It's a Wonderful Life, Polar Express and Mr. Destiny to tell the tale of Stewart (Larry), who missed making the winning football play in school, and has regretted it ever since. When Stewart wonders whether his life could have been different, someone finally appears who can show him. Thankfully, after a series of mishaps, Stewart learns to be content with his life.

2. It's a Wonderful Life: Mentioned above, It's a Wonderful Life is a familiar classic. Again, an angel helps a regretful man experience a different reality. This time, though, the angel shows George Bailey what life would have been like if he never existed. After seeing that his life has made a difference, George also learns to be content with his life.

1. The Polar Express: Though not as inspiring as the other two shows, The Polar Express is one of my family's favorites. Watching The Polar Express makes me thankful for many things on a personal level. First, I am always thankful I am not really on a roller coaster train ride! Second, I am thankful for the reminder that children have compassionate hearts and care for each other. Third, I am thankful that Billy receives a present. . . maybe for the first time. Since we usually watch The Polar Express on Black Friday, after I have spend most of the day Christmas shopping, I am always so grateful our family has enough resources to enjoy Christmas.
 
This year, when many people in our country are worried about what their future holds, I feel like it is even more important to count our blessings, as well as to find places to contribute and serve. We are so blessed. . . may we
bless others this Christmas season, too.

Practical ways to bless others through giving:
  • Give to a family in your church, school or neighborhood that is experiencing hard times. 
  • Donate to your church or community food shelf. 
  • Donate to or serve at your local Union Gospel Mission: Here is the Twin Cities, MN link.   https://ugmtc.org/get-involved/
  • Donate to or serve at The Salvation Army: http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/
  • Sponsor a family through Lutheran Social Services: Again, here is the link in the Twin Cities, but be sure to check out services in your area!  http://www.lssmn.org/refugeeservices/ 
To find out more, you can research homelessness. This article gives some interesting statistics. http://www.endhomelessness.org/library/entry/SOH2016

Attributions:
https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/veggietales/images/5/5b/It%27saMeaningfulLife.jpg/revision/latest%3Fcb%3D20100811205542&imgrefurl=http://veggietales.wikia.com/wiki/It%27s_a_Meaningful_Life
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRix5cir-_0ascqxlKH6gIQEwE0wH7dEvZdQDThPxm_ACzvSQ8n
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRix5cir-_0ascqxlKH6gIQEwE0wH7dEvZdQDThPxm_ACzvSQ8n
https://promisehouse.org/programs/

Friday, November 25, 2016

Interview with Ralene Burke

We are thrilled to welcome Ralene Burke to the blog today to celebrate the release of her Bellanok serial novels as a compilation, now available in paperback! I had the opportunity to meet Ralene at the Realm Makers Conference and she is an absolute sweetheart, and so involved in the writing community! We really appreciate that she took the time to answer some questions for us about herself and her writing today. So, without further ado, here's Ralene!

 
Tell us a little bit about yourself.


Well, by day I am a wife to a disabled veteran and homeschooling mama of 3 amazing kids. By evening/night, I am a fantasy writer, freelance editor, and social media consultant. It’s a precarious balance and keeps me on my toes, but I love it!


What prompted you to start writing? Are you one of those authors who knew you were meant to write since childhood, or did it come as a discovery later in life?

Yes, I was one of the authors who knew I wanted to be a writer as a child. However, I didn’t actually get into writing as more than a hobby til after I was married and was staying at home with our first child.


Which authors have had the most significant impact on your writing?

Growing up, I loved all kinds of writers, from C.S. Lewis to Shel Silverstein to Lois Lowry to Carolyn Keene. As I got older, I dove into mysteries and suspense. It wasn’t until my late 20s that I started getting into speculative fiction more, even as a writer. Many writers contributed to who I am as a writer. I’m not sure I could say any one influenced me more than another. Though I will say that Frank Peretti is the reason I write speculative fiction.


Since you're not only an author but also a fantastic resource for fellow writers, please share a favorite editing tip and a favorite marketing tip.

Favorite editing tip: Give yourself at least a couple of weeks between finishing the first draft and diving into editing. This gives your mind and your eyes time to “forget,” so you can approach the story with a fresh perspective.

Favorite marketing tip: Social media is social. Do not expect a “buy my book” mentality to garner much interest from the masses. Instead, reach out and engage with your followers. Get to know them. Provide value by sharing stuff that interests them. And share bits about you as a person and a writer.


We're all about exploring new worlds here - if you could choose one place to visit, real or fictional, where would you go?

I would love to have a month or more to explore Middle Earth. The Shire, Rivendell, Gondor—they just all seem like such amazing places.


No visit to Lands Uncharted is complete without Top 3s! Give us a Top 3 list, in the category of your choice.

My Top 3 Books of 2016:

1. The Story of WITH by Allen Arnold
2. Progeny by Tosca Lee
3. Emissary by Thomas Locke


You recently signed a 3-book contract with Elk Lake Publishing. Congratulations!!! Can you tell us a little bit about the upcoming trilogy?

Thank you! I’m super excited.

The upcoming trilogy is based on the premise question “What if the armor of God were real?” An orphaned priestess must retrieve the armor of Elohim, scattered throughout the Three Kingdoms, in order to banish an ancient evil bent on taking over their world. There’s more to it than that, but that’s a taste for ya!


Now, let's talk about Bellanok since that's what we're celebrating on this blog tour! What inspired you to write this story?

A prayer. I was trying to figure out my next story, spent time praying, and at some point this story popped into my head, and then it wouldn’t leave me alone! Ironically, the story echoes many of my own struggles, which I think is why I needed to write it.


If you had to choose, who would you say is your favorite character in Bellanok?

Brian is my favorite character, probably because he is most like me. We have many of the same doubts, fears, and struggles. Even when we take steps forward, we still doubt that is where we are supposed to be. But, God uses us anyway.


Finally, please share a favorite line or passage from Bellanok with us.

“A sword is just a sword. I am the weapon.”

I won’t go into detail as to the background of this statement because that would give too much away. I’ll just say that it’s a very powerful moment in the story. You’ll just have to read Bellanok to find out!


Intriguing, isn't it? I should mention that Bellanok isn't specifically geared towards young adults, but it's appropriate and enjoyable for any audience! Here's the back-cover blurb:


A haven for myths and legends . . . until evil discovers a way in.

With evil darkening the mountains to the north, the fairy queen, Fauna, must journey from the island realm of Bellanok to the modern world to find the man the Creator appointed to save their kingdom. A man she has been dreaming of her whole life.

Brian is a down-on-his-luck pastor on the verge of giving up on God. He's tired and frustrated--a failure. No sooner does he make a decision that jeopardizes his career than an unusual blonde woman shows up and tries to convince him he is some kind of savior.

Fauna must open Brian's eyes to a different reality, and Brian needs to embrace the haven's secrets. If neither of them succeeds, Bellanok will succumb to evil and the world will lose all trace of innocence.


You can purchase Bellanok on Amazon here.

Thank you so much for joining us and letting us be a part of your release celebration, Ralene! You can find out more at raleneburke.com, or by connecting with her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram.

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Sentinel & Viper by Jamie Foley (Laurie)

Happy Thanksgiving!! I hope you all have the opportunity to spend the holiday with your loved ones, recalling all you have to be thankful for. Or at the very least that you get to enjoy a delicious meal :)

Because of the holiday I wasn't originally planning to talk about a book today, but I changed my mind when I found out that Viper by Jamie Foley releases tomorrow! I was lucky enough to receive a free advance review copy, so I thought this was the perfect opportunity to talk about both Viper and Sentinel, the two books in Foley's Sentinel series so far. Plus, we're able to schedule these posts in advance, so I still get to spend Thanksgiving with my family eating a magnificent turkey dinner :)

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I'll start with Sentinel, since it was released first (plus I read it first). Darien and his sister, Tera, are caught in a meteor storm and find refuge at a mysterious academy where the students are rumored to have special abilities. Soon Darien finds himself as a reluctant student at the academy, but his interest increases as he discovers the various powers that can be unleashed using aether, an internal energy the academy students are learning to wield. But Darien's powers end up being needed far sooner than he expected when the academy is targeted by enemies seeking to harvest its secrets.


There were so many aspects of this book I loved. The characters are all complex, with faults, humor, and vulnerabilities. The idea of aether is so fascinating, and I really enjoyed learning about it with Darien over the course of the book. Plus it had a great mix of action, world-building, character development, and romance reminiscent of the Harry Potter series. Foley's writing is vivid and relatable, and she keeps the reader guessing throughout!


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Viper is a novella prequel to Sentinel. After getting hints of the history between Jet and Sorvashti during the second half of Sentinel, I couldn't wait to read this prequel, and it didn't disappoint! Jet is taking on his first assignment as a sniper, complete with hazing from his military unit and the desire to prove himself. Sorvashti is kidnapped from her art school and taken to a bizarre "home" akin to a harem. When Jet's unit rescues her, he and Sorvashti must sort out their feelings for each other as they try to track down her kidnapper and a traitor in their midst.


Jet and Sorvashti are both well-rounded, fun characters that I enjoyed getting to know. I loved the way Foley handled language and culture differences, and the way that their shared knowledge of aether helped them communicate and overcome their enemies. The romance was subtle and sweet, and the action made it a page-turner - I think I finished in a few days (it's shorter as a novella, of course, but still!).



So in conclusion, I would highly recommend these books and can't wait to read the rest of the series! What do you think? Do they sound of interest to you, or have you read Sentinel already? Alternatively, how are you spending (or did you spend) your Thanksgiving?


Thanks for reading!
Laurie

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Query Survival (Laura)

I know some of our blog members and readers are in the oh-so-painful querying stage, and as I prepare to send a couple of queries, myself, I thought I would pass along a few tips I have learned. I've yet to have a successful query, but my failures have taught me some things. And though I've heard many contradicting "rules" of effective query writing, I've also heard some general consistent guidelines that make sense.


Although I'm not a professional, I've attempted to illustrate the main points with some goofy examples. Take them with a grain of salt, and please check out some useful resources at the end of this post for much better illustrations and more information.


1. Address a specific agent or editor and open your query as you would a business letter.
    Example
    Dear Ms. Demeanor:


PARAGRAPH 1:


2. Connect with the agent or editor, if possible.
    Examples
    Last April, I sent you my young adult fantasy story entitled PRINCESS SALAMANDER, and you
    recommended I work on the plot structure and contact you again.


    We met at the 2016 SCBWI conference in Los Angeles and discussed our mutual appreciation for
    competitive dog grooming.


    I read your recent blog post on action stories and strong female characters, and I think you would
    enjoy a young adult story I have written.


3. State the title, genre, and word count of your story along with a one-sentence hook.
    Example
    I have completed a 90,000-word young adult fantasy novel entitled PRINCESS SALAMANDER,
    in which an adopted princess discovers she is descended from her family's ancient enemy and must
    choose a side.


4. Avoid phrasing your hook as a question.
    Example
    Instead of: What would you do if you discovered your parents were salamanders?
    Try something like: An adopted princess learns she is a magical being descended from family's
    sworn enemy.

Try studying various hooks from commercials and movies. One of my favorites is: "A family comedy without the family." Can you guess what film that's from?


5. Include two comparison titles. These are most effective if the agent or editor has worked with the titles.
    Example
    Fans of [author's] [TITLE] and [author's] [TITLE] would enjoy its themes of identity, family
    loyalty, and humor.


These are tough, in my opinion. Check out some great advice and further explanation here.


PARAGRAPH 2:


6. Include a brief synopsis in which you discuss the main character's conflict and reveal how it is resolved. This could sound like jacket copy but with the ending disclosed.
    Example
    Hortense has it made at the palace as the adopted daughter of the royal family, but she has always
    wanted to know about her past. Then on her fifteenth birthday, she unexpectedly transforms into a
    salamander and realizes she is from a line of sorcerers who, upon adulthood, gain the ability to
    mutate into amphibians at will. Specifically, the Salamander clan is the sworn, life-long enemy of
    the royals. Hortense must learn to control the physical changes she faces and determine where her
    allegiance lies, all while trying to keep a human-sized-amphibian of a secret from her loved ones.
    But she can't keep the secret for long. While saving a member of the Salamander family from an
    attack, Hortense suffers a life-threatening injury, and the two families come together in support of
    the daughter they both love as she recovers.


PARAGRAPH 3:


7. In a brief bio, share the credentials and relevant experience you DO have.
    Example
    I am a high school English teacher and once had a pet salamander. I received my MFA in
    children's literature from Hamline University and actively participate in the SCBWI and a writing
    group.


8. Include the number of sample pages the agent or editor requested in his or her submission guidelines and state this in the letter. Be sure to follow exact specifications of how the agent or editor would like to receive the material (unless they only accept queries).
    Examples
    I have included the first two chapters of PRINCESS
    SALAMANDER along with a self-addressed
    stamped envelope.

    Below, I have included the first 10 pages in the body of this
    email per your submission guidelines.

9. Thank the agent or editor for his or her time and consideration.
    Example
    (This one's tricky.) Thank you for your time and consideration.


But, no joke, be gracious. Someone is taking the time to read your letter and work sample.


ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS:


10. When to move on...
I have to share an embarrassing story. When I first started sending out my second manuscript, I would submit a revised sample once or twice a year to my favorite publisher because they kept rejecting it. They always responded politely and even provided specific feedback a couple of times until they altogether stopped replying. I got the hint and was so ashamed when I realized I had done something you should never do when querying--push. "No" means "no" unless the publisher or agency has invited you to resubmit revised material or has taken the time to provide suggested revisions.


If someone hasn't replied to your query in the amount of time their submission guidelines suggest they will, it's a good idea to politely follow up. But if they respond with a denial or don't respond at all after your nudge, leave it at that.


I have noticed some agencies that say if six months have passed since they rejected your manuscript and you have significantly revised it, you may send them another query for the same work. Otherwise, it's okay to move on and give someone else the chance to get back to you with the enthusiasm you and your project deserve.


11. KEEP QUERYING.
Rejection is hard. It hurts, even when it doesn't make sense for it to. We all know this in some way. Think of someone you know well who is a really great person and you think is fantastic but you're not romantically interested in them. You just aren't. That SOMETHING isn't there for you because you're not a good match for each other or you've already found the romantic partner that's right for you. If that person asked you to date them and you were listening to your heart, you would say...no. Right? Otherwise, you would be leading them on and not doing a service to either party. There's nothing wrong with that person, and the right romantic partner is out there for them. Just like the right agent and/or editor is out there for you. That could mean you want to self-publish and be completely in charge of your own work and find great success in taking that route.


In my own recent experience, as an example, I usually plan to query and then I stall. When I finally get up the nerve, I have my list of favorite agents so I'm ready to send the next letter after I get the first rejection. But as soon as those first couple of rejections roll in, I put off querying again until another year has passed without sending that third letter. I stop trying. Sometimes this is a good thing. In my case, it allowed me to improve the work in the meantime. You have to decide when you feel you've accepted enough feedback from beta readers and have identified and fixed the big problems and YOU LOVE THE WORK the way it is, having taken into consideration all that feedback. You must also decide that you are ready to begin querying because you've found some great agents or editors with whom you would truly like to work--to sign those rights over to, should they see the work as a match for themselves as well. That agent will be your book spouse. Don't pick just anyone.


Once you've reached this point with your book and your list of agents or editors, stick to it. When--if--the first rejections come back, have your next couple of prospect's queries ready to go. So while you are sad and hurt and want to cave in on yourself in defeat, despite those feelings, you will also be sending out a little hope into the world, an opportunity for yourself. Without those chances, we don't move. WITH those chances, amazing things happen. Here are some to think about.


    If JK Rowling had stopped after 12 rejections, there
    would be no Harry Potter.

    If Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen had stopped
    after 140 rejections, there would be no Chicken Soup
    for the Soul books.

    If Walt Disney had stopped after 302 rejections, there
    would be no Disneyland.


Hang in there. Believe in yourself. If your heart is in it, you're on the right path. Keep at it, and good luck!


What have you found to be successful in your querying experience? If you have an agent or editor or you've received positive feedback, what tips would you share?


Thanks!


Laura


Recommended resources:
Get a Literary Agent, Chuck Sambuchino
Hooked, by Les Edgerton
The First 50 Pages, by Jeff Gerke
Writer's Market


Publisher's Marketplace ($25 monthly fee)
The Loft's in-person or online classes
The Loft's query and manuscript critique services


Other recommended books on craft to read before querying:
Becoming a Writer, by Dorothea Brande
Bird by Bird, by Anne Lamott
On Writing, by Stephen King
Plot Versus Character, by Jeff Gerke
Second Sight, by Cheryl B. Klein
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, by Renni Browne and Dave King
Unless it Moves the Human Heart, by Roger Rosenblatt
Writing Irresistible Kidlit, by Mary Kole


Attributions
Christopher Robin letter: http://pooh.wikia.com/wiki/File:Christopher_Robin_-_Writing_a_letter.jpg
Cat with quill: http://legomessageboards.wikia.com/wiki/File:Cats-miss-sadness-write-letter-cat-pen-image-gallery-736x552.jpg
Walt Disney quote: http://austinally.wikia.com/wiki/File:Profile_Quote_1.jpg

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Top 3 Sassiest Animal Characters (Elizabeth)

What Disney movie is complete without its animal companions? They provide both comic relief and solace for the hero/heroine while spicing the movie up with their fun personalities, which is why today I'm listing the top 3 sassiest animal characters, in no particular order.

3. Abu

Abu is Aladdin's tiny partner-in-crime in Aladdin.

While he has a tendency to be a tad greedy...


He's also generous--though grudgingly so.



Abu is both adorable and feisty, with a personality that's bigger than he is.

2. Pascal

Pascal is Rapunzel's companion in Tangled. Above all, he's protective and cautious.


Not to mention brave! I mean, how many friends do you have that'd be willing to give someone a wet willy on your behalf?









Though he's tiny, he keeps not only Maximus, but Flynn Ryder in line.
Overall, Pascal is there for Rapunzel when she needs him, and he never lets his tiny size get in the way of protecting her.

1. Mushu
And lastly, there's Mushu, the mighty guardian of Mulan in... Mulan. Go figure ;)

Despite his size, Mushu can be terrifying, awe-inspiring...

But he also has a motherly side.
Mushu: [stuffing breakfast into Mulan's mouth] No time to talk. Now remember, it's your first day of trainin', so listen to your teacher and no fightin', play nice with the other kids, unless, of course, one of the other kids wanna fight, then you have to kick the other kid's butt. 
(from imbd.com)






And he's pretty clever when the situation calls for it...



What are your favorite animal sidekicks from movies?

Thanks for reading!
Elizabeth Newsom

Attributions:
Pictures of Abbu: Aladdin, 1992.
Pictures of Pascal: Rapunzel, 2010.
Pictures of Mushu: Mulan, 1998.

Friday, November 18, 2016

Contest, Guest Post & Websites

Happy Friday! We have a few fun announcements here at Lands Uncharted!

I was named a finalist in the YA category of the Phoenix Rattler Contest put on by Christian Writers of the West. Yay!!! Many thanks to everyone who volunteered their time to judge, and congratulations to all the finalists and winners! http://www.christianwritersofthewest.com/2016-winners.html

I also had the opportunity to do a guest post on Ralene Burke's website, titled Confessions of a Subpar Creative Writer. Take a look at her whole Confessions series of posts for fun, thought-provoking insights into writers' lives.

Lastly, did you know that three of our contributors now have their own websites? Check out:

erinhawleycronin.com to find out about Erin's books and experience Everyday Adventures with Erin

elizabethnewsom.com for Elizabeth's book reviews, polls, writing prompts, and other great posts on writing and life

laurielucking.com for monthly updates on my writing journey


And we have some exciting updates coming for the new year that we can't wait to share over the next few months! Stay tuned!


Thanks for reading!
Laurie

Thursday, November 17, 2016

NaNo Tips: What Helps You Focus? (Hannah)

We're halfway through the month of November, when most people start to slow down and face difficulty in the challenge known as NaNoWriMo.  After working diligently for the first part of the month, the self-discipline and excitement are wearing thin.  This is when distractions are most powerful.  How do you fight through the distractions to stay "in the zone?"

Here are some of my favorite techniques for staying focused.

1. Avoid Multitasking

Multitasking keeps your brain from falling into and staying in "the zone."  Travis Bach, from the fantastic writing blog "Pretentious Title," explains why multitasking is the enemy of creativity.  He did such a great job that I will just refer you to his article and let him explain it: The Science of Protecting Your Creativity.

2. Don't Self-Edit (At least not during NaNoWriMo)

This one is a bit of a no-brainer.  If you are too busy thinking about, reconsidering, and changing what you have already written, you are not making any progress toward writing anything new.  We call the critical part of your brain the "Inner Editor," and while he is one of the most essential elements in writing a good story, he must be banished for the duration of NaNoWriMo if you are to have any hope of writing 50,000 words in one month.

3. Finish Other Commitments First 

I am a problem-solver.  I am happiest when I can figure out new, brilliant ways to solve whatever dilemma I happen to be facing.  I love plot holes because the elation that comes from finding creative solutions to them is one of the best parts of writing for me.  However, there is a dark side to this focus on solving problems.  If I spend my writing time thinking about the things I need to do later, I will not be nearly as productive with the task at hand: writing.  If I save writing for last, there won't be anything else to demand my time.

4. Alternatively, Make Writing Your First Activity

Contrary to the above, sometimes you are just too tired at the end of the day to write well.  Writing early in the morning, before you do anything else, can help take advantage of the early morning energy.  Especially if you are a morning person, writing early can help infuse you with enthusiasm and productivity.

5. Write In a Place With Few Interesting Things

My "cove" as I call it, even though it is my favorite place to work, is actually terrible for me.  I have a comfy recliner under my bunk bed, beside me are several shelves full of books and items important to me, and just ahead I have a wall covered in interesting pictures and certificates.  If I run into a place where I am struggling a little with my story, my eyes automatically wander, lingering on the other things in my room.  If I were in a more boring place, I would be forced to keep focused on my story since there wouldn't be anything else of value to do.

6. Tune Out Unpredictable Noise

I love silence.  I work best in silence.  When there is silence, I can clearly hear the thoughts that constantly occupy my head.  Unfortunately, it isn't always possible to achieve perfect silence.  Maybe you have noisy family members, write in a location that is busy (a library, a coffee shop, your workplace, etc.), or have other noise-related distractions nearby.  If silence is impossible, I go for the second best: familiar instrumental music.  If I know the songs well, it is easy to dismiss them as white noise, and there aren't any words to usurp the ones that flow from my head to the paper.

7. Take Breaks

This one seems counter-intuitive, but it is actually very effective.  I am the kind of person who likes to work, work, work until I have finished whatever I am working on.  I start schoolwork in the morning and work until dinnertime, when my mom forces me to come out.  (Or at least I used to.)  This works for a while, but the truth is it leads to burnout.  Oftentimes, it is best to schedule times to relax and let your brain rest.

8. Avoid People Who Care About You

I added this one because as I write this post, I have been interrupted by my sister needing my help, my dad talking to me about whatever is interesting to him at the moment, and my mom asking what I am writing about and wondering why it isn't my novel (since it is, after all, National Novel Writing Month).  This is my fault for sitting in the living room to work, but it illustrates an important point: if you are around people who care about you, they will naturally find it difficult to completely ignore you and leave you time to write.  Remember the old maxim: "Out of sight, out of mind."  Put yourself out of sight if you value your productivity.

9. Turn Off the Internet

Probably the biggest, most insidious source of distraction is the internet.  There are so many excuses to go there, and the most dangerous one for me is "research."  I just want to look up some historical detail, and suddenly I have burned two hours reading about something completely irrelevant to the story.  Social media is a dangerous trap for many people.  One of the biggest problems for me is also what makes NaNoWriMo so great.  The forums, where thousands of people commiserate about NaNo's difficulties, discuss writing, and encourage each other, are so fun to read through that it is easy to forget about actually doing what you are supposed to do: write 50,000 words.  If you choose just one suggestion from this list, I would say pick this one.  Disabling your access to the internet will make you a much faster writer.

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So there you go!  Some of my favorite ways to fight distraction and keep writing.  What are some of your favorite ways to stay focused?  Which suggestions on this list would be most effective for you?  I would love to hear your opinion!

~ Hannah


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Thanks so much for reading!  This month, I am buried in the depths of NaNoWriMo.  If you would like to check out any of the other posts in this NaNo-related series, here they are!

NaNoWriMo: Write with Abandon!

NaNo Prep: Character Resources
NaNo Prep: Setting Resources
NaNo Prep: Plot Resources

NaNo Tips: Give Your Story a Chance

NaNo Tips: What Helps You Focus?
NaNo Tips: My NaNo Journey




Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Contradictions in Terms (Erin)

Does anyone else feel like this time of year is full of contradictions?

The weather. . .I am happy it has been so warm here in Minnesota--but I can't wait for snow.

The sky. . . The supermoon at night is amazing, but I love the warm sun and deep blues of late autumn afternoons. 

The holidays. . . I love the chance to gather with family, be thankful, and celebrate--but the to-do lists get a little crazy.

Family and friends. . . I treasure time spent with my family and friends--but the early nights make my introvert side come out, and sometimes I just want to curl up with a book.

Television. . . Who do you like better, The Flash--or SuperGirl?

Even music. . .Should I try to commit Hamilton to memory (minus the bad words)--or start listening to Christmas albums?

As much as I might long to be steady, even-keeled, and consistent, I think the contradictions in our  lives are part of what makes us uniquely human.

The writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us,  
There is a time for everything,    and a season for every activity under the heavens--   Ecclesiastes 3: 1 

Here's to embracing each moment the season brings. 

What contradictions are you finding in your life right now? How can you embrace them?

Attributions: 
https://pixabay.com/en/supermoon-silhouette-hawk-flying-995170/
Note: I love the image here on the blog, but for an authentic, Minnesota supermoon pic, click here:
http://www.captureminnesota.com/photos/2020618


Saturday, November 12, 2016

Top 3 Animal Characters (Laurie)

In our interview with author S.D. Grimm a few weeks ago, she chose to share her top 3 animal characters. I thought it was such a fantastic idea for a Top 3s category that I decided to devote a post of my own to it.

Though I'm fond of animals in real life, I'll admit I don't tend to read a lot of books involving animals. But every once in a while, I read an animal character that is done so well it influences the entire book and stays with me just as much as the human characters.

So, here are the animals that made my top 3, in which you may notice I have a fondness for cats... :)

70697513. Monster from Heartless by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

At the beginning of the story, Princess Una and her brother come across a large, golden, blind cat. Una develops an instant affinity for the cat and takes him home with her, naming him Monster. Monster has a huge personality and characteristically feline attitude throughout the book, resulting in high entertainment value. But he also turns out to be much more than what he seems, which makes him a complex, interesting character as the reader learns that Una's encounter with this lovable cat was far from a coincidence.





139292. Gogu from Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier

I've already posted about this book in my favorite fairy tale retellings, but I can't help mentioning it again, because Gogu is just fantastic. For the majority of the story, Gogu is the unusual pet frog of Jena, the protagonist. She takes him along everywhere she goes, usually hidden in her pocket, and can read his thoughts. As a result, he is her friend, adviser, and confidante, and they share some great moments - sometimes funny, sometimes touching. But in the end, it turns out Gogu has a secret that impacts their relationship in a huge way - I don't want to spoil it, so you'll just have to read to find out what it is :)




78772391. Taggle from Plain Kate by Erin Bow

This book isn't the kind of thing I usually read, but I found it eerie, fascinating, and beautifully written. Kate, a lonely orphan, makes a deal with a stranger to give him her shadow in return for her heart's wish. He grants her wish not to be alone by giving the power of speech to her cat, Taggle, who turned out to be one of my favorite characters. Taggle not only provided a humorous reprieve from the prevalent darkness in the story, but he also proved a loyal, self-sacrificial friend to Kate. Best of all, his entire personality was just so cat-like. Bow clearly has a true understanding of felines, which made Taggle both memorable and endearing.




Honorable mentions go to Pantalaimon from Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials series and Manchee from The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness, but they didn't quite make the cut, in part because I just talked about both of these series in my last Top 3s post :)


Do you have any favorite animal characters? Do they correspond to animals you enjoy in real life? What makes an animal character memorable for you?


Thanks for reading!
Laurie

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Greenglass House, by Kate Milford (Laura)

Milo lives with his adoptive parents in a smuggler's inn in the seaside town of Nagspeake. One Christmas holiday, when Milo and his parents usually have the place to themselves, not one, not two, but five visitors arrive late in the middle of a winter storm. All are shocked to find they are not the only guests staying at the Greenglass House that week, and Milo quickly realizes something fishy is going on at the inn. After he finds a map in the snow, dropped by one of the guests, and a string of thefts begin, Milo along with Meddy, the only child visiting the inn, take on a role-playing game and begin investigating the house and its visitors. And maybe learning a little about what happened there many years before and how it relates to their own pasts.


From the first pages, the writing, the world, and Milo and his parents pulled me under the spell of the book. Right away, the setting establishes a cozy yet mysterious tone, and then when the real mysteries begin to crop up and compound, they entranced me further and made me wonder what was going on, what strange event would happen next, and what it all meant--from the stolen items themselves to the creaking floorboards of the house at night, unexplainably moved furniture, items turning up in odd locations, Chinese symbols marking specific objects, and the peculiarities of each of the guests and their stories.


The house itself is intricately detailed and fascinating, and I loved exploring it with Milo and Meddy. One of my favorite elements of the house is the staircase. On every landing is a stained glass window, each one with different shades and colors and each one with the image of a gate hidden within it that Milo discovers is a clue to the house's history. Milo and Meddy spend many heart-stopping moments on the staircase, climbing to the attic to investigate for clues, hiding from sneaking guests, escaping traps, and overhearing puzzling conversations. In contrast, I also loved the coziness of the main floor with its fireplace, Christmas tree, and kitchen, where Milo's family and the guests often come together and share stories, meals, and hot cocoa and also bicker, scramble with candles during a blackout, and even cheer each other up in the most unlikely of ways.


At first, the ending left me just a little disappointed with a few of the elements used to explain certain mysteries, though it was also intriguing and satisfying in many ways. This is a fun one to read a second time to pick up on all the sneaky clues the author leaves throughout the story to support the ending. I would also say that reading it the second time--already knowing the end, rather than having expectations--allowed me to appreciate the outcome more and how everything built up to it. A very sweet story with just the right amount of eeriness. Very beautiful, exciting, yet meaningful read. It would be especially fun to enjoy during the holidays.


What are your favorite mystery stories?


Laura


Attribution
Greenglass House: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/grenglass-house-kate-milford/1116226322

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Targeting Your Audience (Elizabeth)



Ready
First of all, what kind of readers do you want to hunt down? If you don’t know, there are several ways to figure out. First of all, if you post your story on a website like Wattpad, you can track the demographic of your readers, specifically age, location, and gender.



If it’s not posted online, have a variety of beta readers read it and see if your book appeals to a certain age group or gender.
If all else fails, you can generally look at the protagonist’s age and assume the reader will be a bit younger. Readers have a tendency to read upward. Of course, this doesn’t always apply. Take Ender’s Game, for example. Ender starts the story at age 6, but a huge portion of its audience is teenagers.

Aim
Once you know what you’re hunting, search out their natural habitat. The best place would be on blog of a reviewer or writer in your genre. As far as social media goes, it’s pretty easy to research what audiences are where. For example, Instagram and Snapchat would be used for YA. Facebook’s users tend to be older. Want more social media audience information?


Fire!
Do a bit of research on how to use the social media you’ve chosen, and ask for advice from the professionals. I’d recommend reading The Extraverted Writer. Then go for it! Pull that trigger—er, send that social media post! You might feel awkward and stupid at first, but that’s okay. You have to let yourself make some mistakes.


What’s your target audience? What social media platforms have you tried? Do you have any tips for targeting your audience?

Thanks for reading!
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