Nov. 6, 2009 - NaNoWriMo: Progress and Location

It is now day 6 of NaNoWriMo, I believe.  For the most part is is gong very well, and I am rather pleased with my progress.  I have written almost every day, and I am well above the average word count per day, which is a good thing.  It means I'm ahead of schedule.

There was one day that I wrote hardly a thing.  I wanted to write, but I wasn't sure what to write next.  I keep harboring suspicions that my plot isn't big enough for 50,000 words.  Yet here I am, still plugging away.  Well, plugging isn't exactly the right word; I am enjoying myself.

Just in case you wanted to know, there is now a meter on my sidebar that will tell you my current word count.  It updates when I do, so, if you are interested, be sure to keep checking back!

I am quite in love with my bedroom/studio.  I would like to think of it as my studio, at any rate.  It's where I do almost everything!  I wanted to show it to you, so here it is!

Copyright 2009 Defective Compositions

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Sep. 8, 2009 - NaNoWriMo

Well, I'm in.  What do I mean by that?  I'll tell you.

I've heard of NaNoWriMo before.  I thought it was a neat idea, but not something I would want to try.  At least not right now.  I also thought of it as something that only really good writers could accomplish.  For me it would be impossible.  Or so I thought.

September rolled around, and Bluejane came to me and said, "Guess what!  NaNoWriMo is in two months!"  It was then that I realized what an awesome thing this would be for me to do. 

I love to write.  However, I usually only get one or two, or on rare occasions, three chapters written before I loose steam, and quit.  I don't know why, but that is just what happens.  That has been slowly changing.  I am in the midst of a book write now that is at least seven chapters in, and I am still (somewhat) working on it. 

The reason I thought that NaNoWriMo would be so cool to do, is because if I could write 50,000 words in November, I would be well on my way to finishing a book.  That, my friends, would be exciting.

So, in preparation for this momentous event, I am writing all of my Porch articles through the month of November.  I am writing character sketches, and outlines for my novel.  Finally, I am going crazy with excitement. 

Are you doing NaNo?  Let me know!

Copyright 2009 Defective Compositions

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Jun. 2, 2009 - A Synopsis for Success!

I love writing!  Well, maybe not love, because I don't really write that often, but I do enjoy it, at any rate. 

I have always liked writing.  Writing on my own time and inclination.  I never liked writing for school.  I have started at least ten different stories, and I don't think any of them get past the fifth chapter, and that might be generous!  I just never stuck to a story long enough to get anywhere. 

Another part of my problem, I think, is that I never completely had my story figured out.  In some ways, I like that, but on the other hand, I would get to a point where I didn't know what to do next, and so I would set it aside and not come back to it. 

Well, at our last writers meeting that we went to, the exercise was to either write a cast of characters for a book or story idea, like old mystery books would do, or to write a synopsis.  The topic of the meeting had been about synopsis' and how they could be helpful to while you are writing, or you could write them after you have finished your book, or what have you. 

I grabbed at the idea, because I have though before that I needed to outline to keep myself on track, but this seemed to be a more exciting way of doing it.  So, yesterday, I sat down and finished a short synopsis for a book that I hope to write.  I am really excited because this is the first book that I have ever had the entire plot for.  The others, I just started without knowing where I was going. 

Now, on to the actual writing bit!  I started a little bit today, but it was going very slowly.  Not to encouraging, but that's okay.  I really want to succeed this time, and so I am really going to work on it. 

Copyright 2009 Defective Compositions

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Sep. 1, 2007 - "Here We Go Again!"

My family encourages me 100% in my writing endeavors, but I am sure they groan every time they hear that I have started writing a new one.  The reason for the groan?  I have nearly twenty other stories that I have started, but either got bored of, or didn't feel like writing in.  (Do those excuses mean the same thing?) 

I love each of my beginnings.  I get to know the characters before the first chapter starts, because, even if I am not writing the book itself, I am acting the story out in my head, as if I were in it, or watching it. 

I problably have a story for every genre out there, except three, horror, science fiction, and fan-fiction. 

My latest idea has really excited me (not that the others haven't).  Of course the tale will be fictional, but I want it to have elements of Lousia May Alcott (not very likely), and Jane Austen (even more unlikely!) in it.

I am also hoping it will be in the manner of Stepping Heavanward, by Mrs. E. Prentiss.  My story will be about a girl named Grace,  who struggles with giving up "self", and the tale of her life as she tries to rid herself of her internal moster.

Of course, Grace represents me.  The biggest barrier, the only barrier between me and perfect peace in the Lord is giving up "self".  So Grace struggles with it, too. 

I hope to do more prewriting for this book than any of my others, I plan on outlining, plotting, character development, just plain thought, and I am going no where without prayer.  I don't know how long it will take, but I will let everyone know when it is finished.  I would appriciate prayer, for this somewhat major undertaking.

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Aug. 14, 2007 - The Better Blogging Movement #2

With my previous post out of the way, I feel it is time to move on to spelling and punctuation.  Along with those who don't care about what they write, are those who don't care how they write, and the two are often combined.

Now there are some people who are working on this, therefore improving themselves, but there are others who write the way they instant message.  They abbreviate their words whenever possible, use slang, and generally bad spelling.  That is not even mentioning the total lack of punctuation!

If you want to make a good impression, write with substance, and write understandably. 

If you are still working on improving in these areas, then why not try writing your post in Microsoft Word, or some similar program that has a spell and grammer check.  Then transfer it to your add entry page.  That way your readers can understand what you are trying to say.

If you know how to spell and punctuate, and don't...well, here is something for you to think about.  Do you talk the way you write?  Do you write school reports the way you blog?  Even if your teacher/mother isn't grading you on your blog, it doesn't mean that your readers aren't.  It doesn't mean that you can just drop everything, and write anyway you want.  It is laziness, in my opinion.  Just the same laziness as when you could be doing something constructive and aren't, or when you were told to do something and didn't.

I am not saying that I have perfect spelling and punctuation, because I don't.  Once again, I am not poking fingers at anyone.  I am trying to help people.  If we all became careful bloggers, then it would be a joy to read almost any blog, instead of having to pick and choose because of the impression on blog made over another. 

I hope I was understandable, and I sincerely hope that I helped someone. 

Here is your challenge:  Write a post, writing it carefully, and checking to make sure everything is spelled right, and punctuated correctly.  Good books for this can be found at The Write Source.  You do not have to do this for every single post, this one just serves as practice.

Here is your subject:  Write your post about how to improve your writing.  The more people who write, the more we can spread, at least the idea of, The Better Blogging Movement.

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Aug. 13, 2007 - The Better Blogging Movement #1

First off, this post is not meant to hurt or offend anyone.  I am not pointing at anyone with my finger, and I am not saying that those who are awesome writers, are not.  It is meant to help better writing skills and blogging skills.

I notice that there are some bloggers who do not care what they write about.  There posts are sloppy, and that makes me think that they themselves are sloppy.  They write, but it is pretty much about nothing.  For example: (I made this example up, I did not take it from a blog.) 

" Hey everyone sorey i haven't been on in a while there is like nothing going on in my life.  we watched the movie, i am a nerd,  it was really stupid but is was so good!  please comment on my blog.  nobody comments."

Okay, so maybe that is a little exaggerated, but at  the heart (if there is one,) it is the same as some that are really posted. 

One thing to think about is this, the way you blog is the way people will know you.  Do you want to be know as the person who wrote the above post?  Do you want to make that kind of impression?

I think that some people think that writing that way will get the attention of popular bloggers.  First, those popular bloggers started out just the way they did; nobody knew who they were, and their writing propably wasn't as good as it is now.  Second, those bloggers look for friends who can add something to their life such as encouragement, friendship, fun, and laughter.  The person who wrote the post above seems like they really have nothing to offer for a friendship, unless you talk and write the same way.  In that case, what a friendship!

If you can't think of something to write, either don't write, or think of something.  My family enjoys reading a series of books where the main character write a newspaper column.  He claims that he can write about anything, even the pencil he is using to write on the paper with.  Bluejane and I try to do that.  She blogged about our computer mouse and keyboard once, and it was an intelligent post that provided something to think about. 

One more thing to think about,  do you enjoy reading blog entries like that?  If you don't even take the time to look at those entries, then who else would?

Here is your challenge: next time you post, write something with substance. Here is your subject: post about writing on your blog, and how to improve your blog writing.  It doesn't have to be long, just intelligent!

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Jun. 29, 2007 - Tips For Writing...

A lot of bloggers on HSB are interested in writing, actually have a work in progress, or write for a living.  Since blogging is writing, everyone here does it, and judging on how often someone posts, they enjoy it.

I thought  maybe I could just give a list of things that I have learned, or what I think about writing, might be able to help someone else.  Some of these things are probably old ideas, but they are still helpful.

1. The first tip is obvious, if you want to write, then you have got to do it! Write every chance you get, and set aside a time for writing, or you will never get anywhere.  I think this is one of the most important things for a wanna-be writer to know. 
2.  
3. The next thing is to learn about writing.  Read author biographies, books on how to write better, search online for websites that will help encourage you as you write and provide opportunities for you to glean helpful insights as how to give your writing all you have got.
4.  
5. To help write better dialouges, descriptive scenes, or smells, sounds, and feelings, just write a mini scene trying to focus on these things.  If your descriptions are blah then go outside and describe the things around you, or imagine somewhere you would like to be and describe it on paper.  Then read it over and ask yourself if it makes you see what you had wanted it to.  Ask someone else what they think of it, if it makes them see what you want them to see.  (Make sure you ask someone who will give constructive critisim.  When I read something to Bluejane, more often than not she simply says, "That was good."  Arrgggh!)
6.  
7. Enter contests.  The more you enter contests the more you are getting your work published.  I can't say this from experience, because quite a few (not all, I am just selective) contests require an entry fee, and I don't have very much money.  I keep looking though!
   
   

Now, I have just inspired myself to go write, only I have to help clean the house.  (C'mon keep a good attitude, Eyebright!)  I hope this has helped you, and, hey, let me know if you have found any great writing opportunities,  I would love to a least cheer for you!

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Jun. 2, 2007 - The Quest for Better Writing

Lately, my mind has been filled with thoughts of getting a job.  One of the thoughts on that subject that keep popping up is to write.  It is something that I enjoy doing, so if I can earn money by doing it...

I have been checking out books at the library, and trying to find online websites where I can post what I have written, and then get encouragement and critiques from other writers.  I tried FaithWriters, but in order to get the messages that are sent to you, you have to pay for the messenger service.

Right now, I have just started semi - following the guidelines on "How to Write a Novel in One Hundred Days."  I have yet to finish a book (Unlike my sister Bluejane, who has, in fact, finished a book).

Many of the things I have read say that you should write about things that you are familiar with.  I think about that, and then decide that since I haven't lived that long, there is not a lot to write about from that quarter.

So, I have begun the Quest for Better Writing.  The one thing that every book, article, and website that I have read, agrees on, is to practice.  As with everything else, practice is  the key to performing that ability better.  Here I am, practicing my writing ability on Homeschoolblogger, and hopefully getting better.  My first post from almost two years ago, doesn't seem any different from my style now, but you can go take a look and see what you think.

I love to write.  I don't do it all the time, but when I do I think about my work, I try to plan what happens next, and get back to my notebook as soon as possible.  The special thing about writing, is that no matter where you are, what job you have, what your lifestyle is, you can still write.  For all of us writers, isn't that wonderful!

 

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Apr. 27, 2006 - My New Newsletter

Hello everyone!  I hope everybody has had a very pleasant week.

 

Several weeks ago, my sister came up with the idea to have a horse newsletter, for a couple of her horse friends.  While I watched her creating her newsletter on the computer, I had a brillient idea!  Why not have a newsletter for one of my intrests?

 

So, I decided to make a writing newsletter, for Christian Homeschoolers.  Now, I have thought on this idea for a while, I have some pretty neat plans.

 

The newsletter would be small, but I would put in a few small stories, essays, or poems written by the teens and kids who recieve it. 

 

There would be one article written by an adult, giving information on how to improve your writing.

 

There would be a Constructive Critism Corner, where readers could send in comments on what was in the previous issue, and provide more ideas on how the author could improve.

 

I am pretty excited about the whole thing, and hope it will go off okay.  I might have to have a subscription fee, but it would be fairly small.

 

Well, I have told you about it, and if you think you might enjoy receiving this newsletter, e-mail me providing me with your mailing address. 

 

By the way, what do you think of my new blog template?

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Mar. 1, 2006 - The First Pyrric Victory

Several weeks ago I had to write an essay on the first Pyrric victory.  This is the story that I wrote, but forgive me if some of the facts are wrong.

 

 

 

A grey dawn was rising as a young man walked to a large rock at the top of a hill.  He looked down upon the awakening camp of the Romans. 

 

The sleepy sun could see the quick look of surprise that flashed over the mans face, and then the thoughtful, contemplating look, as the man held his head in his hand.

 

Pyrrus had not been expecting such military precision from his adversaries.  His most recent victory had been easy to win, but these were trained men who had fought long and hard to get what they had wanted.

 

As he looked over the golden hills of Italy, the large city in the distance, and the formdidable army forming below, Pyrrus began to have second thoughts about waiting for his allies.  He had originally thought he wouldn't need them, he had plenty of his own men and horses.  The last time they had counted around 25,000 men, he thought.

 

Now however, their chances of victory was looking slimmer.

 

Looking back at his own camp, he could see the men on the parade ground, marching to and fro like busy ants.

 

The quiet of early morning as suddenly shattered by the blow of a trumpet from the Roman camp.

 

Running quickly back to camp Pyrrus thought, "Well, so much for waiting for allies, here we go!"

 

---

 

The battle had been long and tiring so far, and Pyrrus knew that he would soon run into a young and ambitious Roman soldier, wanting glory for killing a king.  He had to do something to help prevent that from happening.

 

One of the older soldiers came close, and Pyrrus told him to switch armour with him.  Hurriedly the soldier obeyed, then ran back to where the fighting was thickest.

 

---

 

Amazingly, Pyrrus and his men won, what was left of them.

 

Yes, Pyrrus had the victory he had hoped for, but not without suffering tremndous losses.

 

After the battle, Pyrrus, the leader who would not stop fighting, said, "One more such victory, and I am lost."

 

 

 

This version of the Pyrric Victory is copyrighted February 2006 by Eyebright.

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Jan. 17, 2006 - The Ups and Downs of Writing

My Mother can literally write about anything.  I mean anything.  She just wrote an entire blog entry on toes. 

 

She has written a total of 58 entrys, and I have 26.  Now I haven't written almost every day(like my Mother), but that is partly due to my lack of inspiration.  Most of the time I can't think of anything to write about so I don't write at all.

 

Occasionally I have bursts of wonderful, amazing, ideas, and than I promptly forget about them.  Aaaargh!

 

Despite this unfourtunate habit, I have several visions of books I want to write dancing in my head.  I just need to get a move on with the one I am currently writing.

 

Another of my problems is I am afraid to show what I have written(story wise)to even my family.  I'm worried that they won't like it, and I don't take critisim well.  I know, I know, not the best beginnings for a famous authoress.

 

Definatly some things I need to work on, taking inspiration from everything around me, feeling confidant about the stories I write, and taking critisim as a way to improve.

 

Now take a look at that!  I just wrote an entire entry on how I can't think of anything to write!  Besides, say I decide to write about the computer mouse.  You never know how that might wind up.

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