Do It Anyway.

I was reading over one of my drabbles a little while ago, and ran across this paragraph I had written.

For the most part, I blame my lack of ambition on fear. Fear of failing, fear of succeeding and not know what the hell I'm doing, fear of things that are new. I'm very comfortable in my little box. I look out on the other members of my graduating class who are married or have high end jobs. It just seems kind of stressful. Stress is something I avoid whenever possible. I'm content with my life, my friends and my itty bitty living space. Why would I need more?

If I were ever to be asked to write a paragraph describing me, this would pretty much be it. It's no secret that I'm a bit of a scaredy cat. I often create excuses not to do something and convince myself that I shouldn't even try. My self confidence in a few things is pretty solid, but on those things where I actually have to put it out there where people might not actually like it, I'd rather just leave it on my desktop to collect dust.

NaNoWriMo has been one of those things where I have to constantly tell myself that I can do this. Maybe it's just that I'm still finding my footing and my voice in writing, maybe it's just that I'm editing too much as I write. But I really think that I might be onto something this year.

Last year, I finished because I wanted to prove to myself that I could. It was the first year that I had ever finished. And now this year, I found a story that I'm actually pretty passionate about (the plot will remain a secret to the blog, for now). As I write it, I have to keep reminding myself that this is just a first draft, I can make all the mistakes, cliches and plot missteps I want, because they'll all get polished in editing. The whole point this year, is for me to get from point A to point B while making things make a fair amount of sense in between. Then when I'm done, I'm just going to have to dive in, and see what I can make out of this brain child.

Then, when it reaches that point where I'm just too terrified to finish, I'll look back on this entry, and this post, and say to myself "Do It Anyway."

Did you ever want to write a novel? A lot of people want to write a book.

In addition to my last post, I realized I was forgetting one key thing that helps me during NaNoWriMo.

An awesome wallpaper.
Last year, I made a wallpaper, it was a pretty big hit with most people. Not only that, but I was really proud of it. It was simple but nice and got the point across.



Now, for this year, I'm trying to find another quote to use. I really love the John Green quote because during NaNo, it's something I have beat in my brain. But I'm wondering if any of my lovely readers have other favorite quotes pertaining to writing.

Is there a saying that you live by while you write?
Or one that has just kind of stuck with you?

Let me know, I may use it in a wallpaper (or two). The only thing is that it has to be a fairly short quote. So leave a comment and let me know what your favorite quotes about writing are.

It Starts... again.

It's that time again.

With November quickly approaching, I'm starting to brainstorm as to what I want to try writing about this year. Last year I was surprised to actually finish, surprised but proud of myself. Looking at it from a distance, it's easy to say "It's ONLY 50,000 words." or "I have a full 30 days to write it." But what I learned last year is that it takes some incredible focus to actually be able to finish.
Also, a lot of chocolate and chai tea.

Here is what I discovered helped me a lot, after finishing my NaNo last year.

1: Write Every. Single. Day.
Even if I only wrote 100 words, I made sure to write something. More than anything, it kept the story fresh in my mind, and helped me maintain focus on the story.

2: Find Good Music to Write to.
For me, I would listen to upbeat, and silly music on my way to wherever I was writing at the time (I highly suggest ALL CAPS for this part). Then when it came to the actual writing, it was movie and TV scores all the way. For me, it was the Stardust, Warehouse 13 and P.S. I Love You Soundtracks.

3: Surround Yourself With People Who Are Doing the Same Thing.
I wrote more during my write-ins with my region, than I ever did by myself. It wasn't just that we had a few writing sprints, but just being surrounded by all those people who just gathered to write and do nothing (or mostly nothing) else. It was a supportive community, and really helps.

4: Good Food.
One of the worst things about going down to write-ins is that you can't really bring food with you. I mean, you can, but they frown upon it. So it forces you either to live (almost literally during NaNo) on cafe food, or bring small snacks that can be concealed and eaten quickly. I became a big fan of dried cranberries and sunflower seeds. Also, chai. I drank so much chai during last November, I'm pretty sure it was my main sustainer.

5: Have a Theme for the Month.
Last year, since it was the first year I was putting forth a real solid effort to finish NaNo, I made myself a wallpaper with a quote from John Green on it. This quote, pushed me through NaNo like nothing else.

So this NaNo season, the thing I recommend the most is to surround yourself with people who are also trying to do NaNo. If for no other reason than when you get to those bang your head against the desk repeatedly moments (and there will be many), you'll have someone who understands and someone who may even be able to help you out of a plot corner that you've painted yourself into.

And for those participating and in Salt Lake County, check out our NaNo Forum for updates on the kick-off party and soon, a list of where and when write-ins should be. Also, be sure to add me as a writing buddy!

Long Time, No Blog

*blows dust off blog*
*puts flower in vase to spruce things up*

Sooo, hey guys!
I just realized it's been over two months since I last posted here.

Oops.


I blame the fact of trying to find a new job.
And buying and moving into my new house.


Also, I've been incredibly uninspired lately. Not for lack of trying. I've been forcing myself to stare at my screen (sans internet) for a few hours a weekend hoping something will come out. But nothing. Still, at least I'm trying.

Even my tv blog has fallen a bit. I don't know if its a lack of focus or writers block... or maybe a mixture of both. 

Today, Helen and I went to Beans and Brews to write. Only to result in me creating a new header and the internet dying a million+ times in our two hour stay there.

*le sigh*

(an accurate representation of me vs. my writing)

Achievement Unlocked! [A Short Story]

This story has been rattling around in my head for a while. I finally got it all written down (major thanks to Helen for proofing it for me). I got this idea as I watched Felicia Day's new webseries "The Flog". I thought, what would happen if someone measured their life in experience points?

Achievement Unlocked

Race: Human
Gender: Female
Level: 23
Job: Tavern Wench (Barista)
Skill Set: +6 Sarcasm, +5 Intelligence, +3 Charisma, -2 Timeliness.

Life is so much easier to judge in experience points.
Get a new job: +4 maturity.
Break up with boyfriend: -4 relationship, +6 depression.
Spend $60 on a statue of your favorite character from a sci-fi show: +8 nerdiness, -12 social acceptance.

People think I’m crazy for ranking my life as if I live in a video game. But it helps me keep track of where I am in my life. There are skills I know I need to level up and ones that I know are almost to their cap.

Keeping a running tally of how my life is currently rating makes me realize what exactly I need to be doing next in my life.

For example, I’m currently lacking a bit of experience in the social aspect of my skill set.
Which would explain why I’m volunteering at the art festival.
And by volunteering, I mean standing in the middle of the library amphitheater and handing out maps of what is going on where.

Did I mention that I made let an art student paint a Sailor Moon tiara on my forehead? People look at me like I’m crazy, but it gives me a bit of joy every time someone asks what it is and I explain that they need to watch this amazing show.

I’ve only been out here for two hours, and I already feel like I’ve gained at least four points in my social interaction skill set. I also feel this overwhelming urge to walk inside the library, jump on a computer and troll tumblr like the nerd I am. But I committed to a five hour shift at the festival and I will complete it (+3 integrity).

“Do you know where I can find the Comic Book Workshop?” I spin on a heel and face the voice.
A boy. Some would classify him based on first glance as a plain human with limited skills and not worth teaming up with to grind (levels, of course).
I, however, immediately notice the Choose Your Weapon t-shirt with various Dungeons and Dragons dice and recognize him as a kindred spirit.

“Great shirt!” I say before I can contain myself. The Plain Human smiles. Ding! Level gained in flirting. I feel the heat rise in my cheeks. Luckily, it’s warm outside, so hopefully he’ll think it’s just the sun. “Yeah, it’s in the literary arts section.”

The boy stares at me blankly. I blink back at him. Only then realizing that he is staring at my forehead.
My blush deepens.

“Sailor Jupiter was always my favorite. Though, I’ve always had a thing for brunettes.” He mentions before looking down at the maps in my hand. “Can I have one of those?”

No words. A boy that knows Sailor Moon? This doesn’t happen.
Ever.
I hand him a map and just stare.
“Thanks.” He smiles and turns, making his way over to the Literary Arts section of the festival.

“Sailor Jupiter is my favorite too. You watch Sailor Moon? Your smile is adorable.” I mutter a dozen possible things I could have said as he walks away. I mentally kick myself for my lack of brain-to-mouth connectedness. I take a deep breath and face the library again. Admitting my defeat to the boss known as, Nerd Boy Adorable-ness. This boss seems to be one that I just can’t take down. “-8 Self Confidence.” I say to my reflection in the mirrored windows of the library.

“My name is Zach, by the way.” The cute boy returns, the map crumpled in his hand. I spin around so quickly, my glasses nearly slip off my face.
“Holy frak! I didn’t even see you!” Again, my mouth and brain stop communicating.
“The correct response is ‘Hi, Zach, you’re adorable. My name is…’” he holds out his hand to me. I raise an eyebrow at it and slip my palm into his. His thumb is calloused on the edges, a sure sign of a video game geek.
“Aggie. Though I never said you were adorable.”
“You said my smile was adorable.”
“Not the same thing.”

Our hands were still held in a cordial handshake. I stare down at my hand and laugh. “Can I have my hand back please?”
“Depends, want to grab a cup of coffee?”
Coffee + cute nerd boy = excellent idea.
“I guess.” I say, trying to hide my giddiness behind nonchalance. “But I still have three hours to go of volunteer work.”

He released my hand.
“Then I shall see you in a few hours. You know where to find me.” He winks and hands me back the map I gave him. On it is a circle. A circle on the very spot I was standing earlier. An arrow points to it with words written around it saying, “Find her again.”

Date with Cute Nerdy Boy. Achievement Unlocked!