Let's Talk About Deadlines

It's half-way through November, which means I should be half-way through "Indigo," right? Right. And half-way means 25,000 words, right? Right.

Here's the problem...

I'm about 5,000 behind! How did that even happen? For two weeks I had been diligently keeping ahead of the 1,667 words a day pace. So what changed?

Oh, just a little thing called life. I'm way over-extended this month and have already cut back on some things I had planned just to squeeze in writing time. Unfortunately I now have to play catch up. I'm literally only writing this because I have another obligation in about 15 minutes and that simply does not give me enough time to dive back into the story. Let's hope said obligations do not take forever tonight because it's only Monday and I'm exhausted. sigh...

In other news, Miss Snark's First Victim is running a mega-awesome contest! If you have a project that's ready for submission, check this out!

I had fully intended on entering and was genuinely excited about it. But "Blackwatch" is nowhere near ready for it and I won't take the spot away from someone else who deserves it more. Besides, one less thing on my plate right now will be a glorious thing...

15 days and counting, 20,000 words and climbing.

~VK

The 5th of November

"Remember, remember, the fifth of November,
the Gunpowder Treason and plot.
I know of no reason the gunpowder treason
should ever be forgot."

~ V for Vendetta

I'm not just posting this because it's the fifth of November, or even because it's a kickass movie that I'm probably going to watch during a writing break tonight. I'm posting it because the film had a huge influence on my current project, "Indigo."

This being the 5th full day of November, I thought I'd let you know that as I write this I've put over 14,000 words into my NaNoWriMo story so far. Not bad. I'm above the pace of 1,667 words a day and I'd like to keep it this way. And I'll share a little secret with you...

This NaNo thing?

...

It's pretty awesome! I'm having a blast dedicating hours of each day to JUST WRITING. It's freeing and frustrating and exciting and depressing all at the same time. And I'm only like a sixth of the way through the month!

But if you're more interested in what my story is actually about, well...I can't tell you. But I can share some more influential media with you, as follows:

Movies: V for Vendetta, Blade Runner
TV Shows: Big O (an anime series about giant robots in domed cities)
Games: Heavy Rain
Books: Hunger Games trilogy, 1984, Fahrenheit 451, We - sensing a controlling governmental overtone yet? Close, but not exactly
Music: Volbeat, Rise Against, Deadmau5

If you like any of the above slices of media, I'm sure you'll find at least something interesting about my current project. Look for an update same time next week and good luck to you other NaNo's out there! Keep it up!

~VK

Go NaNo!

And so begins the 30-day marathon of writing! I'm tired already...

Good luck to all the other participants!

~VK

The Results Are In!

After weeks of INTENSE voting, it's time to tally up the scores!

As it stands now, "Undead Delivery" is in first place with 3 votes, while "Indigo" was a close second with 2 votes and "Romero Strain" made it a race with 1 vote. But wait a minute...what's this...

Much like in Harry Potter where Gryffindor House is woefully behind in the standings, some last minute changes have occurred.

There has been the aforementioned "Mom can't work the internet" vote: Indigo +1
A co-worker vote: Indigo and Business of Murder +1 each
And finally, a split vote from the comments: Indigo and The Romero Strain +1 each

So, if we tally the votes again:
"Dark Rebellion" and "Crock" have zero votes (sad face)
"Business of Murder" has 1
"The Romero Strain" has 2
"Undead Delivery" has 3
and the winner, with 5 votes, is.....................................................
"Indigo!" (Take that, Slytherins!)

Thanks to everyone for voting and for your interest in my NaNoWriMo project! To be honest, I was hoping it would be "Indigo." The other ideas are all things I could work with, but "Indigo" has been keeping me up nights. I've been getting bursts of plot, dialogue and scenes out of literally nowhere. I'll need that creative energy to burn through the month of November and frankly, the other projects just don't have it at the moment.

So thanks again! I'll update you on "Indigo"'s progress throughout the month.

Oh! And I know I mentioned a contest earlier this month, but I had to scrap it. Not quite enough time to finish up "Blackwatch" and get "Crawl" properly edited. So much to do and so little time!

Have a great weekend!

~VK

Truer Words

Do yourself a favor and read this short post by guest blogger Christine Fonseca.

If you're a creative type, it'll remind you that you're not alone when you start to question the quality of your work.

If you're not a creative type, it'll help you understand your friends that are, ie "why we freak out a lot." :-)

~VK

Transitions

That poster has little to do with today's post, but who can resist a platypus playing the key-tar?!

Now for my own little Venn diagram:



So, yeah, the basic idea is that I'm smack in the middle of three projects at the moment. One I just finished and am currently awaiting feedback. Another I'm pulling off the dusty shelf and seeing just how much work I still have to put into it. And the last is awaiting a final vote by you helpful bloggy-type people! Right now I'm deadlocked at 3-3 for "Indigo" and "Undead Delivery." Yes I know the poll doesn't reflect it, but there's an uncounted "Mom vote." She still has trouble with the internets so this will be a hanging chad of sorts.

Just wanted to keep you posted. Please vote if you haven't yet! Only two weeks until November and NaNoWriMo! If you're participating, please let me know in the comments!

Have a great weekend!

~VK

Excitement is Contagious

Came across this vlog post today and had to share it:

THE NEAR WITCH HAS A COVER AND IS AN ARC AND ZOMG *DIES*.

Go wish her a congratulations on her book and upcoming publication!

I'll sit here and plan how I will share the news when I:
- get an agent
- get a book deal
- get an ARC shipped to me
- get published
- take the literary world by storm

~VK