I don’t know about you guys, but it’s a rainy Monday morning here. It’s been several weeks since we’ve caught up, so let’s do something about it. This will be a quick post – meant to write it yesterday, but life got in the way.
Wish I could say I’m caught up on visiting blogs by now after Bad Moon – but I’m
totally not. But – this is my first time participating in NaNoWriMo, and I’ve met my word count goal every day so far! For someone who struggled to get 500 words per day two months ago, it’s a huge achievement, and I have such a feeling of accomplishment after recording my progress every day. My biggest obstacle to word count in the past was editing. Going back over what I’d written the previous day, then taking far too long choosing the perfect descriptive words was sucking up valuable writing time. First drafts are messy, and no one but the writer should ever be put through the torture of reading them – but when they’re finished, you’ve got the bones of a story, and something to work with.
I haven’t made it to the movie theater in weeks, and there are several movies (Bohemian Rhapsody, First Man) I’d like to see – but it just didn’t work out schedule wise. However, it’s a safe bet that I’ll show up for The Crimes of Grindelwald. I mentioned several weeks back that this season’s American Horror Story looked promising, and with only one episode to go, it’s at the top of my favorites. Sarah Paulson and Kathy Bates are always a pleasure to watch, but a new actor to the series has really impressed me this season – Cody Fern. He’s enthralling as Michael, and he’s steals every scene. Okay, yes, he’s playing the Antichrist, but he does it so well.
Fern also turned up in the last season of House of Cards. I’d looked forward to this final season, with all the backstabbing (sometimes literally), political maneuvering, manipulation, and deceit. Kevin Spacey wasn’t in these last episodes – but everything was about his character. I’d hoped it would be Claire’s (Robin Wright) story, and it was such a disappointment. When all was said and done, I actually yelled out loud in disappointment. No many unanswered questions. It definitely ended with a whimper.
Have a great week, and if you’re participating in NaNoWriMo, hang in there!
Books and Such 
Awesome about your NaNoWriMo progress!
I won’t be able to go see Crimes Of Grindelwald in the cinema. But then, I almost never go see movies in the cinema. I get a better movie watching experience at home, where I don’t need to worry about audio description headsets not working, and idiots who won’t shut up so I can hear the movie. I didn’t go see the first Fantastic Beasts in the cinema either… Brought the DVD the moment it was out though, and plan to do the same again.
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Those same idiots always seem to sit behind me, Tori. I didn’t see the first Fantastic Beasts in the theater either – can’t really remember why, but I’m too excited about this one to wait for the DVD. Still, there’s something to be said about viewing it in the comfort of your own home without the people behind you ruining it for everyone, lol.
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Congratulations on making your NaNo word count so far. Me, too, it’s exhilarating! It’s also frustrating because I soooo want to go back and fix stuff I know is bad, but if I do that I’ll get behind.
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Same, Priscilla. I allow myself to read the previous couple of paragraphs to get back into the flow, then I take off. My brain is dead by the time I’m finished, but like you said, it’s also exhilarating!
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After a month of hosting, it would probably take me a year to catch up. You’re making progress and doing NaNo? That’s impressive. Wishing you all the best!
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Well – no one has any clean underwear, but you have to make sacrifices for your writing somewhere, right, Staci?
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I think I’d forego dusting in favor of laundry. But to each her own. 😉
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I always give new writers the advice of not editing until the MS first draft is done. It slows one down and worse shows you constantly what a bunch of crap one has written at the first pass. Always potential to quit. Not good.
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Sure is, John. I’d gotten better at it for a while, but then regressed to the point I was having doubts about even finishing this book. Think I’ve recovered.
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The wages of midterm editing is no finish. Glad you were saved.
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I am pleased to hear your writing is going so well, Teri. I am to busy at work this time of year to participate but I will do some extra writing in December. I don’t watch movies or TV. The last movie I watched was The Shining two years ago.
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That’s amazing, Robbie! There’s no way I could do that – you have my admiration.
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I’ve been too chicken to try NaNo, but reading all the positivity that goes with it makes me wish I’d given it a shot 🙂
I prefer movies at home, as well. I get to kick back in my recliner and pause whenever I want, lol
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Pause for bathroom breaks (or litter box, depending if the family member is human or feline)! With my other two books, I was never in a place to do NaNo, but with this third one, it’s given me the push to finish this first draft – which has been far too long in coming. Dive in next time, Jacquie.
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Good for you! Keep it up 🙂
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Thanks, Shannon!
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I didn’t know you were participating in NaNoWriMo. Wow. Good on you. I’ve never had the desire. But this post is interesting because I do the same thing as you (editing as I write). Always have. Makes for sloooow writing. Good luck! Sounds like you’re doing great so far…
I’m hoping to get to The Crimes of Grindelwald. Let’s see how that goes.
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Just getting the words on the paper and not editing has made a huge difference for me, Sarah. I’ll never do it again. And I’m determined to get to Grindelwald – hope you can too!
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Er… You’ll never do NaNo again or you’ll never edit-while-writing again?
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Glad to see someone getting new words down. I have my tickets to the new Grindewald movie already.
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Oooh – nice to plan ahead, Craig. You’ll probably get there before me – let me know what you think.
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Sunday matinee for us. Excited to get to go out.
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So glad to hear you’re kicking butt with NaNo. I have the same problem with not being able to turn off my inner editor when I write. I managed to do it once (the first time i did NaNoWriMo) but haven’t seem to pick up the knack again.
I’m going to keep trying 🙂
Happy writing!
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Different things for every writer, and for the sake of progress, I’ve figured out turning off that inner editor is a must for me, Mae. But you seem to be really productive with your writing at the rate your books are released!
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Keep up the good work! Almost half way there.
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That’s become my mantra over the past few days, Dan. Thanks!
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Well done on the word count achievement, Teri. I have exactly the same problem in that I have to go back and edit if I see a red line under a word, it torments me until I get rid of it.
Keep up the great work.
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Thanks, Hugh! I’ve never participated in NaNo before, and it’s been a real challenge for me, but so far, one I’ve met. I’m glad I pushed myself to give it a try.
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I’ve never given it a go, Teri. I thought it might be too much pressure on me. However, maybe next year (providing I have a story in my head).
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