The Time Is Now!

I must confess. It was over a year ago when I started what I hoped to be the novel that would get me published. I worked on it a couple of months without really getting anywhere. I got busy, put it down, picked it up, re-wrote the first pages, wrote a different book, re-wrote the pages again, and then put it down again. As of this very hour, I am no closer to finishing it than I was last year. How can I get it published if I can't even get it past chapter one?

So, as of this very day, I am vowing to push away all other reasons, distractions, and excuses for not writing, and actually write. Upon completion of this post, I am going to start pounding on keys until my fingers are bloody. I don't care if I only write one page today, its a start that I am going to stick with. By this summer I want the rough draft done. That shouldn't be too much to ask, and if all else fails I want at least a good chunk of the novel done.

So, here is my little pep talk to you readers. Don't wait any longer. Get your butt into gear, and go for it. You miss 100% of the shots you never take. Forget about the insincerity, fear, or other issues holding you back. You can't finish a book if you never bother to start it. Or, like me, you can't finish a book if you never continue to write it. One more day, week, or month not doing anything is just another opportunity wasted. So let's get excited, and start writing.

Let's do it.

-zjh

Brief update

It's been awhile, yet again. That's me for you. So, I've done a rough edit of my NaNoWriMo novel, and need to read through it again and make further changes. I am still trying to figure out a way to post it so people can read it, but I still haven't found a solution. I'll keep looking and try to get it uploaded.

The only other thing new is that I have been writing a bit for another novel. Once I get into full swing of writing, I hope to finish the rough draft by this summer. *cross fingers*

Well, until next time readers!

-zjh

NaNo done. New challenge to come.

Well, it's me again. But I am sure you already knew that, since it has been well over a month since I posted anything. So, it could be none other than me! I have very good reason as to why I haven't posted though. Do you remember that NaNoWriMo project? Yeah, the one where I spend hours pounding keys to finish an entire novel in under thirty days. Well, I did it. I am done. On the 29th I breached the 50K mark.
I know that I said I would try to update and let people read as I wrote, but I still haven't thought of a good way to upload it. Plus, I am kind of wanting to at least go through it and edit before the likes of you get a chance to read it. Since completely said novel, I have put it on a shelf. To properly edit, I think it is wisest to take a step back for a bit before diving in with fresh eyes and a clear mind. Over the course of the next month I plan on diving in and getting it in a lot better shape. Once that is completed, I'll find a way to get it out to be read.
You might see a post or two throughout the month with tidbits of revelations.

*tips cap*

Until then readers (and minions!).

-zjh

13 days and counting....

Where did October go to? It feels like only a few days ago that I was thinking that it was strange that it was already the first day of October, and now we are over halfway through the month. There are only 13 days left until we reach the month of November!

I am super excited though. I can't wait to start writing my NaNoWriMo! My plan is sleep 12 of the 13 days left in this month so I can have plenty of rest to make up for the coming month. The one day I won't be sleeping, I will be playing guitar to build up calluses on my fingers so they are ready to pound out words on my keyboard. I will also be practicing my typing skills by doing a one minute typing test blindfolded....hmm...how am I going to know what words to write if I can't see?

OK, so maybe I won't be doing those things. I do have to work so I can't spend 12  out of 13 days sleeping. I am not even sure that I could sleep that much if I tried. I have been playing guitar, but I am not sure that will help me in my NaNoWriMo, and I have already said how fruitless blindfolded typing tests would be. Instead, I am brushing up on my writing, and reading books for inspiration as well has helpful tips.

I think I have decided that as I write this new novel I will post an updated version on my blog as I go along. It may be every few days or maybe once a week, but I will try to get it uploaded. This is something thas is kind of new to me. I have had people read my work, most of the time it is after I am finished. I think only once have I had someone read my novel as I went, but it was only after I finished the first 30 pages, and then I made them wait until I was completely done. (cue mischievous laughter)

Well, that is all for this post! Until next time readers!

-zjh

NaNoWriMo

Guess what. It has been quite a while since I have posted anything. I hope that I'm not going back to my old ways of posting every few months. Anyway, to the heart of the matter!

November 1st is only 29 days away. So why is that so important? It is the start of NaNoWriMo. That is National Novel Writing Month for all of you who don't understand anagrams. The goal is to write a novel of 50,000 words in just 30 days! Last year was the first that I knew of it and I tried it, but I had just finished up a novel and was so exhausted from writing, that I only got a couple of days in before I stopped. This year however, I am going to give it another shot. Since I am only writing in small bits lately due to travel and a busy work schedule, I am well rested for November.

If you remember in my last post I had that idea for a story, well I believe I am going to use that idea for my NaNoWriMo project. I am going to make one change to it though. Instead of it being from the point of view of the guy who starts acting like his dog, I think I am going to do it in the point of view of his friend instead. Still first person, just a little bit different perspective. I can also use some fun dialog!

Well, that is my plan. I would love to hear your ideas for your own NaNoWriMo novel! Remember, only 29 days left to plan!!!!

Until next time readers!

-zjh

New novel?

Hey everybody,

     So about a week ago, while at work (painting, not writing :D) an idea for a book struck me. I figured that at some point I would write it, but further down the line (like after I finished the book I am currently writing). However, a few days ago the opening of the book kind of came to me. So, the past couple days I have been working on it. I came up with a prologue for it and I need to know your opinion on the opening as well as the story. If I should write it, or, if it is not interesting enough, to scrap it.

The story is about a guy who gets a dog, and slowly ends up acting like his dog. It is supposed to be a humorous story. However, since I have no plot planned other than that( and it is all being wrote spontaneously), we'll just have to see where it leads. I am open to any suggestions anyone has for the story. Please critique as you please, and please be brutally honest. I have two sisters. I can handle it. Okay, here's the prologue:

~ ~ ~ ~

Prologue

Dogs. They have never been my forte. I have never wanted a dog—for good measure too. Have you ever seen how owners and dogs look alike? Take the bulldog. Have you seen a person with a bulldog ever smile? Yeah, me neither. They also seem to have faces that sag as if their skin was never actually attached to their skull. Think about that, and then think of the bulldog.

You see my point. 

            Sure, there are other factors in me not wanting a dog--besides no wanting to look like my pet. The whole cost of feeding and taking care of them doesn’t exactly favor having one. Also cons are the cleaning up after them, and the fact that they shred almost anything—shoes, newspapers, the neighbor’s cat. Hey, actually, that last one might be one point for having a dog. Huh.

            I think I have made my point pretty clear as to the fact that I am not a dog person. So, knowing that, why would I decide to get myself a dog? That is not a theoretical question. I really am going to go find my very own dog. So, again, I ask, why would I do such a thing?

            Sigh.

            For a girl. That is why.

            You see, ever since Kelly was hired as journalist for the same newspaper I work for, I have had this massive crush on her. And how could I not? The way her wavy, brown locks frame her face in a way that lets the soft features of her face intensify until they glow. And just thinking about her chocolate brown eyes make giddy inside. Oh, and her smile...I have never seen a smile so beautifully unique. The first time she flashed that smile I almost fell right out of my chair.

            Dare I sigh again?

            Don't worry, I'll resist. After all, I am not just some love-struck guy smitten by her. I just have a crush. Okay, like I said, a massive crush. Not in a creepy way either. I don't secretly stalk her on social media sites, or anything like that. I have actual conversations with her. How else would I know that she loves seafood, hates spinach, has a strange phobia of lamps, and is a dog person?

            That brings me back to the whole issue of this story--dogs. In one of those conversations with Kelly that I mentioned, she brought up the topic of dogs. Now, I had already known she liked dogs, and had a dog herself, but this is where the idea of me having one came into my mind.

            She was talking about how she likes to take her dog walking along the shore of the San Francisco Bay, and sometimes she likes to be joined by other people with dogs.

            Can you see where this is heading?

            Okay, I admit, at that moment, I suddenly had a really strong reason to get a dog. But, I kind of put it out of my mind as she started talking again.

            Somehow she had gotten on to benefits of having a dog. Apparently, she had read that people with dogs lived longer and happier lives, than people who didn't have dogs.

            Another point to having a dog? Maybe.

            And then, the fateful moment happened.

            Almost in that teasing fashion, she suggested to me, "Maybe you should get dog."

            I looked at her--and tried not get lost in her perfect face--and said, in that cool, casual way we guys talk, "Maybe I should."

            She smiled even brighter.

            And that, ladies and gentlemen, is where my problems started, and where this story begins.

~ ~ ~ ~

  So, what did you think? Funny? Lame? Need more work? Remember, be brutally honest. From that point I think it was going to go into the process of him finding the right dog, getting it, and then slowly becoming like the dog. Not physically, just in his actions. The current working title is "The Dog Days of My Life" Not sure if I like it or not, so I will take suggestions on that as well.

I really want to know what everyone thinks. Thanks for the feedback! Until next time readers!

-zjh

*sniff* I smell cookies!

Hey readers!
  

  I'm back, and I am not an impostor. Like I promised, I am keeping this blog updated. So, here's another post!

  Let's face it, I think over the coarse of every writer's career we all have one problem in common. Despite the wonderful idea we have in our heads, it is sometimes impossible to get the story into words on paper (or computer). Most people call it writer's block. Personally, I don't believe in writer's block. It is all in the head. If the story is there, all it takes is an atmosphere to get that story out. Most people who claim to have "writer's block" really just have a lack of that--atmosphere.

  That perfect story is bubbling over in your brain. You have the characters, the plot--the whole nine yards. You sit down ready to pound out the story on your old-fashioned type-writer when it happens. The neighbor's dog starts barking. A police car blares its siren. The baby starts crying. A guy with a chainsaw down the street decides that he should cut down his tree. Someone comes to your door to sell you cookies. An earthquake strikes. Suddenly, that story that you were so ready to write is pushed, no, shoved out of the way and replaced with all of these distractions. Yes, some of them are important (Who knows the next time you're going to need a quick snack while writing, so be sure to buy those cookies!). However, at the same time, if that story is to ever be completed, those distractions need to be eliminated. Don't go out and shoot the neighbors dog, or give up your child for adoption. Really, please don't do that. Buy a shock caller, so the next time the dog barks it's hit with enough electricity to power your electric car, find a time when your baby is sleeping to get some writing in, and if earthquakes continue to distract your writings, for crying out loud, MOVE!

 There are many times that I sit down and have the urge to just whip up ten pages of my story, but as soon as I sit down, I can hardly get a paragraph out. My problem is not writer's block, its that I don't have the right atmosphere to do it. I make sure I change that. I have found that I do my best work later in the evening. My body is calm and relaxed without too much energy, the sun is close to setting (or if in the Iowa winter it has set 6 hours before!) and the only light is now my computer screen and a candle. To keep noise out, I have ear buds blaring my favorite country songs and I am all set to let my imagination roam free. Each writer has his or her own personal preference for the best atmosphere to write in, and I am sure that all of you will find yours. If you have "snipers" that come to eliminate your writing time, find ways around them. As soon as you have that perfect place, the words will start to flow and your story comes together. Trust me, it will.

Be sure to just keep at it, and like always enjoy...hey, is that my doorbell? Gotta go, someone is selling cookies! ;) Until next time readers!

-zjh


"Writer's block is a fancy term made up by whiners so they can have an excuse to drink alcohol." -Steve Martin

See even Steve agrees, writer's block is all in the head.