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Tuesday, November 1, 2011

NaNo Gifties

I’ve never had the guts to try National Novel Writing Month, but I always notice that the blogosphere gets a bit quieter each November. I’m in awe of those of you who do it, and I’m here to cheer you on! Plus, I’m actually going to semi-participate this year.

Much like my attempts at yoga, I’ll be taking a modified approach with this, involving 30,000 words of writing (not the usual 50,000) and reaching holiday planning goals (I’m trying to tackle gifts in November to avoid the rush on our finances).

I’m taking a week off for Thanksgiving to drive to the magical land of Iowa! I love Iowa…must be because of Dar Williams and her song by the same name (click HERE). So, at times, I might be a bit scarce this month.

Feel free to leave me a note in the comments and let me know if you have any goals for November (NaNo or otherwise)! In the meantime, here are a few motivational gifts for you brave ones about to embark on a 50,000-word journey:












ROCKY SOUNDTRACK SONGS-Pure motivation!







BASKET O' PRETZELS-Studies show that crunchy foods help to stimulate thought, and pretzels will keep your hands/keyboard free of grease and cheese-dust (unlike chips and cheetos)...okay, carrots are a good alternative, but I really like this brand of pretzels. Plus, I'm a salt fiend.












PARAFFIN HEAT THERAPY HAND SPA-For those sore typing hands!



Enjoy, and happy November!

30 comments:

  1. Like you, I'm doing a partial stab at NaNoWriMo. I'm only aiming for 20,000 words, but given my complete inattention to writing over many months, that would be real progress for me. Good luck to you!

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  2. I'm not participating in NaNo, but have set daily writing goals to play along.

    I've also dusted off my pom poms to cheer everyone on!

    Best wishes to you! Happy November!

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  3. November is actually like any other month for me. No NaNo. No partial NaNo. No daily word goals. Just the same ole same ole, which means I'll probably re-write my query letter a dozen times. :)

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  4. I'm trying NaNo again this year but November is such a busy month, I don't expect to finish. Have fun on your trip to Iowa! My 80 year old neighbor is from Iowa, grew up on a farm, and talks about her early years. Makes me want to go there!

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  5. Thanks for the links.

    How nice of you give advice to the NaNoers. I saw Rocky again a month or two back. I don't think I'd seen it since the 1980s. Great movie. And yes, inspirational music!

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  6. Thanks for the tips, and the motivational gifts. I'll take a bag of pretzels, thank you very much! Enjoy the month and all that you have planned...

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  7. I won't be hitting many blogs this month because I'm SO in! I owe this to my granddaughter to finish her book.

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  8. Have yourself a wonderful trip to Iowa. And those virtual gifties ROCK. Many thanks from this nervous, newbie NaNoer :-)

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  9. Happy upcoming week off in November. I'm on a Halloween staycation and boy, it's nice to get a break from all things work.

    Boogie Boogie.

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  10. Hey, I grew up in Iowa! My hubby's family is still there. Enjoy!
    We're going to Cancun for Thanksgiving. *grins* So I'm right w/ you on the NaNo goal. Go 30K!

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  11. I won't be doing NaNo. Some day I might give it a try. I do have a goal to finish the first draft of my current story. Need about 20,000 more words and my goal was the middle of Nov, but I don't think that's happening. :)

    Have fun on your trip!

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  12. I am doing a modified version, too. but my word count today is lame. Oh well.

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  13. I hadn't heard of National Novel Writing Month. That is what I love about your blog...always learning stuff here. :-) My goal for November is to make it through that 10k on Thanksgiving! Loved the song...safe travels & happy writing to you.

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  14. My goal is to finish my WIP, which should take anywhere between 20,000-30,000 more words. So I'm with you on this month!

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  15. You're fun. :) I'm not doing NaNoWriMo, but maybe I will someday. I had a strict daily word count for the first draft of my last novel, but it was fewer words over a longer period. Once I get a really good outline for my new book, I plan to do that again.

    Happy November to you, too!

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  16. i'm nano-ing for the first year, but i also have goals in parenting for the month- sammy will be on-task at homework time for 50% of the time, the boys will cease to immediately try to murder each other when put to their room for bedtime...
    those goals are (dare i say it?) more important to me than the nano one! :)

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  17. Great gifts! :) I'm a NONaNo. Enjoy Iowa!

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  18. LOL crunchy foods stimulate thought huh? So, technically I can make a case for eating all of my kids veggie straws in the name of creative inspiration?

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  19. You can do it, Jess! (it's fun) And have a lovely and safe trip. :)

    Hugs,
    Lola

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  20. Thanks for the gifts! I've got the pretzels, and I think it's time to fire up the paraffin warmer. Day 2 of Nano is going well, with a nice snowstorm keeping me inside.

    ~Debbie

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  21. Thanks for the tip about the pretzels! And 30,000 words is nothing to scoff at. Now if we could just master that crow pose...

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  22. Thanks, Jess!! :) This is my 3rd attempt at Nano...I usually last a week or two. But, I'm going to push myself to take it seriously this year and hopefully end up with a new draft. We'll see...

    Have a great time in Iowa!!

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  23. I like your idea of a partial Nano. I may do it, too. Have fun in Iowa!

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  24. I love the pretzel fact. I definitely eat the wrong snack sometimes...and then I find evidence where I don't want it! Good luck with your goals. That's awesome! I'm not doing NaNo, but I do plan on getting my novel ran through another time so I can get ready to query after the holiday's!

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  25. NaNoWriMo is more thn I can handle this year, but best of luck to you in your modified version and have fun in Iowa! I am doing PiBoIdMo which is more my speed :)

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  26. I've participated 'unofficially' before - it's a good opportunity to at least get something significant done!

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