Sketch #1

Here is a sketch of something that might be in my novel. I can't draw people or wings so this is how it turned out. Yes, I'm aware she doesn't have hands. Hands are my enemy but I did try to draw them. Her hair is orange...the color changed a bit after taking a picture and editing it. I don't really mind it though. The concept of what I was trying to draw is there, so I'm happy.

To color the sketch, I used watercolor paint. I always paint my sketches because my sketch turn out better when I do. I'm much better at painting than drawing. Hopefully with practice I'll get better.

Other than the sketch, I've been working on possible endings. This is how I usually plan my novel. I have the beginning that starts the plot and then I figure out a possible ending. The one I want is a bit dark but it would work really well for what I have planned latter in the novel. Yes, I have an idea for the middle of my novel too but those ideas are very loose. All of my ideas are loose but I'm trying to nail down a few. The beginning for sure needs to stay - at least the concept of the beginning needs to stay. I've got a few characters that might play a role but I'm uncertain.

What I really need to get cracking on is my setting. That's going to be my issue. I can't jump into the novel not knowing something about the world so I have to start building that. Or at least some key things about it. In other words, I've still have a lot to do.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Talecraft Cards

Back of the cards

I ordered these cards about three weeks ago and they finally arrived! Talecraft is a storytelling game from the Philippines that I discovered through an acquaintance. You can read more about them through their site here.

Unfortunately, I haven't had the time to play with them. I went out to the store to see what kind of phone I wanted to upgrade to. After that, I had to get cracking on some work. I did manage to paint something for my NaNoWriMo novel. So, I still have yet to play with these cards but I'll get right on it.

Front of the cards

Preparing for NaNoWriMo Early

My Prompt Jar

November is approaching and that means National Novel Writing Month. I always look forward to November for this reason. This year will be my 9th participating in this event and I'm hoping for my 9th win.

Since I'm writing something different than I usually write so I need to get started on outlining and plotting. My first task is prompt writing. I have a jar of writing prompts that will help me continue to write. There is a chance when I won't use these but I will keep my jar at my desk throughout November.

I've decided to take my novel Nested, that I started, and write it for NaNoWriMo instead. I started it and decided that I needed to change the P.O.V. but then I decided that I would build onto the plot more before I started writing it. I have a long way to go when it comes to the world too.

Next will be my sketches and some world building. This might take a good chunk of the month if not the whole month.

Music, anyone?

Music. I can listen to my iPod all day if I could and I've done it before. When I'm trying to work something out in my head, I listen to my music. I'm one of those people who can read and listen to music at the same time. I can always remember what I was reading when I listen to an album.

I love The Hush Sound. They will always be one of my favorite bands (Linkin Park will always be my all time favorite band).

And because for some reason, I have to listen to Spinnerette after I listen to Steel Train. I have no idea why.

I could continue but for the sake of some internet speeds, I'll stop at three songs.

Keeping a Journal

I know several people who keep a journal, and they all do it for different reasons. One of my friends does it because her therapist told her it would help her cope with her issues and it will keep her from harming herself. Another friend does it because she wants to remember every freaking moment of her life. There isn't anything wrong with that. It's just...how can she find all this stuff to write about when we live in such a small town where nothing happens?...She probably gets out more than I do.

Just recently, I started keeping a journal. I find it rather...helpful. I stress out about a lot of things and writing in a journal helps me pull myself together. Journaling helps me vent and helps me relax. Since I started this journal writing, I've been able to sleep better.

Another thin I realized is that I've been able to write easier. That writer's block that I battled for so long is no longer an issue. So, I've decided to keep up with my journal. I don't writing about anything in particular, just whatever comes to my head. Trust me, a lot of weird things come to my head. 

For my journal, I like to use a blank Moleskine or something similar to it. I don't just write in my journal, I sketch or doodle. By using a journal with no lines, I don't feel so restricted. Of course, if there is something really big on my mind I like to type it out so that way I can keep up with my thoughts when writing it down.

I kind of wish I had thought of this before now.