NaNoWriMo!

Yep, I'm going to give it a shot.

I haven't written anything long since Cold Magics came out. Too busy moving, unpacking, working, and going to conventions. There was one period where I don't think I had a free day or evening in a month. So, while the writing bug has been biting me, and I've been working in fits and starts, there's been no consistent time or space to keep the drive alive.

Now, however, my time has sorted itself out as has my place and I've only got one convention to go to, SFContario, November 19, 20, and 21, at the Ramada Plaza Hotel, 300 Jarvis Street, Toronto. Got to love a home town convention.

For me, writing, like everything else, has to be made a habit to be done effectively. I find I need to be writing at least 5 days a week to really get in stride; 6 days a week preferably, and 7 when I'm reaching the end of a project. And when I get out of a habit, it takes some work to get me back in.

Fortunately, NaNoWriMo has the two things that help me most when I'm trying to get back on a habit: a challenge, and a deadline.

First draft of a new novel in month. I can do it. I've got the novel in my head, the general plot figured out, the main characters all sorted. Now I'm just waiting for the starting gun.

So, let's see how it goes, starting Monday.

The Last Edit - Night 1

Did 46 pages tonight. Not bad for a start back, but much more to do.

Here's the thing: My editor needs it back by Christmas so we can get copy set and ready to go for the first round or reviews. The book is still 10,000 words more than what it should be, and while Gabrielle and I have worked out what needs to be done, it still needs to be done before the end of the month.

No problem.

Really.

Tomorrow, the goal is 80 pages. Let's see how it goes.

Two Days In...

And the going is good. Nice people, good atmosphere, lots and lots and lots to learn and even more to do.

For example, two days in and I'm already in on a brainstorming session for a major event. And that's just the tip of the iceberg! Large organizations mean lots of communications so I'm going to be a busy, busy bunny.

Meanwhile, I've been cramming for my final exam in my Media Relations course and am almost ready for it, which is good because the test is tomorrow. Oy. Must do it, go drinking, and relax.

Thursday is the start of the final push on Cold Magics.

And I know you've all heard that before but Dragon Moon Press has told me that they want to publish it and that I need to get editable copy into their hot little hands very, very soon.

Very, very happy making.

We're looking at a 2010 publishing date, which I requested ,despite DMP's willingness to publish in 2009. I've got to finish my Communications Certificate at Humber College (job and bill-paying, don't you know) and that's going to take up too much of my time for the next 10 months for me to do a proper edit on Cold Magics.

No rest for the wicked, as they say.

So,Thursday is the countdown to the finished draft. I'll keep everyone up to date on what's going on...

More later.