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Tag Archives: November


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November Musings

I can’t believe it’s only the second day of November, and already I have regrets. First off, my exercise routine has gone straight out the window. I had some minor surgery which has prevented me from really exercising to the fullest. Truthfully though, since it’s too cold to go in my pool, I probably would not have been exercising anyway. Now that’s not to say that I haven’t done any exercise, I have done some, just not as much as my body needs. I guess since it’s only the second day of the month, it’s not too late to fix the exercise issue. However, I can’t turn back the hands of time, and redo yesterday.

Since yesterday was November 1, I had good intentions of blogging each day in November. I’ve done it before, and really enjoyed the experience. In fact, several years ago one of my November posts was freshly pressed. I enjoyed my far less than 15 minutes of pseudo-fame from that post, and wouldn’t mind seeing some more readers checking out my little corner of the internet.

It’s not really about fame, though. I really would just like to get back into a productive blogging habit. Using my WordPress app on my phone seems to be helpful. At least so far. Maybe if I set an alarm for each day I’ll remember to put up a blog post every day for the rest of this month. No promises though.

One thing I do not regret is the amount of time I’ve been spending quilting recently. Although it’s really my friend who has done the actual quilting. I’ve sent her three quilt tops that she has professionally quilted for me on her large quilting machine. She does excellent work, and she has made my patchwork look terrific.

Another non-regret is the fact that I’ve been a more active football fan this season. When I was a kid, our class took a field trip to our team’s brand new stadium. It was magnificent. That’s when I became a football fan. Back in those days kids would write about their field trips on these giant pieces of paper that had a big space at the top for an illustration. My essay and illustration somehow survived my entire childhood and is now framed in my laundry room. Second grade me decided to illustrate my essay with a crayon drawing of OJ Simpson. We didn’t see The Juice, or any of the players, but the visit to the stadium left an impression on me. So did four trips to the Super Bowl without a win. Last year I rediscovered my team, and this year I’ve been enjoying watching and listening to them. Most weeks we don’t get the game where I live, so I listen to the team’s radio broadcast instead.

The commercials on those broadcasts transport me back to my childhood hometown. I went to school with the dentist, I worked with the daughter of one car dealer, and my first brand new car was purchased from the other. Things don’t really change much in that community.

Anyway, I’m glad the weather has finally cooled down, and we have a few weeks before the Christmas season onslaught begins in earnest. I, for one, plan to enjoy the rest of the month of November. I hope you enjoy it too.


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To Nano or Not to Nano? 2016 Version

NaNoWriMo is coming up… soon. Before we know it November 1 will be on the calendar and National Novel Writing Month will be upon us. It’s a beautiful thing, this challenge to write a novel in 30 days, and it can be done. I know. I’ve done it.

Well, sort of. I’ve written a draft of a novel. The whole thing, beginning, middle, and end. There are characters, settings, conflicts a plenty, and even a resolution. But is it done? Not be a long shot.

When did I write this manuscript? crest-bda7b7a6e1b57bb9fb8ce9772b8faafb

2013.

Gulp.

Yes, it’s been three years. It was a glorious time, really. The ideas were flowing, the words jumped out of my head and through my fingertips onto the screen. Not all days were like that, but overall it worked! I tracked my progress diligently, and worked hard to deliver those 1,600 words per day. Some days I didn’t make it, but other days made up for it. By the end of the month I did it. I finished!

Now I’m in revisions. Still. To be fair, I didn’t touch it for a long time, but also to be fair, I’ve been really slow about revising. Good thing I belong to a terrific writing group which forces me to bring material for review from time to time, or I might not be working on it at all. So why do I keep doing it?

First of all, at this point I have a lot of time invested in it. Sure, I haven’t worked on it every minute of the past three years, but it’s been part of my life for that length of time. I’d hate to just cut it loose and say that it doesn’t matter.

Secondly, and more importantly, I think there’s something to the story. Each time I work on it I’m surprised by how much I actually like the story. My writing group is encouraging (and they are NOT a smile and nod type of group, they tell it like it is), and frankly if I can figure out a little bit of a plot hole I think I could be done with it soon(ish).

The problem is that plot hole seems like a canyon at the moment. When I wrote the draft it all made sense, but when I reread that section (a very pivotal scene) I realized that the motivation for the characters actions was completely missing. The action simply doesn’t make sense without some type of explanation, and silly me, I forgot to include it. At the time I know why he did what he did, but now for the life of me I can’t remember, and it’s causing a problem. I need to figure it out so I can move on!

All that leads me to November. Am I ready to start a new project? I have ideas, and I think I could commit the time, especially now that the boy is in college. It might be the spark I need to get me going creatively, and maybe as a result I’ll come up with a stellar solution to the plot hole in manuscript number one. Maybe.

What do you think? Is this a challenge I should face or a burden I’ll regret?


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Building Bravery One Word at a Time

Here we are, halfway to the end of November. Actually, just past halfway. So far I’ve managed to keep up with posting each day, and it feels good.

I like having a daily writing habit, and NaBloPoMo has been the nudge I needed to get back to it. On top of that, I’ve been writing with two writing groups. One of them just wrapped up with a public reading, and I got brave and shared my work. It’s the third time I’ve done a public reading, and each time it feels slightly more natural and slightly less intimidating.Public-Speaking

November is a perfect month for stepping out of my comfort zone. It’s the month where I reflect on all of the good things in my life (Thanksgiving, anyone?). When I think about all of the supportive people I have around me, and all of the positive experiences I’ve been able to enjoy, it gives me confidence. I feel loved and capable, so why not try my hand at something challenging? Besides, what’s the worst case scenario?

In terms of the reading, the worst case scenario would be a heckler, but really, it was held at a small gallery, and the whole audience was comprised of the writers’ families and friends. I doubt any of them would have booed me away from the podium. Even if they had, at least three people in the crowd would have scolded them. It’s that kind of group.

I need to keep this attitude of “what have I got to lose?” and “what’s the worst case scenario?” Bravery can be cultivated, I’m sure of it. It’s time for me to work on building mine.