Tag: writing

Almost late for the dance

I’ve heard/read about the National Novel Writing Month in the past. In fact I’ve seen several of the novels written during previous years on Amazon.

While I’m just hearing/seeing things about this years “competition” I think I’m going to join in this year. I’ve started two novels in the past and neither of them made it much further than 1 chapter. I think I got too caught up in the plot development to really write much of anything.

Either way, the goal for the NaNoWrMo is to write one 175-page novel (at least 50,000) words. There’s a Write-A-Thon on Nov 15th, but Laurie and I will be at a marriage retreat that weekend – so I guess I’ll have to schedule mine another time.

Hopefully this time around I can be spurred on to bring a novel to completion and see it published (self-published if nothing else). I’ll keep you all posted either here or on Twitter.

Now with 5 days before the competition begins – what in the world should I write about?! 🙂

Speaking of anniversaries

My Google Calendar reminded me of something today.

3 years ago today I officially started my blogging adventure.
Stranger in a Strange Land 1.0.

Although back then, it was hosted elsewhere and looked a good deal different (I’m not sure what happened to the old header).

You may notice there are posts older than April 30, 2005 – have no fear – those were added after I started my blog so I could have some record of the columns I wrote for the Belton Journal and Harker Heights Evening Star. You might also find an old Xanga account out there that I tried briefly and I even tried building my own “blog” from scratch but that was taken down ages ago – after I found out all about CMS.

It’s been a great ride so far. The feedback has been great – well most of it :-).

Through writing my blog and reading others I’ve met some great friends like Thomas. I’ve connected with old friends like Chad. I’ve gotten a better insight into the lives of some very close friends. And I’ve even gained a better insight and understanding of my wife.

And hopefully you’ve each learned something more about me as well. Hopefully you’ve been able to see more of what makes me me. While my posts may not always be personal in nature – they are personal to me. They are things that make me think, influence me and challenge me.

Hope you’ve enjoyed the ride so far and hope you continue reading. Thanks!

Will write for food.

Sandra Hanks Bentoiton has posed an interesting question on NaBloPoMo regarding the upcoming writers’ strike: “With the writers’ strike looming, should bloggers be concerned that our prodigious and virtually uncompensated work may help to undermine the value of writing?”
I say no. But anyone who wants to compensate me for my writing is still more than welcome to. Just visit the Casa de Blundell store and help compensate hungry writers.

10 Tips for writing your book

Brian Bailey from Fellowship Church in Dallas has several tips for writing your first, second or 100th book.
I keep meaning to sit down and work on my first attempt at fiction but I just haven’t been motivated. Maybe it will come later or maybe I’ll move in a completely different direction. Either way, here are his pointers. Anyone else have any ideas? What book would you write if you had all the time in the world?

Top 10 Steps to Writing a Better Book
10. Get more exercise
9. Allow time for editing and formatting
8. Have a regular place to work
7. Schedule rewards at each milestone
6. Disable wireless for long stretches
5. Write a small amount each day
4. Set aside time for book busywork
3. Develop one writing process and stick with it
2. Print it out
1. Schedule regular getaways to write

Read the full post

A work in progress

Sunshine on my shoulder

I’ve started it.

After debating and thinking, I finally decided “forget it…” I’m going to start a book.

I’ll post updates online as I go. Check it out, give you input.

And remember it’s a work in progress.

UPDATE: This book didn’t quite make the cut. It stalled after the 2nd chapter. Perhaps I’ll go back to it sometime in the future. However – I did finally finish a full novel just over 4 years later: St. Peter’s Brewery. You can find out more about the novel and order copies for your entire family at StPetersBrewery.info.