Half-Way!

Today marks the halfway point for NaNoWriMo! I am well past halfway through the 50k words. I passed 38k a little bit ago. I can't wait to hit 40k. I'm getting really excited.

A Bit of background on me:
My mom passed away 10 years ago the 28th of this month. Yesterday she would have been 57yrs old. She was my life and the only one who ever supported me throughout my life, no matter what I did wrong or right. I usually have a really rough time but since doing NaNoWriMo this year it seems my ghosts aren't so inclined to haunt me. Yes, I had a crying spell but it was short. I am dedicating my NaNoWriMo piece to my mother. She was an avid reader and I know she would be proud of her dyslexic daughter working hard on a story. I thought of doing one she would love to read, but sci-fi really isn't my cup of tea. So, werewolves it is.

As for my NaNoWIP, well it is going to need a lot of rework once I am done. I have tons of notes about things I want to change. Though, not as many as I thought I would have.
Zared and Tasmina and even Azri are going to surprise readers. Twists and turns of their lives will not be seen until it happens. I'll post a excerpt later this weekend.

Again I need to thank @FriNightWrites (Twitter) for all the help and encouragement you give me. And this week @NaNoWordSprints for the help with MC. Without you he would not feel.

NaNoWriMo Day 12

Here it is Day 12 and I am just over halfway to the finish line with 26,866 words done. My novel is taking shape and getting interesting, well more than it has.  Another excerpt for you:

“I know that I also know she has a tough choice to make very soon. Her first heat is upon her.”

“She knows?”

“Yes we have talked about it. Now it is up to her to decide what she will do.” Zared explained hoping it would let Azri know that since he gave up his claim he had no say in what she does.

“I see, and I suppose you offered to help her through it?”

“No, she asked if I would if she chose that route.”

Azri was shocked by the look on his face. “She asked, even after all she’s been through? You know she may never be able to carry.”

Wow, Zared thought. Azri was really trying to keep him from being with Tasmina. “It is her choice and I will accept it no matter if she chooses to be alone or another male. You gave up your claim. She could rightfully be yours if you hadn’t. Now you say things that would have a male rethinking about her request? What the hell gives you the right?”

“ENOUGH!” Someone shouted. Turning they saw it was Eldest. Crap they were in trouble now.

“Eldest.”

“Yes, it is I. What is going on in here?”

“Azri was trying to keep me from Tasmina.” Zared stated.

“I see, Azri you have no claim. You refused it. Zared has every right to be around the pup.”

“She has asked him to mount her during her first heat.”

“That is her choice, Azri.”

“Yes, of course, Eldest.” Azri stated.

Males are always causing trouble with the order of things, even in real life here in Iowa. 

About Tasmina, she has a horrible past. Not much different than my own. Which is making this novel rough to write. Somethings are just hard to deal with and writing them out is harder. I have learned a lot about myself as I write of Tasmina's life. 

Now, working through plot twist 1, thinking maybe a total of 3. That is if Tasmina lets it happen. She has already had me make changes to what I intended. Yes I do not know what I will write, my characters have a tendency to take over the story.

NaNoWriMo Day 7

Today is day 7 of National Novel Writing Month, NaNoWriMo for short. I am impressed by how well I am doing and the fact I am sticking to it. I hit 15k and am still going. Just look at the progress at the upper right side of this page. Many of my NaNoPals are pushing their little fingers to the keyboards as much as I am. Today I did  1k1hr, 1k words in 1 hour, with one and did over that. The sprints at #NaNoWordSprint is keeping me going... Here is a list of the sprints I partake in:
@TheSprintShack, @FriNightWrites, @NaNoWordSprints

What is a word sprint you ask?

Well, you get together on Twitter with buddies and challenge yourselves to improve your word count. There are many different places I do word sprints and it keeps us all on track. @FriNightWrites we sprint for 30 minutes and take a 10 minute break. There are writers from all over the world that join in.
Times:
UK: 7pm-7am
US EAST COAST: 2pm-2am
US WEST COAST: 11am-11pm
You can always jump in to any of them, whatever your schedule allows. I am there off and on during the day here in US Central and a lot at night. There we use the hashtag #writeclub and the #StatsGuy keeps track of how many words for each sprint. It is quite amazing to see the numbers pop up.
Want to learn more about FriNightWrites check it out, Write Club @FriNightWrites

Is there anything I couldn't live without during NaNoWriMo?

Yes, Scrivener. I love the software from Literature & Latte, it has made writing and keeping track of facts, characters, ages even. It's all in one place and easy to access. I downloaded the free trial version and loved it. Then when I signed up for NaNoWriMo I found they offer a special free trial to NaNoWriMo participants. It got even better, if I complete my 50k words I can buy Scrivener for 50% off.

I have just found out how helpful their split-screen is. I now can look at a character sheet and type at the same time without leaving either. There are tons of features I have not worked with and can't wait to buy it after NaNoWriMo and find all the wonderful things I can do with it. It has definitely made NaNoWriMo experience easier and less stressful. I think once November is over and less frantic I will use Scrivener for my blogs and all my books.

I also couldn't live without my kids running up and down the stairs when I am in the middle of a sprint and need a fresh soda or some snack. They are the best in helping me out and not fighting with each other. Being 16 and almost 12 it amazes me as I wait for a fight and I hear them talking with each other rather than at each other.

Now it's time to get back to my story but before I do here is another excerpt:

Tasmina started crying once Azri left. She didn't understand what she was doing. He had caused the challenge and could die. That would probably get her sent back to Johnathan’s pack and to her father. The Warrior had told her that Azri was a strong fighter and would do well, at least that’s what she got from the conversation they had. Why was Azri risking his life to protect her? Why does he care so much when no one else had. Her mother watched the abuse and did nothing while the other did as they pleased. If only she had someone she trusted to answer her questions about Azri, but there was no one.  Someone that knew about males in a way she didn't.