NaNoWriMo fail. WIP win!

The Tiger's Nest monastery in Bhutan--one of the inspirations for my NaNo WIP.

Well, I tried! And even though I got nowhere near 50,000 words I made a start on a new idea that I’m pretty sure, now, I’ll end up finishing. It didn’t help that November had Diwali, Thanksgiving, my daughter’s birthday, the education foundation grant review, and sundry other distractions to slow me down. Also, I’ve never written epic fantasy before, and this is world building, magic wielding, dragon hunting, map in front fantasy! Plus, it is set in a fictional version of ancient India, so there’s research to contend with. But I've reached critical mass in KATYANI’S CURSE, I think, and I’m really excited about it. My New Year resolution is going to be: Finish. The. First. Draft. Of. KATYANI’S CURSE. By. Summer 2011.

Meanwhile, I got back a really thorough critique of LEELA from a wonderful writer friend. I am going to use it to try and finish the revision by Dec 31st, so I can get back to KATYANI in 2011.

But you know me and my plans :). The plan WAS to finish 50K words in November, right? Regardless of success rate, a goal and a deadline at least gives me something to tilt at!

And here's a link to a discussion about fantasy settings where I talk about why I picked Bhutan (Drukyul, the land of the Thunder Dragon) as one of the places to set KATYANI!

Kidlit Critterpalooza!

For over a year now, CRITTER, the creation of artist Ian Sands, has been travelling the world, meeting many talented writers and authors and exploring where they live. At each stop he learns more and more about KIDLIT and the importance of literacy and creativity. This journey was the brainchild of Christy Evers, who got her hands on Critter after an interactive art project of Ian’s, where 500 Critters were hidden all over her city for people to find.

(Critter on our tree last winter)

Critter has visited PJ Hoover (and the Texas Sweethearts!) in Texas, Beth Revis in North Carolina, Christina Farley in Korea, New England with Nandini Bajpai, Illinois with Kelly Polark, MG Higgins in California, Rena Jones in Montana, Cynthia Leitich Smith in Texas, Bish Denham in the Virgin Islands, Jacqui Robbins in Michigan, Tina Ferraro in California, Cynthia Chapman Willis in New Jersey, Jill S. Alexander in Texas, Ellen Oh in Virginia and finally, Alberta Canada with Angela Ackerman.

(Critter lunching with Anna Staniszewski, librarian Sarah Chessman, Deva Fagan, Ellen Booream, Alisa Libby, and Marissa Doyle at ALA Midwinter 2010)

Critter has been to college, rock concerts, national landmarks, a palace, attended his first SCBWI conference, walked among giant redwoods, and met the world famous artist, Robert Bateman. Now that his journey is coming to a close, it’s CRITTER’S hope that you will help him celebrate over at The Bookshelf Muse. His new hosts, together with old hosts, have teamed up to create the Kidlit-inspired event, Critterpalooza! and you’re invited!

There are many AMAZING prizes to be won, all in the spirit of helping Critter celebrate the wonderful creativity & support within out KIDLIT community, and to also raise awareness for his charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

If you would like to donate a few dollars to Critter’s charity, just click on the I Love St. Jude button. Children’s lives are saved every day thanks to the support of people like you!

NaNoWriMo Ticker

The only thing I'll be updating on the blog for a while will be the word-counter below. It should be ticking slowly upward over November ... if it's stuck, please, please, NAG!

Katyani's Curse (WIP)
Day 26

11030 / 50000 words. 22% done! (Pathetic, I know!)
Day 12

8030 / 50000 words. 16% done!
Day 10

7010 / 50000 words. 14% done!
Day 5/Day 6/Day 7/Day 8/Day 9 (don't ask ... Diwali etc.)
Day 4

6007 / 50000 words. 12% done!
Day 3

5029 / 50000 words. 10% done!
Day 2

2883 / 50000 words. 6% done!
Day 1

1026 / 50000 words. 2% done!