I've never done 'official' NANO.
Go ahead. Click on the word NANO. Go join. I'll be waiting here.
The above link takes you to the Jeopardy Theme Song
We'll all listen while you go join
Nope, not in all these years as a writer.
But I have dedicated myself to what I call....
SHADOW NANO
Shadow Nano...the term is my own (where's the copyright button on that stroke of genius???)
Is what I do most every November.
I set BIGGER goals...but just for myself.
Why you ask?
 |
| Keep Smiling Cupcake! |
Why doesn't that friendly, easy going (weird loner) Mary Connealy join NANO
Why doesn't that little ray of pep and sunshine
(who never leaves her keyboard)
team up with other authors and have fun, fun, fun holding each other
ACCOUNTABLE
Why don't I either: Show off??? (Oh really, you didn't reach your goal today? Hmmmm I did!)
Or: Admit to the world my failure (not unlike the Doritos I sneak when no one is watching?)
I've often suspected that NANO
Is a little like herding cats
One of the reasons Seekerville is such a great community is because we all are sorta LONERS.
I think many writers are loners.
It can't be a coincidence that my best friends in the world, my Seeker buddies, all live five states away from me. All my relationships work much better in two dimensions instead of three.
So I do SHADOW NANO
I sort of like that way that rings in my ears.
Like it's EPIC.
Like......
A long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away there was
SHADOW NANO!
So anyway, I'd like to invite you all to blow out the birthday candles.
Wipe the decorator frosting roses off your ceiling.
Roll up those streamers and pack them away
And join me in trying to make November a month of stretching yourself. Of setting goals.
Of doing MORE than you usually do.
Let's talk normal work production and how we can accelerate it.
I do 1000 words a day and I try to do it seven days a week but probably manage more like five.
I often write MORE, but I try to seldom write less.
I've got galley edits, just arrived in the mail for the
NEW SERIES WHICH BEGINS NEXT APRIL!
NEW SERIES WHICH BEGINS NEXT APRIL!
Book #1 is called
The Accidental Guardian
and it has recently appeared on Amazon for pre-order.
Wow, I had fun with this one!!!
I have to finish those galleys.
And I've got a book releasing in December that is a collection of novellas.
Several of them were in previous Barbour Publishing Collections
The rest were in Seeker novella collections but were never in print, only digital.
So I'm excited about that
Calico and Cowboys
And there are some blog interviews and such involved in launching this book.
But I am committed
To writing 1500 words a day through November.
(Keeping close to my heart that lovely Christian tenet of forgiveness!!!)
TODAY!!!
Talk to me about goals.
What do we do after a month of PARTY!!!
We get back to work.
Join me in Shadow Nano
And tell me your goals, increased or not, for November.
Leave a comment to get your name in a drawing for a signed copy of
Mary, your comment about your best friends living five states away cracked me up. Man, I can identify!
ReplyDeleteLike you, I'm doing Shadow Nano. But I have a very specific goal. I'll let you guys know if I manage to reach it.
Not all writers are loners.
DeleteBut I don't understand why.
Why be around real people and real life when you can create your own world....AND RULE IT!!!
Total world domination is always the goal.
DeleteI'm on the sidelines cheering you gals on who are participating in Nano!!
ReplyDeleteI, too, had to laugh at the comment all my BFF's live five states away...yep, I kinda feel the same about all my reader/author friends because I haven't met any of you in person (yet) :-)
So you just keep on keeping on Mary chugging out those words on the page every day....I'm rooting for you!!!!
*No need to enter me as I already won Too Far Down from you recently....to which I say, thank you!*
Thanks, Trixi. I hope you enjoy Too Far Down!!!
DeleteGo Mary, kick it in the butt. So what do you do when you want to REALLY challenge the status quo??
ReplyDeleteUsually it involves a diet!
Deletelol
DeleteLOL!!
DeleteI think as people get a wee bit older, they find their friends mover further away. I guess some might take it personally, but I can't as I moved first. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the cover of your new book The Accidental Guardian.
May you be blessed in Shadow Nano. Go Mary!
Blessings,
Cindy W.
Cindy we must all embrace living in the shadows. It has an ominous sound but that's the writing in us, imagining dark, dangerous places...the corner of a basement in a haunted house!!!!
DeleteAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
I'm a huge fan of NaNoWriMo especially after my first participation in 2010 resulted in a published book in 2017. My 2012 NaNo project will be published in August of 2018. Unfortunately with copy edits and AFS duties, I won't be participating but I am committed to writing at least four short stories for Woman's World.
ReplyDeleteI love the cover of THE ACCIDENTAL GUARDIAN, Mary! No need to enter me in the drawing. I plan to read TOO FAR DOWN over the Thanksgiving holiday.
That's awesome, Jill! Congratulations!
DeleteWow, Jill!!! See, there? Everyone has their own way, the way that works for them.
DeleteAnd Woman's World stories! What a great goal!
That's awesome, Jill! Every year for the last several years, I've thought about doing NaNo, but every November, there's a major reason not to commit, and since I already have my goals set in stone, I just don't, but I admire those who do! Go you!
DeleteJill, that's amazing!! I love that your NaNo led to sales!!
DeleteHi Mary,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chuckles from reading your post. It's a nice way to start a Monday. :)
I don't do Nano either. I tried one year, set overly lofty goals, and crashed and burned. SO, now I set my own goals in November as a Shadow Nano like you. My goals are to write every day, accomplish 12K for the month, and take an online class through the KOD chapter. So far so good, and I hope you're achieving your writing goals this month too.
Happy writing from one Shadow Nano-er to another, :)
Jeanine
Jeanine, I've never done it. It's like 'write 50,000 words in a month' right?
DeleteI've always thought November was a weird choice for NANO. Of all busy months! Thanksgiving can often take nearly a WEEK away from writing. If you're traveling or if you have family coming to you.
You've set great goals, Jeanine!!! Good for you!
Jeanine, that's a great plan!
DeleteI wish I'd heard of Shadow Nano, but I signed up for Nano even though I'm not sure there's any way to write 55,000 words this month with everything happening.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your new releases, Mary!
It's 55,000? Jackie? I thought it was 50,000? Wow, that's a huge task. I may have written that much in a month, under deadline pressure, twice in my life. My 1500 words a day equals 45,000 and that seems really ambitious.
DeleteI really should check it out. I've always wondered if they'd let you set your own goals. Like write a novella in a month. :)
DeleteMary, you're right. It's 50,000! I'm probably confused because I'm targeting LIS. Thanks for getting me straight.
DeleteMissy, why not set your own goals?
I'm not officially doing NaNo, because I doubted I'd have time with my college, but I am still trying to write as much as I can. And I'm still attempting to speed write my book in a month.
ReplyDeleteWill I succeed? Probably not. But I'm excited to see how far I'll get.
You WILL succeed Nicki because you will measure success by PROGRESS!
DeleteYou maybe not make it to the end of your book but you will be MUCH CLOSER!!!
And that's a worthy accomplishment.
Good for you, Nicki!
DeleteShadow Nano! I love it, Mary!!! I've been doing shadow nano for years and didn't even know it!
ReplyDeleteMy goal for this November is to start and complete a book a proposal. I'd like to send it off to my agent before Thanksgiving, but I am a realist, with a granddarling birthday, our son's birthday, a girl's shopping (a 30 year tradition), Thanksgiving and the dreaded day job, it will be November 30th before I can hit send.
Can't wait for your new series!!!!! Tell us more!!!!
See now, Rose! It's no wonder we're friends. We not only both do Shadow Nano, but we also don't TELL ANYONE!!! LOL
DeleteAre we writers or WHAT???
Shadow Nano. GENIUS! I love it. The first (and only) time I signed up for Nano, I was making great progress and had to stop in the middle because I got edits back from my editor and that was a little more important at the time. Since then, I try to push myself a little more than usual but I'm honest enough with myself to know that I can't keep up with the Nano tide. November? Really? That's my busiest month. There's usually deer hunting, making costumes for my kinder class's Thanksgiving feast and preparing for their Christmas play, not to mention Thanksgiving. Nope. Not going to do that. But I LOVE Shadow Nano. You could start a whole new trend. :)
ReplyDeleteSee, LeAnne, all sorts of approaching holiday stuff! November....why did they pick it? All I can think of is they picked it because November starts with an N??? Weird reason.
DeleteNovember is National Novel Writing Month.
Uh...okay. Whatever!
Good morning, Mary! Shadow Nano--GREAT idea! By the way, LOVE your new covers!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteIsn't that a great cover, Glynna! I got CHILLS!!!
DeleteI guess I'm shadowing also. Good term, Mary. I always set some kind of goal in November, either to keep myself sharp or to get a chunk of work done before December and all THAT means. I've written books in the past, mostly novellas or REALLY rough first drafts. My goal this November is to rewrite a story that finaled in two contests, so I can make it submittable. I got good feedback and think this will work. I'm also working on the sequel to that story, should it sell, and going chapter-by-chapter through a different book with my crit partner.
ReplyDeleteThings are complicated by the fact that I've taken a temp job for the holidays, five days a week, but there are some financial issues we have to take care of before my husband retires. So I'll write around the edges or be a weekend warrior, but it's doable. I'm excited about the story I'm working on, and used to working in a limited amount of time. I also have all my Christmas shopping done, so there's that. I borrowed my brother-in-law's handicapped tag. I AM ONLY KIDDING.
I may not be visiting here as much. I have to be out the door by 7 a.m. and get back at 4:30. If I'm up early enough I'll check in. But you guys aren't going anywhere, right?
KB
Kaybee, sounds like a hectic but great plan. Good luck with the holiday job. I know places who depend on people wanting work around the holidays!! I'm sure you're a blessing to them.
DeleteWrite around the edges. I like that term!
Kathy, I'm impressed that you have your shopping done!! That's a huge plus. I hope the job goes well. I love the term weekend warrior. :)
DeleteMary, You got me with the ‘loner’ sentence. I know that description fits me. Maybe because when I’m alone with my thoughts, my creativity flows. I can take an hour walk and solve problems in my current story or come up with ideas to make changes and add more dimension. Or driving somewhere, by myself it happens too. My goal is to revise my current LSI and finally submit it. Right now, I am a caregiver to my hubby who is recooperating one week today from a full knee replacement. So I will not leave the house much and my writing chair is waiting. Good luck with Nano to those that choose to participate.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne God bless you and your husband while he's healing. Knee replacement is a big deal and the results are usually almost miraculous. I'm sorry he needs it.
DeleteYep, stuck at home...is like a HOLIDAY for me.
Oh, goodness! Caregiving is top priority. I hope your husband is up and about quickly!
DeleteMary, love the covers of your next two releases. The cowboy with the child has "Must Buy" written all over it. The wedding dress and cowboy boots is pure Mary Connelly and promises 8 delightful--and laugh out loud--reads! And I thought you were having eye problems! Look was you accomplished when your vision was compromised. Amazing!
ReplyDeleteDebby, oh yes the eye problems!!!
DeleteI have been trying to NOT include 'eye problems' in today's post. I suspect I've been quite the whiner for the last few months.
I had cataract surgery last Wednesday and I still need a new eyeglasses prescription but I am MUCH BETTER and feeling more encouraged than I have in a long time!!!
Love the cover of your new book and I’m looking forward to Calico Cowboys. Would love to read the series (just read the prequel novella so far).
ReplyDeleteEven some of your readers are loners.... :)
MH being a loner is a good thing. I don't know why people frown on it and try to make me talk to them.
DeleteMH, I like to think that we just have our relationships on the page. ;)
DeleteWay to go Mary. I'm actually surprised that your word count is 1,000. I thought it was triple that with all the books you get out there. You go girl. Have a great day. I'm still scraping those roses off the ceiling and gathering streamers. smile
ReplyDelete3000 words a day??? Can you imagine? I could write a 90,000 word book EVERY MONTH! What would I do with all of them???
DeleteHi Mary
ReplyDeleteLove the shadow Nano idea. Right now I'm not really working on anything because of Guppy focus, but storing up ideas.
About to go for a job interview. Wanted to get my Seeker fix in first. Am very sad because I seem to have lost my copy of Too Far Down. Last I remember, I was reading it at Guppy's den meeting and telling den mom about you. Now can't find it anywhere... *heavy sigh*
On bright note, that accidental guardian cover is AWESOME!!!!!
On day soon I hope to get back to writing consistently.
My books do have a reputation for being stolen, DebH! Kinda like a DaVinci!!!
DeleteLOL, Mary!
DeleteDeb, I hope the interview went well! Have been praying for you!
I've been doing Shadow Nano-ing for years and just didn't know it. Sounds so much better than "my own version of nano."
ReplyDeleteI'm revising a ms this time. Can't add any words, just need to switch a LOT.
Love, love the Accidental Guardian cover!!! So sweet.
You might like the TERM, Connie, but you are following the practice in TRUTH! YAY
DeletePlanning on starting to write this month! So any consistent words I get on page or blog will be better than the summer months...
ReplyDeleteUh oh, another series for me, my mom, and aunt to enjoy!!
Hi ainnirbard! I love it when I hear of GENERATIONS reading my books. For some reason, knowing the book works for people across a span of years, just lifts my spirits. THANK YOU!
DeleteWe truly enjoy the books, so THANK YOU!
DeleteHow fun to read with your mom and aunt! A built-in book club. :)
DeleteHi Mary,
ReplyDeleteI am so excited about your new series!!
I would love to win Too Far Down cause I have the others in that series and want to read them when I get them all!
Happy Monday!!
Jackie, you're in the drawing.
DeleteI know it's so fun to read the whole series at once. But I can never CONTROL MYSELF!!!
You are very strong! :)
I, also, am a Shadow-er (though I knew not the term until today . . . ). For the last couple months I did a lot of research and wrote pages of character bios, brilliant ideas (at least, they seemed so at the time), and story development, so I suppose it's time to sit down and put the story to the page (which also helps me come up with more ideas--once I start actually writing). I suppose I never will get started if I don't get going today, so that is the immediate goal; and once I get going, it's a lot easier to maintain momentum.
ReplyDeleteRachael did you do all that just to set yourself up specifically for NANO? (the shadow version of course!)
DeleteOr is it just working out that way?
Rachael, I hope you got off to a good start today!
DeleteI signed up for Nano, but have fallen way behind. I almost didn't but did anyway. I've changed my goal so I won't feel devastated and a failure at the end of the month. It is now to write something every day even if it is just a sentence.
ReplyDeleteMy body is letting me down again. I have had mysterious abdomen pain for a month now. I've had 2 trips to the ER and all kinds of tests. I won't see the stomach specialist for another week since I am willing to go to another town. To get in to see him in my town It would be December. I feel very week and it is hard to think. One blessing for all of this is I know the Lord knows what is wrong. The Lord is good.
Should this get straightened out by the end of the month, I will make a big push to finish, but I figure my health has to take top priority.
So sorry about your health problems, Wilani! Praying the doctors can figure out what's going on and get you well again soon!
DeletePraying for you Wilani! You are one tough cookie! We all love you here & your brave, strong, courageous spirit!! If I was your neighbor, I'd bring over some hot tea & some homemade biscuits & just to say Hi!
DeleteWilani I'm so sorry your feeling sick. Do NOT let NANO be 'devastating'. Please don't add that weight to other stressors!
DeleteTake care of yourself.
Have they checked your gall bladder? The pain can sometimes be misplaced!
Wilani, I'm so sorry you're still struggling! I pray you find an answer. Then you can get back to your writing.
DeleteLet's just get this out there. I am not a NaNo kind of writer. It sounds good in principle. But for this slow-but-sure writer, a month of intense writing isn't gonna do it for me. In fact, it sounds like pure torture!
ReplyDeleteAll the same, more power to all of you die-hard NaNos out there. Even Shadow NaNos like Mary.
It's because you work well alone, Myra.
DeleteI mean...right???
I know people who love Nano. I can still respect them without understanding them!!!!!
You know, I'm a slow writer. But I've found that if I can really focus and get on a roll, I move quicker. So if I could clear my calendar and do a one-month push, it might work out well for me. My dream would be to rent a beach house and spend October there. :) :)
DeleteIf I was a wimp I would say my goal was just surviving & standing on the Rock. Well, maybe just sitting there on the Rock. But I'd like to do it with His Peace & His Joy.
ReplyDeleteBut for work goals- I'm helping another writer with revising & editing, and keeping up with life responsibilities.
*And I'm writing my stories in my head! That's kind of fun! :)
Jana you're on the ROCK. You have achieved that goal already. And I know it's a rock being hit by storms but you are THERE.
DeleteStanding on the rock of ages.
Safe from every storm that rages.
Rich...but not from sin's wages.
I'm standing on the solid rock.
I love this song.
It is fun to write stories in my head. I do that before I start writing.
Jana, standing on the Rock is the best place to be, so you've got this, girl! :)
DeleteMARY, thank you for the great post! I feel that I live my life in the shadow and I'm okay with it! I don't enjoy the spotlight.
ReplyDeleteI'll be quietly cheering on those who have taken on NaNo.
Blessings!
Shadows are nice and soothing and put no strain on the eyes, Caryl. Welcome!!!!
DeleteGoal for november is to stay warm while walking. Love the Cimarron Legacy Series what a wonderful and crazy family.
ReplyDeleteKim, yours might be the hardest goal of all.
DeleteIt's COLD HERE!!!
I do love the Bodens of Cimarron Legacy fame!
DeleteMy dad's in the ICU so I'm taking things day by day. Definitely decreased writing goals. But increased family connection goals.
ReplyDeleteMay God bless you and all of Seekerville!
Hi Phyllis! I'm sorry your dad's sick. :(
DeleteWe all know that LIFE can get complicated and definitely make us stumble over our goals.
God bless you all!
Phyllis, I'm so sorry. Yes, family comes first.
DeleteHi Mary! I love Shadow Nano. What a fabulous term. I did sign up for Nano because I've been slower than slow getting moving on my next story. More lack of brain power than motivation, I assure you. However, I hoped by signing up I'd keep moving. So my goal is 50,000 words for November which equates to a little more than 1700 per day. Lofty at this point but I'm plugging along.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, the covers of Accidental Guardian and The Calico and Cowboys Collection are both BEAUTIFUL!!
Hi Sharee! Go for it, girl. I can't wait to hear how you do!!!
DeleteI am so excited for your new series! It's always great to hear that an author had fun writing a book, it makes the anticipation sweeter ;)
ReplyDeleteThrow my name in the giveaway hat please!
Hi Heidi. Thanks for the nice words. You're in the drawing!
DeleteMary, congrats on upping your word count for November. Know you'll make your goal.
ReplyDeleteThe Accidental Guardian cover is fabulous! Your hunky hero, precious tot, gorgeous setting will ensure it flies off the shelves! I always love hearing where the idea for the story came from. Can you share?
Janet
Hi Janet! That cover is great, isn't it? I just love it!
DeleteMary, Your Accidental Guardian cover has caught my eye! And I love the title! Please enter me for the drawing...thanks!
ReplyDeleteMy goal for this month to the end of the year is to finish a manuscript that I have already submitted the first three chapters, synopsis, and query letter for consideration.
I did enter NANO once, but like Myra, I'm a slow writer, and I was doomed before I even started. My synapses just don't work in the FAST mode.
Blessings,
Marcia
PROGRESS is not doomed Marcia. You'll make progress and that's success!!!
DeleteSigned,
Mary "Cheerleader" Connealy
I could never do Nano. November is definitely too busy a month. My goal is to write the end on my novel, then start revising. I am stuck on my ending right now. Need to work on short stories, too. Add that to subbing and the extra holiday hours at the book store, I'm plenty busy. Please put me in the drawing.
ReplyDeleteGlad your eyes are better, Mary.
It's cool that you're to the end, Sandy!!!! Dig in. Do it WRONG then fix it!
DeleteFirst, I am loving Too Far Down more than I can say and the only reason I have not DEVOURED the book is because pumpkin season interfered with my word count so I'm taking November to SHADOW NANO and get myself back where I like to be....
ReplyDeleteBut you asked great questions.
Why don't I do it?
Rules.
I'm not a rule follower. I don't want to check in. I don't want to report in. Blch....
I like doing my own thing, I like moving quickly... and then I'm like THE JERK who thinks she's all that... and a bag of chips.
I think if you're already self-motivated, doing things like this teaches you a lot about writers but not necessarily writing.
And if you enjoy doing that kind of thing, then yes! Of course do it! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR????
But if it's not your bag, your thing... cheer others on via facebook or Twitter, and work alone.
Or with a bud.
I brought chocolate chip cookies.
Because chocolate makes everything just a little bit better!!!
But what about the Jeopardy theme music, Ruthy???
DeleteDid you like that touch??
Ruthy, you're not a rule follower??????????????
Deletehahahahaha!!!!
Sorry, I had to get that out of my system. :)
P.S. I AM IN LOVE WITH BOTH COVERS. Oh my stars, The Accidental Guardian is such a wonderful cover, and huge congrats on getting those sweet novellas in print. GO YOU!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the best cover ever? The Accidental Guardian cover?
DeleteAnd the Calico and Cowboys...I love it! So fun
Both are awesome. Seriously jump-off-the-shelf-and-get-into-my-cart covers!
DeleteMARY!!! SUPER CONGRATS ON THE UPCOMING RELEASE OF COWBOYS & CALICO -- I LOVE THE TITLE AND I LOVE THE COVER!! And, of course, I already KNOW that I LOVE the stories inside!! And I love the cover and title for The Accidental Guardian. I am going to go ahead and predict based on both the cover and title that this will be one of your top sellers, my friend. :)
ReplyDeleteI grinned outright when I read, "SHADOW NANO" because OH MY GOSH, that is sooooo me, too!! Glad I am not alone, although I am NO Mary Connealy with 1,000 words or more a day except when I'm writing -- then I am. Unfortunately, that's not everyday ... 😳
You said, "One of the reasons Seekerville is such a great community is because we all are sorta LONERS."
Sorta??? In my case, it's ULTRA loner since I always like to say I am recluse who has the misfortune of having an outgoing personality. But I think you are right about everyone in Seekerville being "sorta loners" because in order to write, you have to be alone a good part of the time, right? Uh ... except for you and Ruthy, my friend, who can write at a sold-out concert with highly caffeinated people.
Anyway, I need to wrap this up because I have to go do Shadow Nano, but GREAT BLOG!! ;)
Hugs!!
Julie
Well maybe I COULD write at a concert...but since I never do such a thing...we'll never know!!!
DeleteSo I finished reading Too Far Down and it was fabulous - not that I was surprised by that!
ReplyDeleteI am SO excited for Calico & Cowboys! Yes, I've probably read most of the stories already, but I'm still SO excited!!!! :)
And I love the cover for The Accidental Guardian!
Beth, weren't they great novellas????
DeleteI've never done NANO either. Every year, there's a reason. For many years I was preparing multiple submissions for the Golden Heart, usually submitting two if I had something ready.
ReplyDeleteThen I was finishing/polishing requested manuscripts AND submitting to the GH...
Last year I was in a dead heat to finish a novella (The Prickly Pear Bride in the Second Chance Brides Collection) and start The Road to Magnolia Glen (The Natchez Trace Novel series), Tyndale, June 2018.
Currently, I'm working on book #3 in the Natchez Trace Novel series, promoting book #1 (The Promise of Breeze Hill), reviewing edits for book #2, and.... hmmm... I'm sure there is an AND... but I forget what it is...
I don't have time for NANO! ;)
So, yes, I'll do Shadow Nano with you, Mary. But I'm not reporting anything, 'cause no way can I keep up with you or the Ruthinator!
Pammers, I'm working on revisions for one book and then doing some fresh writing on another... But nothing NANO would write home about, LOL! The revisions are going well and that's the best thing about it! If only I got it right the first time! :)
DeleteMary, you are AMAZING!! And cute---the photo with the cupcake caption made me giggle (and who can't use giggles?!). :)
ReplyDeleteI've got a pretty big goal I'm hoping to reach this month and this week am doing a writing challenge with some writing friends. But I've never done NANO, although I know some writers love participating and it's great for them!
No need to enter me in your drawing, as I already have Too Far Down (and am LOVING it!!).
Reaching for one of Ruthy's choc. chip cookies---yummy! Now back to my writing goal for today!
Hugs, Patti Jo :)
Not really sure if I have a goal for November other than writing more book reviews to support all of you hard working authors. Your statement about being a loner reminded me of a test I took when I was taking part in Leadership Horizons. I was labeled a Social Introvert and this was no surprise to me. I like people, I enjoy people and I am friendly but I don't have a problem with being alone and I can work by myself. This is probably why that during most of my library career I was the cataloger. Give me a cart of books and music to listen to and I was ready to work :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great post.
Blessings!
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Connie, we always appreciate the support!
DeleteYou know, social introvert sounds like it might fit me, too.
Mary, I love this!! I've never joined NaNo either. But I usually kind of quietly challenge myself without admitting to anyone. UNTIL NOW. hahaha
ReplyDeleteI LOVE THAT NEW COVER!! Actually, love both new covers!
Mary, when I first started writing again in 2012, I started by participating in NaNoWriMo. So I love your idea of Shadow NaNo, but I do participate in NaNo because I like the little badges. But your point about your challenging yourself is what matters. As a writer, it's fun to see little badges on a screen, but it's thinking about the characters, seeing the progress in the story, and praying to God to keep me on track are what's important in challenging myself to keep writing every day rather than doing something else. I do like your reminders about Shadow NaNo and why it's important to hold yourself accountable.
ReplyDeleteMary, love the covers of your next two releases. The cowboy with the child has "Must Buy" written all over it. The wedding dress and cowboy boots is pure Mary Connelly and promises 8 delightful--and laugh out loud--reads! And I thought you were having eye problems! Look was you accomplished when your vision was compromised. Amazing!
ReplyDeleteLoving your concept of SHADOW NANO.
ReplyDeleteThe books do look amazing all lined up like that.
I love the term Shadow Nano. I have never participated in NANOWRIMO because November is always a super busy month for me. I do Speedbo instead. March is a much better time. 1500 words is a great goal during a 30 day binge of writing. I don't need rewards for milestones just an Atta Girl will do. I really want Too Far Down. I've read the others and can't wait to read Cole's story.Haven't purchased it yet because I have a few other books I'm finishing up. An autographed copy would be frosting on the cake.
ReplyDeleteCindy Huff
Interesting term...
ReplyDeleteMary, the covers of your books are AMAZING!!!!
Can't wait to read them :)