nannawrites

[nannawrites]

I need this plastered over my desk!

It’s been a while since I’ve made a post, and I figured that these tips might be extra helpful with exam season approaching. As someone who struggles a lot with procrastination, I do everything I can to fight the urge to put assignments off until the last minute (even though I’m not always successful). 

As always, good luck! (ᵔᴥᵔ)

[nannawrites]

Heyooo!

If anyone here lives in Bangkok or Budapest, I’ve got short stories set in those cities but have never been to either and would love some outside wisdom! I’ve done lots of research, but assume I’m still making mistakes and want to get them shiny and factually correct before I start trying to publish.

I was unable to consult outside resources while the stories were still being handed in for workshop, but as they are both done their trips through academia, I’d love to make sure I’m getting all the details right.

1. Barefoot

Set in Bangkok

Protagonist is from Bangkok

Logline: A plan to steal a bag goes horribly wrong for two young brothers.

5763 words // 21 double spaced pages

POV: 1st person, present tense

Content warning: Violence/death (somewhat graphic), suicidal ideation (mild)

2. Dramatis Personae

Set in Budapest

Protagonist is a Canadian tourist

If you have travelled to Budapest but not lived there, that would still be helpful

Logline: An actress ends up stranded in a foreign country after she’s dumped and pick-pocketed while backpacking with her boyfriend.

6429 words // 25 double spaced pages

POV: 2nd person, present tense

Content warning: violence (mild), sexual assault (non-graphic, mentioned only briefly, happened before the story), strong language

Message me (or DM me on twitter @shaelinbishop if you prefer) if you have intimate knowledge of one of these cities and are willing to help a gal out! Both stories have been heavily revised and critiqued already, so I am not looking for proofreading, line editing, or content editing–only a fact check on setting. I’ll specifically mark places in the documents where I have questions or details I’m unsure of, but am open to corrections on any aspect. This should only require one read through and no longer than an hour (if that) so please don’t feel like you need to spend a lot of time on this or anything.

Also, please let me know if you have anymore questions about content warnings in the stories. I can block out sections for you if you like. 

I would be happy to offer a line edit + critique on a chapter or short story in exchange! 

Thank you guys so much!

[nannawrites]

Quick reminder to support authors.

Like that bit of writing on their blog? Share it.

Think you’ll like a book? Buy it if you can.

Finish a piece you liked? Review it.

Support authors. Just don’t feed them after midnight.

[nannawrites]

NaNoWriMo is officially over. I hope you all achieved your personal goals and if not are happy with the progress you made.

I’m sorry I’ve been so absent over the past few weeks. I needed to figure out some things about myself and my writing. Big changes are happening.

I have not participated in NaNo since around... 20k into The Blessed Ones. This doesn’t mean I haven’t been writing. Actually, I’ve been writing more than ever.

As I mentioned in my last update, I’ve been questioning whether I should continue to write in English or switch back to my mother’s tongue, Danish. I’ve experimented a bit with Danish and I have fallen back in love with my native language. 

It has been difficult for me to face this realisation. Mostly because I thought for so long that I’d write and publish in English - it might still happen, but it will not be for a long time.

I’m currently working on two projects: The Blessed Ones and The Gatekeeper. By working on two manuscripts, I can switch back and forth whenever I get stuck on one project, and it feels pretty good so far.

My goal is still to finish one of the manuscripts by the 1st of February and who knows? Maybe once I’m done with the Danish draft, I’ll translate it into English, and if Denmark won’t publish it, I might try Britain.

For now, I’ll continue to update you on my progress, share advice, and reblog fun and informative writerly goods. 

Write on,

- Nanna

#writeblr #writeblrs #writers of tumblr #amwriting #writing update

[nannawrites]

I need new writeblrs to follow

I need to jazz up my dashboard with more writeblrs. Reblog please I need inspiration and friends 😂🙏

#writeblr

[nannawrites]

75% of writing is convincing yourself that your story is worth it

#amwriting #writeblr

[nannawrites]

are you telling me that if i want to have a chapter written, i have to sit down and write the damn thing?? wtf the fuck??? this is outraging

#amwriting #writeblr

[nannawrites]

Writing Update 12.11.17

I know I haven’t made a NaNo update this weekend, but I’ve had a good excuse. I haven’t written. There’s more to it than that, I promise.

As you may know, I’ve gotten an internship at a publishing firm and this weekend there was the biggest book convention in Denmark - and our firm was there. So I’ve spent the entire weekend killing my legs and lower back, standing up for hours selling books and coffee. Last night, I lay sobbing in our bed because my legs hurt so much.

So that’s reason numero uno. The other thing is that after I went to the convention and saw all of these Danish authors gathered in one place, celebrating Danish book culture... I started contemplating whether I should try publishing in Denmark.

I have actually written today. 3,000 words or so to be exact. Those words were spent translating the first 2 chapters of The Blessed Ones into Danish. I have to say... I’ve kinda missed writing in my native language. My vocabulary is much wider and I’m much more comfortable with the grammar. It flows better than I remember.

Does this mean I will not write The Blessed Ones in English? No. It most likely means that first I’ll write it in Danish and then translate it into English. But I don’t know. I think I need to experiment a little.

#writeblr #writeblrs #bookblr #amwriting #writing update

[nannawrites]

NaNoWriMo ‘17 Day #9

Today has been another shitty day for writing. As I might have mentioned, I’ve been pantsing my way through this manuscript so far, and I’ve finally reached the part where I don’t know where to go from here. 

I have considered creating an outline, but I’m trying to prove something: that you don’t need an outline to complete the first draft. I think NaNo has destroyed some of the love I initially felt for this novel. What I wrote before NaNo, I was extremely happy with, because I took it slow and I actually thought about what I was writing. Since NaNo started, I’ve just been trying to get the words done not paying attention to how good those words are.

A few posts ago I mentioned how my goal is not necessarily to write 50k but to be done with the first draft by February 1st, 2018. That’s three months to complete a draft. That should be plenty of time even if I take it slow.

So that’s what I’ll do. Take it slow.

I’ll go back through the novel and rewrite/revise the chapters I’m not happy with. I don’t know if I’ll continue to update my word count as I’ll probably cut more than I’ll add. 

I do not see this as a failure. If anything I’ve discovered something about myself. I’m a slow writer and that’s okay... but it might not be optimal for the NaNo format. 

#writeblr #writeblrs #bookblr #bookblrs #nanowrimo #writing #amwriting #amwritingfantasy #fantasy #fantasy writer #fantasy novel #novel writing #book writing #writing journey #writing process #writing progress

[nannawrites]

NaNoWriMo ‘17 Day #8

This has been a great writing day! I sat with my friend Sam for three hours and then continued writing when I got home. And I’m happy to say that I crossed 20k today! I need to change sooo much in revisions, but that’s what they’re for. I’m leaving notes for myself throughout the manuscript and for now I’ll just write as if I have already implemented the changes.

No excerpt today. I have been staring too much at my own writing to look at anything I’ve written and think it’s any good. I’ll try to post something more interesting tomorrow.

Day 8 word count: 20.585

Add me as a buddy on the NaNo website @ NannaWrites

#writeblr #writeblrs #bookblr #bookblrs #amwriting #amwritingfantasy #writing #writers of tumblr #nanowrimo #nanowrimo 17 #nanowrimo participant #novel #book writing #fantasy #fantasy novel #word count #writing progress

[nannawrites]

NaNoWriMo ‘17 Day #7

I decided to take a day off from writing. I had to write an essay for my translation class and once I was done it was already late and I didn’t want to stress myself out with the thought of having to write even more. Tomorrow, I have a writing date with my friend Sam, so I’m counting on getting lots of words in the bank there.

I love really deep and healthy friendships, so today’s excerpt is a conversation between besties Aaron and Elara:

They sat back down on the soft wool, this time both of them had their backs up against Aaron’s bed. He hadn’t let go of her hand. Elara had always hated how sweaty his palms got; she didn’t seem to mind now.

Aaron wanted to stay like this but he knew that he was only postponing the inevitable. “What are the chances?”

“Well…” Elara began. She freed her hand from his and began counting her fingers. “There’s approximately twenty-thousand people in Treka so that’s –“

Aaron laughed. “Please don’t do the math.”

“You asked.” She punched his shoulder. “It’s random chance, you know that.”

“I know. It could just as well have been me.”

“It could have been anyone,” she ripped a loose piece of wool from the throw, rolling it into a ball. “But it had to be someone.” She handed Aaron the ball of wool. “A present. Something you’ll always remember me by.”

“You’re just hoping I’ll forget all the stupid shit you’ve done.”

“Oh Aaron,” Elara wrapped her arms around him and rested her head against his chest. Her hair smelled of vanilla. “There’s no fooling you.”

Day 7 word count: 17.567

Add me as a buddy on the NaNo website @ NannaWrites

#writeblr #writeblrs #writers of tumblr #writers unite #nanowrimo #nanowrimo 17 #nanowrimo participant #amwritingfantasy #amwriting #writing #OC #OCs #healthy friendships #friendship #male female friendship #fantasy #fantasy novel #fantasy writing

[nannawrites]

NaNoWriMo ‘17 Day #6

Today has been really shitty. After this busy weekend, I kinda just wanted to lay in bed, hide under my duvet, and not speak with anyone. I definitely not felt like writing. I guess I’ve reaching the dreaded week 2 slump. I’ve already decided that my goal is not to necessarily write 50k, but rather my goal is that by February 1st I want to have finished the first draft of The Blessed Ones. That’s my realistic goal. I’m still gonna try for those 50k though.

Here are some words from an earlier chapter, words I’m more happy with than those I’ve been producing lately:

Downstairs her family sat around the dining room table, a grand breakfast waited for her. Nora’s eyes were red and swollen, but mother and father’s smiles were bright.

“You didn’t have to do this,” Elara said as she sat down.

“Nonsense,” Father took her plate and filled it with different kinds of fruits, a peeled egg, and a piece of bread with ham. “You’re the entire city’s saviour; you ought to be treated like one.”

She bit into a strawberry and its sweet juice filled her mouth. She sighed but noticed that she was the only one eating. “Please,” she pointed to the food and laughed. “Join me.”

Mother sent her a warm smile. “This food is for you. It was brought here by many of the city residents just for you. We can’t take something that’s yours.”

“Don’t be silly,” Elara said and put down the strawberry.

Father placed his hand on top of hers. It was cold. “Elara, you will undergo purification of the mind, soul… and body.”

“Oh,” Elara pulled her hand away from the table and sat upright, every muscle tight. None of them met her eyes. “This is my last meal.”

Day 6 word count: 17.567

Add me as a buddy on the NaNo website @ NannaWrites

#writeblr #writeblrs #booklr #amwriting #nanowrimo #nanowrimo 17 #nanowrimo participant #OC #OCs #novel #novel excerpt #original writing #fantasy #fantasy novel #fantasy writing #writing journey

[nannawrites]

NaNoWriMo ‘17 Day #5

This weekend has been crazy. We’ve been way too social the past couple of days, I’m mentality exhausted (#introvert4life). Today, Oliver and I went to my parents to celebrate my belated birthday but I did get a good chunk of words written on the train to and from their house. But seriously... no more people for the next couple of days. I can’t. 

Today’s excerpt is brought to you by the first draft of chapter 5 in The Blessed Ones

One of the black figures raised its arm and pulled a string. The basement light turned on and Aaron squeezed his eyes shot. When he opened them, he saw the city’s mayor, Konan Elmic, as well as his parents, and Elara. His parents didn’t look at him, but Elara met his eyes head on. He wished she’d look away. The love filled look of an eighteen years old friendship was gone. Now she looked at him as if she wished he was the one who’d died yesterday.

Mayor Elmic squatted down in front of Aaron, resting his arms on his knees. “This is one big mess you’ve made kid.”

“Sorry, I didn’t know our gods were frauds.”

Day 4 word count: 16.525

Add me as a buddy on the NaNo website @ NannaWrites

#writeblr #writeblrs #booklr #writers of tumblr #amwriting #amwritingfantasy #nanowrimo #nanowrimo 17 #nanowrimo participant #fantasy #OC #OCs #original character #excerpt #novel excerpt #writing #writers #writers unite

[nannawrites]

NaNoWriMo ‘17 Day #4

Today was another productive day. I reached my goal for the weekend which was to hit 15k. This means I’ll have written just about... 7k so far and I’m currently ahead until day 9. I’m pretty happy with that. 

Today is not so much an excerpt as a quote from the lovely and wise Kyra, a POV character from The Blessed Ones

“Belief brings comfort. Who are we to take that away from them?” 

Day 4 word count: 15.063

Add me as a buddy on the NaNo website @ NannaWrites

#writeblr #writeblrs #writers of tumblr #booklr #OC #OCs #quote #nanowrimo #nano 17 #nanowrimo partcipant #writing #amwriting #novel #fantasy #fantasy writing #writing journey #original character #novel writing #word count

[nannawrites]

NaNoWriMo ‘17 Day #3

I wasn’t sure I would get any writing done today as Oliver and I went on a date together that lasted most of the day, but I reached my goal! I’m not super happy with what I wrote, but it moved the story forward - I can always make it pretty in revision.

In today’s excerpt, I’ll share the opening of The Blessed Ones with you:

“My name was drawn,” Elara said. She needn’t say what that meant, Aaron knew. He knew all too well.

They sat on the floor of his bedroom, Elara fiddled with the wool of his sheepskin throw only occasionally meeting his eye. Aaron expected her to say something else, something… more. But she remained silent, awaiting his response. How was he to respond to something like this?

Day 3 word count: 13.362

Add me as a buddy on the NaNo website @ NannaWrites

#writeblr #writeblrs #nanowrimo participant #novel excerpt #OC #OCs #WIP #work in progress #fantasy novel #fantasy #writing progress #amwriting #writing #writers of tumblr #nanowrimo 17 #writing journey

[nannawrites]

NaNoWriMo ‘17 Day #2

Today was not that productive if looking at word counts, but my novel progressed a lot. I finished chapter 4 and began chapter 5 so overall I’m pretty happy.

Please enjoy today’s excerpt from The Blessed Ones

“What’s your name?” Elara asked. She squatted down to meet the boy’s eyes, her teal cotton dress draped on the dusty cobblestone.

“Mio.” He said. “Is the Aeon really going to eat you?”

“Mio!” his mother finally reached them. She grabbed him hard by the arm, pulling him slightly into the air. Mio screamed. “Apologise immediately! I’m so sorry Miss, the boy has no filter.”

“There’s no need to apologise.” Elara lay a hand on Mio’s cheek. It was wet from crying and he kept rubbing the place his mother had grabbed. “I will become one with the Aeon. It decides how that happens.”

Mio sniffled. “And then we’ll continue to be healthy?”

“You and everyone else. Consider me a humble servant to the people of Treka.”

He dried his nose with the back of his hand and chuckled. “Thank you, Lady!” he threw his arms around her waist and buried his head in her belly. She stroked his hair a few times before gently pushing him away as she stood up.

She folded her hands and bowed her head to the mother. “May our Blessing continue.”

Day 2 word count: 11.613

Add me as a writing buddy on the NaNo website @ NannaWrites

#writeblr #writeblrs #writers of tumblr #nanowrimo #nanowrimo 17 #nanowrimo participant #OC #novel excerpt #excerpt #OCs #fantasy #fantasy novel #writers unite #amwriting

[nannawrites]

NaNoWriMo ‘17 Day #1

 And so the madness begins!

NaNoWriMo is upon us and as promised I will be doing daily updates for you guys to keep myself accountable and you included. I’ll try to keep them short and sweet for ya’ll.

Each day, I will bring you a treat from my manuscript. Today, I will share the current blurb for WIP The Blessed Ones. Enjoy!

Childhood-friends Aaron and Elara grew up together in Treka, a city blessed by the Aeons. Their friendship faces a sudden termination when Elara is chosen as the next sacrifice to the city’s Aeon; a sacrifice that will secure the blessing of Treka.

While Elara is honoured, Aaron’s world is falling apart. How can he stand by and watch as his best friend is devoured?

He can’t.

Aware of the consequences, Aaron takes action. An action that throws their society into religious tumult and forces Aaron on the run.

So there you go: the basic premise of my novel!

I am still super excited about writing it and suuuper excited to share the journey with you. 

Day 1 word count: 10.052 (8.600 of these were written over the past few weeks)

Add me as a writing buddy on the NaNo website @ NannaWrites

#nanowrimo #nanowrimo 17 #nanowrimo 2017 #nanowrimo participant #WIP #fantasy #fantasy novel #OC #OCS #book blurb #work in progress #blurb #writing process #writeblr #writeblrs #writers of tumblr #writing journey #word count