Well, it looks like I'm not doing NaNoWriMo this year. I really wanted to, and I made a last effort to prepare for it on October 31st, but I wrote absolutely nothing yesterday. Sure, I have today to catch up, but that'd mean a TON of work.
I have a story idea.
Not a storyline, or a plot, or characters.
Just an idea.
And I like to have things planned out before I write it, otherwise I get lost halfway through the draft.
So, yes, this is my explanation for not being able to do NaNo this year. I feel like I'm betraying all of you who are joining in. This is the first year I haven't participated since I started writing novels.
I'm pretty sad about it.
Secondly, I have some exciting (or scary, either way works) news. I have to talk to a Senior Publishing Consultant at CreateSpace today.
OH. MY. GOD.
What scares me the most is that I have to really talk. Not email, or IM.
I have to USE MY VOICE BOX and talk on the TELEPHONE.
You see, I'm not a very good talker. I have a writing voice, not a speaking voice. Of course, it's all right once I'm talking to friends, but my "writing voice" is still much better. My speaking vocabulary is filled with an overuse of teen words like "like," and "cool," and "totally."
Worst of all, I say "um" a LOT. Especially when I get excited.
Another thing is, I'm not sure if these people know I'm only 16. I'd kind of like to see how long it takes them to figure it out. Oh well. They'll probably realize that today after listening to my limited vocabulary, lol :)
I'm really scared.
Wish me luck, guys!
--Jess
I have a story idea.
Not a storyline, or a plot, or characters.
Just an idea.
And I like to have things planned out before I write it, otherwise I get lost halfway through the draft.
So, yes, this is my explanation for not being able to do NaNo this year. I feel like I'm betraying all of you who are joining in. This is the first year I haven't participated since I started writing novels.
I'm pretty sad about it.
Secondly, I have some exciting (or scary, either way works) news. I have to talk to a Senior Publishing Consultant at CreateSpace today.
OH. MY. GOD.
What scares me the most is that I have to really talk. Not email, or IM.
I have to USE MY VOICE BOX and talk on the TELEPHONE.
You see, I'm not a very good talker. I have a writing voice, not a speaking voice. Of course, it's all right once I'm talking to friends, but my "writing voice" is still much better. My speaking vocabulary is filled with an overuse of teen words like "like," and "cool," and "totally."
Worst of all, I say "um" a LOT. Especially when I get excited.
Another thing is, I'm not sure if these people know I'm only 16. I'd kind of like to see how long it takes them to figure it out. Oh well. They'll probably realize that today after listening to my limited vocabulary, lol :)
I'm really scared.
Wish me luck, guys!
--Jess
15 comments:
Consider luck wished. ;) I'm sure you'll do great.
It's too bad you're dropping out of NaNoing so soon though. Why don't you give it to the end of the week and see where you are then?
~Sarah Faulkner
www.inklinedwriters.blogspot.com
You're gonna be fine today. No worries!
Would love to see you pantsing NaNo, but if you're there cheering everyone else on, that's cool, too! Maybe you can do daily challenges to keep your writing skills loose, even if you don't do 50,000 words this month!
I'm sure you'll do great, no matter how many "like"s and "um"s you use :-)
And I can't say it enough that you are to be commended for doing what your doing. It's so awesome to see you taking steps to make your publishing dream come true.
Good luck with your interview, just remember they are human beings with lives and families and they have to do normal things the same as you do. I'm sure you will be fine.
I'm not doing NaNo either. Let's be rebels together! lol :D
I totally understand the talking thing. I used to hate talking on the phone to people I don't know. Funny, I now work at a call centre, so I talk on the phone to strangers all day. Weird how life goes sometimes.
It's a bummer about NaNo (I also didn't write yesterday, but I have my reasons, and I prefer the pressure of catch up).
As for the phone call, try to relax, and listen to everything that they say. That way, when you answer, you can actually answer the question they've asked. If you have questions, be straight forward, and don't assume. I'm sure you've seen what assume turns people into...(if not take the first three letters and put a space before the next letter, then another space after the "u" and you'll know why not to assume anymore).
Good luck Jessica!! You'll do great! :)
Good luck Jess and your talent matters not your age. And it's ok not taking part in Nano. If you think your zero stuff's scary, I started mine and completely changed my mind about the whole story line. Still going but when I started and my mind changed. Freaked out.
Best of luck! I hope the talk goes fantastic. And yeah, let them keep guessing your age. ;)
Hi, Jessica: Once again, I’m catching up on reviewing your blog posts since the second half of October. First, I had no malware issue on my PC. Second, I’m looking forward to watching the Star Wars sequels with you! Lastly, I’ve had the same issue with “having to talk to people” on the phone. With me, English being my second language, I used to have the fear of not comprehending what the person on the other end was saying. Then I learned to simply ask, “I didn’t understand what you said. Would you repeat it, please?” Or I’d ask, “Did you mean such and such?” After I learned to ask for clarification, I was no longer shy about talking on the phone. As always, I love reading what you write. Love, Grandma
Well best wishes to you. It's an exciting opportunity, so make the most of it, even if you have to talk :) Maybe they'll be impressed when they work out you're only sixteen!
Good luck!
Always, always try and find a point of commonality when in personal discussion. Even if it is as silly as saying you have a cousin that lives in the same state that they do. People are comforted as much by the attempt at bridging the gap.
In general people tend to speak to much and listen to little. Try to slow down when speaking and be very brief and to the point. If you can't be brief and to the point than likely it is not all that profound in any case.
If you ever have to disagree with someone, try and start with a point of agreement to start from. "What you say about X is very true, but I am curious about how ..."
Flattery does work.
LOL
Hi Jess - I hope the phone interview went well - that was very impressive news. I think your blog is absolutely incredible for someone your age and I'm sure your books must be a knock out as well. By the way I first heard the Star War news from your blog and passed the info straight on to my (14 year old) son who is a HUGE fan like you of anything Star Wars related.
Earlier this week I tried to send you an email regarding a blog hop I thought you might be interested in joining to promote your new book. Sounds like you have an awful lot on your plate but if you are not too busy and want to participate let me know - Sharon
I bet you handled the conversation just fine. They probably had no idea of your age.
I need a detailed outline before I begin writing, so understand why you aren't doing NaNo. It's all right!
Good luck, Jessica. I'm sure you found the Create Space team very helpful and did just fine. I self-published my first book through them, and then they talked me through how to put it on Kindle.
Also, just like you, I signed up for NaNo and then wrote nothing the first day, a lot on the second day, nothing on the 3rd day, so I may have to drop out and try again next year.
Good luck with your new book!
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