I updated to the new Lion OS for my Mac this week, only to find that my old writing program Writeitnow4 was a PowerPC program and no longer worked under the new Mac OS. So I had to order another writing program because I like how they help you keep your writing organized.  I chose Scrivener because it was well priced and I've only heard good things about it.  I did, however, have to copy and paste all of my writing, notes, research etc. which took a while.  I just have to get used to the new program now so that I can get back to my writing.

~Angel

This is a very good article that I came across today:

How to find your writing voice


Now... back to actually writing :).


~Angel

Dinner cruise in D.C.

Yay! I was able to get in a very good amount of writing done this weekend. It's really hard not to do revisions now but I'm holding off until I am done with each rough draft (working on two books).  I hope this keeps up :).

Last week I had a very vivid dream and I awoke breathing hard and looking crazy I'm sure (well, more crazy than usual).  Later that day I started writing, and writing some more. The dream was so real and gave me a whole paranormal romance book.  I got the character's origins, descriptions physical and emotional, Their stories, The story world and plot from this one dream. Now all I have to do is write it. So I am currently working on two books!

This is an good article on plot structure:

Organizing Your Plot Structure | Writer's Toolbox

1. Read many books in the genre(s) you want to write.
2. Take inspiration from your favorite authors but don't copy.
3. Find your own style of writing. Practice and stay true to yourself. You are unique and in writing this is important.
4. Write every day. If suffering from writers block, use the time to develop your characters, plot, story world, etc. Doing this will only help your story and will help get the creative juices flowing again as well. 
5. Step outside of your comfort zone. It'll be okay :).
6. Try not to get too attached to your characters. Let them live in their world.  To do that, you have to let the go through things both good and bad but make it dramatic :).
7. On the other hand, don't force what isn't there. Your readers will be able to tell.
8. Your character did what?! It's okay, it's not you. You are the narrator. Let the characters tell their story.
9. Write what you would like love to read.

When I first started writing my book, I already knew my storyline, story world and main characters.  I wrote the first few chapters without bothering with an outline. I have always disliked writing outlines for some reason maybe because I've only done so when absolutely necessary for a grade in school.  Also, I like to "free-write" as I call it because it allows me to feel like I'm being more creative :).  Although, without an outline I ended up stuck and unsure where my story is going and worrying about being consistent. I recently completed an outline for this book as well as the next two in the series I want to write. So when I sit down to write I know exactly what I am going to write.  I am more efficient with an outline and my creativity is not hampered as I thought it would be. 


Here is a link to one of the outlines I am using now:

Novel Outline 2
From: http://www.how-to-write-a-novel.net/novel-outline.html 

Angel

One of my main characters, Neva has just revealed to me a shocker about what her she really is. She is in for one wild ride.  I just hope I will be able to do her story justice!


Angel

Writer Career Goals Women's Dark T-Shirt - CafePress United Kingdom

So,  I have not posted in a while :(.  I have been quite preoccupied but I do not plan on making my absence a habit.  

Okay, so NaNoWriMo has started also and so far I have written a little more than 5,000 words so... I have 26 days to write 45,000 more words.  I am going to stick with it although I have a lot of other obligations (bleh) and distracting things. I would love, love, love to have a completed 80,000 (at least) word novel by the summer to start sending to agents.  I know I can do it.  I guess now is as good a time as any to develop some seriously lacking time management skills.

Peace :)
Angel

Well,  it's been too long since I've actually posted to this blog.  I have been working on my storyline, a website and trying to create a better logo.  Along with all of this, I have been networking with fellow Writers, Authors as well as Editors and Publishers on Facebook.  I am trying to gain a following and a network before I am ready to send my finished manuscript off.  This way, it will be easier for me to get an agent and because publishers look at this as well. 

In gearing up for NaNoWriMo (and much more importantly, my novel), I have been working on my main character's backgrounds, the plot and story world. Here are a few things that I have come up with:

My main characters at this point is Neva Porter and Rookael Kane (Rook). I will expand on their backgrounds more in a future post.

Their very basic descriptions are as follows:

Neva  (Pronounced: Nee-Vah, probably a real name but came from my head :0)
Age: 26
Hair: Brown w/auburn hi-lites    
Eyes: Hazel
Height: 5'2
Body: Athletic
Skin color: Caramel
Parents: Valen & Neomi
Siblings: None
-Personal trainer who owns her own fitness center.
-Lives alone in an apartment in Alexandria VA.


Rook (Pronounced: Roo-ky-el, means Raven)
Hair: Black       
Eyes: Brown
Mouth: Cupid's bow, sensual, full
Languages: English, Spanish, Italian
Height: 6'5
Body: Muscular, Tall,
Skin color: Cinnamon-Brown
Clothing: Black cotton v-neck tee, black pants & boots
Parents: Rook & Akisha
Siblings: Silas
-Has a small scar above right eyebrow.
-Was recently assigned to a position in Washington D.C.
-Lives with a group of others.

As I said earlier this is very basic.  There's a lot going on with with these characters and I learn more about them every day.

Here is a very helpful Character Sketch Template found on Writing.com.  Also, I highly recommend WriteitNow Novel writing software from Ravenshead Services. Check them out! I am using the Writing Fiction For Dummies book which I find extremely helpful as well.

Today I signed up for NaNoWriMo! So, I have to write 50,000 words during the month of November.  I am very excited and I think that this will help me with the extra motivation I need :).

Hello All!


I am a new writer and book lover.  This blog is dedicated to my writing process from now to publishing and marketing.  I may also ask for input and if it is included in my book I will list you on my dedication page! My goal is to post at least once per week.  Please add this blog to your favorites/blog list and share with friends.


Writers & Authors,

Link to me and I will add your link to my page!


Thanks,
A. D. Murray