December #IWSG: It's beginning to look a lot like a novel

Come join Alex J. Cavanaugh and the Insecure Writer's Support Group. We discuss our fears, insecurities, ups and downs of the writing process and post the first Wednesday of every month! http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html


I'm co-hosting today (a first for me!) Check out these other amazing December co-hosts:


Co-Hosts:
Jen Chandler
Nick Wilford
Juneta Key
JH Moncrieff
Diane Burton
MJ Fifield



I'm so excited to report that I finished NaNo strong. Not 50k strong, but almost 35k strong. A new, shiny plot is under way for another MG story, and it's starting to look like a book!


DECEMBER'S QUESTION: In terms of your writing career, where do you see yourself five years from now, and what’s your plan to get there?

My lofty five-year plan includes, well, doing what I'm currently doing: writing middle-grade fiction. Sure, it would be nice to be on a few lofty lists, like the NY Times Best Seller List. Hey, a girl can dream. 

How will I achieve my goals? I probably won't saddle up Dusty, aka Lil' Sebastian, anytime soon. However, I plan to use a rope, a grappling hook, an energy drink and a really fast car. Sounds like the MC in my new book trying to achieve his goals. He will do anything to cure himself of something that's ruining his life and will stop at nothing to change the course of seventh-grade history. 

Hitting the target, aka the goal, is never a straight shot down easy street. Most of us usually lose the keys first, get pulled over, hit a speed bump (or two), careen off the path and plunge headfirst into an icy river. Sounds like every Bourne movie ever. But how many of us actually have it made when it comes to writing and publishing? Not many.  


I hope the new year (and what's left of this one) brings you closer to your goals! My goal will always be to enjoy writing through ever stage. Merry Christmas and happy editing, fellow NaNo-ers!  

November #IWSG: The best part of being a writer...

Come join Alex J. Cavanaugh and the Insecure Writer's Support Group. We discuss our fears, insecurities, ups and downs of the writing process and post the first Wednesday of every month! http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html

This month's question: "What's your favorite aspect of being a writer?"

Besides hoarding ideas, spying on people, and eavesdropping, I would have to say my favorite aspect of being a writer is writing. Duh. And with the second day of NaNo underway, it's the perfect time to get going.

My daily inspiration

Each year I begin crafting new stories in October. (Yes, I cheat and start early.) The season sets the tone and offers inspiration for cranking out a ton of words on these colorful, cool days. Scratch that. It's been in the 80s every single day for the past month. Boo! But even hot weather in the middle of fall can't stop me. Nothing can stop me--except for my screen dying on my laptop last week. My fingers were on fire. (Almost 20k on my new WIP.) So, I've been writing "old school" or long-hand for the past week and loving it. Besides writing, I also enjoy editing and the fabulous writing community.

Which is your favorite writing season? Do you have a favorite writing spot that inspires you?