We’ve come to the end of the month of November, folks. NaNoWriMo 2017, is drawing to a close. I hope everyone had a successful month. However, I suppose everyone measures their “success” differently.

Perhaps you finished your novel, but you didn’t meet your word-count goal. That’s okay! It’s not the end of the world. It’s also okay if your novel is still incomplete. What matters is, did you get something accomplished? My goal for The Witch of Fulton Lane was 50,000 words. I ended up with 31,952, or 18,048 words short of my goal. I’m good with that. I’m happy with what I wrote, and that’s all that matters. I could probably go back and add another 1,000 words or so, but it would just be useless filler.

If you did any writing at all, even if it was just an outline for your novel, then consider it a victory. If you’re happy with what you wrote, then it is most definitely a victory.

I just approved the proof for The Witch of Fulton Lane, so it should be available for sale via Create Space’s website and Amazon.com.

Next week, I’m kicking off Woolaston Entertainment’s Birthday Month!

I decided not to post a Monday Blog here this week, since the post on Woolaston Entertainment’s site is about The Witch of Fulton Lane, and I just posted about that here, a few days ago. So, rather than being redundant, there will not be a Monday Blog posted here this week. Instead, I encourage you to visit http://www.woolastonentertainment.com instead. See you next week! 

This week I wanted to share some of the tips that have helped me with my writing. Since November is NaNoWriMo, this is perfect time to focus on the novel you’re currently working on, and try to get it done. Hopefully, these tips will make writing your novel, a little easier.

Outline Your Novel

There was a time when I hated—and I mean hated—outlining anything, especially a book I was working on. I felt like it was a waste of time. The time I was spending on the outline, was time I could have spent just writing the book! But, as I became older, I began to appreciate outlines. Now, I outline all of my books, from simple cut-and-dry outlines, to detailed outlines. You have to use whichever method works for you. Working without an outline, is like driving from New York to L.A without a roadmap. Sure, you know you need to head west, but which route will get you there the fastest? For some of my books, I simply wrote the number or title of the chapter, and a sentence or two describing the main events that needed to take place on that chapter. When I started doing this, I realized, the entire book was practically done. I already had the foundation for each chapter mapped out, and all that was left to do, was fill in the gaps with some details and dialogue.

Pace Yourself!

Writing a novel should be enjoyable, not stressful. It’s okay to set a deadline, and it’s also okay not to meet that deadline. If you haven’t finished your novel by the end of November, the world will not come crashing to an end. Pace yourself. I have found, when I rush through my writing, my writing turns into crap. Plus, you don’t want to overwhelm yourself. Take your time, and write the best story you can possibly write.

Don’t Be Afraid to Collaborate

The writing community is filled with amazing writers with a variety of talent. Don’t be afraid to reach out for encouragement, advice, or help with editing.

Keep Reading

I’m constantly reading books that fit into whatever genre I’m currently writing. This includes magazines as well. For Our Lady, I read books on the history of punk rock, and punk related magazines such as Alternative Press.  For The Witch of Fulton Lane, I’m reading books about witchcraft and studying tarot cards. It doesn’t hurt to read books related to what you’re writing. It may even inspire you.

I hope this helps. Until next week…