It’s November! Sheesh. Only two months left to this year and we’ll be on to the next one. I haven’t accomplished much in 2021. I did one thing I agreed to do (before the deadline even–go me!), but I’ve got two others waiting in the rafters for my attention (sigh).
I’ve added more to my companion novel, bringing the word count to 30K. That’s the reason I’m not doing NaNoWriMo. After taking 3 months to get this far, I don’t want to stress myself out trying to do more.
This story has always been a self-indulgent one, because it doesn’t add to the main series. It follows a girl, Rhea, who unwittingly gets tangled up with the ruling family. It feels a bit like I’m writing fan fiction of my own world because big-impact POVs from the main books are mere cameos in this one. But it’s fun.
As a personal plus, I’ve managed a bit of art lately too: Alberich and Rhea. Rhea’s a seamstress (the POV of the companion novel) and Alberich is her father’s hired help.
IWSG Question of the Month – What’s harder to do, coming up with your book title or writing the blurb?
For me, definitely the blurb. The titles come fairly easily for my stories, as I prefer short titles that are mostly all encompassing yet descriptive. For example, the companion novel I’m currently working on is about the daughter of a blacksmith who undergoes a change process that draws out her inner value. The title? Smelted. Given Alberich’s role in Rhea’s change, I thought it was fitting.
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You never know – that self-indulgent story might end up being your best ever. Smart not to stress yourself with NaNo. Just enjoy the process.
I’ve never done NaNo. It’d totally stress me out since I’m a slow writer. Good luck with your self-indulgent story. I agree with Alex about it.
I think you accomplish an incredible amount, even if not as much of it as you’d like is writing. Here’s to 2022 being a better year for us all.
I can’t believe the year is almost over! I feel as if I didn’t accomplish anything. I know that’s not true, but it still feels like that. Sigh.
I have a much, much harder time with blurbs than titles. It does take me a while to settle on a proper title for a WIP, but writing a blurb is so much worse.
The only reason I’m doing NaNo this year is because I’m the regional ML, so it’s required. I don’t anticipate a win, but maybe I’ll write something interesting before the month’s over.
You may not have accomplished all you wanted to, but for what it’s worth, I think you’ve done great this year.
I can’t believe the year is almost over. It’s been a crazy one for me personally.
Haha! “writing fan fiction of my own world…” That’s great. Love the drawing (especially Rhea. There’s something about her stance/facial expression). Also love the title. Glad you’re not adding stress with NaNo. I’ve always been a Na-NoThankYou kinda writer.
I never do NaNo. Too much stress.
Now, you get the scold. You DO plenty!!! You have kids. You have a family. You have a job. Pat yourself on the back for what you’ve accomplished. As writers, there is always going to be a pile of unfinished business. We could work 24/7 and we’ll still never get everything done we want to get done. I think you’re doing amazing things and my opinion is really all that matters. 🙂
Side stories can be a lot of fun.
Hey, there’s nothing wrong with fan fiction 🙂
And I like the title Smelted. It has pizazz and yet it intrigues.
Work on whatever project makes you feel best. Writing is a marathon, not a sprint.
I agree, all that hard work can’t be interrupted. Who knows where it’ll land. It could be the next big thing. 😉
Anna from elements of emaginette
You’re so brilliant Loni 🙂 love the title, the art, all of it.
Great news about the word count and the art. I loved the image you posted. It’s great. Do more of all of it!
I’ve never done NaNo and don’t plan to.
Love your picture! A story about those two should be fun.
The art looks great, and my current project is self indulgent, too. I think we need those!
Yes, your side story may surprise you. I hope it does. Happy IWSG day, Loni.
I am so drawn to shorter titles too! Love the art work:)
I do love those one word titles. I prefer titles to blurb writing any day. No NaNo for me either.
Nothing wrong with a good companion novel. It’s not self-indulgent at all. I just got an email from one of my favorite authors giving us newsletter subscribers a free novel just for us. Something to consider for the fans in the future for you and this novel.
Love the art work! No NaNo for me. Too much pressure. I’m trying to chill for what’s left in this year.
Congrats on the artwork! Looks freaking fabulous (as always). And yep, side projects are fun, even if it’s self indulgent and just for you! And grr hate blurbs. They’re the worst. Working on one right now and I keep finding excuses to work on something else.
You are amazing, Loni! I can’t do Nano. I have enough stress in my life. Indulge yourself a little. Blurbs…if writing isn’t difficult enough, right? Have a beautiful day!
I’m with you on the blurb thing. They’re so much harder to write than titles. I haven’t ever done a Nano. No time!
Writing your own fan fic, I love it! Sometimes those little side story add so much depth to a book. I’m always so impressed with your character art.
This year has definitely gone fast. I’m betting you did more than you think you did. Accomplishing anything this past year is a feat to be proud of. The story sounds fun!
It’s been another strange year for most of us probably, with writing up and down. Sounds like you’re making forward progress at least, which is great. I like short titles too. If there’s a key word or theme from the book I’ll pick that out.