What does every writer need?

VISION.

I know you’re expecting some deep thoughts to follow that statement, but I’m not talking about that kind of vision. Sure, creative vision is a real plus, but so is the blessing of sight. As it turns out, my eyes weren’t as excited about Nanowrimo as my mind. The result was strained eyes, migraines, increased loss of distance vision, and a few wild dizzy spells.

My writing has been slowed but my creative vision is still very much in tact, and now with my nifty new glasses, I’m back at the keyboard.

So, what’s next?

I’m finishing up the Nanowrimo manuscript and running it, piece by piece, through my very patient critique group. I’m also working on a few articles to submit to magazines, and doing the polish work on my Genesis contest entries.

Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that there are many talented writers who are blind or have impaired vision. With advances in technology, a writer can actually use software to translate their spoken words and transfer them onto the computer screen. Amazing.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the glimpses of the coming spring!

Christina

So, what happened to blog posts for November? I’ll tell you. Nanowrimo happened. If that word looks like it must be something other than English, you’re not alone. Nanowrimo stands for Nation Novel Writing Month and happens every November. This was the first year I have participated. The challenge is to write a 50,000 word novel in the month of November.

The first day of November I was quite sick and only wrote a few hundred words. I looked at the chart on the Nano site and the tasked seemed insurmountable. Each day I’ve trudged forward and today I am proud to say that I have reached word number 44,021. With only five days remaining in the challenge, I can see the finish line.

My novel will not be complete at 50,000 words so I’ll keep plugging away at the first draft in December. An ending point around 90,000 words is more likely.

If you’d like more information on Nanowrimo, visit them at http://www.nanowrimo.org/, and consider joining the race next year.

Let me just tell you up front, this is not a writing related entry in any way, but I have to share with you about this awesome field trip we went on yesterday. I lead a small home economics 4H group call the Willamette Valley Workers. My two daughters are members along with kids from a couple other families. Yesterday we all trekked out to King’s Valley to visit Jillicious Desserts. Wow, and YUM.

Jill Nagel, fellow PHS class of ’89 alum, is the owner and pastry chef. When we arrived, she was completely prepared to give us a lesson in owning, managing, and succeeding at a home based buisness. The kids and adults were enthralled by her organization and knowledge.

Did you know that you should be able to see chunks of butter in your pie crust? I had no idea. Jill led us through the process of making pastry dough and then the kids used dough to make galettes and mini turnovers. My husband was a happy man when we met up with him at the soccer game, warm pastries in hand.

If you need a dessert and you live in our area, be sure to check out Jillicious Desserts.