“I Brake for Squirrels” (and 10K Day nuts)

WELCOME TO ALL those plucky writers who are participating today!

This is the place to post your check-ins.

To learn more about this event, check the special 10K Day section (see blog menu above). If you develop a case of writer’s block—or you need some extra ideas on what to write—you’ll find plenty of inspiring resources in the Write NOW! section.

DON’T FORGET TO TAKE REGULAR BREAKS!

You’ll regret it later (when you’re feeling fried) if you don’t take regular breaks. Even if you’re on fire with your writing, take your scheduled breaks.

Every two hours is recommended. Breaks are also for posting check-ins.

WHAT SHOULD YOU POST FOR YOUR CHECK-INS?

Comment moderation will be turned off for the day so your posts should appear right away. If you don’t see yours, try refreshing your screen.

Keep check-ins fairly brief:

1. You can mention your word count if you want to. If you’d rather not, please provide a general comment about your progress thus far.

2. You can also describe what you’re working on.

3. Feel free to mention how you’re feeling and how the day is going for you.

4. It’s always fun to hear what people are drinking, snacking on or listening to.

5. Check-ins only. Please DO NOT post your writing! (The comment section will become unwieldy if writers try to post stories/chapters from their novel.)

DON’T FORGET TO log out of forums, Facebook, Twitter, email, etc.

Go gettum, Tigers! – Milli

Please specify which day you’ll be attending.

Next step is to prepare yourself ahead of time so you’ll have the best experience possible. Click on 10K DAYS in the menu above (beneath the blog header) and you’ll find more info.

WHERE TO GO TO PARTICIPATE ON JANUARY 14 OR 23

To participate, return to the HOME PAGE of this blog on the morning of your chosen 10K Day. (Each writer determines his/her own start time.) You’ll find a special post called 10K Day: Live While It’s Happening! and that’s where you’ll be making your check-ins.

The Live, While It’s Happening! post will give you pointers on what to post for your check-ins.

Please leave your RSVP/comments below.

See you at the 10K! ~ Milli

“I Brake for Squirrels” (and 10K Day nuts)

WELCOME TO ALL those plucky writers who are participating today!

This is the place to post your check-ins.

To learn more about this event, check the special 10K Day section (see blog menu above). If you develop a case of writer’s block—or you need some extra ideas on what to write—you’ll find plenty of inspiring resources in the Write NOW! section.

DON’T FORGET TO TAKE REGULAR BREAKS!

You’ll regret it later (when you’re feeling fried) if you don’t take regular breaks. Even if you’re on fire with your writing, take your scheduled breaks.

Every two hours is recommended. Breaks are also for posting check-ins.

WHAT SHOULD YOU POST FOR YOUR CHECK-INS?

Comment moderation will be turned off for the day so your posts should appear right away. If you don’t see yours, try refreshing your screen.

Keep check-ins fairly brief:

1. You can mention your word count if you want to. If you’d rather not, please provide a general comment about your progress thus far.

2. You can also describe what you’re working on.

3. Feel free to mention how you’re feeling and how the day is going for you.

4. It’s always fun to hear what people are drinking, snacking on or listening to.

5. Check-ins only. Please DO NOT post your writing! (The comment section will become unwieldy if writers try to post stories/chapters from their novel.)

DON’T FORGET TO log out of forums, Facebook, Twitter, email, etc.

Go gettum, Tigers! – Milli

“I Brake for Squirrels” (and 10K Day nuts)

WELCOME TO ALL those plucky writers who are participating today!

This is the place to post your check-ins.

To learn more about this event, check the special 10K Day section (see blog menu above). If you develop a case of writer’s block—or you need some extra ideas on what to write—you’ll find plenty of inspiring resources in the Write NOW! section.

DON’T FORGET TO TAKE REGULAR BREAKS!

You’ll regret it later (when you’re feeling fried) if you don’t take regular breaks. Even if you’re on fire with your writing, take your scheduled breaks.

Every two hours is recommended. Breaks are also for posting check-ins.

WHAT SHOULD YOU POST FOR YOUR CHECK-INS?

Comment moderation will be turned off for the day so your posts should appear right away. If you don’t see yours, try refreshing your screen.

Keep check-ins fairly brief:

1. You can mention your word count if you want to. If you’d rather not, please provide a general comment about your progress thus far.

2. You can also describe what you’re working on.

3. Feel free to mention how you’re feeling and how the day is going for you.

4. It’s always fun to hear what people are drinking, snacking on or listening to.

5. Check-ins only. Please DO NOT post your writing! (The comment section will become unwieldy if writers try to post stories/chapters from their novel.)

DON’T FORGET TO log out of forums, Facebook, Twitter, email, etc.

Go gettum, Tigers! – Milli

“I Brake for Squirrels” (and 10K Day nuts)

WELCOME TO ALL those plucky writers who are participating today!

This is the place to post your check-ins.

To learn more about this event, check the special 10K Day section (see blog menu above). If you develop a case of writer’s block—or you need some extra ideas on what to write—you’ll find plenty of inspiring resources in the Write NOW! section.

DON’T FORGET TO TAKE REGULAR BREAKS!

You’ll regret it later (when you’re feeling fried) if you don’t take regular breaks. Even if you’re on fire with your writing, take your scheduled breaks.

Every two hours is recommended. Breaks are also for posting check-ins.

WHAT SHOULD YOU POST FOR YOUR CHECK-INS?

Comment moderation will be turned off for the day so your posts should appear right away. If you don’t see yours, try refreshing your screen.

Keep check-ins fairly brief:

1. You can mention your word count if you want to. If you’d rather not, please provide a general comment about your progress thus far.

2. You can also describe what you’re working on.

3. Feel free to mention how you’re feeling and how the day is going for you.

4. It’s always fun to hear what people are drinking, snacking on or listening to.

5. Check-ins only. Please DO NOT post your writing! (The comment section will become unwieldy if writers try to post stories/chapters from their novel.)

DON’T FORGET TO log out of forums, Facebook, Twitter, email, etc.

Go gettum, Tigers! – Milli

“I Brake for Squirrels” (and 10K Day nuts)

WELCOME TO ALL those plucky writers who are participating today!

This is the place to post your check-ins.

To learn more about this event, check the special 10K Day section (see blog menu above). If you develop a case of writer’s block—or you need some extra ideas on what to write—you’ll find plenty of inspiring resources in the Write NOW! section.

DON’T FORGET TO TAKE REGULAR BREAKS!

You’ll regret it later (when you’re feeling fried) if you don’t take regular breaks. Even if you’re on fire with your writing, take your scheduled breaks.

Every two hours is recommended. Breaks are also for posting check-ins.

WHAT SHOULD YOU POST FOR YOUR CHECK-INS?

Comment moderation will be turned off for the day so your posts should appear right away. If you don’t see yours, try refreshing your screen.

Keep check-ins fairly brief:

1. You can mention your word count if you want to. If you’d rather not, please provide a general comment about your progress thus far.

2. You can also describe what you’re working on.

3. Feel free to mention how you’re feeling and how the day is going for you.

4. It’s always fun to hear what people are drinking, snacking on or listening to.

5. Check-ins only. Please DO NOT post your writing! (The comment section will become unwieldy if writers try to post stories/chapters from their novel.)

DON’T FORGET TO log out of forums, Facebook, Twitter, email, etc.

Go gettum, Tigers! – Milli

Please specify which day you’ll be attending.

Next step is to prepare yourself ahead of time so you’ll have the best experience possible. Click on 10K DAYS in the menu above (beneath the blog header) and you’ll find more info.

WHERE TO GO TO PARTICIPATE ON NOVEMBER 14 or 19

To participate, return to the HOME PAGE of this blog on the morning of your chosen 10K Day. (Each writer determines his/her own start time.) You’ll find a special post called 10K Day: Live While It’s Happening! and that’s where you’ll be making your check-ins.

The Live, While It’s Happening! post will give you pointers on what to post for your check-ins.

Please leave your RSVP/comments below.

See you at the 10K! ~ Milli

“I Brake for Squirrels” (and 10K Day nuts)

WELCOME TO ALL those plucky writers who are participating today!

This is the place to post your check-ins.

To learn more about this event, check the special 10K Day section (see blog menu above). If you develop a case of writer’s block—or you need some extra ideas on what to write—you’ll find plenty of inspiring resources in the Write NOW! section.

DON’T FORGET TO TAKE REGULAR BREAKS!

You’ll regret it later (when you’re feeling fried) if you don’t take regular breaks. Even if you’re on fire with your writing, take your scheduled breaks.

Every two hours is recommended. Breaks are also for posting check-ins.

WHAT SHOULD YOU POST FOR YOUR CHECK-INS?

Comment moderation will be turned off for the day so your posts should appear right away. If you don’t see yours, try refreshing your screen.

Keep check-ins fairly brief:

1. You can mention your word count if you want to. If you’d rather not, please provide a general comment about your progress thus far.

2. You can also describe what you’re working on.

3. Feel free to mention how you’re feeling and how the day is going for you.

4. It’s always fun to hear what people are drinking, snacking on or listening to.

5. Check-ins only. Please DO NOT post your writing! (The comment section will become unwieldy if writers try to post stories/chapters from their novel.)

DON’T FORGET TO log out of forums, Facebook, Twitter, email, etc.

Go gettum, Tigers! – Milli

Ja'Nese Dixon

I had a plan. I would gather my research for Black Diamond and use the time to work on my outline for NaNoWriMo.

I had part of that right—I worked on my outline—but I only managed to write a little over 4,000 words.


The Pros
I am nearly done with my outline for Black Diamond. I have the book synopsis or book summary. I also have the preliminary information for working on my character profiles this weekend. Lastly, my thoughts are much clearer on the direction of this book.

The Cons
Are you nuts?! Yes, it was nerve racking sitting in front of a blank screen watching the flashing cursor. My head was full of ideas. But my fingers just wouldn’t comply.

Urgh!

Lesson Learned
1. I didn’t make the 10,000 word goal. However, I can’t deny that writing 4,000 words in one day is wonderful.
2. It helped to clear my thoughts. I had things bouncing everywhere in my head. I had to outlines running at once. (Yes, it was that bad!) I even stopped for a while and wrote by hand—I didn’t count these words. Every minute of this time was productive because it would have happened eventually.
3. 1,667 words per day is what’s required to win NaNoWriMo. That’s if I write daily. After completing the 10k Challenge I have a realistic idea about what’s expected of me to complete my book in November. I know that I can’t write during the day when my house is hectic. I know that I need healthy snacks around my computer. But most of all, I know that it’s doable.

What I’ll Do Next Time
They are planning another challenge day for October 24th. Here’s the plan:

1. Purchase a timer. I should write for 40 minutes and then break for 20 minutes. I found I tried to sit for long periods of time. The longer periods of time didn’t produce more words. I noticed that I wrote more after taking a break.
2. Healthy snacks. I usually am more prepared but I thought “what the heck…I have all day.” Way wrong answer!!! (As, my drill sergeant once said.) I think having my hard candies and green tea on hand would have made my environment more relaxing.
3. Don’t get so technical. I wanted everything to be just right. That put too much pressure on the day. Thus, I plan to just write. I can always clean it up later.

I’m off. I have a few more books I want to complete before November 1. I will leave you with this. . . .

“Deliver me from writers who say the way they live doesn’t matter. I’m not sure a bad person can write a good book. If art doesn’t make us better, then what on earth is it for.” – Alice Walker

JA’NESE DIXON is a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and a closet writer in Texas. Her days are filled with marketing strategy and search engine marketing consulting. In the middle of the night you will find her on her laptop writing her first novel, Black Diamond. To learn more about Ja’Nese, visit her online at www.janesedixon.com.

“I Brake for Squirrels” (and 10K Day nuts)

WELCOME TO ALL those plucky writers who are participating today!

This is the place to post your check-ins.

To learn more about this event, check the special 10K Day section (see blog menu above). If you develop a case of writer’s block—or you need some extra ideas on what to write—you’ll find plenty of inspiring resources in the Write NOW! section.

DON’T FORGET TO TAKE REGULAR BREAKS!

You’ll regret it later (when you’re feeling fried) if you don’t take regular breaks. Even if you’re on fire with your writing, take your scheduled breaks.

Every two hours is recommended. Breaks are also for posting check-ins.

WHAT SHOULD YOU POST FOR YOUR CHECK-INS?

Comment moderation will be turned off for the day so your posts should appear right away. If you don’t see yours, try refreshing your screen.

Keep check-ins fairly brief:

1. You can mention your word count if you want to. If you’d rather not, please provide a general comment about your progress thus far.

2. You can also describe what you’re working on.

3. Feel free to mention how you’re feeling and how the day is going for you.

4. It’s always fun to hear what people are drinking, snacking on or listening to.

5. Check-ins only. Please DO NOT post your writing! (The comment section will become unwieldy if writers try to post stories/chapters from their novel.)

DON’T FORGET TO log out of forums, Facebook, Twitter, email, etc.

Go gettum, Tigers! – Milli