Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Finding My Way Out of the Swamp: A Camp NaNoWriMo Update

Well, here it is Week 2 of Camp NaNo, and I'm pretty much still in the woods. Although, it does look more like a swamp, at least according to the local wildlife - frogs, cranes and one freaky big alligator. Oh, and these guys, of course -


My word count goal for Camp NaNo = 25,000 words, which is half the usual NaNo goal. I did this because I knew I had other novel work to do besides the actual writing. I've got to clean up a lot of old notes. Backstories and character motivations need to be developed. Plot holes need to be filled. I also have some really creepy research to do that I've been putting off because I'm afraid it's going to land me on some kind of "watch list." 

But my word count is coming along and the story has legs, so I wouldn't say I'm totally lost. It's more like I've found a very rough, overgrown trail that I can barely make out but that I've decided to follow anyway.

And, thanks to my wonderful husband, I am not without sustenance! The day before Camp NaNo started, I came downstairs to find this on the kitchen counter - 

Of course we had to test out the new S'mores Maker right away. I do so love a man who can cook. 

*****

How's your summer going? Any big projects you're working on? Have you eaten any s'mores or has someone cooked you something delicious? If you're traveling this month and you're in the woods - or in the swamp - please keep an eye out for me. I'll be the weeping, disheveled creature waving an empty Camp NaNo mug and begging for more coffee. 

22 comments:

  1. Indoor S'Mores maker - very cool!
    If you're in the swamp, keep an eye out for rodents of unusual size.
    And really curious about your research now...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The research is not all that exciting. Just kind of weird and gross. :)

      Delete
  2. A smores maker? Where do you get such a cool appliance because summer here is short and having a smores maker would make the winter go faster. :)

    Oh, and can you tell us (me) what the creepy research is? I've done some of that too and would hate for someone to see my internet history. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm pretty sure my husband got it online, probably Amazon. It works really well and only makes two at a time, which is great regarding portion sizes. :)

      Sorry! Going to keep the research to myself for now, especially since it might end up being crucial to the plot.

      Delete
  3. Sometimes the "overgrown trails" lead to the most wonderful views...so maybe this trail will lead you to an awesome part in the plot that you'd never even considered before :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Just setting out on a new novel and wondering where to start. I envy you having the Camp Nano experience - sounds great.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just start, Simon! I'm working through a lot of backstory right now but it's helping to flesh out a lot of what I already have done and what will to come. I hope.

      Delete
  5. yay for you! progress is progress!

    and can you smuggle me some of that sustenance? im a lurker in the woods outside the perimeter of camp nano. im doing better than last year, but i dont know how far i will get this month so didnt officially join... i'll bring the coffee, i gots plenty o that!

    and i liked the robin williams quote from mon! amen!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You bring the coffee and I'll pass along a couple of s'mores - we'll make it out of the woods/swamp yet! :)

      Delete
  6. I'm giggling about you on that watch list. Man, writing causes some strange searches... I wrote a YA first draft in June and now am in revision/revamping (but needs a lot of writing) mode... Big stuff to get done this summer...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You've got a lot going on! I can't remember when that phrase "the lazy days of summer" was actually true around my house! :)

      Delete
  7. Good luck with Camp NaNo. (Visiting form the A-Z Trip, and enjoying the visit.)

    Silvia @ Silvia Writes

    ReplyDelete
  8. Way to go! You got this! NaNo's always totally intimidate me. I'd admire those brave enough to do it.

    Sarah Allen
    (From Sarah, With Joy)


    p.s. Thanks for stopping by the blog! Hope to see you around again soon :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a little bit of bravery mixed in with a whole lot of crazy. At least for me. :)

      Delete
    2. Aw, what a sweet husband you have! Best of luck with Camp NaNo. ☺

      Delete
  9. Supportive husbands are the best! I'm intrigued by the research you have to do.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They definitely are!

      The research isn't all that exciting - just kind of creepy. :)

      Delete
  10. Oh, I want a smores maker! What a great gift and a sweet thing for your husband to do.

    Congrats on your progress and I'm glad Larry and Mrs. Larry are there to help out. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you!

      When the torts get scared, they hide in their shells, so they're not as helpful when I'm writing the scary, creepy stuff. :)

      Delete