What’s the story?

National Novel Writing Month

Hereafter called NaNoWriMo or just NaNo. For decades, this writing contest has gone on across the world. Every November, thousands of writers elect to try something preposterous: write a 50,000 word novel in the month of November (that’s 1667 words a day, and about 150-200 pages for those of you who don’t think in wordcounts.

The thing is? Every year, people win. Some hit 50k. Some hit it before the end of the month. Some even do more than 50k.

I first did NaNo (and won!) in 2009, with a story that remains unfinished about a lawyer who finds an abandoned typewriter on the side of the road, and starts writing a fictionalized self-insert novel called The Adventures of Human and Gray Cat.

Since then, I’ve won sometimes, not won others, but you never lose because you always come out of it with words written.

So all of October, I’ve been prepping my newest novel (scroll down to Updates for more information!). I’ve been researching, outlining, and doing everything but writing.

But why? Why push myself like this. I mean, I’m crazy, that’s why. But also…

The Mighty Pens

Kat Brauer, a reader and writer, and Susan Dennard, NYT bestselling author of the Truthwitch books and now The Luminaries, founded The Mighty Pens as a way to give back to the writing community. Since 2017, The Mighty Pens has fundraised for various charitable organizations using National Novel Writing Month. Participants write a novel and donors pledge per word, per page, flat fee, etc.

This year, in light of books being banned across the US, we’re fundraising for We Need Diverse Books, a kidlit organization that wants every child to be represented in fiction. They also help fight book banning, a super important issue right now with hundreds of challenges going to court.

So you need money?

Well, yes. From you. If you can afford it. Check out We Need Diverse Books and all the great work they’re doing to increase representation in literature, stop book bans, and make sure all kids can see themselves in a story.

You can donate a flat fee, or by the word, or by the page.

Anything, ANYTHING, helps. $5 helps.

My donation page is here. I’d really appreciate anything you can afford to give.

Updates

Publication

I’ve got a new story up! “The Creeping” is now available in Tales from the Moonlit Path and their Halloween issue. I’d love if you would read it and tell me what you think, unless you hated it, then kindly don’t tell me lol.

“The Creeping” is about a depressed woman who is haunted in her bedroom. CW: self-harm scars

Writing

It’s time for NaNoWriMo, which means I’ll be starting Vae Victus! This follows three young adults in 9 CE Germania.

Odila is the daughter of the tribal reik (chief), a student of magic, and a fighter

Ima is a mild-mannered girl, Odila’s best friend, betrothed to an okay guy

Cato is a Roman centurion, a dreamer, on the lookout for his love

When the Romans come back from getting their asses kicked by Arminius in the Teutoberg forest (real history!), they’re ready for revenge. So they decide to take tribute from the Aescomanni (not real history). But Odila wants to fight back. She sends Ima to the nearby Tesci reik and his beautiful wife Ayin to ask for their help. And then, she marries Cato, who happens to be her brother’s friend, in order to mine him for information on the Romans.

A battle is brewing this November…

Reading

Okay I haven’t gotten that far with reading since our last newsletter. But I’m loving this book! I’ve just been hella tired.