Here we are, y’all. The second to last month of the year. November. Boy, has time flown. Just think—last November, I was blogging about names and the flat-earth theory and the election. I also released an updated version of my Christmas novella, The Gift of Her Heart, and was still working on Bound and Determined. This November? Well, I probably won’t get that much done, but I do have one really big goal for this month…
But before we get into that, allow me to announce the winner of my first ever paperback giveaway of Prisoner at Heart…
Em Seaver!!!
Congratulations, girl! Thank you so much for entering the giveaway! You should see your prize in your mailbox in a couple weeks!
For all of y’all who didn’t win...thank you for entering, subscribing, following me, and sharing about the giveaway! As newsletter subscribers, y’all will have the chance to win many other prizes in the future, so y’all keep an eye on your inbox!
Now, why don’t we get into wrapping up October and setting some goals for November?
What I Did Last Month
Surprisingly, I think I did quite well on October’s goals, even if I feel unaccomplished.
First and foremost was school. I made a 95 on both finals, if I remember correctly, and so far my third and final class has been a breeze. So we can check that off the list!
Secondly? Well, I set some pretty lofty goals for Bound and Determined. Right then, not that lofty, as I was aiming for only 12k—or four chapters. I wrote one chapter and the start of another...not quite what I was hoping for, but November promises lots of progress.
Thirdly, I wanted to write and submit a short story to Kads’ writing prompt contest. You’ll find the winning entry here...and you’ll also remember that I never did include the link to the contest in October’s post, which I had intended to do, but alas. Such is the way of life.
Lastly, I participated in Erika Mathews’s and R. M. Peterson’s Write for Life blog tour in honor of Respect Life Month and the release of Erika’s latest novel, Sustainer’s Smile, and Ryana’s novel To Save a Life last Friday. I wrote a post thanking y’all for being prolife, a spotlight for Sustainer’s Smile, a spotlight for To Save a Life, AND a review of To Save a Life as well! I also featured Erika Mathews’ in an interview and a guest post on my blog for Christian writers, Book Nations!
This Month’s Goals
I literally only have one goal this month. Now, there are things I want to do, no doubt about that. I want to write an article for Book Nations...about...something. I have no idea yet. I want to post once a day this week in honor of National Indie Author Day on Saturday. I want to review at least three books. I want to submit articles to the Dragon Slayer contest. I want to survive school. I want to celebrate Thanksgiving. I want...yeah, a lot. BUT. I’m not going to force myself to do any of these things, because y’all know what my main goal, above all else, is?
21,000 words in Bound and Determined.
Technically, if I could write more like 42k, that would be INSANELY AMAZING. Because then I’d be finished. For the most part. But I am definitely not pushing myself to do that. I’m simply using November—and Write in Faith Camp—as my month of progression. If I can write 21k this month, I can write 21k next month, and I can have BAD finished (for the most part) by the end of this year.
My fingers are crossed, people. And, for that matter, so are my toes.
Because I’m striving for this goal, I am unofficially going on hiatus for the month. Now, I do have a series of blog posts planned for one week, along with a corresponding series of Facebook posts, but that’s all I’m pushing myself to do blog-wise. Otherwise, y’all may not see me liking your blog posts or responding to your emails in a timely manner. I mean, I will get to it...just not immediately.
Monthly Progress
I briefly mentioned above that I wrote a chapter and a piece last month...which amounts to a total of 3,500 words. I know, I know. Soooo much, am I right? Not.
But, y’know what? Could’ve been worse! I’ve been on this one-chapter-a-month thing since...April, really. I mean, last November, I wrote five chapters in a month, which is about 20k. Surely, if I could do it then, I can do it now… Really, my issue is that I don’t write every night. I used to write every night, even if only a hundred words or so. But recently? I’ve been doing blog posts, book reviews, chatting with friends instead of actually writing. Like tonight, for instance, I am writing this post instead of writing Bound and Determined…
But it’s worth it. When else would I be able to complain about how little progress I’m making?
Ah, to be honest? I think it’s less about progress and procrastination and more about timing. I’m waiting for the opportune moment to finish this...because I think God has an opportune moment for it to be released.
Reading Highlights
An Uncommon Woman by Laura Frantz. Anything by Laura Frantz is absolutely GOLD, and this novel was no different!
To Save a Life by R. M. Peterson. This book is so bittersweet and beautiful...so powerful. It’s a must-read for everyone! (You can read my full review here!)
Imagine by the Teen Writers Nook family. Well, apart from my short story, this anthology was FABULOUS. I am utterly amazed and overwhelmed by the amount of God-given talent these young writers possess! What a blessing they are!
Fairest Son by H. S. J. Williams. Oh my gosh, y’all. There is a reason why I don’t read fantasy. Because I simply love it too much. Especially beautiful, romantic allegorical fantasy that just heaps poetic prose and lovely symbolism on top of amazing characters and an intriguing plot. Yep, that was Fairest Son. Man, what a book.
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We had a busy month in October, my hearties, and a right consuming one up ahead! What are y'all's plan for November? Any of y'all participating in NaNo or a writing camp? What's on your TBR for this month? Have you read any of the books I mentioned above? Better question: to pumpkin spice or not to pumpkin spice? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!