Script Frenzy

As I hinted yesterday, I'm thinking about joining another writing Challenge. I know, it's crazy. I can't help myself. In November I did the NaNoWriMo (50,000 words in 30 days). When I was finished I hated what I had produced. It was mainly dialogue and every time I tried to expand on the scenes it was like throwing a wrench into the story's flow. It took a lot of stressful hours, and a few close calls with the fireplace, for me to realize that maybe this WIP was not meant to be a book at all. That is when I started looking into turning it into a script for a movie. I know, once again, it's crazy. But, why not?

I knew nothing about script writing, but that's what google is for right? I googled and I bought a few books and eventually was comfortable enough to download a script writing program. I have been slowly (very slowly) plugging along since. Recently all progress has stopped. Turns out my inner critic for script writing is a tough cookie. It couldn't wait to remind me on a daily basis that I know nothing about writing a movie. Just when I start believing this, I come across an email from the fine (albeit insane) people who brought NaNoWriMo to life. There's a new challenge coming in April. It's called (of all things) Script Frenzy .

My inner critic read this email, contemplated, and hit delete. Next thing you know I'm pulling it out of the virtual trash can and thinking... I really don't know what I was thinking. Still don't. But I know I love the story and the characters so this could be just the push I need to finish this. Then, and only then can I really know if I can do this or not.

I won't be able to officially win this contest since I started the script before the April 1st date, but I can use it to kick me into gear.

Wish me luck. I could use all the cheering I can get. If you have lost all senses like me and are contemplating trying this challenge you call find me on the website under KCBOOKS.

Thanks,

Kristin : )

Halloween is Here! That Means It's Time For NaNoWriMo!

Happy Halloween!

It's hard to believe that it's the end of October already. For me the end of this month not only means Halloween-a night surely made up by candy craving children with no care for teeth health- but it also means the beginning of a very busy month for me.

November 1st is the start of NaNoWriMo. Haven't heard of it? Neither had I before last month. It is National Novel Writing Month. It is a competition to write 50,000 words or more of a novel in 1 month. Sounds crazy? I think so, but it also sounds like a challenge worth attempting.

There are many reasons for writers to join NaNoWriMo. Here are a few of mine.

• I have been sitting on an idea for a new story for a while and this challenge gives me the motivation to get it down on paper.
• Writing 50,000 words in 1 month means I need to do 1,667 per day to complete. I hope that doing this will help me form a strict writing schedule that will stick after the competition.

Any of you interested in braving NaNoWriMo with me? If so, let me know and I will add you as a buddy. There is a lot of support among writers and I think it will be as much fun as it is a challenge. The rules are not strict, just guidelines for the most part. So don't be intimidated.

If 50,000 words for 1 novel sounds like too much, many people are splitting their writing into 2 smaller novellas.

Are you a writer of YA (Young Adult) chapter books? There is an additional contest being held during NanoWriMo for you! YA literary agent Regina Brooks, along with editors at Sourcebooks will be accepting submissions of your first 250 words of a YA novel.

Regina Brooks and editors will read all of the entries and determine the top 20 submissions. These submissions will then be read by Dan Ehrenhaft, head Acquisitions Editor at Sourcebooks Fire; Alisha Niehaus, Editor at Dial Books for Young Readers (Penguin); David Linker, Executive Editor at HarperCollins Children’s Books; Michele Burke, Editor at Knopf Books for Young Readers (Random House); and Evette Porter, Editor at Harlequin. These judges will whittle the top 20 down to four winners and a grand prize winner—all five will be provided commentary on their submissions.

Follow this link for more information about this YA Novel Contest and good luck if you enter.

As always, thanks for taking time to stop by. I will do my best to respond to all comments.

~ Kristin :)