Now that I’m settled into my new home in Windhoek, I’m spending much of my time writing. I’m also researching ways to get my work published. As a new writer, one great way to do this is to enter contests. (more…)
Category: Uncategorized
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Hello out there! I know it’s been a while, but I have a good excuse. I really do. I packed my bags and hit the road, headed to Namibia via Southeast Asia. I’m going the long way around.
It’s been the trip of the lifetime so far, having gone through Japan, Cambodia and Thailand.
Although I haven’t spent a lot of time writing my novel, I have been blogging fairly regularly at expeditionexpat.com. Plus, traveling has given me tons of things to think about. (more…)
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Week two of NaNoWriMo is kicking my butt!
Work has been super busy for me the last few days…I had a two day video shoot, clients in town, and plans every night after work. Good thing I have the whole weekend to catch up, right?
I’m down at Ocean Shores, cozying up and watching the stormy weather outside. John and I decided that a weekend away was just the thing for us. So, he’s reading and I’m writing. Now I need to get back to it.
Any other writers experiencing the effects of the dreaded week two? Tell me how it’s going for you!

Hard at work during week two. -
It’s November 1st, and guess what…November is National Novel Writing Month!
In case you haven’t heard of it, NaNoWriMo is a great way to get into writing. The goal is to write 50,000 words in one month, which translates into 1,667 words per day.I decided to participate this year, to help me finish the first draft of my novel. I’m also taking a NaNoWriMo class on Tuesday nights. Last week, our class was asked to come up with a tactical plan that will help us reach our goal. Here are some of my personal tactics: -
I’m surrounded by different characters. I work with them, pass them on the sidewalk, and I overhear them at lunch.

Sometimes a character happens to be part of my family (Aunt Christie, I’m talking to you).
I watch. I listen. I observe.
That’s the easy part. For me, it’s simple to create a cast of characters, with a different personalities and mannerisms. The hard part is diving deeper and figuring out a character’s true core. (more…)

