Update

Well it has been quite awhile since last I posted here. Much like my writing, this site is being pushed out of priority and I am to blame.
Due to problems at work I did not finish the writing challenge in Nov. I did write for a week but then life took over. (poor excuse I know)
But I want to do better.
I have also found another great site for my reading..."Overdrive Media" is basically an online library for ebooks and audio books. I was greatly impressed with the titles they had available and the ease with which the site works. I read 104 books last year, this years goal is only 50 since I want to spend time writing.

So, since this blog is for writing let me say that I have recommitted to write more. The only person I have to blame is myself.
If I have time to watch a TV show then that is time I could be writing.
If I have time to play with my 4 year old then that is time to reserve to play with my 4 year old, or even the grand kids when they come by. If I have time to sit down and read I have half of that time to write. (Family is most important but TV is not, and reading is vital to stay refreshed.)

I have 2 projects I want to explore; my fantasy one with Magic and stuff as well as a non fiction religious book on how to get through life.
There is also lots of other ideas running around in my head

NaNoWriMo time...well first time

I have signed up for the National November Writing Month thing. Your goal is to write 50,000 words of your novel during the month of November.
Not sure how it is going to go but thought I would give it a try since all my thinking about writing has added up to 0 words on paper.

I will keep  this up to date as I work through this wonderful experience....

Music Inside

I have been watching the Shaina Twain series called "Why Not".
I over heard a one liner that a Doctor said to her and it really hit home.
"Most people die with their music still inside them" That is so true. That is also what any want to be writer has lingering in the back of their mind.
I have a need to make sure that I at least get part of my voice out for my family to have if no one else.

Also I was reviewing some things I wrote quite awhile ago and was genuinely impressed with he context and the flow.
I have some small portion of talent even if it is only in my own mind.

Grab you in the first chapter

I have started and stopped 3 books in the past week. These were listening to them on my ipod.
1 I got 3 discs in
1 I got 2 discs in
1 I got 1 disc in
Stopping each mainly because the story did not grab me right up front. I am also reading the sequel to Scarlet Pimpernel and find the first to be a bit slow but know that this is how she wrote and it will get better.
I have not written off the other books, I will go back and pick up where I left off some time in the future, but it brought to mind the importance of having your story, characters or setting jump out and grab the reader within the first chapter if not lines, or they are must likely to wander away never to give you a 2nd chance.

The art of Mapping

Some of the most enjoyable books I read have maps in them. Usually not more than 2 pages, tucked just inside the front cover.
I always refer to them several times in the course of reading the book. They are a great help when reading of new worlds or kingdoms etc.
I have played around several maps for my world where my stories are located.
This almost seems like a must as I start to write.
I don't draw well but can do well enough for me.
I even bought a small sketch book to do maps and layouts of towns and such.
I know I will never use them in the book when it publishes but they are invaluable as I create.

Books and Movies and a thank you for a missing comment.

I started to watch "A Game of Thrones" on HBO. After the first show I got the book on CD from the library and started to listen. I made it through the first disc and stopped. Not because it is bad but so good and the HBO treatment is so good and close (so far at least) to the book.
I will start the book again after the series is over.
I have  only had a few movies that have come close to the books they were based on...very few.

Also I have to say thanks to a comment that used to be on here but is now gone. The thought was expressed that in finding time to write to use a daily journal, and to make sure you get the right journal so you will use it. Even 5 minutes a day is 300 words. I have been looking for my right journal.
(I wish I still had the comment since I went to her site and found great information)

Updates

So I feel like I need to give an update on the goals I have set if for no one else but myself.
The idea of making time to write is true. I have not forced myself to get up so I do not have the time to write everyday like I would wish.
But I have gotten better.
I have also found that I can spend time that I really don't have to think to think about my story lines and such.
One thing I have continued and am proud of is that i have kept up with my daily reading. Not just reading or listening to a book for enterainment but also to notice style and how it is put together. I then find myself how I would change some of it or how I would like to emulate parts of it.

Anything that is worth doing takes effort.