Okay, so it wasn’t like I lost one of my “real” friends, but my laptop and I have spent so many hours working together that I must admit to a twinge of grief.

I’m not much of a sports spectator. On Super Bowl Sunday, Jason invited friends over to watch the game, and I thought I’d get some writing done. I pressed that little power button and nothing happened. I tried again. Nothing. This went on and on with me not willing to face the facts. I brought the lifeless machine to our friend Craig. I’m sure he wasn’t thrilled about me interrupting the game, but he was patient and took a look. Thirty minutes later he pronounced it dead.

So, what now? Well, I’ve been sharing the kids computer. They are really good sports about this, but I can tell they’re all wondering how long till Mom gets her own machine again. I’m wondering the same thing.

Thanks for listening,

Christina

What does every writer need?

VISION.

I know you’re expecting some deep thoughts to follow that statement, but I’m not talking about that kind of vision. Sure, creative vision is a real plus, but so is the blessing of sight. As it turns out, my eyes weren’t as excited about Nanowrimo as my mind. The result was strained eyes, migraines, increased loss of distance vision, and a few wild dizzy spells.

My writing has been slowed but my creative vision is still very much in tact, and now with my nifty new glasses, I’m back at the keyboard.

So, what’s next?

I’m finishing up the Nanowrimo manuscript and running it, piece by piece, through my very patient critique group. I’m also working on a few articles to submit to magazines, and doing the polish work on my Genesis contest entries.

Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that there are many talented writers who are blind or have impaired vision. With advances in technology, a writer can actually use software to translate their spoken words and transfer them onto the computer screen. Amazing.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the glimpses of the coming spring!

Christina

So, what happened to blog posts for November? I’ll tell you. Nanowrimo happened. If that word looks like it must be something other than English, you’re not alone. Nanowrimo stands for Nation Novel Writing Month and happens every November. This was the first year I have participated. The challenge is to write a 50,000 word novel in the month of November.

The first day of November I was quite sick and only wrote a few hundred words. I looked at the chart on the Nano site and the tasked seemed insurmountable. Each day I’ve trudged forward and today I am proud to say that I have reached word number 44,021. With only five days remaining in the challenge, I can see the finish line.

My novel will not be complete at 50,000 words so I’ll keep plugging away at the first draft in December. An ending point around 90,000 words is more likely.

If you’d like more information on Nanowrimo, visit them at http://www.nanowrimo.org/, and consider joining the race next year.