Monday, October 30, 2017

Currently: Nanowrimo-ing

It's that time of year again where everyone around the world has the opportunity to share in an experience of writing full throttle for a month straight. November is National Novel Writing Month and if you're a writer like me--one who's motivated by challenges--it's time to put your butt in a comfortable chair and pump out 50,000 words. Not an easy task.

Last year I was behind schedule almost the entire time and right up until midnight on the last day, I couldn't type fast enough to get 'er done. This year, I will win, win, WIN! I've been working on this same story for a year now and have muddled my way to chapter eleven. With Nanowrimo 2017 on deck, I plan to write the last ten chapters, finishing off that bad boy, and then starting on a new story for a solid victory. Yes!

To help me get in the mood, not only did I create my book cover for the Nanowrimo site...

Hello, Again.

...but I created my own Facebook banner as well. Last year's theme was space, this year is...pens?

Official Nanowrimo 2017 Banner

Cute, love the color, but this time around, I found my inspiration in my grandmother's Underwood Portable typewriter that she purchased in 1934. She gave it to me as a kid in the eighties so I could learn to type, and I remember having to hammer on those keys to get the ink imprinted on the paper. I can't even imagine trying to write a book on this thing. But it's a beauty to look at and reminds me of how good I've got it...thanks, Mac!

The Underwood Portable, 1934

The EspialDesign Participation Banner, 2017

Planning to participate and want some company? Feel free to add me to your writing buddy list (handle: EspialDesign) on the Nanowrimo site and follow me on Facebook, too. I could definitely use the accountability, because I want to get my current book done, start a new one, and win, win, WIN!

Good luck to everyone around the world...whoever and wherever you are!

Sunday, October 22, 2017

Blackout Poems on the Fly

Thanks to Etsy, the interesting duo below are getting prepped and ready to make their journey to Australia where their new owner awaits. Both blackout poems were made in Bulgaria this last summer, so they're getting quite a bit of travel in.

CARRIED AWAY

I like to sleep and
imagine a world carried away.


DEEP ROOT

A strong connection was a deep root
all tangled inside.

Half the proceeds will be going to the American Heart Association. You can see the tally here.

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Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.” ~ Anita Desai

Thursday, October 19, 2017

CURRENTLY: Writing Buddies


It's no secret to anyone that I love critters. As a kid growing up in rural Montana, we always had pets in the house, in the barn, all around. They were snuggly, scaly, creepy, crawly, but always cute. We had dogs, cats, hamsters, gerbils, chameleons, fish, turtles, guinea pigs, frogs, rabbits, ducks, ponies, and cows. Some at the same time, some not.

Romeo and His Bubble Nest

Currently, I have two rescue mutts and a new fascination with betta fish and snails. I went from zero last year to having four after a neighbor brought over her betta buddy in a cup. She asked me to fish sit and said I didn't have to return him, and if I wanted to name him...that worked, too. (Day 23) I'm such a sucker! So began my entry into the aquarium world.

Tilly Bean, Lazy Queen

So, that is four bettas (Trixie, Joel, Romeo and Molly), three snails (Shelby, Rocky, and Lollipop), and two dogs (Tilly and Tango) that keep me company while I write. I love that we're a big, happy and healthy family, who enjoy seeing each other during writing breaks, whether it's for a cup of coffee and a stretch, a quick belly rub or a scratch behind the ear, or even a crunchy blood worm here and there. We're all good :)

Trixie the Veil Tail

Tango Fett

Marvin the Mystery Snail
R.I.P.

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"I ask my pets, What should I do? and they reply, It's up to you."
~ Stacia Leigh on asking writing buddies about writer's block