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Mystery: October 30, 2013 Issue [#5970]

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Mystery


 This week: Mapping it out
  Edited by: Gaby Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

*Pumpkin* Happy Halloween *Ghost*


Thank you for having me as your guest editor for this Mystery Newsletter edition. I'm Gaby and I'm here to share my wisdom with you - or lack thereof - and to hopefully help you out in your writing endeavors.


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

Who is ready for Nano?! *Hand2* I'm sure you are as well. Even if you're not participating, you're still writing and planning your stories, looking for inspiration and hoping lightening will strike and make you write that best seller. Aren't we all?

I always told myself that 'I can do this!' and write a story from scratch without a single note on the entire thing. So far, I haven't managed to put that theory to work so eventually I gave up and decided to do the Nano Prep. It's not easy work and at times I struggled but I realized that without it I wouldn't have a real story to tell nor would I be able to keep my thoughts straight in order to write/type it all up the way it should be.

The reality of a good story is that you have to have a visible map in order to create the world you want the reader to experience. It's impossible to keep going without some kind of background... Unless you're one those those people who can finish a full novel within three days. I'm not one of those. I need help.

At times, the simplest things seem impossible until you scribble the facts down and follow through in order to get to where you want to be. I've found "October Novel Prep Challenge" Open in new Window. to be one of the most helpful places for a writer who wants to start a novel. However, even if you're not planning to write that best seller, the basic rules of the prep still apply.

What you need are simple things in order to keep going, other than your muse and inspiration or willpower to sit down and actually write. Here's a short list:

*Bulletb* Your main characters
*Bulletb* Your minor characters
*Bulletb* A beginning, middle, and the end to your story in a few short paragraphs
*Bulletb* A clear timeline as to what when happens
*Bulletb* Many twists and plots in an order so you don't forget which comes next and possibly why
*Bulletb* A way to get to know your character's deepest and darkest secrets to help you along the way
*Bulletb* If you get stuck, always refer to the 'what if' possible scenarios

But most of all, you'll need a stubborn attitude which will see you through your tough times.

These are just the basics and pretty much apply to any type of story you'd like to write, but mystery can contain those hideous skeletons in the closet making the story sweeter by the minute as you write. Perhaps I'm trying to tempt you to write that novel you always wanted to get out of your head or maybe I'm just challenging you to see if you even dare to attempt such a large project.

My point is, Nano starts on November 1st and I am one of many who decided to write, no matter how good or bad the story turns out to be, but I challenge myself to do it. There are a few members who are counting on me to finish it as well, putting more pressure on me, but it also means that they believe in me and my writing even when I lose that faith in myself. So what do you say?!

Just because it's too late to sign up for the prep, it's still not too late to do the Nano itself. Here's a link where you can show me what you've got: "NaNoWriMo Write-A-Thon" Open in new Window. I dare you! If you do sign up, I may even support you so let me know and I'll come to cheer you on. Hopefully, you'll return the favor.

Until next time!


~ Gaby *Witchhat*


Editor's Picks

 The Lisa Lansing Series Open in new Window. (NPL)
From the Diaries of Lisa Lansing
#1287637 by L. A. Powell Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1151895 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1069198 by Not Available.

 The Soldier of Dark Flames Open in new Window. (13+)
Some ghost stories are more than just stories
#531066 by Julian Author IconMail Icon

 The Lot Open in new Window. (13+)
An ambigious foe waits in the dark.
#854171 by MD Maurice Author IconMail Icon

 
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Breaking and Entering Open in new Window. (13+)
Madril tried to explain.
#1953724 by Leger~ Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#961585 by Not Available.

 
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Word from Writing.Com

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Ask & Answer


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