Nano or Not?

It’s been a while! How are you?

This month I’m taking part in my fifth NaNoWriMo, attempting to finish the first draft of book two, The Solitary King. Over on Instagram, I’m also participating in a fun month-long meme called #NanoOrNot20, which includes daily prompts to share about your current project, whether you’re taking part in Nano or not (geddit?).

Today’s prompt is about your book’s world, so pop over to my account to find out all about the Fair Realm, and check my previous posts about my MC Aria and my writing goals for November.

Do you take part in NaNoWriMo? I don’t necessarily aim to hit 50k words, but I do find the deadline and focus really helpful for my writing habits, and the community is like no other during November. Writers everywhere come together online and in person (when not in times of COVID) to support and encourage each other, meet beta readers and critique partners, and occasionally to write!

I like to try and join in during April and July’s Camp Nanos as well, usually to rewrite and revise rather than draft. This July, I was actually editing The Fair Queen before publishing in August, but I was that deep into polishing the final product I didn’t give Camp Nano a second thought. And it’ll probably be the same story next year as I get TSK ready for publication before 2021 is out. Release date still TBC.

Writers – what are you working on this month?

Readers – what are you reading right now?

I’m currently listening to the audio book of Crescent City and really enjoying it, I’m about halfway through and starting to see what people mean when they say it starts off about one thing but by the end it’s about something completely different. And I can see the book hangover looming in the distance when I finish this one, S. J. Maas is a killer for that.

What has your favourite book been this year? Mine is currently Hold Back the Tide by Melinda Salisbury, and I don’t see that changing if I’m honest, it was dark and atmospheric and I loved every word of it.

Things are a bit dark and atmospheric in the real world right now, aren’t they? With the UK just about to go back into full lockdown, and the US election dragging on, there’s definite tension and anxiety in the air. If you’re feeling unproductive, uncreative and generally a bit burnt out at the moment, just know you’re not alone. We’re all struggling with the current dystopian plot being played out by the writers of 2020, but we will get through it and better days will come again. If you’re having a hard time believing that, please reach out to someone and talk, my email is always open.

Sending strength and support.

Lyndsey

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