Challenge List: May 25, 2012

Okay, so I'm doing this mainly to help myself keep track of all the challenges I have entered (or will be entering).  So I'll be keeping up with this here.  Also, I thought it might be fun to announce to the world--as it were--what I'll be doing in my spare time.  So, here we go.

2012 Challenges

Challenge: Goodreads Reading Challenge
Link: here
About: Set a goal of books to read in a year.
Goal: 20 books
Accomplished so Far: 10
Due: Dec. 31st

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Challenge: SPN Crossover Big Bang
Link: here
About: Write a 15k SPN crossover fic
Goal: Finish Duckpocalypse Now
Accomplished so Far: FAILED!

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Challenge: Crossover Big Bang
Link: here
About: Finish a 15k crossover fic.
Goal: Finish Devil You Don't Know
Accomplished so Far: FAILED!

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Challenge: SmallFandomfest FEST11
Link: here
About: Choose up to 3 prompts for either fic or art.
Goal: 3 prompts; 1 art, 2 fic
Accomplished: 1 art
Due: July 31st

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Challenge: Zombification
Link: here
About: Choose up to 2 prompts and do fics
Goal: 2 prompts
Accomplished: In progress
Due: June 23rd

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Challenge: Camp NaNoWriMo (June)
Link: here
About: 50k words in 30 days
Goal: Finish Family Affairs
Accomplished: Starts June 1st
Due: June 30th

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Challenge: Twisting the Hellmouth's August Fic-a-Day
Link: here
About: 1 fic a day (Buffy crossovers only) for every day in Aug
Goal: 1 fic a day for each day in Aug.
Accomplished: Planning period; Begins Aug. 1st
Due: Aug. 31st

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Challenge: Camp NaNoWriMo (August)
Link: here
About: 50k in 30 days
Goal: Finish Aftershock + work on some fanfics
Accomplished: Planning period; Begins Aug. 1st
Due: Aug. 31st

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Challenge: Wishlist 2011
Link: here
About: 6, 12, 24 fics or arts based on prompts given
Goal: 12 fics
Accomplished: 3 fics
Due: Oct. 15, 2012

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Challenge: NaNoWriMo
Link: here
About: 50k in 30 days
Goal: 50k--specifics to be decided
Accomplished: Starts Nov. 1st
Due: Nov. 30th

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Challenge: Wishlist 2012
Link: here
About: 6, 12, or 24 fics or arts based on prompts given
Goal: 6 fics
Accomplished: Starts Dec. 1st
Due: Dec. 31st

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Challenge: 100 Things
Link: here
About: Blog about 100 items
Goal: 100 Badass Villains (grouped into 10s)
Accomplished: 2 posts of 10
Due: Whenever

The Project Declaration!

So, I mentioned one of the things I planned to blog about in the future was my original fiction plans.  I also mentioned that I'd explain why getting "The Curious Tale of Elizabeth Nigel" published was just so awesome (despite the obviously reasons).  Well, these two go hand-in-hand.  Let me explain.

You see, I have plans for the characters and the steampunk world of Elizabeth Nigel.  I plan to do a series of short stories--the ones of which I have planned that are set in stone being the one mentioned above and the one set directly after called "Elizabeth Nigel Aboard the Annabelle."  I was thinking about doing enough for a small collection.  Then, picking up where the last short story (whatever that might be) leaves off, I would do a novel--which I already have titled as The Wedding of Elizabeth Nigel.  So it's just very exciting to have the first story published for these characters, which I see as setting this all in motion.

So what other plans do I have of the original fiction nature?  Well, this June I'm participating in Camp NaNoWriMo.  Same rules, different month.  I'm using the novel I attempted last November, which was Family Affairs.  A bit of a cheat, I know, but it's more important to me that I finish this novel, rather me follow the exact rules.  Besides, I'm aiming for the first draft of that novel to be about 80k-90k.  So I'll have done my share.  My backup plan, should I get irreparable stuck on Family Affairs, is to work on my novella, Aftershock.  Which is another work that I have a couple of short stories leading up to. 

This is all not mentioning that I might do a sequel to Aftershock, will be doing 3 direct sequels and 2 indirect sequels to Family Affairs, and have several other novella/novels to be thinking about.  I have all the ideas... I just need, like a fitness trainer--like one of the really mean ones--only for writing only. 

Of course, this is all just my original (ie the really important) writing goals.  But, something else I can lump in with this, I joined in on this challenge on Livejournal called 100 Things.  You blog about 100 things (with the min. post being 10 posts of 10).  For example, I'm doing "100 Badass Villains."  I decided that I was a little more likely to work it all out if I did the 10 groups from 100 down to 1.  This is a challenge mainly to get Livejournal people to blog more, but I thought I'd post it in both places. 

So, if anyone wonders where I am and can't find me at Godiva, I'm in a dark corner with nothing but my laptop... willing the words to write themselves.  Until then, here's a funny picture.  See you!

It Has Begun

I mean a lot of different things with that title. Namely, however, I speak of NaNoWriMo. I did the midnight start up--as I've done every year but the very first year I did NaNo. I'm now sitting--as you can see at the side--at 2,070. I intend to add more to it tonight before I go asleep, trying to stay ahead.

I also start work tomorrow. I mean, I went to a Sunday night clean/stock thing, but this is work-work I'm starting tomorrow (Wednesday). During store hours. I really hope I don't accidently blow the place up or something.

Oh, and I also began one of my Wishlist 2011 fics last night. I don't plan for it to be longer than 300 or 400 words, so I got some good headway on it (like 50 words, lol). And I haven't started the next Trials chapter yet--I mean, NaNo--but it shall be done soon enough. In fact, if I feel good enough about it tonight, I might start it. I need to keep the relatively steady pace I have been so I can finish it and put up Tribulation.

Back to workforce gabber, I'm still looking for a second part-time job, as well as looking at libraries (well, going to be looking at libraries). And my fiance has an interview tomorrow, so good luck to him! Oh, I also got all my ID troubles and most of the car troubles fixed today. Things are looking up. Let's hope they stay that way.

Keep an eye on the sidebar to see my word count for NaNo rise! Or add me as a buddy! My name on NaNo is PatriciaLouise.

Plate=Full

Or rather, overflowing. I'm not sure where to start. How about the non-writing stuff for a change?

Non-Writing Stuff

Okay, so I'm still trying to get an apartment. To do that, I need my birth certificate. Hopefully I'll get a text from my sister at any moment, announcing that she's found it. At least, that way, I don't have to pay to get it and go through that whole mess. I think I'll also get a State Issued ID until I get an opportunity to get my license. It seems a bit easier that way. Also, although I do plan to have a ceremony when I can afford it--dress, flowers, the whole shebang--my fiance and I will be getting married as soon as we can afford it in a civil ceremony at the courthouse. That way, we can qualify for a bit more of the help that we need.

Oh, also, I totally have a job! I start this Sunday--if I understood that right--at Godiva Chocolatier. Godiva! Of all the 9-5s I could have gotten, I'm so happy that it was that one! I can't wait to be making a steady paycheck again. I miss it, seriously. As much as I love writing, that steady paycheck is just so nice.

Writing-Related Stuff

(The Twisted Library)

A sad bit of news here. I had three stories accepted and waiting for print (+2 I was waiting to hear from), and the Library has recently had to drop just about all of their anthologies. It was just costing the owner too much in this crappy economy. While understandable, that leaves me with 5 stories to search for new homes for. However, the Library will continue publish novels (+3, if I remember, of their anthos that were planned for print). If you want to support them, check out the forum here to see how to go about buying one of their ridiculously awesome novels!

(Trials)

I recently posted chapter 19 (titled "Between the Devil and the Deep Crimson Sea) up on fanfiction.net! After that, the count of chapters left to write and post, including the epilogue, is 7. Just 7! The end is near, folks! And I've got 122 reviews on it, and it'll end up being way longer (word count) than Untested was. Now if I could translate this power I have for this story into some of my novels or other fanfics. Anyhoo, the sequel to Trials will be call Tribulation, so there's something to chew on while you wait for chapter 20!

(NaNoWriMo)

Have I outlined? Nope. I actually negative outlined. Do I need to? Like you wouldn't believe! I need to get to 50 next month--while writing and working and doing holiday stuff and moving--and I have no plan past chapter one. Actually, I need this novel to end up being about 80k when it's finish. So, yeah. Oh, and speaking of that...

(Novellas)

So I added about 1500 or so words to Aftershock the other day. Yay moment, right? Yeah, I should have added it to Winds of Change. That's the one that's got an honest to God deadline. Something else I need to be working on. And another one that I only have a vague outline for. Not to mention the slew of other novellas I have planned that I haven't even started!

(50 States of SPN)

I've got a vague outline--no title--for my fic set in Alaska. I have a really good idea of what I want to happen in it and how I want it to happen. But for the one in Alabama? I've got a vague outline of the beginning. Have no idea how I'm ending this. I need to do more research for both, really, but mostly for the Alabama one. Of which I have no title for. Yeah. Posting for this begins Dec. 1st. Yikes, right?

(Wishlist 2011)

I have all 12 of my prompts! I'll be doing a post on my LiveJournal account of the complete list. They'll be in order I got them (not necessarily the order I'll do them in). Posting starts for that on Dec. 1st as well. I have a couple of those I have to research for, but only a couple. I'm sort of working on one of them now, since it's a character I've never written for before (did this to myself).

(SPN Crossover Big Bang)

What's a big bang? Well, as it was explained to me, it's where a fanartist and a fanficcer meet up. The fanficcer writes a story (in this case, a crossover and a long one), and the artist does fanart for that story. There is a sign up period (Jan 11th-Feb 25th) and several checkpoints. Posting of the fanfic--which is beta-read beforehand--doesn't begin until June. By then, the writer has written the complete fic, and the artist has done the art for it. Now, the big question is, am I doing this? Well, to be honest, I'm considering it. What Supernatural Crossover will I be doing? That's part of the consideration. I either have to come up with one, or stretch the one I have in my mind into a chapter-length fic. Of course, with the stretching idea comes the fact that I need to complete a particular sequel fic first. And I could do that. I could. I could work on both and post only the sequel fic. Then, ideally, it'll be done by June, in which I could post the Big Bang fic. But that's crazy, right? I just don't know. I'd really like some imput on that one.

And I think that's everything. I mean, I have a few other things going on that I need to do (flyers and craigslist related, oddly enough). Well, until then, here's my NaNo calender.

Lookin' Up AKA Writing Update AKA Schedule

NaNoWriMo.org is still working on its updates, so--for now--this blog, photobucket, and my deviantart page is the only place to see this cover. I'm not sure if I love the cover--I don't hate it, and I definitely like it better and better the more I look at it--but I just like my banner--soon to be added to the bottom of this blog page--better. So, catching up, let's get this blog post on the road.

Writing Related

I totally finished a novellette length work that will appear--unless something happens, nothing is ever set in stone--in an anthology (I really shouldn't say which one until the TOC is final). It ran a little over 13k, thought will probably be a couple of hundred under 13k after proper edits--which is totally cool. If you'd like, the title is over there ---> in my sidebar, and I'll leave its progress bar up until the work sees print. Then I'll replace it with a link to where the antho can be purchased.

So, let's see... what else? Oh, well, I have two other deadlines I wish to do for this month, one due in a couple of days and one due on the 31st. Also, I signed up to partcipate in several challenges/writing group things. First, there's the Pill Hill Press's Fall Shootout. It's currently closed for people to sign up to participate--sorry for the late advertisement, I'll do better for the Spring one, promise. But my good friend, AD Spencer, is also partcipating, as well as a couple of those that were also in the very first Shootout I'd ever partcipated in--2011's Summer one.

Next, of course, is NaNoWriMo. They finally put up the partcipation badges on the site--which is still being booted up from their updates--and I have mine added at the top of the sidebar ---> My synopisis is up for the novel I plan to attempt, and as soon as writing buddies are back up, I'd love to be added and/or to add you. Just send me an invite on the site (again, when it's up) and I'll return the favor. You can find me here.

Hmm... what else? Oh yeah, I joined in a fanfic challenge called The 50 States of SPN. See my LJ for more on that, but basically you sign up for states (two, in mine and Ariyana's case) and choose a ghost/monster/whatever story that actually exist for that state and write a fanfic where the Winchester Boys hunt said ghost/whatever. My two states are Alabama and Alaska. (AD's are Alabama and Mississippi). I have a good idea for both Alabama and Alaska, I just need to work on it. Posting of the finished fics begins on Dec. 1st.

Following that same train of thought, AD and I also signed up for The Wishlist Challenge which was advertised on Twisting the Hellmouth. Basically, you sign up for a full round (24) half round (12) or a quarter round (6). Then, on October 15th you make a post on your LJ, announcing the fandoms you will write for and what you will absolutely under no circumstances write for. Then, on a first come first serve basis, you accept prompts and write fanfics. Starting (again) on Dec. 1, you post one fic a day as a Christmas gift of sorts to readers. AD and I signed up for a half round. When I do my post on LJ, I'll do a blog with a link so you can prompt too, if you'd like.

I also have another novella due soon (Winds), but I'm not worried about it (yet... see me about this in November). Not to mention any other short story deadlines I want to meet, and Aftershock, another novella, I want to finish and try to find a home for.

And finally, in an attempt to make some pocket change--at the very least--I signed up for Hubpages to write articles. I currently have none written, but that will all change soon. I'll link to them here, but keep an eye on my profile for more info. I'll put a link to it at the side as well. And please, feel free to click an advertisements and links... I think that's how Hubpages pay me. I know all the Amazon advertisements are legit.

And back to fanfiction for a final moment, I've made a slight change to my plan. I've dropped trying to finish The Funny Thing About Keys so soon. I mean, it's definitely still one of the fics that I'll be finishing soon, but not as soon as Trials. I'm on a roll with Trials, and I need to outline on Keys, so for any Keys readers who actually keep up with this blog, please be patient. I don't want that fic to suffer just because I'd rather be writing on Trials. It's not fair.

Lookin' Up

Just a quickie here. Things are definitely looking up. Savannah and Tyler were kind enough, one day, to take me around the Galleria to apply for jobs. Because of that, I have already interviewed at Bath and Body Works--fingers crossed--and I have an interview at Michael's Arts & Crafts tomorrow. Now, all I need is to hear back from Godiva and Hobby Lobby and I'd be estatic. Any wishings of Good Luck are very much appreciated!

Oh, also, Preston is doing very well in his classes, and he has an interview as well tomorrow. Good Luck wishings for him as well, please!

Schedule (From 10/13 to 10/15)

Oct. 13:

--Edit Galley from SW (code, of course, lol)

--Finish NaNo Calender

--Work on Hub Article

--Update Craft Blog

--Work on Winds

Oct. 14:

--Edit for SHP

--Work on Shootout Story

--Work on Deadline for the 15th

--More applications to fill out

--Work on Hub Article

--Work on Winds

Oct. 15:

--Post for Wishlist Challenge

--Shootout Due

--Deadline Due

--Start Outlining for HoR I: FA

--Work on Winds

--Outline more on The Funny Thing About Keys

Schedule to be updated next on Oct. 15 (late) or Oct. 16 (early).

Planning Ahead

I'm a planner. I mean, seriously, if I knew exactly what it took, I would be a Wedding Planner, I love to plan so much. But, oddly, one of the things that often requires a lot of planning for, I rarely plan ahead for, leaving it to be done as I'm supposed to be working. What am I speaking of? Yup, nearly a month early, but I speak of NaNoWriMo! I had the great pleasure of winning last year with this little (fanfic) baby (click here for link):

Usually, I don't plan for NaNo until a couple of weeks before Nov. 1st--the kickoff. And last year, I only had three chapters of Building Blocks outlined until a few days into November. In fact, I had not even planned on participating last year--long story, folks--so I didn't even have a story until Oct. twenty-something. But I participated and won.

But this year... this year, it's different. AD Spencer had made a banner and sent it my way, cementing what her choice for NaNo was this year. Because, let's say, we both had a lot of choices. I literally had a list that had both original fiction works that were both novellas and novels to three fanfic sequels. But after talking to AD it hit me. I want a novel done. One I can sell. So I went with this:

I've had the House of Roanoke series planned for forever! It started out as a series of Short Stories in my head. However, my number one fan for this series (yeah, it's AD) led me to believe that it could be a novel. After some thinking, I realized that, yeah, I love this story enough to make it a novel. And then I thought some more and came to the conclusion that it could be four novels. And then I talked to AD again and realized that an old story idea of my could be linked to this world. So, although it's not apart of the quartet, it's a companion to this world. And then I talked to her about a problem I had concerning one of the characters in the House of Roanoke... how I didn't know what to do with them at the end. I told her what I didn't want to do. And then she made a wonderful suggestion. And, once again, although it isn't to be apart of the quartet, it is definitely a sequel/companion novel to follow. Keeping count? No? Well let me tell you. That's six. Six novels in the planning for this world that so far has only been one unpublished short story--which is a very bad version of chapter one of Family Affairs, btw.

So what's the story to this thing? Well, I'm not willing to say at this moment, other than the fact that I draw upon the story of Roanoke, America's first attempt at a colony. It's a supernatural genre, and it's geared toward adults, though maybe not for the reasons that one might automatically think of when someone thinks "adult fiction," if you get my drift.

So outlining here I come. NaNo '11, your ass is grass, and I'm the lawnmower! (Yikes, I haven't heard that since I was five.) Now... to actually do some work.

Readjusting to the Sun AKA Post Nano

Okay, so I didn't make it, again, this year in NaNo. But I'm not bummed out by this like I usually am. Instead, I made it the furthest I had ever made it before...if I exclude the fanfic chapters I added towards the end (knowing that there was no way I could squeeze out the amount of words needed for me to win with one day to go) I made it to a little over 23k. Usually, I'm lucky if I top 10k or 12k. Much improved! I might have even finished this year, if it had not been for Thanksgiving and stuff being due all in the same bloody week. It was like I woke up that Monday and was like, "Oh...everything, huh?" But, I'm going to try again next year. I know, I know...I'm getting married next year. Well, I'm still doing NaNo. It's very important to me that I actually finish it at least once...especially since I know I'm capable of writing over 50k (my fanfic, Untested, topped out at a little over 72k...so, yeah).

Anyhow, moving on. There's only four more total days of regular class left. I could do the Peanut Butter Jelly Time dance right here in the middle of the LRC. I'm so ready to leave and be done. Of course, there's this crippling fear of unemployment plaguing me...

I'm also trying to get my writing on schedule, whilst also handling what I've got left to do for Xmas. I'm so sacrificing sleep tonight to get out a chapter or two of something. (Wow...I just zoned right here in the middle of this thing to play with the scanner thing to check out books...). Back on track, I'm looking to finish All Fall Down soon...within next week, actually. I have a paper and a project to complete this weekend...Lord knows about another paper that was assigned and yet not. I'm sure I flunked the paper I turned in before Thanksgiving...but I should be fine if I do well on the final.

As for Xmas, I've got to finish shopping for Mom, Preston, Laura, and Savvy...I know what I'm getting each one of these people, just gotta get paid to get it. I'm looking to get Mom like three other things...(I only know what two of them will be)...I've already gotten her one thing. I've also gotta figure out what Preston is getting her. Laura's gift is easy. So is Savvy's.

Well, that's it for me. Gonna go eat the last cupcake here at work. Bye!

Meh

Well, I'm passing my classes with higher grades than I thought I was going to after some of those tests. The test I had truly thought I had flunked (one that was nothing but two in-class essays) I made a 95 on, so I was estatic! I made another 95 on my Medieval Europe I test and an 81 on my History of AL test (better than I thought I was going to do). Have no idea what my grade is on my paper for philosophy...

I started my Nano Backstory challenge last night and I really like where it's going. I also have planned to get a couple more things out this weekend.

So, I'm feeling kind of down today. Why? Reasons I won't explain here. A small part is me hating my next class...God, I just really don't want to go again. But I have to because I've lost track of how many days I've missed. I was kind of upset this morning, again can't state why. (Btw, as I look over to the next row of computers here at Collier, I see a student using Wikipedia as a source...epic fail at life.)

I just can't wait until this damn school gives me the other half of my loan check. I want to get started on my holiday shopping, which always cheers me up. They're supposed to release it the 22nd...next week. So, I really can't wait.

Well, that's all from me. Heading off to a class I hate in about 20mins...

Trishverse...on a schedule...

Okay, a couple of little things...I've added my Nano-badge here on the right, as well as a quote, a poll, and a picture. Check 'em out! Ahem, that being said...

I have such a schedule ahead of me!!! Okay, check out this list:

Oct. 10-- Visiting Mom and Laura
Oct. 11-- Cleaning house & decorating door for Halloween & general outlining/planning
Oct. 17-- Visiting Graystone Manor
Oct. 24 & 25-- Renaissance Faire (Yay!!)
Entire Month of Nov.-- Nano!!
Nov. 7-- Christmas Village
Nov. 24-- Term paper and Movie project

This list is not including tests and Philosophy papers...yeesh. Oh, and Xmas shopping, craft making, holiday cooking, cooking and grocery shopping in general, and various other tiny things that must be done in order for me to survive. So, yeah. If people hear from me in general, it's going to be a miracle.

Oh, I have to make my nano-playlist!! Sorry, random thought...really, I need to make like four different lists for four different things...

So It Begins...

Note-taking and a crazy race to 50,000 words...right on!

Writing and Such...

So, it's Day 3 of Nano, and I'm at 4, 022 words. I'm planning on writing at least 2,000 more tonight. And I'm excited. I'm not showing it as much as some, but I really am. I don't feel the excitement when I step back, but when I'm in the middle of working on my baby--my beloved Dark Mistress and the Lady of Light--I can feel that old excitement and sheer delirium coursing through me. I was so happy to discover that all of the most important songs that I listened to while writing the original draft were all still on my computer.

And on top of that, I have the sudden urge to produce, like, 5 different chapters of fanfiction. A chapter of each of the following: Untested, How to Be a Dhampire, All Fall Down, Currently Untitled First Chapter of the Sequel to the "Proclaiming Love" series, and Tip of the Theological. Hmm...maybe I will. Plus still get the desired and needed word count. We'll see...