Wednesday, November 1, 2017

IWSG: A Sign from the Universe

It's Insecure Writer's Support Group day, a monthly event where authors in the blogosphere can share about insecurities and other stuff going on in their lives. First, how was your Halloween? The good number of trick-or-treaters who came by my house as unicorns, Rubik's Cubes, and Ghost Buster characters tells me that the '80s are making a comeback. 

Today's IWSG question is: Win or not, do you usually finish your NaNo project? Have any of them gone on to be published?  I "won" NaNoWriMo awhile back and am still working on the manuscript- it's my YA food novel KISS MY BUTTER. Earlier this year, I had to put the project aside although I still worked on it inside my head. As I was preparing to immerse myself back into the writing and re-read the working draft, I worried the break I'd taken would make me rusty. Fortunately, that wasn't the case. Reviewing my manuscript, I can better see the story's strengths and weaknesses now.  

What's funny was that the night after I picked up my manuscript again, an author friend I hadn't corresponded with for a really long time emailed me out of the blue that following morning.  She wanted to know if I was still working on my novel. She even remembered my book title. I took this as a sign from the universe that I should continue to push forward on this book project....even though it has been quite awhile since I started it. 

What do you think of when you think of the '80s? Are you doing NaNoWriMo this month? Have you ever received a sign from the universe?

11 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

That was definitely a sign. Time to work on it again. Yeah, it's a memorable title.
I think between the movie It and Stranger Things, people are reconnecting with the 80's right now.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Yes, that sounds like a sign. I've had a few with a manuscript that I recently picked up after not writing for 4 years.

The Silver Fox said...

I don't have a lot of fond memories of the '80s. I became an adult in the mid-1970s, so I have no real nostalgia for the following decade at all.

I find it rather strange that modern kids are dressing up as 1980s characters or concepts. What on earth could that decade have in the way of an attraction for them? Or do their parents choose their outfits?

I think KISS MY BUTTER is an excellent and intriguing title, and I'll add one more vote to those of the "yes, it's a sign" crowd.

Rebecca M. Douglass said...

I not only think it's a sign you should work on it, but I'm not at all surprised that time away from the MS has given you more perspective. In fact, I pretty much always put my first drafts away for several month to a year, until I can look at it like it isn't my work (also without having all the things in my head that I only think made it into the story).

I came of age in the early 80s. I don't think much of the decade.

Sadira Stone said...

That is a great title. I've gained from letting a manuscript stew for a while--there's always another project waiting in the wings.

Pat Hatt said...

Stranger things sure comes to mind with the 80s now. Sure a sign that you should bring it back out and start working away again.

Chrys Fey said...

I’m glad you’re still working on your NaNo book. I noticed so many who don’t do anything more with their stories after winning NaNo.

M.J. Fifield said...

I'm an 80s child, so I love the 80s. I had a few unicorns at my door on Halloween, too. No Rubik's Cubes, though.

Love the title of your novel. Time away from a project always seems to help me see things more clearly. Best of luck to you!

Liz A. said...

Ah, the '80s. So many memories.

I guess it's time to pick that book back up. It's amazing how much you do remember. You will have forgotten a lot, too, but that's helpful in making it fresh again for you.

S.P. Bowers said...

Good luck on the book! I've found letting a book sit is a really good thing. Sometimes it has to sit for longer than we want, but if it's good, it'll last.

Yes, I have received numerous signs from the universe, it's how I know I'm on the right, or sometimes wrong, track.

Christine Rains said...

The 80s are coming back around, and I'm glad. I'm lost on what's going on with any trends past the year 2000! Good luck with the book. The title made me giggle.

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