NaNoWriMo Tips and Encouragement

by Victoria M. Johnson

Dear NaNoWriMo writers, as you prepare to dive in to write your novel I want you to start with the right frame of mind and the right tools. This post contains a boost of direction, a few tips, and that dose of inspiration to help you succeed.  

But hold on for just a moment.

Dear Non NaNoWriMo readers, you may be wondering what all the online banter is about.  National Novel Writing Month, more affectionately known as NaNoWriMo, kicked off on November 1st and runs through November 30th.  During that time the 400,000 or so people from around the world who signed-up (for free) commit to write a draft of a 50,000 word novel.  Now in it's 20th year, the event has gained in popularity every year.

The fun part is the online sharing through facebook, twitter, and instagram of the participating writers and others, like me, who are supporting and rooting for them.  For example, on twitter: advice and encouragement tweets are mixed in with tweets of word counts, excuses, and lots of lamenting.  I felt bad for those who are already stuck--and it's only four days in--so I gathered some help and wrote this post.

I found great NaNoWriMo tips that are helpful for all writers whether you're participating or not. 

41 Insider Tips for Winning NaNoWriMo

Reedsy gathered up editors and agents to get these great pointers.  For those of you who might need a dose of confidence:

"All you need is two 15-minute bursts of writing each day," says editor Lindsay Schlegel. "Sit down, do it, and move on. Don't worry if you don't write enough words the first few days. The creative juices will start flowing, and you'll make up for it by the end." 

NaNoWriMo Advice: 30 Tips for Writing a Book in 30 Days

Jessica Strawser provides this gem, "Always end a writing session only when you know what’s next." 

Preparing for NaNoWriMo: Your Guide to Outlining Success

K.M. Weiland has ten parts to her very useful NaNoWriMo guide.  The part containing key ingredients for participants: Click Here

"Start your outline by writing down everything you already know about the story.  Put it all on paper in a short list, so you can evaluate what you already have."

Photo by Christin Hume

Want To Win NaNoWriMo This Year?  7 Tips On Writing And Productivity

Joanna Penn says, "When people ask for tips on getting their book written, my number one tip is to schedule time for writing as you would schedule any other appointment."

How a Month of NaNoWriMo Can Lead to a Lifetime of Better Writing

Grant Faulkner offers this wise observation, "To write 50,000 words in 30 days, you have to write 1,667 words a day.  That means banishing your inner editor and showing up to write on good days and bad days, on hard days at work, on lazy and uninspired days, maybe even on sick days."

24 Books that Won NaNoWriMo

Marie (no last name given) gives participants hope by citing books created during NaNoWriMo that went on to publication.

Are you participating, if so, let me know in the comments below.  Good luck, I'm cheering for you.

Victoria M. Johnson knew by the time she was ten that she wanted to be a writer.  She loves telling stories and she's happiest when creating new characters and new plots.  Avalon Books and Montlake Romance published Victoria's fiction debut, The Doctor’s Dilemma.  Her other fiction book is a collection of romance short stories titled, The Substitute Bride and a novella, Hot Hawaiian Christmas. She is also the writer and director of four short films and two micro documentaries.   Visit Victoria's website at http://VictoriaMJohnson.com for inspiration and tips and find her Amazon author page or connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

Save Your Marriage Using Romance Novels

by Victoria M. Johnson

I have been an avid reader of romance novels for years and years.  I suppose you could say that I'm addicted to happy endings.  I have my favorite authors and subgenres of course, but it's always a pleasure discovering new authors and new tips for keeping romance alive.

Tips?  What kind of tips, you ask.

Well, one day I began noticing that authors, through their characters in romance novels, were revealing great relationship tips.  You can also call them advice or guidelines for a happy life.  Actually, once I started looking for these gems, I found dozens.  So many, in fact, that I wrote a motivational nonfiction book to share and celebrate the wisdom found in romances.

Below are snippets from three chapters of that book, All I Need to Know in Life I Learned From Romance Novels. These small excerpts are examples of truths I found on finding and keeping romance alive and well.

If you don't treat your partner right, someone else will

There are three rules for writing a successful romance novel: Focus on the relationship. Focus on the relationship. Focus on the relationship. I think it’s a great motto for marriage, too. With all the deadbeats out there, a good man will be snatched up by another woman before you have time to change the sheets.  Good men truly are hard to find.  If you have a good one, don't take him for granted.  There are women out there who want to steal your man away from you. They are conniving and plotting at this moment.  We’ve seen it, read about it, maybe experienced it; we know that it happens.  So what can we do to protect our unsuspecting men from the clutches of these enticing predators? What do our heroines do?

They put their highest effort into what matters to them.  The heroine does not act half-heartedly in anything.  This includes interactions with the hero.  The hero and heroine are always in touch.  The developing relationship is meaningful to them.  Let your mate know how important your relationship is to you.  And consider another writing maxim: show, don’t tell.

Whining isn't attractive

Whining annihilates romantic interest faster than finding a mouse in your bed.  People don’t appreciate listening to a whiner. And why should they? Everyone has problems. Whining is unromantic, unheroic, and downright useless. You’ll never hear a heroine whine. She may protest or point out negatives, but her challenge gets results, inspires action. No matter the heavy load she carries, she perseveres. As for the hero, you’ll never hear a real man snivel.  He may argue or be bullheaded, of course.  His riled conduct gets his point across, persuades.  No matter how down on his luck the hero is, he maintains his dignity.  Whatever they have been through, the hero and heroine don’t feel sorry for themselves.  They do something to change their circumstances.

Never trust anything a woman who has her eye on your man tells you

Distrust is like lava pouring out of a volcano, as it destroys everything it encounters.  Reading about it is much better than living it.  Though, sometimes, in spite of how much we trust someone, the evidence does incriminate him.  How do we forestall evil forces from entering our lives? Here are suggestions derived from romance novel heroines.

First, look at the motives of the person who casually mentions unpleasant “facts” about your partner.  Ask yourself, what does she have to gain?  Why is she telling you this; is it to inform, hurt, or warn?  Second, ignore the messenger’s advice and follow your own instincts.  Third, look at the situation from all sides, particularly your mate’s.  Maybe the hussy exaggerated.  Fourth, talk to him, if warranted.

The book (originally published in hardcover, now only available as an ebook) has 29 chapters of intriguing observations.  Other chapters for living a fulfilling romantic life include: If you stand around waiting for a man, you'll be alone for a long time; Attitude makes all the difference; Communication is the key to a healthy relationship; and The secret to hot sex is trust.

All I Need to Know in Life I Learned FromRomance Novels is the perfect companion for romance novel loyalists.  In it you'll discover how to apply the wisdom of romance novels in your own life.  Whether you're happily single, very married, or looking for someone special, I think you'll learn something beneficial while being entertained.  I wish you all a romantic Valentine's Day and I truly hope you find your own happy ending. 

Victoria M. Johnson knew by the time she was ten that she wanted to be a writer.  She loves telling stories and she's happiest when creating new characters and new plots.  Avalon Books and Montlake Romance published Victoria's fiction debut, The Doctor’s Dilemma, (A 2012 Bookseller’s Best double finalist).  Her other fiction book is a collection of romance short stories titled, The Substitute Bride and a novella, Hot Hawaiian Christmas. She is also the writer and director of four short films and two micro documentaries.   Visit Victoria's website at http://VictoriaMJohnson.com for inspiration and tips and find her Amazon author page or connect with her on Pinterest and Twitter.

Wacky But Tested Ideas for Author Self Promotion

by Victoria M. Johnson

If you're a published author, or soon to become one, then it's likely you've pondered about announcing to the world the availability of your brilliant book that you labored long and hard over.  Welcome to the territory of book promotion.

Lucky for you, award-winning author and editor Valerie Estelle Frankel is an expert at creative book promotion and she compiled an anthology of wacky, unconventional, but effective promotion strategies for authors.

The ebook is titled: Self Promo Stories:Authors’ Boldest, Cleverest & Wackiest Strategies to Sell their Books

The BEST thing is that she is offering the anthology for FREE over at Smashwords.

I was pleased to receive the invite to participate in the anthology.  I hope you'll enjoy my Christmastime story.  I am amongst the twenty authors who contributed a unique approach to gaining attention for their new release. This ebook has everything from silly hats to sandwich board costumes. There's plenty of up-to-date social media advice -- Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and blogging. There's also advice for KDP free days and linking your book with bestsellers. See how one author got reviews and how another arranged bookstore events.

The just released ebook is currently only at Smashwords (for FREE) and will soon become available at other online retailers.  Download it and take a look.  I'm sure you'll find some inspiration for your next book promotion.

Have you ever done anything out of the ordinary to promote your book?  Let us know in the comments below.

-->Victoria M. Johnson knew by the time she was ten that she wanted to be a writer.  She loves telling stories and she's happiest when creating new characters and new plots.  Avalon Books and Montlake Romance published Victoria's fiction debut, The Doctor’s Dilemma, (A 2012 Bookseller’s Best double finalist).  Her other fiction book is a collection of romance short stories titled, The Substitute Bride and a novella, Hot Hawaiian Christmas. She is also the writer and director of four short films and two micro documentaries.   Visit Victoria's website at http://VictoriaMJohnson.com for inspiration and tips and find her Amazon author page or connect with her on Pinterest and Twitter.

Look What I Found on YouTube!

by Victoria M. Johnson

Have you ever wanted to hear bestselling author James Patterson's secrets to writing success?  How about hearing inspiring tips from Pulitzer Prize winner Junot Díaz?  Perhaps you wished you could pick Stephen King's brain for writing advice.  I have seen and heard these experts, and many others, speak from the heart.  They open up and give a peek into their writing lives, share their writing knowledge, and offer thought-provoking insights.  I found them on YouTube.

Don't worry.  I'm not sending you on a wild hunt.  I've already created my own YouTube Channel and the Playlist where all these videos are located is titled: WritersAdvice & Inspiration.

Here is my favorite one. In just under four minutes Junot Díaz, who is also an editor at Boston Review and a creative writing professor, provides many gems of wisdom.  He's quite inspiring.

Prolific author James Patterson shares what's he's learned about writing bestsellers.  Get out your notebook and a pen for this six minute video.

Another example is this five-and-a-half minute video of novelist, short story writer, and poet Joyce Carol Oates talking about creating characters.

So far there are ten videos in this playlist, including Amy Tan, Ray Bradbury, Kurt Vonnegut, and Nora Roberts.

One of my other playlists is titled: LikedVideos

Here I have the videos of authors like J.K Rowling and Ken Follett, and poet Joy Harjo, among others.

If you'd like to check out my Channel, here is the link to that: FilmsByVictoria

My channel has seven playlists and includes my short films and other things.

In case I confused you, here's a wrap up of the links:

Writers Advice & Inspiration

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXhHSs1ni7IfW0twhnkihsUVJrVMdJrh7

Liked Videos

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=LLO6d3ODr-HzC-wvactbA0zg

My YouTube Channel:

http://www.youtube.com/FilmsByVictoria

I love YouTube.  There are so many videos to learn from and be inspired by.  Do you have any favorite videos?  Do you have a channel?  Let us know in the comments below.

Victoria M. Johnson knew by the time she was ten that she wanted to be a writer.  She loves telling stories and she's happiest when creating new characters and new plots.  Avalon Books and Montlake Romance published Victoria's fiction debut, The Doctor’s Dilemma, (A 2012 Bookseller’s Best double finalist).  Her other fiction book is a collection of romance short stories titled, The Substitute Bride and a novella, Hot Hawaiian Christmas. She is also the writer and director of four short films and two micro documentaries.   Visit Victoria's website at http://VictoriaMJohnson.com for inspiration and tips and find her Amazonauthor page or connect with her on Pinterest and Twitter.

Advice for Newlyweds From an Oldly-Wed

by Gina Ardito

This past weekend, I attended my godson's wedding. There were some lovely moments, touching toasts, and scads of applause for these two young people starting their lives together. What I didn't see or hear was anything worthwhile these newlyweds could carry into their future days. And so, here I am, pushy Aunt Gina, providing the words of wisdom I think these kids in love will need from someone who's been there.

1. Laugh. Not just when things are going right, but more importantly, when things are going wrong. Your Uncle Phil and I have taken photos of the auto mechanics who've fixed our car when we had trouble enroute to vacation spots (and yes, they're in our photo albums so we can still laugh about those incidents). We find humor in the long wait for doctors' appointments, traffic jams, doing the bills together, filing our taxes. Laughter eases stress, lowers blood pressure, and releases pleasure endorphins. Get in the habit of finding the humor in minor inconveniences now, and you'll be prepared for the more serious stress-filled moments later.

2. Touch. Hold hands, rub each other's shoulders, run a finger up and down your partner's arm. And not only as a prelude to sex. Touch when there's nothing else involved but touching. Touch while in a crowded room, in the car, while grocery shopping. Play footsie under the table during dinner in the middle of the week. Touching releases oxytocin, a happy chemical in our bodies.

3. Celebrate. Focus on good things, no matter how small. Compliment each other often--not on looks, but on qualities, actions, and how your partner makes you feel. It takes at least five compliments to appease the hurt of one careless remark. Reinforce the good at all times. 

4. Listen. Talk often, but more importantly, listen to each other. Put down the cellphone, turn off the television and have real, meaningful conversation where you focus solely on each other.

5. Say, "I love you." I know it sounds like a no-brainer, but your goal is to say it at least five times a day. Remember that five compliments thing I mentioned?  And the oxytocin and happy endorphins? Saying "I love you" releases oxytocin and happy endorphins. Saying it five times enforces the feeling when you're not together.

6. Think good things about your partner when you're apart. This way, you'll be eager to see each other again.

7. It's okay to go to bed angry. Sometimes, emotion clouds our judgment and you're both ready to see the compromise after a temporary cease-fire.

8. Share. Share your feelings, share the workload, share secrets, share yourselves.

9. Equal isn't always equal. Often, one partner will give more than the other to the relationship. As long as this giving fluctuates so it's not always one partner giving more than the other, this is actually quite fair.

10. Share common activities but also do things separately. Couples need outside interests to keep themselves from stagnating. Allow your partner to grow to enhance your relationship.

Congratulations, you two! May you rejoice in your happiness, weather your storms, and find a lifetime of love.