Lisa Basso: The Journal of an Aspiring Writer

The upside?

It took me 28 Days, exactly four weeks, to write 50,000 words!

The downside?

Unfortunately, I'm not done. Somehow my words have managed to get away with me. So, this draft of The Council Girl isn't finished yet. Realistically, I think this is more where I stand.

50190 / 60000 words. 84% done!

Well, off to The Dickens Fair, then back to work!

To everyone here in the US, and those outside the country who celebrate it, Happy Thanksgiving!



Things I'm thankful for:

1) Family and friends

2) Turkey

3) Pumpkin pie

and

4) Someone else cooking

Eat lots today people! Gotta bulk up for mega-marathon shopping tomorrow! Anyone going?

My plethora of birthday books have finally arrived!

( See a complete list under the cut )
I'm so excited to get my hands on some of the best reviewed group of YA books to have been released. Now, if I could only find the time...

Next week I will be doing a Guest blog and giveaway here for the 25 Paranormal Days of Christmas event on December 3rd.



I'm totally excited! More information as it comes.

In NaNo news, I'm running just a hair behind where I'd like to be with my draft of TCG, but I must say I'm startled with my progress.

37489 / 50000 words. 75% done!

Only one week left. Time to push. It's now or never. And all that pep-talk BS. But seriously, I never knew what to expect with NaNo. It was a love/hate relationship. Right now we're back at the love stage, but who knows, that could change twenty times before the month ends. And it probably will. But for now, keep writing NaNoers! You can do it!

Holiday Treats! is now available for purchase here.

Blood Under The Mistletoe.

While Holly Devereux, a spirited southern belle, prepares for a holiday trip to spend Christmas with her family, a fang-toothed stranger has something else in mind when he kidnaps her and nearly drains her dry. Holly’s lover, a sexy and devoted vampire named Victor discovers she’s missing and pools his resources of undead friends—and enemies—to help her.

When Holly uncovers she was taken because she is half-witch, everything she thought she knew changes. She has to discover if Victor, a man who refuses to give her human heart what she most desires, is worth her time, find a way to escape from the center of a deadly witch’s coven, and make it back to her family alive in time for Christmas.


To celebrate, here is an excerpt from my story.

( Under the cut )

While I'm currently in the middle of grieving the loss of a beloved family member, I realized the world around me hasn't stopped. Whether I'm mentally here or not, time keeps passing and I realize my posts have been few and far between as of late.

So, call it therapy or aversion (by throwing myself into my work), but I have a post full of great news.

Item #1: NaNoWriMo
After taking a few days off, I jumped back into THE COUNCIL GIRL (again, working title, guys) and after about ten minutes of flouncing around, I fell right back into Skya's world. Progress is, well, progressing. Here are the numbers:

22474 / 50000 words. 45% done!

I never knew I could write so fast, and call me crazy, but it doesn't seem to be such a terrible draft, which was exactly the opposite of what I was expecting. But then again, we'll see how it looks come revision time.

Item #2: Wishes
While I didn't think I had time to wish for anything for my birthday (which was Wednesday), I must have done something right, because my long wishlist on Borders.com was purchased! *Thanks best boyfriend in the world!* So I have a bunch of new, shiny books to look forward to in just a few days. :-)
(Will post pics the moment they arrive)

Item #3: Officially a Writer (with a capital W)
I just received an email from my publisher and it looks like The Merry Times Holiday Digest, in which I actually have a story in, could be available for purchase as soon as THIS WEEKEND! *squeals* More information on that as it comes, including where to buy it *winks*

So, in closing, with the bad also comes good, you just have to know where to look for it. And writing has been such an unbelievable comfort to me. It only solidifies my career choice and reignites my passion for storytelling and creating.

Wishing everyone out there in internet-land the same opportunities to find and live their dreams.

NaNoWriMo is going well. Really well. As a matter of fact, I'm more than a third done. See for yourselves (I'm sure you guys trust me, but I just love seeing the word count meter).

The Council Girl:

16803 / 50000 words. 34% done!

Now I'd like to talk a little about plotting. Unless this is your first visit to my blog, you should know I am the world's best (or is it worst?) pantser. For those of you who don't know, a pantser is a seat-of-your-pants writer. Now I'm not saying I've changed for good, but things are coming along so smoothly I might just try plotting again on my next novel.

How did I plot, you might be asking yourselves?

I started with the characters. Each character got a sheet of paper with likes, dislikes, driving goals, wishes, and fears. From there I used what I learned in Discovering Story Magic taught by Laura Baker and Robin Perini*. With this class I was able to to create a character grid then a storyboard. I never felt so organized before. It was a strange and foreign feeling, yet fairly simple.

Between the class material and all the ideas it took me about a week from start to finish. Not bad, huh? Not to mention plotting has saving me so much time now, since I'm currently working on the first draft.

A common misconception that I too believed would be true, was that plotting took the all the surprise away, because you already know what's going to happen next. I too was worried this would take all the fun away, but let me tell you, there are still little things that haven't been created. There's always dialogue too, especially when you're dealing with characters you know so well, some of which are crazy (or is that just my characters?). Plus nothing is set in stone. Things are getting moved around all the time in my draft. I'm just going with what works best with the pacing and story.

So, I'm not an official convert, because there is something so satisfying about starting from scratch and letting your fingers go, but for NaNo and any future deadlines (hey, a girl can dream), I'm thinking plotting is the road I'll be taking.

*Note: I am not being paid to endorse this class. I am only recommending it because I enjoyed it and it worked for me. Just passing along the good writing karma.

Today I have been exhausted mentally and physically. That's pretty much how it's been since the beginning of last week when my family and I got some bad news. As it is, the bad news stands. Nothing much has changed, but I'm trying to keep optimistic.

In lighter news, writing is coming along...thanks to NaNo! My current WIP--The Council Girl (working title)--is showing me all kinds of surprises. With a sixteen year old trained assassin as my MC, there's no wonder why. For those of you not Nano-ing, here's the rundown.

13167 / 50000 words. 26% done!

Wow. That number actually surprises me. I hadn't looked at percentages yet. I'm actually quite proud.

Today afforded me little. Less than 100 words. My head wasn't in the game, but I plan on making that up tomorrow. I just know tomorrow will be a stellar writing day. :-)

Keep writing Nano-ers! We can do this!

More trouble with the wireless (which I think The Best Boyfriend in the World and I have decided is on its last leg) and a family emergency has derailed both my blog postings as of late and brought my creative work to a screeching halt.

As it is, I am still planning to participate in NaNoWriMo in November, as long as my sanity holds. I'm going to try my best to throw myself into my work, which usually works wonders when The Threat of Life (TM) comes knocking on my door. The looming threat promise of yet another birthday is beginning to hang over my head like a piano on a faulty pulley system sneak up too. I don't know why, but the last few years, my birthdays seem to be something I'd rather skip than participate in. It's strange, considering I'm still fairly young. Meh. *shrugs shoulders*

On the writing front, I have managed to squeeze out a little work on "SA", my first YA story.

Pages Edited: 70
Pages Left: 113

Halloween plans? Not much, but this is the first year in over a decade that Halloween doesn't seem just another day. It holds so much more magic than any other day of the year. It boils the creative juices, which is exactly what I need right now.

My posts for November are going to be a little different. I'm not sure how yet, but I'm hoping to try something new. *presses fingertips together with a menacing smile*

Happy Halloween all!

I just got back from vacation last night--after the most turbulent five and a half hour plane ride--and let me tell you, it was be-u-tiful!

Virginia in the fall *sighs*

I definitely have enough inspiration--and pictures--to assist me in my NaNoWriMo this November. If you haven't signed up yet, time's ticking away. November is coming up fast guys. My ID there is angel28140 (it seemed the easiest to remember). If you have already signed up, add me. I would love a friendly butt-kicking now and again, especially since this will be my first NaNo.

Back to the pics...



Beautiful, right? And let me tell you, the picture doesn't do it justice. The trees just don't change in San Francisco as they do in the East.

There are plenty more pictures on my Shutterfly site. Check them out. I'm still uploading, but some of them are so great.

We went to Virginia Beach in the rain.


Worlds different than it was in the summer. Huh?



We also went to the Shenandoah Mountains, Colonial Williamsberg, Downtown Richmond, and Washington DC. Not bad for a week, huh?

On the writing front, I didn't have much of a chance to get anything writing or editing related done, but now I'm brimming with inspiration and will have to fight myself not to get a jumpstart on November NaNo.

See you there!

The Council Girl:

2964 / 50000 words. 6% done!

Work continues on The Council Girl. My MC is so bad ass. I love it!

"SA" is also coming along.
Pages edited: 31
Pages left: 151

Time is beginning to become an issue, especially with an essay due tomorrow and a week long trip fast approaching. I have been stealing time to both write and edit, though it isn't as much as I'd like. I have to keep telling myself something is better than nothing, no matter how frustrating it is to set a timer and only allow myself so much time for each project. The key is I'm pushing forward, working hard, and not getting discouraged.

Oh how I wish I'd bought that alphasmart last month for the five hour plane ride...Coulda, woulda, shoulda--right? Oh well.

With any luck, life will level out soon. :-)

Here's to hoping and pushing forward.

Life has been interrupting my posting time, but I've squeezed in a few minutes to give y'all (not a word I normally use...it's something I picked up from my trip to the south this summer) an update.

Between still recovering from what I have somehow convinced myself was the swine flu--as opposed to the regular flu, mostly because I'm a hypochondriac and the sickness lasted for 3 weeks--I have been finding time to get work done.

Still working (slowly) through edits of "SA"
Update!
Pages edited: 22
Pages left: 160

Also, I have finished plotting my next project and officially started it today. I'm super excited about writing again. It feels like it's been a long time since I actually got to get words down on the page. I am starting to believe this is my favorite part of writing. The first draft, where (almost) anything goes.

As I've said before, this project will also be YA and until I come up with a better title, I will be referring to it as The Council Girl. It's lame and generic, I know this, but it's a start. I don't have much time left, so I'll leave you with the teeny tiny word count on my new project.

The Council Girl:

922 / 50000 words. 2% done!

Over and out, devoted readers!

In the midst of working on plotting my next project, I have decided--in a fit of insanity--to begin edits on "SA". I've been doing a little of each every day.

Plotting is going well. I have my characters (which I believe is the hardest part of the plotting process). I know them well. I'm still trying to get my hands on a dry erase board, but that will have to wait until I get back from Virginia (leaving next weekend for a week), until then I've been using computer paper, colored index cards, scissors, and a glue stick. Sometimes it feels like an arts and crafts project. :-)

I think I have most of the main events set out, but I'm not going to start writing until I'm sure. That's the promise I've made to myself. It's difficult, but I'm trying something new, devoting myself to it.

Edits on "SA" are coming along. It's good, but will definitely need more than one pass for continuity. Here's the update on that.

Pages edited: 7
Pages left: 174

It's just a drop in the bucket, but it's a start, considering I've been sick for like two weeks now.

To mark the end of September, and my own little creation, September Writing Month, I have decided to conclude the month with an update.

Lost in the Shadows has officially been through another round of edits. I am very happy with the way it's turned out. It's not perfect yet, but it's much better. I have managed to cut over 12k from the manuscript and I've ironed out a lot of the kinks. #1 is looking over it and I look forward to hearing her thoughts on it when she returns from vacation.

The beginning of something new...

I've been thinking and thinking on what to write next. I was looking over some of my old notes and things I've written while I was supposed to be paying attention in class and found one single page of writing that just drew me in and got me thinking. After breaking it up and looking over what I had, I realized this is what I need to write. This is my next passion project.

I asked a myself few questions and, to my surprise, I've decided it will be YA (Young Adult). I would have never guessed I would be writing another YA, but it just fits. This project is different and edgy. I'm in the process of plotting it out--yes, plotting, me! Who knew? I always thought I would be pantser for life, but plotting actually makes it easier to pump out that word count. Plus I'm learning so much about these new characters.

In short, I'm stoked.

Send good vibes through the universe on this one, guys. It's gonna be tough, so I'll need it, but I accept the challenge with open arms. :-)

Days 24 and 25. The very thought of posting yesterday raised my fever.

But being sick isn't going to bring my editing to a screeching halt. Lost in the Shadows keeps coming along.

Pages edited: 278
Pages left: 100

Right now, lunch is calling. I think I'll make some soup. Sorry for the short post!

The trouble with wireless internet is sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Lately, mine hasn't been exactly cooperative. That explains my absence over the last few days.

On that note, days 21, 22, and 23 of September Writing Month have been good. I'm still working through edits of Lost in the Shadows. I've reached the half-way point, after finishing two chapters yesterday. I'm hoping to move forward with that same momentum as I creep up on today.

Pages edited: 207
Pages left: 179

I'm working up to my goal--to finish this round of edits by the end of the month. To reach that goal, I'll need to shift into fifth gear. I'll be back tomorrow with another update, wireless permitting.

:-)

Keep writing, Urban Fantasy fans!

First thing's first. Day Twenty. I am LOVING my little September Writing Month idea.

Current Page count on latest revision of Lost in the Shadows: 143
Pages to go: 246

Things are moving along smoothly and I feel like LITS is FINALLY coming together, turning into something I can really be proud of. Maybe proud enough to release into the wild...someday. *g*

In semi-related news, BUTM, the short story I completed a little more than two weeks ago has been accepted by my publisher!!!!!

Blood Under the Mistletoe will be published by Midnight Showcase Fiction in November of this year. It will be included in an holiday themed anthology titled The Merry Times Holiday Digest.

Since Blood Bonds won't be published till May next year, I assumed 2010 would be my publishing debut, but it turns out that 2009 will be!

I'm beyond excited. In celebration of this, I'm posting the synopsis.

Enjoy!



Blood Under the Mistletoe:

Holly Devereux, a spirited southern belle, prepares for a holiday trip to spend Christmas with her family, but a fang-toothed stranger has something else in mind when he kidnaps her and nearly drains her dry. Holly’s lover, a sexy and devoted vampire named Victor discovers she’s missing and pools his resources of undead friends—and enemies—to help her.

When Holly uncovers she was taken because she is half-witch, everything she thought she knew changes. She has to discover if Victor, a man who refuses to give her human heart what she most desires, is worth her time, find a way to escape from the center of a deadly witch’s coven, and make it back to her family alive in time for Christmas.

Day Nineteen

I'm working my fingers to the bone on my edit of Lost in the Shadows. The last few days have gifted this lovely migraine, the happy little fella has taken root right behind the eyes. So I'm guessing that means I'm doing my job right. My current page count agrees. 115 pages down. 275 left to go.

Not bad I have to say. But I should add that it couldn't have been possible without my brilliant CP. You know who you are. Thanks again.

My wheels are still turning about what writing project I'll be embarking on next. Whatever it is, I have already decided to try my hand at plotting it out first. I did that with Darkness Rises and it made everything go smoother. For now I'm still gathering thoughts, but I'm thinking of a third installment in the Angel St. Claire series.

However, nothing is written in stone. Another shiny new idea could pop up and steal her place in line. You can never tell with these damn writers, you know.

The month is beginning to fly by. I haven't been writing...because I've begun edits on Lost in the Shadows AKA novel #1. Currently, I'm working on one chapter a day, more if I can swing it. I'm on page 53 now. How long will it take? I would like to finish September Writing Month with a bang. You know what that means. Back to work.

But I won't leave you empty handed. Here is a mix of songs I've compiled that reminds of my MC's from Lost in the Shadows.

Enjoy!

Ah! *breathes a sigh of relief*

Day Fifteen of September Writing Month has given a pleasant gift, the completion of my very first YA novel, “SA”. That’s right, it’s finished. And yes, it’s FINALLY finished. I don’t know off the top of my head how long it took and I don’t really want to know (thanks to my 6 week vacation).

53340 / 53340 words. 100% done!

It’s 20 chapters of bliss, 181 pages of wonder, and I can honestly say some of the best stuff I’ve written (even with the giant holes equated with the dreaded first draft). I guess it’s safe to say I am in quite a good mood.

However, there are two other things today helping the good mood along. Today’s release of Marvel’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine on DVD and Blu-Ray




I haven’t seen it yet, so please, no spoilers. I’m beyond excited.

My other reason for excitement? Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 releases today (for the PS3, of course)




Plus my pre-order includes exclusive use of this little guy






Can you tell I’m a total fangirl when it comes to Marvel?

These three things are quite literally my life today.

Tomorrow it’s back to business as usual, but for the remainder of the day, the greatest boyfriend in the world and I will leave this world and enter the Marvel Universe.