The Buzz!
I want your VOTE. Should we extend Fin-Yoda month, November, into December?
1) Yes. Great idea!
2) Okay. But just until November 32nd or so, and that's IT.
3) No freakin' way! I'm done!
Send votes by email to
Queen Fin-Yoda. Hey, if I can create Fin-Yoda-Nomo, I can make up Nov 32nd. After all, I have a Masters' Degree in MSU (Making Stuff Up.) It's true. Just check my FaceBook page profile.
I want your VOTE. Should we extend Fin-Yoda month, November, into December?
1) Yes. Great idea!
2) Okay. But just until November 32nd or so, and that's IT.
3) No freakin' way! I'm done!
Send votes by email to
Queen Fin-Yoda. Hey, if I can create Fin-Yoda-Nomo, I can make up Nov 32nd. After all, I have a Masters' Degree in MSU (Making Stuff Up.) It's true. Just check my FaceBook page profile.
December Buzz
Alas, I have eaten myself into a sugar coma. (Conveniently, that is what I blame for my inactivity.) But, today I forged freezing temperatures, carried my notebook computer to Barnes & Noble, and wrote 530 words. It felt good. - Andrea
I added 33 words to my manuscript today but did do some revision and editing while I had a few minutes. - JM
We can do it, Fin-Yodians. Perhaps we need to set smaller daily goals. Mine is 2 pages a day (and I've been useing the word count sheet, Andrea - it helps to have a concrete log!). Alot of my Nano days were only successful because I kept telling myself, 'just make it to 2,000 words.' Anybody else have a daily goal? - Bethany
I'm setting down the crappy stuff in hopes that it will lead me to the stuff that sparkles. - Bethany
Realistically 1/4 to 1/2 of the 27,000 words I wrote will not end up in the novel. But, among the junk are some jewels. I used all that writing to learn my characters inside and out, experiment with different writing styles, and to let the story unfold. (Sounds a lot better when I say it that way.) - Andrea
I can't wait to put the "to do" list aside and to back to the writing groove. And once we do that- we'll be happy campers again! - Carol
The writing IS important enough to do, and each day away from it will only increase your longing for it and give you the oomph you need when you can sit down again. - Bethany
Hi, Queen Yoda! I wrote 885 words on Nov. 31, started checking spelling and grammar on Nov.32 (no time to write but had a few minutes to do something). Now I'm going to return to the spell check. I can't wait for a good glass of wine tonight. - Julie
Thanks for the constant encouragement, Andrea! I'll defintely be taking you up on your offer for a NEW November. As busy as December promises to be, I'm still hoping to make some good progress this month...but I'm setting my sites on January (the least busy month of my year!!!). So I guess my plan is a complete manuscript by November 92nd. Congratulations on your progress this month and good luck finishing it up. Onward and upward! - Brad
What an awesome job you've done and I am so excited for everyone especially me. My Nov. 30th count was 519 words and my grand total was 20,732. - Julie [Congratulations!! - AJ]
OK, it's midnight on Nov. 30. So, is Fin-Yoda-Nomo no mo'? NO! The people have spoken and y'all have decided that November will continue on, sneaking its way into December. I, for one, pledge to pick up my vorpal sword tomorrow. For now... Yawn! I'm gong to bed! -Andrea
Just wanted to let you know that I made it to 50K and I'm an official Nano winner. - Bethany [She is also our grand Fin-Yoda-Nomo Wnner!!!!]
Bethany, you are my hero. You have quietly gone about your writing and I am so happy for you. All of you, keep up the good work. - Julie
I vote to continue in December if we want and if not to take December off. I for one plan to continue writing and would love to be able to post my word count and my Buzz and check on anyone else's. I got up to 20,000 words and I am excited about that. I don't want to lose my momentum even if I don't write every day. I haven't been able to write eve day. Andrea, once again, thank you for organizing this and keeping up the website when you have your own writing to do. - Julie
As official Queen Fin-Yoda, I, Andrea, decree that December 1st shall be changed to November 31st, so I can get in one more day of writing! Hmmmm. What say you, all? I got SERIOUSLY derailed over the holiday! For her too-many zero-word-count days, Queen Yoda is most embarassed and must vindicate herself! I may have to go into November 32nd. - Andrea
I am all for going on into December, Queen Fin-Yoda. Change the calendar. Go forth and conquer the world-or at least our manuscripts!!! - Carol
Totally going to use the extention of November to finish!! - Laurie
Since you [Andrea] are the official Yoda, I support your idea of an extended November. I got to a total of 20,213. I am excited about how well I did. Thanks again for everyone's encouragement. This has been and remains fun. - JM
Onward! - Carol
(Bethany totally ROCKS!!!) I'm at 46,644 words and hoping to make it to 50k for November by midnight tomorrow. But I am absolutely certain I won't have finished the thing so I will be going onwards and upwards in the spirit of finishing for as long as it takes. I think I'm about three chapters from the end, so I'm guessing that will translate to three more weeks? But I do plan to slow the pace a bit and breathe. You know, stop and smell the Christmas cookies, make an advent wreath, etc. - Bethany
I wrote 1,300 today! My text had action, setting, dialog, even one little unexpected turn! All the pieces fell into place and I am rolling again. Boy, was it TOUGH to get back into writing after the break, but boy, does it feel good. Now I know why writers say "write every day." If you don't, you lose your stride, and once lost, it is so hard to get it back. - Andrea
This past week was definitely my lowest count. But, all together I've written roughly 29,000 words. Even more important than that, by the time I'm done, I think I will have doubled the amount of chapters that I started with. That is amazing to me. And it's all because Andrea and Brad nudged me on. What do I owe you guys? Chocolate turkeys? ~ Carol (Andrea says, Mmmmm - choclate turkeys! Hugs and X's and O's to y'all.")
Writing with the kid home on T-giving break is not exaclty condusive to writing! "Mommy, mommy, come here!" But, my daughter and I made a 4 x 4 foot shopping game today! It did involved some writing. Does that count? No? Darn it!- Andrea
For The Buzz, I agree with Carol. I would like to keep in touch after Fin-Yoda-NoMo is officially "no mo" as we native Southerners might say. I would like to know how you all are doing and I like the accountability that I feel with Fin-Yoda-Nomo. I am up to 18,065 and right proud of that!!! - Julie
Thanksgiving left me lazy, lethargic and a literary lump. I am so stuffed with turkey I can hardly move. But it is time to get back in the saddle and lift up my vorpal sword (pen) and shield (laptop). - Andrea
The Buzz makes me smile--even on a grouchy day like today when I didn't get to write. This is becoming a nice little group--just as we approach the final sprint line! I think we'll need to report in afterwards on where we all go from here. - Carol Baldwin
I did want to send a public thank you to Andrea for all she has done to get this going and to keep us updated. Thank you, Andrea. I'm pushing ahead. - Julie Murphy. (Andrea says "Aw, shucks. Y'all are helping me, too.)
I am so happy I took this week off. I still have things I must do but will have several uninterrupted hours a day to write. Today was one of those days and I worked so long my fingers hurt. I'm wearing my Fin-Yoda-NoMo tee shirt, using my pen and drinking out of my cup. My grocery list was written on my Fin-Yoda-NoMo notepad. It's good motivation to not be sidetracked by "fun" stuff. - Julie Murphy
I managed 1,000 words today. That is a MIRACLE because I stayed up half the night prepping my MS for critique for my final UNCA writing class. Turns out that what I thought was totally brilliant at 3 a.m. was a total yawnfest when I read it in class. I deserved a butt-whoopin' critique! (They were kind.) Seriously, the class has helped me discover what writing style works best for me. YAWN. - Andrea Jacobsen
I did a 10-minute reading of my WIP (work-in-progress) at Malaprops Bookstore today! Five of my fellow UNCA writing class members read as well, as did our teacher. It was a rush to read something I've written in front of a real live audience. It made this writing project real, somehow. My cats, though supportive, can't clap. - Andrea
Alas, I have eaten myself into a sugar coma. (Conveniently, that is what I blame for my inactivity.) But, today I forged freezing temperatures, carried my notebook computer to Barnes & Noble, and wrote 530 words. It felt good. - Andrea
I added 33 words to my manuscript today but did do some revision and editing while I had a few minutes. - JM
We can do it, Fin-Yodians. Perhaps we need to set smaller daily goals. Mine is 2 pages a day (and I've been useing the word count sheet, Andrea - it helps to have a concrete log!). Alot of my Nano days were only successful because I kept telling myself, 'just make it to 2,000 words.' Anybody else have a daily goal? - Bethany
I'm setting down the crappy stuff in hopes that it will lead me to the stuff that sparkles. - Bethany
Realistically 1/4 to 1/2 of the 27,000 words I wrote will not end up in the novel. But, among the junk are some jewels. I used all that writing to learn my characters inside and out, experiment with different writing styles, and to let the story unfold. (Sounds a lot better when I say it that way.) - Andrea
I can't wait to put the "to do" list aside and to back to the writing groove. And once we do that- we'll be happy campers again! - Carol
The writing IS important enough to do, and each day away from it will only increase your longing for it and give you the oomph you need when you can sit down again. - Bethany
Hi, Queen Yoda! I wrote 885 words on Nov. 31, started checking spelling and grammar on Nov.32 (no time to write but had a few minutes to do something). Now I'm going to return to the spell check. I can't wait for a good glass of wine tonight. - Julie
Thanks for the constant encouragement, Andrea! I'll defintely be taking you up on your offer for a NEW November. As busy as December promises to be, I'm still hoping to make some good progress this month...but I'm setting my sites on January (the least busy month of my year!!!). So I guess my plan is a complete manuscript by November 92nd. Congratulations on your progress this month and good luck finishing it up. Onward and upward! - Brad
What an awesome job you've done and I am so excited for everyone especially me. My Nov. 30th count was 519 words and my grand total was 20,732. - Julie [Congratulations!! - AJ]
OK, it's midnight on Nov. 30. So, is Fin-Yoda-Nomo no mo'? NO! The people have spoken and y'all have decided that November will continue on, sneaking its way into December. I, for one, pledge to pick up my vorpal sword tomorrow. For now... Yawn! I'm gong to bed! -Andrea
Just wanted to let you know that I made it to 50K and I'm an official Nano winner. - Bethany [She is also our grand Fin-Yoda-Nomo Wnner!!!!]
Bethany, you are my hero. You have quietly gone about your writing and I am so happy for you. All of you, keep up the good work. - Julie
I vote to continue in December if we want and if not to take December off. I for one plan to continue writing and would love to be able to post my word count and my Buzz and check on anyone else's. I got up to 20,000 words and I am excited about that. I don't want to lose my momentum even if I don't write every day. I haven't been able to write eve day. Andrea, once again, thank you for organizing this and keeping up the website when you have your own writing to do. - Julie
As official Queen Fin-Yoda, I, Andrea, decree that December 1st shall be changed to November 31st, so I can get in one more day of writing! Hmmmm. What say you, all? I got SERIOUSLY derailed over the holiday! For her too-many zero-word-count days, Queen Yoda is most embarassed and must vindicate herself! I may have to go into November 32nd. - Andrea
I am all for going on into December, Queen Fin-Yoda. Change the calendar. Go forth and conquer the world-or at least our manuscripts!!! - Carol
Totally going to use the extention of November to finish!! - Laurie
Since you [Andrea] are the official Yoda, I support your idea of an extended November. I got to a total of 20,213. I am excited about how well I did. Thanks again for everyone's encouragement. This has been and remains fun. - JM
Onward! - Carol
(Bethany totally ROCKS!!!) I'm at 46,644 words and hoping to make it to 50k for November by midnight tomorrow. But I am absolutely certain I won't have finished the thing so I will be going onwards and upwards in the spirit of finishing for as long as it takes. I think I'm about three chapters from the end, so I'm guessing that will translate to three more weeks? But I do plan to slow the pace a bit and breathe. You know, stop and smell the Christmas cookies, make an advent wreath, etc. - Bethany
I wrote 1,300 today! My text had action, setting, dialog, even one little unexpected turn! All the pieces fell into place and I am rolling again. Boy, was it TOUGH to get back into writing after the break, but boy, does it feel good. Now I know why writers say "write every day." If you don't, you lose your stride, and once lost, it is so hard to get it back. - Andrea
This past week was definitely my lowest count. But, all together I've written roughly 29,000 words. Even more important than that, by the time I'm done, I think I will have doubled the amount of chapters that I started with. That is amazing to me. And it's all because Andrea and Brad nudged me on. What do I owe you guys? Chocolate turkeys? ~ Carol (Andrea says, Mmmmm - choclate turkeys! Hugs and X's and O's to y'all.")
Writing with the kid home on T-giving break is not exaclty condusive to writing! "Mommy, mommy, come here!" But, my daughter and I made a 4 x 4 foot shopping game today! It did involved some writing. Does that count? No? Darn it!- Andrea
For The Buzz, I agree with Carol. I would like to keep in touch after Fin-Yoda-NoMo is officially "no mo" as we native Southerners might say. I would like to know how you all are doing and I like the accountability that I feel with Fin-Yoda-Nomo. I am up to 18,065 and right proud of that!!! - Julie
Thanksgiving left me lazy, lethargic and a literary lump. I am so stuffed with turkey I can hardly move. But it is time to get back in the saddle and lift up my vorpal sword (pen) and shield (laptop). - Andrea
The Buzz makes me smile--even on a grouchy day like today when I didn't get to write. This is becoming a nice little group--just as we approach the final sprint line! I think we'll need to report in afterwards on where we all go from here. - Carol Baldwin
I did want to send a public thank you to Andrea for all she has done to get this going and to keep us updated. Thank you, Andrea. I'm pushing ahead. - Julie Murphy. (Andrea says "Aw, shucks. Y'all are helping me, too.)
I am so happy I took this week off. I still have things I must do but will have several uninterrupted hours a day to write. Today was one of those days and I worked so long my fingers hurt. I'm wearing my Fin-Yoda-NoMo tee shirt, using my pen and drinking out of my cup. My grocery list was written on my Fin-Yoda-NoMo notepad. It's good motivation to not be sidetracked by "fun" stuff. - Julie Murphy
I managed 1,000 words today. That is a MIRACLE because I stayed up half the night prepping my MS for critique for my final UNCA writing class. Turns out that what I thought was totally brilliant at 3 a.m. was a total yawnfest when I read it in class. I deserved a butt-whoopin' critique! (They were kind.) Seriously, the class has helped me discover what writing style works best for me. YAWN. - Andrea Jacobsen
I did a 10-minute reading of my WIP (work-in-progress) at Malaprops Bookstore today! Five of my fellow UNCA writing class members read as well, as did our teacher. It was a rush to read something I've written in front of a real live audience. It made this writing project real, somehow. My cats, though supportive, can't clap. - Andrea
Fin-Yoda-Nomo, Stage 1 is complete!
Yoda says,
"Done it, you have. Proud you must be."
Now we enter Stage 2. Yoda says, "Write more, we wlll. Write well, we do!"
Yoda says,
"Done it, you have. Proud you must be."
Now we enter Stage 2. Yoda says, "Write more, we wlll. Write well, we do!"
