\"Writing.Com
*Magnify*
SPONSORED LINKS
BY ONLINE AUTHORS
Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/2505-.html
Horror/Scary: July 16, 2008 Issue [#2505]

Newsletter Header
Horror/Scary


 This week:
  Edited by: NanoWriMo2018 Into the Earth Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

** Image ID #1135183 Unavailable **
Hi there! I'm Robin, and I'll be your guest editor for the Horror/Scary Newsletter this week.



Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B01CJ2TNQI
Amazon's Price: $ 5.99


Letter from the editor

So, I’m not trying to discount advice from other authors who advocate the “make a plan” when it comes to writing horror/scary. I’d like to loosen the grips of what a “plan” means.

Last November, I participated in National Novel Writing Month. For those of you not familiar, it’s a writing project developed by a guy named Chris Baty who lives in California. In 1999, Baty and 20 of his friends decided they would write a novel –50,000 words in one month. In ’07, over 100,000 writes took on his challenge and wrote [collectively] over one million words!

National Novel Writing Month, also known as NaNoWriMo is held during November of every year, but you can take on the project by yourself. Although, the support of others coupled with the knowledge the 100,000 authors worldwide are attempting the same goals is motivating in a strong pronounced way.

Here’s just one of the lessons I learned while participating in NaNoWriMo:

Plans change
While I stared out with a rough plan, I even created Excel spreadsheets organizing characters including their general age, occupations, physical appearance, etc. My plan found its way in the trash cans of cyberspace once I began the writing.

Before you adopt a plan, but after you’ve given birth to your “idea”, set aside a few writing sessions. These sessions can be 10- 30 minutes in length. The goal of these sessions is to write without stopping. You have permission to write anything, repeat words if you need too or type sentences like I don’t know what to write. The point is anything goes. The purpose of the assignment is to just write. (These don’t-stop timed writing attempts are mainstays in NaNoWriMo, and they blast huge holes in writers block while spearheading your creativity).

The fun thing I discovered on my way to 50k words is how my imagination popped out, took on a mind of its own and made strange things happen to my story's plot. Well-behaved sweet co-worker turned out to be an accomplice to a murderer.

Yes, make a plan before you write your story. However, remember flexibility and a willingness to change may result in a more creative piece.


Editor's Picks

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1434291 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#775983 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#906711 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1448017 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1018197 by Not Available.

 The Ghost House Open in new Window. (13+)
My homage to Richard Laymon
#1158517 by Pennywise Author IconMail Icon

 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!

ASIN: B07K6Z2ZBF
Amazon's Price: $ 4.99


Ask & Answer

Since I'm the guest editor, I'll just urge you to try the don't-stop writing till the buzzer goes off writing approach and email me your thoughts.

thanks,
Robin

*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
Writing.Com Item ID To Highlight (Optional):

Send a comment or question to the editor!
Limited to 2,500 characters.
Word from our sponsor
ASIN: B085272J6B
Product Type: Kindle Store
Amazon's Price: $ 9.99

Removal Instructions

To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.


Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/2505-.html