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A reason to cheer. #NaNoCheer #NanoWriMo #NanoWrimo2014 #TGIO

Winner-2014-Web-Banner

I wrote 50k words in November!

 

 

I know there are some people who follow me who may not share in the same delights that I do, so I’ll keep this post short for the sake of you all, but I hope those of you who don’t share my interests in novel writing and the NaNoWriMo event this year, will allow me to CHEER !

I set out to do NaNoWriMo (National November/Novel Writing Month) this year as a jump start to finishing more of my projects in progress. I managed to complete the first draft of something new that I’ve been interested in compiling for a bigger purpose for while and while it’s “completed” in the sense that I wrote 50,000 words on it – it’s only a first draft. Most of you know that the first draft of anything needs revision until it’s the way it’s best presentable, so it needs a lot of work before it even sees the light of day. But. It’s done! I’m pleased to feel the rush of satisfaction in knowing that it’s 2 out of the 3 things that I wanted to achieve for 2014. (I managed to write a short story based on some characters from my novella Cryptic back in January this year, but the publication I’d intended it for fell through.) The third thing was one that I’m sure plagues many of us – the diet and exercise “thing” that never quite managed to stick. I yo-yo’d quite a bit this year and with classes…I pretty much said TTFN to it with my work load. I’ll refocus on that for next year <again>.

So what now? Well, next year I’ll work on revisions for what I’ve done in November, but this month I will return my focus on a sequel plan that I have for Cryptic and hope that I’ll have success in finishing the first draft of it also. Maybe some time next year will be when I dust myself off and become published again. One can hope. Or…I can. 🙂  I don’t stop the desire to write more, but as we all know, life gets in the way and if you’re not writing as a full time job and able to support yourself from it (contrary to how everyone views being a writer, not every author can earn a living wage writing), one must find other means to make ends meet.

So. On to the *Snoopy happy dance* 🙂

snoopies-dancing

There. Post complete. Happiness attained. DAC Approved. 😉 

nanowrimo wallpaper

 

*note: NaNoWriMo is a month where writers get together to collectively write generally a new manuscript of their choosing – as a solo endeavor in the novel itself, but with participants collaboratively focused and encouraging daily word counts of each other in social media, forums, or local group write-in sessions. The goal is to reach 50k of new content in 30 days. The idea is to engage each other in creative and shared love of writing novels. Some participate to jump start their passion for writing again, some like the local participation, and some do it because they’ve been doing it a long time and have proven results (published works). 50k in itself is a pretty short book to read and often an author will add much more to that in later revisions of the draft, but it takes some effort to write 1667 words every day for 30 straight days (unless you’re a full time or prolific author, in which case, that’s just a drop in the bucket). As with anything it depends on your vantage point.

TTFN! 🙂

-DAC

 
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Posted by on December 1, 2014 in News

 

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Today marks the official beginning of #NanoWriMo

Nanowrimo

So if you’ve ever considered writing a novel – this is the month to give it a try. There is a lot of help, participation, and cheerleading to help you get started and keep you going.

I’ve known about NanoWriMo for a number of years but this is the first time I’ve personally signed up to try to get some word count in. Usually when November would hit, I was already knee deep in some existing work so I never wanted to leave that and start something anew for Nano (if I wanted to “win” for writing a complete book in a month).

A lot of you may already know that I have written in the past and have been published on the small publisher market (a great community of people) but I took a break after my published novella, “Cryptic” and then shortly after- I moved to another state. Then my grandmother passed away. I know. It sounds all like cliche, but as the saying goes “life happens/life gets in the way.”

I’m hoping that I can jump start my writing again – as I have several “in progress” books that I want to see eventually finished. I just have to “begin again” and get back on the horse. I’m hoping this is the month that revives my ambition and if you’re reading this- I hope that if you’re interested in NanoWriMo, that you’re taking advantage of the community there as well.

nanowrimo.org 

 

NanoWriMo "writer's block and cue card keychain"

NanoWriMo “writer’s block and cue card keychain”

-DAC

 

 

 

 

 

 
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Posted by on November 1, 2014 in General, News

 

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My first interview…

Rebecca Snow asked me a bunch of questions about writing and posted them up on her blog…oh ok, I was interviewed for the first time. 🙂 Check it out. I love how it’s snowwwwing on her page. Pretty clever, Rebecca, pretty clever.

Cemetery Flower’s Blog

 
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Posted by on July 1, 2012 in News

 

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Cryptic in the Library

Awesome news for Cryptic.

As you can well imagine, I’ve been a reader far longer than I’ve been a writer. When I wasn’t buying books, I was borrowing them from the library whenever possible. Stacks to a time, sometimes (I’ve always been a fast reader. Too bad I don’t write as quickly as I read).

I’m happy to report that today The Berkshire Athenaeum – accepted my book “Cryptic” for future public library distribution. It’s exciting news, because…once? I sat there reading the books by other people- and now, I have one of mine- with my own name on it- there for others to read.

If you go over by that way, don’t forget to ask for it and check it out of the library when it’s added to the rotation. If you’re no where near here, don’t forget – it’s also available to order from Barnes & Noble and Amazon, too 🙂

Ah. Today is a good day 🙂

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-DAC

 
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Posted by on April 5, 2012 in News

 

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The Wonderful world of ‘Cryptic’

I have received some wonderful reviews of Cryptic since its launch. I am so thrilled that it’s largely so well received.

“I eagerly await the next installment – or indeed anything that drips from the pen of Ms Chaney.” – Adam Millard, author of Dead Cells and Dead West.

“The book gripped me and refused to relinquish its grasp until the final sentence.” – Dane Grannon, author of Lucky Streak

“I have read débuts from other writers and put the book down within five pages…In this case we witness a début into greatness. Very few writer’s have such talent as D.A. Chaney.” – R.D. Tuen, author of short story “Suicide Solution” in the Wake Up Dead anthology.

“Ms. Chaney eschews the modern day zombie story and takes you back to a time where there were not gun stores in every corner.” – Todd Brown, author of the Zomblog series, Dead-the Ugly Beginning series, Dakota, and more.

“Wish It Had Been Longer” – Ursula K. Raphael, reviewer and author of The Survivor

Tonight, I received an unexpected and very thrilling review by Chantal Boudreau – another successful and prolific author of titles such as “Fervor,” “Elevation”, “Insurance”, “Magic University”, and more than a dozen short story collections -some of which we have shared together as well like Wake the Witch (a charity anthology), Hell Hath No Fury (an all female zombie collaboration anthology), and non-fiction Zombie Writing! collection.

I’m totally buzzing with happiness that she enjoyed it. “DA is a natural writer”.

See her full review and opinion here:

http://chantellyb.wordpress.com/2012/03/12/the-blurb-on-other-peoples-words-cryptic/

You can find a copy of Cryptic in paperback or Kindle form below if you’d like to check it out. I’m hoping you will and that you’ll let me know if you enjoyed it too 🙂 :

http://www.amazon.com/Cryptic-D-Chaney/dp/193673012X/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t

If you’re looking for new books to read- check out the very fine authors who took the time to not only read my novella- but kind enough to leave reviews on it. I know they will appreciate it, as much as I do. 🙂

-DAC

 
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Posted by on March 12, 2012 in News

 

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Christmas after Christmas :)

Look what I just received in the mail. 🙂 Let’s see. Now, I know I owe a few people some promised copies…
Looks like this week will be my mailing week 😉

 
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Posted by on December 27, 2011 in Uncategorized

 

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My novella “Cryptic” is out on Amazon

Exciting news! – My first novella is available on Amazon in trade sized paper back today. e-form and Barnes & Noble editions to follow soon.


‘Cryptic’ on Amazon

 
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Posted by on October 2, 2011 in News

 

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