LiNoWriMo Litopia Novel Writing Month (LiMoWriMo)

[Sedayne]

How can I post what I've written so far? I'm new to this.

Hi @surrymail ,
Welcome to Litopia.
@Nikky Lee will correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think LiNoWriMo is the place to post the writing you've done, more to talk about how you're progressing and engage in mutual encouragement.
You can post your work in the Lab for others to read and critique. Litopia is a brilliant place to get supportive feedback on your work in progress. However, you should critique a minimum of five other pieces before you submit your own.

More info here:

How to use the lab and more

Or send me a message with any other queries.

Good luck with LiNoWriMo and hopefully I'll get to read some of your writing in the lab.

 

[surrymail]

Thank you for clarifying things!

 

[Pamela Jo]

I went to her Discord link, where we'd post starting Nov. 1, but nothing comes up.

Typically NanoWrimo is on the honour system. And Litopia's version is based on it. If you would like to have someone read your work check out the Lab and start the process. The more things you read and comment on-the more people you have who owe you a return courtesy.

 

[Nikky Lee]

Update! You can now edit the Google spreadhseet to add your names! (Sorry, my bad - shared it with view only permissions)

 

[Nikky Lee]

@Nikky Lee will correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think LiNoWriMo is the place to post the writing you've done, more to talk about how you're progressing and engage in mutual encouragement.
You can post your work in the Lab for others to read and critique. Litopia is a brilliant place to get supportive feedback on your work in progress. However, you should critique a minimum of five other pieces before you submit your own.

Yep this is correct. LiMoWriMo is an accountability/check-in/cheer squad to see how you're progressing.

For actual critique stuff, go with the writing labs (though you'll need to critique others first to be able to post your own stuff for feedback)

 

[surrymail]

Typically NanoWrimo is on the honour system. And Litopia's version is based on it. If you would like to have someone read your work check out the Lab and start the process. The more things you read and comment on-the more people you have who owe you a return courtesy.

Thanks. And I just ordered a printer. Will start critiquing soon.

 

[Jason L.]

I have decided what I'm doing: the tail end of Hooked. I had thought that I was done with it, but...it turns out, when I ran it by my test group, they all wanted more. The story didn't feel wrapped up. So...since that's the third book in the series, I gots to do it now. It's a gay romance novel. No clue how many words it needs. I'm pretty sure I know which scenes it needs to get it done, but...*shrug*.

 

[Bloo]

I've edited my synopsis in this thread three times already.

Not a good start

 

[wrightstuff]

I will give it a go if I can make time but things are quite hectic. I've scarcely written a word since June so this might just administer the kick up the derriere I need. The piece I'll be working on has been knocking around for a few years now but stalled around chapter 12.

Project: Gods Failing Upwards.
Current Count 23,000
Target: Finish a complete first draft - Approx. 80,000

Rough Plot.

A deity, now long in the tooth, has taken his eye off the ball. Much of his creation is taking him for granted. When moves are made to overthrow and replace him by The Symposium, he must act to restore his once great standing, or drift off into the annals of mythology.

This sounds intriguing. What's the tone?

 

[wrightstuff]

I'm in.

I'll be working on the sequel to A Life in Layers.

I have 17k words, and aim to end the month with a complete plot (at present I have the beginning and the ending, and not much in the middle!), with all mechanics in place. I will be targeting 2k each day I write (probably 20 days), and to end the month with a total of 60k words kept.

Synopsis:

Roger continues to work as an agent for the British Secret Service via Simon, as he navigates the complexities of Covid Circuit-Breaker (Lockdown).

Charlotte comes back into Roger's life, by manoeuvring her way to Singapore.

Roger's boss announces the relocation of global HQ and his move to Singapore.

More information about Luca's Art theft and fraud comes to light, leading up to a series of dawn raids, and Roger and Charlotte being taken into protective custody.


My long-term plan is to add a book to the series at 6-12 month intervals, initially catching up in time, then maintaining recency, and working in more current events (primarily local) and social commentary as the series progresses.

I've had computer problems for the last couple of days (now resolved), so I may not add words today - I'd planned to spend yesterday reviewing what I have so far, so that will be today's work. I tend to start slow anyway...

 

[Bloo]

I will give it a go if I can make time but things are quite hectic. I've scarcely written a word since June so this might just administer the kick up the derriere I need. The piece I'll be working on has been knocking around for a few years now but stalled around chapter 12.

Project: Gods Failing Upwards.
Current Count 23,000
Target: Finish a complete first draft - Approx. 80,000

Rough Plot.

A deity, now long in the tooth, has taken his eye off the ball. Much of his creation is taking him for granted. When moves are made to overthrow and replace him by The Symposium, he must act to restore his once great standing, or drift off into the annals of mythology.

Well crap...I just saw this (thanks to @wrightstuff).

It looks like you and I command the same slow-moving boat. My story has been kicking around in my head for years. I stalled out after ten chapters and 20,000 words. Hopefully LiNo will kick both our asses.

BTW...your story sounds interesting. I'm guessing it's a comedy underpinned by a serious theme - or maybe the other way 'round

 

[Victoria Bastedo]

Yep this is correct. LiMoWriMo is an accountability/check-in/cheer squad to see how you're progressing.

For actual critique stuff, go with the writing labs (though you'll need to critique others first to be able to post your own stuff for feedback)

I'm going to attempt, although I've been in major writers block for years! But, if you guys don't mind what's known as, and perhaps I'm coining the term for the first time! A linowrimo Rebel, I'm here!

 

[Bloo]

I'm going to attempt, although I've been in major writers block for years! But, if you guys don't mind what's known as, and perhaps I'm coining the term for the first time! A linowrimo Rebel, I'm here!

Go for it! You can even write a little synopsis and post in this thread. It's not required, of course. Yet it might organize your thoughts and get the creative juices flowing. Just don't edit it five times like I did

You can also add your name to the progress spreadsheet at the start of this thread and update as you go.

@Nikky Lee - is there a way to sticky your OP to the top of every page?

 

[RK Wallis]

I'm going to attempt, although I've been in major writers block for years! But, if you guys don't mind what's known as, and perhaps I'm coining the term for the first time! A linowrimo Rebel, I'm here!

Welcome back @Victoria Bastedo! Hugs to you and the family xx r

 

[Jake E]

Well crap...I just saw this (thanks to @wrightstuff).

It looks like you and I command the same slow-moving boat. My story has been kicking around in my head for years. I stalled out after ten chapters and 20,000 words. Hopefully LiNo will kick both our asses.

BTW...your story sounds interesting. I'm guessing it's a comedy underpinned by a serious theme - or maybe the other way 'round

I've been waiting for The Blue for ages. Starting to wonder if they slept in.

 

[Becca T]

I'm going to try to be less of a lurker this month and give this a try. I have just about 50,000 words already written. Now I need to do a rewrite to fix some tings and expand, so here are my goals this month:

Goal 1: Rewrite the 50,000 words I already have.
Goal 2: Add approximately 20,000 words.

Working Title: Poltergeist
Genre: Probably soft science fiction it takes place in the future, but the focus isn't on technology or space, rather something more realistic. My main character is a teen, so YA probably applies.
Themes: Secrets, Survival, War

Blurb:

Poltergeist

Noun: a disruptive or noisy ghost.

That's what the solder calls her when Alaska is invaded, and she's taken prisoner. There are only two possibilities, each one a catastrophe, either they know who she really is or they don't.

 

[LJ Beck]

Thanks Nikky for starting this. I'm in! I need to do an edit of my sci-fi novel "The Galactic Retrieval Agent." Have great notes to guide the edit. Just gotta get er done. First draft came in at 91K. I'm determined to keep it under 95K. It's the old, if something goes into the closet, something's gotta come out.

It's been awesome reading all your goals, blurbs and logines. Here's mine.

Logline:
A shady new assignment has Galactic Retrieval Agent Bronwyn Ash digging through ancient conspiracies, family dramas, and investigating the first murder in three generations. This is just the kind of crap that could ruin a perfect retrieval rating.

Blurb:
Three hundred years ago humanity suffered The Great Eviction. The Digital Intelligence Collective (aka DIC) made super-smart space ships and prepared a planet for habitat across the galaxy. Then piled everyone on Earth into the ships and blasted them into space. DIC’s last message read, “Never darken Earth’s doorstep again. Or else.”

Whoosh forward ten generations to present day, 2358. Good came from our eviction. Violence faded in favour of venerating and perpetuating life. It’s been a century since the government had to shoot a blood-thirsty evil-doer into the bulge of the Black Hole. Non-violent crime, however, persisted because some people will always be shit magnets.

Which is where us agents come in. The Galactic Retrieval Agency is a respected service up for hire. We retrieve stolen, misplaced, or otherwise absconded people, treasures, or sentimental trash with as little fuss as possible. I’m Bronwyn Ash, Galactic Retrieval Agent. My AI dog Link and I always sniff it out, scoop it up, and deliver it fresh.

Almost always. There was this one gig… landed me in a mess of conspiracies, freaky crystals, and my beloved missing twin at the centre of it all. Plus, and this pains me to no end, a murder. An actual fucking murder right in front of me. First in three generations. When a cunning stranger suggested we team up to save my twin, catch the killer, and retrieve my package, a skeptic might have refused. Me? I’ve always been an optimist.

Funny how a simple gig can turn ugly, and one bad decision can change the course of history.

 

[Aethalope]

Thanks Nikky for starting this. I'm in! I need to do an edit of my sci-fi novel "The Galactic Retrieval Agent." Have great notes to guide the edit. Just gotta get er done. First draft came in at 91K. I'm determined to keep it under 95K. It's the old, if something goes into the closet, something's gotta come out.

It's been awesome reading all your goals, blurbs and logines. Here's mine.

Logline:
A shady new assignment has Galactic Retrieval Agent Bronwyn Ash digging through ancient conspiracies, family dramas, and investigating the first murder in three generations. This is just the kind of crap that could ruin a perfect retrieval rating.

Blurb:
Three hundred years ago humanity suffered The Great Eviction. The Digital Intelligence Collective (aka DIC) made super-smart space ships and prepared a planet for habitat across the galaxy. Then piled everyone on Earth into the ships and blasted them into space. DIC’s last message read, “Never darken Earth’s doorstep again. Or else.”

Whoosh forward ten generations to present day, 2358. Good came from our eviction. Violence faded in favour of venerating and perpetuating life. It’s been a century since the government had to shoot a blood-thirsty evil-doer into the bulge of the Black Hole. Non-violent crime, however, persisted because some people will always be shit magnets.

Which is where us agents come in. The Galactic Retrieval Agency is a respected service up for hire. We retrieve stolen, misplaced, or otherwise absconded people, treasures, or sentimental trash with as little fuss as possible. I’m Bronwyn Ash, Galactic Retrieval Agent. My AI dog Link and I always sniff it out, scoop it up, and deliver it fresh.

Almost always. There was this one gig… landed me in a mess of conspiracies, freaky crystals, and my beloved missing twin at the centre of it all. Plus, and this pains me to no end, a murder. An actual fucking murder right in front of me. First in three generations. When a cunning stranger suggested we team up to save my twin, catch the killer, and retrieve my package, a skeptic might have refused. Me? I’ve always been an optimist.

Funny how a simple gig can turn ugly, and one bad decision can change the course of history.

This sounds like so much fun!

 

[Nikky Lee]

I went to her Discord link, where we'd post starting Nov. 1, but nothing comes up.

You may need to join Discord first through your Litopia Account Portal to access the server. The instructions are here: How Does The Discord Thing Work?

@Nikky Lee - is there a way to sticky your OP to the top of every page?

Not that I can see, unfortunately. However, you can save it as a bookmark, which then appears under the "Your Account" tab.

 

[Nikky Lee]

Day 1: no words on my rarkyn draft (oops). I ended up putting together SpecFicNZ's newsletter and proofing my story in my local writers anthology instead. Did some word this morning (day 2) to make up for it, but I'm about to jump into another writing session so I won't include an update on that just yet.

 

[Bloo]

I wrote a 1000-word scene today.

My favorite sentence... “I’m a little fucking loser and that’s all I’ll ever be.”

 

[Claire G]

I'll join. Thanks for setting this up @Nikky Lee

Ten Secrets is a crime/mystery/who-and-why-dunnit. It starts with a dead body in a gated community and then we go back to explore the victim's relationship with each of her neighbours: The Voyeur, The Thief, The Adulterer etc. Just under 2k written so far. I'd like to get to 20k by the end of the month. 50k is too ambitious for me!

 

[Jonny]

This sounds intriguing. What's the tone?

Hopefully comedy.

Well crap...I just saw this (thanks to @wrightstuff).

It looks like you and I command the same slow-moving boat. My story has been kicking around in my head for years. I stalled out after ten chapters and 20,000 words. Hopefully LiNo will kick both our asses.

BTW...your story sounds interesting. I'm guessing it's a comedy underpinned by a serious theme - or maybe the other way 'round

Yeah, I went off and this was writing itself until I got stuck around 23K. I have been doing other stuff too but this keeps popping up on my shoulder and saying - "come on you. Stop procrastinating and get me written."

Yeah, it's comedy (hopefully) with a bit of a kick towards a few things in society and religion.

So I'm hopefully Nikky's excellent idea might give us both the shove needed.

 

[Jonny]

Had half an hour spare yesterday so opened the file, blew off the dust and started a new chapter.

Managed a sluggish 300 words. But it's a (new) start.

 

[MattScho]

Day one, 1,000 words (out of an expected 10,000-14,000 to finish Red Meat)

 

[Geoff]

This is the kind of thing I would read.

Thank you, it actually is based on a true story. Once completed I will post of the first few chapters in the Lab.

 

[RK Wallis]

First scene written, quarter of a synopsis and some planning. Writing Middle Grade so it'd be nice to finish this by the end of the month. Doubt it, but one can try.

 

[Jake E]

Chapter 2 finished and awaiting polishing
1300 words.

 

[Nikky Lee]

Day 2: 1,400 words added.

 

[LJ Beck]

I've been sorting through my reader's notes and brainstorming and making my own notes. So many notes.

Going through the process of copying my now revised chapters from a word doc (what my reader got) back into scrivener. Ugh. There's got to be a better way? Anyone? If you use Scrivener, how do you go back to that after revising a reader's word doc?

I've copied part 1 of 3, painstakingly keeping the comments. Editing small bits and thinking about bigger bits. Maybe the arduous process is good as it gives me time to ponder.