Title for NaNo

So I've been processing my book for NaNo for the last couple days. I haven't had too much time to sit and stew about what I'll write, but I have been reading the NaNo creator's book No Plot No Problem. It's sort of good. Things I know already, but they're put in a way that is funny and helpful. His chapters are making me feel better about the little that I have prepared.

Of course he says that you needn't write total substance for NaNo, but in a way I feel like, why not? If I'm going to put in an hour or two every day on this book, I want it to be something I can be proud of when I'm done and not something that contains ninja koalas in pink capes (his characters, not mine).

Also, I am so glad to have more competition this year in the form of the Woman and J. Brett last year really kept me on my toes because he was ahead of me for quite a while. And now I've learned that my cousin will also be participating. Hmmm...I don't know that NaNo is the right place for tentacle monsters and zombie sex, but then if not in NaNo, then where?

In all sincerity, I bet the punk will finish 50,ooo words by the end of November. He has that kind of drive. Also, he hates to lose. So bring it on, punk! Bet I finish before the 30th.

Oh, my whole point in blogging is my title for my book. Duh. I was thinking about how Simon can't be trusted by adults to tell the truth about everything and they won't believe him when he says that Troy is not Troy. So I'm calling in, somewhat predictably, Cry Wolf. I googled the title and it has been used for two adult thrillers and one kids' book, so I think it's okay that I use it, too.

NaNoWriMo

NaNo starts in a few weeks. I went to a class at the Loft yesterday that is dedicated to NaNo. Mostly it seemed to be for beginners, those who know little about NaNo. So in a way it was a waste of my time, though I did have fun. J and Woman came, as did Brett from my Yam group. Woman said it was helpful in making her feel motivated to do the task.

I have serious doubts that she'll finish. Of course, it would be totally understandable since she doesn't have free time right now and we watch TV only on Friday nights. I don't know how she'll find the time without losing more sleep. BUT, I really want her to finish. I'd like to see what she puts together. And I'd like her to get a taste for novel writing because I think she'd be good at it.

I think Brett will finish. He finished last year and he has a pretty decent idea of what he will write. He's starting a series for middle grade readers. It sounded pretty interesting.

I'm not sure about J. He has been writing for a while now, taking classes at the Loft. But I don't think he's ever written anything of this length before. I'm concerned that he will get overwhelmed at about 15,000 and stop. I hope he finishes, though, because I'd like to see how his story will turn out.

Me...most likely I will finish. The precedent has been set, so I kind of have to or I'm a real loser. I have a story idea and I've been thinking through the potential snags I'll come to and trying to puzzle them out now a little. I am going to write some notes and a bit of an outline, but I know I will not stick to a whole outline, so I don't want to put the work into one.

My idea: Simon and Troy have been best friends forever. When they are fifteen, Troy is abducted and missing for a year. He returns home to the welcoming arms of his parents, but Simon is suspicious; Troy does not seem to be who he says he is.

Kayleigh is now over 25 pounds and is nearly finished with her first puppy class. She is doing really well. The only thing she needs more work on is STAY. But of course, she's a wiggly puppy, so she can't help it. 

Riley is so expressive. She's in obedience school right now, and she is doing so well. I'm so impressed with her. She learns quickly and does just what I ask. 

I call this her Princess Leia look. 

Kayleigh is the new love of my life. She is so well behaved and such a sweetheart. 

Kayleigh and her obedience friend Rosie take a nap in between exercises.