How I Brainstorm A New Story ✨💖NANOWRIMO DIARIES DAY 18

[@HeartBreathings]

Sometimes, we're writing multiple stories at once to fulfill promises, so that's what I'm doing in this vlog: Brainstorming which story to write for an upcoming event. Have you switched projects this month? Let me know how it's going!

[@xeinakingdom]

yesss. i did switch. actually on the 12th of november i quit nanowrimo because it was just unsustainable for me. so for now i put my novel on hold, and i am working on freelance short stories

[@sheelachattopadhyay]

I finished a rough draft for a book, but it needs to rest before more edits.

[@SusanGHaws]

This was very helpful. I am a multiple project person. So this helps.

[@jessicabaldwin5]

I'm getting ready to start outlining a Christmas book I've been itching to write all year. Finishing my current book before I jump into that one. I'm excited! :)

[@joannaholden943]

Not switching, but postponing. Third trimester hit me hard this month, so I've been just focusing on my biggest project - finishing my first draft of this WIP. The last three scenes have legit taken me two weeks to write because of how slowly I'm writing at the moment. 😂 But I am still writing!!! Here's to all of us just not giving up.

[@juliegolick]

I know you say that she's a siren (or part-siren), but this story sounds like it might work even better if she were a selkie - the person who "owns" her actually owns her sealskin coat, so she has to do what he says. Part of the conflict could be them going to get it back. (I realize that selkies aren't as well known as sirens, so this might not work for your world. And also you only told us a bit about your outline, so obviously it might not work with the story you have planned. But just tossing it out there in case you can use it!)

[@Wayfarer889]

For your meet-up: libraries often have spaces to use for free that could accommodate your group!

[@rachelstallings5460]

As a fast reader, I love longer books. So I'm excited that TDOV is turning out to be a little longer than anticipated so that first read can last a little bit longer 😊. Even if it takes longer to write!

[@msmwriter]

Loved seeing the pics of your younger self. Safe travels to you and your family tomorrow. 💜

[@elliestephenson4146]

I’m glad you found the photos. I lost the photos from my 18th fancy dress party with my family and friends. Over 30 years ago now and I’d give anything to have them back.

[@angelabublitz5912]

Loved this video. Getting an "under the hood" look at other writers' processes is always interesting and helpful to me

[@LeahWriter]

Morning Sarra, I am loving these daily visits. You're keeping me company while I write write write.

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you for being here!

[@beateadriana]

Holy moly! That first picture of you, Evie is the exact image of you! 🥰

[@teribakerreads]

Thank you, Sarra, this is so inspiring, watching you discuss the character arks for your short story. I came to realise that I never give myself time to think in such length about story & character arks this, it's always jumping right into the story for me and see what develops on the page. Your approach feels much more economical.

[@philippawood5047]

Loved this, you are such a born storyteller and that really comes across in your videos. I know it feels like you are balancing a lot of things right now, but I also see how much energy you get from your craft - beautiful to witness.❤

[@maryearly3259]

Good luck on getting your nails done! It sounds like a nice story and while leaning into the joy of it all also remember that every story has a reason for existing. Each story has a lesson to teach you no matter what kind of writer you are or the story itself. What matter is the lesson it has to teach you. Every story makes us better writers and it all adds up in the end to one glorious journey! Have a great turkey week!

[@francineh.7825]

Both of these perspective stories sound so interesting! I enjoyed hearing you think them thorough. The Last Refuge cover is stunning!

[@woodlandlady7011]

Wow, I love the sound of a short story based at Venom! Enjoy your trip and stay safe. Don't over work yourself, Sarra, remember to take breaks and spend time with your beautiful family🥰

[@HeartBreathings]

I promise, I take lots of breaks and spend time with my kids everyday, but by nature, those aren't always in the vlog, because they're breaks lol.

[@Millicomics]

Ps. I’m commenting as I’m watching the video. Congratulations to everyone who published their books!

[@cecilywolfe4571]

always an inspiration - thanks for sharing your process, emotions, and thoughts with us.

[@ashleyemma4954]

Oooh!! My latest book was called Amish Red Riding Hood. Definitely not your typical Amish romance! ❤ Love Red Riding Hood retellings.

[@joannereadsandwrite]

It was so great seeing your old pictures. Love the second story. Sounds great and you seem super excited about it. You're doing so well with the daily vlogs and everything else. Thank you for keeping us company daily. Your enthusiasm resonates with me and gets me excited about my own story. Thank you for that.

[@annelyle5474]

Good luck with the new story, it sounds like a lot of fun - I have nixies and fossegrimen in my own NaNo novel 🧜‍♀🧜🏻‍♂

[@0915SJ]

Aww Sarra thank you for sharing those lovely pictures with us! You were and still are so beautiful and inspirational ❤️ sending all the good vibes, love and positivity right back to you 🥰

[@HeartBreathings]

You are so sweet thank you!

[@yelenafigueroa2497]

Thank you for this video! You walking through your thought process like that was so helpful! Often I read craft books, but still can't get what they mean by certain terms. This was great! ❤

[@AlexVeeGee]

Oooh. New story sounds so good! Keep us postedbon its release, and good luck with it! I was wondering if you'd consider some content on Short Stories? Ive read most of yours and you seem to pack so much into them. I need this knowledge, lol! Would love to sse you talk shorts/novellas (20K ish word counts), how to plot and what story beats to focus on, and how you weve character development all into such a small space. ❤️

[@marthawilley5512]

I hope you have a great trip. Thanks for the daily videos, they are fun but make sure you take time for you.

[@lexybaginsky]

That's why I decided not to get back to my last year NaNo try but start something completely new. And start with the second book of the new trilogy as this story spoke to me the most. The muse always wins, right? And if we listen to the muse, the words will flow. Reached 40 K today - wish you aaaall the words!

[@HeartBreathings]

Exactly right! Great job.

[@michellem7225]

I love seeing you go through your brainstorming process!! I love Venom and totally agree with you that it would be amazing to see it on a tv/ movie screen someday! 😃 Will be very excited to read a new story set there. I hope you have smooth and safe travels. Get rest and enjoy your family time!

[@nadineduerksen6556]

Very encouraging. Gives me a boost on my stories that have been sitting in a file box. Thank-you!

[@nataliefourie2834]

Loving these daily check-ins you're doing! You must be exhausted, but you're looking amazing 🤩I'm hopping over to Edinburgh in Scotland for a few days to stroll through the castle and graveyards looking for inspiration🏰 keep up the great work, we love it! 📚

[@HeartBreathings]

Oh wow, that sounds like so much fun!!!

[@elizabethdelafield7533]

You'll find your way. You sounded so joyful at the end and excited about your story choice. Life is a journey we take and sometimes our maps are "wrong" and the road's washed out, or there's a traffic jam. But maybe the alternate road is more scenic and inspiring, maybe there's a conversation to be had or an audiobook to enjoy while we wait. I guess what I mean is, that even if TDOVS is taking more time than you wanted, hopefully, there is some silver lining to that delay. Best wishes for safe travels and happy writing!

[@SusiesOnTheScene]

Good luck with whatever story you choose to go with.

[@fantasyafield]

The Last Refuge looks positively wonderful! What a gorgeous cover and blurb! 😍 Just ordered! (Adding additional thoughts as we go through)-I’m working on a story with a siren right now for my new pen name! So fun and exciting! 💚 And I cannot wait to read this story! Red sounds amazing, but now I want to learn more about Venom, Marco, and the siren!

[@cl_shaner]

I absolutely love your daily updates, but I also think you put a ton of stress on yourself for them. I can't speak for everyone, but I know I would totally understand if you skipped some daily vlogs and released that pressure from your day to get one done. Have a great time and safe travels. 🫂

[@potiondelune8166]

omg Evie looks like you sooo much on the first photo !

[@fralou_sind_kreativ]

I loved this video a lot and am super exciting about reading this story about "venom"

[@tamidawn8383]

For me, watching you talk through your process was very helpful. I’ve written hundreds of thousands of words but a huge chunk of them they are rather “random “ 😆so this definitely helps!

[@Millicomics]

It was great to see your old photos! 😍

[@tljjazzy]

The Last Refuge cover is gorgeous!

[@glennamaynard]

Happy writing and safe travels!

[@memphistnliving]

Interesting to see your good old pictures :)

[@bahora3]

I can't wait to read your short story!

[@SIMulatedSara]

safe travels and have a great Thanksgiving week!

[@reyofsunshine7171]

I appreciate you taking the time to make these. ❤ I so admire your tenacity , but I hope that after NaNo you can get a bit of rest .❤

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you! I'm definitely going to take a couple weeks off!!

[@starlapadgett6736]

You could find a park with a covered pavilion, everyone could just bring their own drink. Have a wonderful time and Have a Happy Thanksgiving! :)

[@HeartBreathings]

In theory that's a great idea however it's going to be 50° and pouring rain so we'll see

[@breemlew]

I have learned I can only write one book at a time. It took several years to figure out but it was such a break-through for me to learn.

[@susanbuckminster282]

Thank you!

[@KimtheElder]

I’m still working on “good enough.” Coming from a theater performance background and having a family member that no matter how well you did there was always something that you could’ve done better, that’s just so hard for me. BUT, I have to recognize that that’s a monkey I myself am keeping on my back which doesn’t belong there. Also, I love love love your PJs ! They’re so classic and attractive . I usually end up in an old, oversized T-shirt and a pair of men’s cotton sleep pants😅. Could that be why I’m single?🙄🤣😅😂

[@JoaniesWorld]

I know you got a lot on your plate, but do try to enjoy your trip. Safe travels.

[@L.M.Lefrancois]

What is published & thrive? I'm interested in joining 😊

[@HeartBreathings]

It's my course on self publishing! It will be open again in January and will run for 6 weeks starting early February!! Hope you can join us.

[@L.M.Lefrancois]

@@HeartBreathings I'll definitely love to, and I plan on it!

[@Dutch_chess]

I know you love to make content on your notebooks. I'm weirdly interested in your collection of keyboards. 😂 I'm typing with my Fire tablet. So I've been on the hunt for a comfortable keyboard. Oh and I'm at 36k for my first NaNo. 🎉

[@armandoeljolinespineda7811]

How can I be part of Publish And Thrive?

[@HeartBreathings]

Enrollment will open for 2 weeks starting January 21!

[@autumnsartstudio]

I think my grandma would love your books but unfortunately she can only do audiobooks. And with my stutter I cannot read to her out loud lol

[@HeartBreathings]

Audiobooks of the shadow demons are all releasing in 2024!

[@anonymousanonymous850]

john wick came out in 2014