Wednesday, October 27, 2021

ShaNoShoStoWriEdSubMo 2021

I wasn't able to post last week, because our internet was down. To get the podcast up, I drove around until I found free wi-fi at a Carl's, Jr., then stayed in the parking lot long enough to get the podcast up. It was 2:30 in the morning, and I learned that McDonald's is surprisingly busy at 2:30 in the morning, at least when it's right off the freeway. I also learned that Starbucks shuts off their wi-fi at night, and when you try to sign in, they tell you to come back during business hours. The below picture is a tired me waiting through the drearily slow upload.


So this week you get what would have been last week's updates before I get to my ShaNo plans. (And for those who aren't familiar with my annual twist on NaNoWriMo, an explanation.)

First, I had a short story come out in a mystery anthology with a sense of humor. 


Available from Amazon in both paperback and Kindle


I also did a reading for Stories Live! which can be found on YouTube. This was the Halloween episode, so most of the stories are dark and twisty. It's always fun to do this!

Okay, ShaNo time. For those who don't know, because my main focus has long been short stories, I've always set my own relevant goals for the month of November, which has allowed me to hijack the energy for the month while getting things done that will matter to me in the long wrong.

ShaNoShoStoWriEdSubMo stands for Shannon's Novel and Short Story Writing, Editing, and Submitting Month. 

Funnily enough, this year my primary project happens to be a book, though it's non-fiction. I'm over halfway done with it, so that will be reflected in my goals.

25,000 words on current non-fiction WIP

Write 2 new short stories (we'll approximate 10,000 words for this, though the actual word count will vary)

Finish 2 in-progress short stories (approximately 5,000 words)

Turn around any short stories that get rejected

Edit 2 stories waiting for edits

Submit at least 2 additional short stories

Do you participate in NaNo? Do you do your own version? What are your writing goals for November?

May you find your Muse.

9 comments:

Annalisa Crawford said...

I love your commitment to your podcast - I'd have been fast asleep at that time in the morning.

I was planning to write the first draft of a new novel during NaNo, but I still have no idea what the story is so that'll have to wait. I've got a couple of short story competitions I want to enter, so I'll be writing for them - one has a first prize of £10,000 so it's worth it!

Good luck with ShaNoShoStoWriEdSubMo (I cheated and copied and pasted 😉)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Congratulations on the short story.
Yes, you are really dedicated to that podcast!

Yolanda Renée said...

You're brave to be out at that hour looking for wifi. Dangerous things happen at night. That dark closes in... LOL Here I am trying to scare the Horror Queen. :)
Love you take on NANO I do participate and have successfully finished or started most all my books here. Love it!
Good luck! Have fun, but watch those dark roads! ;)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Shannon - I certainly couldn't be out waiting for a WiFi take up ... I'd far rather be in bed! I love the idea of ShaNo ... good choice - all the best to you- cheers Hilary

Shannon Lawrence said...

That's an amazing prize! Good luck with the writing contests.

Shannon Lawrence said...

Ha! Someone's gotta' try, and you're a good candidate. Good luck on NaNo this year!

Shannon Lawrence said...

Luckily, it only took about half an hour, I think.

Shannon Lawrence said...

Good luck with your NaNo. I hope you can get the novella completed in a good time.

Damyanti Biswas said...

Excellent goals, Shannon!

I'm using Nano this year to edit my novel.