National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)

YES! Here we are at another National Novel Writing Month, (November of each year). This year, 125,000 writers and dreamers will participate with the goal of writing a 50,000 word novel during November.

I participated in 2007 and successfully completed over 50,000 words on my novel entitled Twice Betrayed. I still haven't published it but am editing a major change in the novel's theme and story line.

Meanwhile, I have finally decided upon a main character and plotline for this year's NaNoWriMo; we named our new puppy after the character.

There is a wonderful support structure for aspiring writers at NaNoWriMo, with "Write-In" gatherings around the country. There are at least three active Montana NaNo groups that I know of, in Bozeman, Billings and Missoula.

My characters have more sex than me (graphic) by http://hand_of_erato.lovejournal.com

Billings NaNo writers will meet at the Leaf Coffee Shop at Eighth and Grand between 4 pm and 7 pm, Saturday, November 1st.

Missoula NaNo writers meet at Liquid Planet (a coffee house) on North Higgins between 2 pm and 4 pm on Sunday, November 2. (Conference room in back on the left)

Bozeman NaNo's haven't yet decided on a meeting place, but I will update this post once we get going in November.

There will be additional gatherings during the month. Isn't it funny how "struggling writers" are identified with COFFEE?

I have my "Winners" certificate from 2007 framed here in my home office, and I even bought the tee-shirt! This is a great time to get into the habit of writing every day, and NaNoWriMo participants support each other!

What if thousands of humans started typing (graphic) by http://kalima62.livejournal.com

READY! Write on!



Check out my Restless Retirement blog at Retired and Restless. You may also enjoy the Missoula Recreation scene at Missoula Outside

Thoughts on Military Sacrifices

Some readers know that I recently retired and am living a "life without limits" here in Missoula, Montana. I say that my life has no limits because no one else is imposing their "limits" upon my time. It is, indeed, a wonderful feeling and, although I haven't yet fulfilled all my "retirement dreams," I am quickly growing accustomed to doing things on my own time schedule.

We have no control over our "Earth Time."

Time "marches on" and all we can do is try to manage our time to our best advantage. One of the biggest sacrifices I made as a career military officer was my time. In the military, the government "owns" all of our time. Twenty-four hours a day if the need exists. The greatest potential sacrifice of a military career is that the government also "owns" our "Earth Time," or at least they own rights to it. If the government chooses to put us in harm's way and we lose our lives in the process, that is part of the deal. The government compensates the family for the loss of life according to the agreed-upon financial arrangements.

It is little wonder that families often are the reason military people are forced to leave the armed forces. The possibility that we could be forced to give up our lives in the "line of duty" was always hanging over our heads.

I think I often "held back" my feelings and my participation in the "family" because I did not want them to become dependent upon my always being there. It was very stupid logic. My family and I paid the price. That time can never be recovered. The years when I was not present physically are empty; but so are the years when I was not emotionally present for them. I regret that.



Check out my Restless Retirement blog at Retired and Restless. You may also enjoy the Missoula Recreation scene at Missoula Outside

Montana Festival of the Book - Missoula

Missoula hosts the ninth annual Montana Festival of the Book, October 23-25, at various venues around town. This event is sponsored by Humanities Montana and features over 75 authors appearing in about 60 different events—panel discussions, readings, workshops, exhibits, receptions, demonstrations, literary contests and quiz shows, signings, staged readings, and much more.

An event of particular interest to me is the Writers' Tribute to James Crumley, at the Wilma Theater, 4 p.m. on Friday, October 23. Jim died September 17th, here in Missoula. My tribute to him in a previous article is here on Doug's Missoula Blog.

Other planned events include a Gala Reading in the historic Wilma Theatre featuring Thomas McGuane; the second annual Celebrity Define-a-thon with teams comprised of local politicians, media personalities, writers, artists, and athletes; author tours and events in area schools; a 20th anniversary celebration of the publication of The Last Best Place. Check the website for a link to the complete schedule of events. For information you may also call 243-6022.




Check out my Restless Retirement blog at Retired and Restless. You may also enjoy the Missoula Recreation scene at Missoula Outside