Write Now Coach! Blog by Rochelle Melander

Forget all the rules. Forget about being published. Write for yourself and celebrate writing. —Melinda Haynes Sometime late Monday morning, I crossed the NaNoWriMo finish line with 51,583 words. How did I celebrate? I had pizza night on Monday instead of Friday. Yesterday morning I got up before the sun,... Read More

29 Nov 2011

National Novel Writing Month

NaNoWriMo: Lessons

National Novel Writing Month is like boot camp for writers. Even though I work as a professional writer and writing coach, I still need the kind of tune-up you get from attending boot camp. Every year National Novel Writing Month gives me that—and I do not even have to leave... Read More

28 Nov 2011

National Novel Writing Month, Uncategorized

NaNoWriMo: The Soundtrack

It does not take much to derail a #NaNo project. At least that’s how it seems to me. For the last two years, I have reached 50,000 words in about 26 days. But then again, I was not doing a virtual book tour, blogging every day, and hosting Thanksgiving. Last... Read More

27 Nov 2011

National Novel Writing Month, Uncategorized

NaNoWriMo: Distract Yourself

When a reporter asked Ernest Hemingway how he started a new book, Hemingway said, “Defrost the Refrigerator.” The long Thanksgiving weekend is quickly coming to a close. Hopefully, you have kept up on your word count for NaNoWriMo while also eating turkey and trimmings, watching football and parades, and napping... Read More

26 Nov 2011

National Novel Writing Month

NaNoWriMo: Five MORE Must Haves for Novelists

Earlier in November, I wrote about my five must-haves for writing a novel. Today, I return to that theme with my list of five must-haves—borrowed from the literary greats—for anyone who is trying to write a novel this month: 1. A valet. It is said that Victor Hugo forced himself... Read More

25 Nov 2011

National Novel Writing Month, Uncategorized

NaNoWriMo: The Curse of Being Prolific

I’m delighted to welcome Elle Amberley to the Write Now! Coach Blog. Elle is a super-prolific author who writes in both French and English. Enjoy! The Curse of Being Prolific by Elle Amberley Writer’s block? What’s that? I often hear about the dreadful writer’s block, sounds horrible. I always fear... Read More

24 Nov 2011

National Novel Writing Month

NaNoWriMo: Giving Thanks

The unread story is not a story; it is little black marks on wood pulp. The reader, reading it, makes it live: a live thing, a story. —Ursula K. LeGuin Since 2000, I have edited a devotional periodical called The Word in Season. Ten years ago, when I was pregnant... Read More

23 Nov 2011

National Novel Writing Month

NaNoWriMo: Increase Your Word Count

Writers, we are just a week away from the end of National Novel Writing Month. I don’t know what this month has been like for you, but I am losing stamina. Despite having a great cast of characters to play with, a familiar setting, and a closet filled with snacks—I’m... Read More