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The fog is clearing and I'm able to think clearly. I can't believe I cranked out over 60k words in 30 days. It's inhuman...(smile)

I am happy to be back. I shelved the book and worked on a few articles but I'm back. I plan to participate in the Fear of Writing 10k day next week so I need to get going.

What's the plan? Well, I'm sure I will trash a lot of the book. I am reworking my book summary and adjusting my chapter outline. I'm spending time with my book notebook and getting things in order for my first full draft of the book.

I hope to share the synopsis for African Emerald with you soon. Stay tuned!
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10K days are FUN! And it’s a great way to find out you’re capable of a lot more than you think.

The goal is to challenge yourself to write 10,000 words . . .

If you’d like to join us for one of November’s 10K Days—Wednesday, Nov 24 or Saturday the 27th—you can start by posting your RSVP HERE in the Comments section.

I plan to participate on both days. What about you?
Check out my recent NaNoWriMo update.
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NaNoWriMo | African Emerald | National Novel Writing Month | Ja'Nese Dixon
I've hit over 25k words. Yeah!!!

I've had a day of writing and I honestly can't add another word. I'm heading to bed to relax with my hot green tea and a movie.
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Ja'Nese Dixon | Life graphic by Konrad Mostert
Graphic by Konrad Mostert
Unfortunately life, family, drama, etc. continues during NaNoWriMo--and while writing. I will let my word count--or lack thereof--speak for my weekend.

Urgh!!!
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I have one more element from African Emerald that I want to share. This will be a rare weekend post for me (at least I believe so...).

Have you ever experienced a relationship that literally saved you from yourself? Talib may have a chance to change...to be a different person, a better man.

Today's video represents another element of African Emerald--the power of love. Enjoy this video thanks to Drake.
"Find Your Love" by Drake

Do you believe love can conquer all things?

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Self-destructive behavior is visible by everyone. Loved ones, friends witness the behavior and in reality they are watching you burn. Watching you be less than your true self. Watching you be sucked it...

I'm continuing on the theme of this week--music that represent elements from African Emerald. Today's video is from Eminem. It's graphic but it's about self-destructive behavior and the violence that can lie in wait.


"Love The Way You Lie" by Eminem featuring Rihanna
Have you witnessed a situation or person burn (i.e., figuratively) before your eyes? Did you address the behavior or the fire?
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Angelica Joseph is a woman that shines in a dark place. Talib is at a crossroad in his life, Angelica will represent many things in African Emerald. For today, she will be represented by P!nk and this wonderful song (and performance) Glitter in the Air.

"Glitter in the Air" by P!nk

I love this performance I feel hope. And hope is mere steps before belief. I don't have a question to share today, but I have a small request. Hit "Repeat" and think about a relationship in your life that gives you hope that things could be better.
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Yesterday I shared a video that represented Talib. Today, I'll continue with "Power" by Kanye West. This song represents The Concave.
"Power" by Kanye West
The lengths that some go to acquire power is relentless. This group is no exception. Can you think of one group and/or person that yields too much power?
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I am almost ready to share my short synopsis for African Emerald. In the meantime, I plan to share some of my inspiration while writing. I use several techniques but the one that I most is enjoy is creating a soundtrack for my book. A soundtrack? Yes, a soundtrack. (smile)

I am starting today by showing you a video that helps to identify with the main character, Talib Kamwi. I first introduced Talib to readers in Black Diamond. (Don't have a copy? Order it on Amazon.)
"Bad Man" by R. Kelly


I will leave you with a thought. What would it take for you to believe that a bad man has changed?

I would love to read your comments.
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NaNoWriMo | National Write a Novel Month | Ja'Nese Dixon | Dominik Gwarek
Graphic by Dominik Gwarek.
How was your weekend?

It's Monday and after not posting over the weekend I'm happy to share some good news.

I've found my groove!!! (smile)

Before I lose you let me explain. Last week I felt out of sorts wring for NaNoWriMo without my stuff together. By stuff I mean, I have a outline, notes, research, etc. all neatly together in a binder ready and waiting as I write my book. This time I didn't have time to prepare, the way I normally do. And since I'm participating with my kiddos I couldn't opt out of participating this year. Anyway, this weekend I worked hard at catching up.

What did I do?

First. I gave myself permission to write a first draft.

What I mean is, my story doesn't have to be perfect. I will write a deceit first draft and plan to work out the issues later.

Second. I spent some time with my characters.

I'm not crazy...I promise. (smile) I made some decisions on the main characters, their motives, issues, etc. This helps as I write because I have to interpret their story. I had a writing day Friday that focused only on character development.

Third. I flipped the script.

How? Well, I decided to write and what happened is I'm writing separate stories for my main characters that I will later merge into one story. It came about due to my writing time Friday. I used my work to start on individual summaries and well the rest is history...for now.

Check out my NaNoWriMo update. My word count is now on course. YEAH!

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