Preparing for Camp NaNo

It's that time again—time for the year's first Camp NaNoWriMo! Now, I know some of you are veterans and at this, but this is actually my first time participating in any of the NaNo's. So while I watch everyone scramble around, getting ready for NaNo, I've been . . . well . . . trying to prepare. But as someone who tends to do little pre-work, actually getting ready for Camp is a bit of a struggle. So, as you can imagine, plotting has been a bit of an adventure. But there's some observations and things I've learned about Camp NaNo preparation that I thought I might share with y'all.

First of all, plotting. Yeah, I know I just talked about it, but this is a subject deserving of extra attention. I believe that at least having a starting point and an ending point is crucial to NaNo success. (I know, this is coming from a future newbie, but I'm only making observations . . . ) Know how you want your story to begin, and how you want it to end. What happens in the middle is anyone's guess—and your job with plotting is to make it your guess. But how exactly does one plot a book?

First try asking yourself some questions. Like in the synopsis writing post from last year, let's start with the five W's: who, what, when, where, and why.

Who is the book about? Well duh, the main character(s). But more importantly, what are the characters like? When do they arc perfectly? Where are they comfortable? Why do they act the way they do?

What is the book about? Who is the main character going to come across? When will the climax occur? Where will the protagonist finally find him/herself? Why are the circumstances the way they are? I think having some backstory in your head beforehand will be helpful to understanding what it currently happening in the book.

When is the story set? If you're writing a historical or contemporary, Who is a famous icon from the time? What is a restaurant, toy, or makeup brand that others will relate to? Where will the protagonist finally realize that humankind can only do so much? Why does everyone think that the future will be brighter/darker?

Where is the story set? Who will kidnap the protagonist and take them to their hideout? What are the landmarks that he/she will encounter? When will the protagonist escape from wherever they are? Why are the elements constantly working against their favor?

Why does the plot follow the path that it does? Who tries to constantly change the protagonists' plot? What will happen to the antagonist? When will the protagonist fall offtrack? Where is the perfect turnaround time that good triumphs over evil?

If that doesn't get you to thinking about what your book is really about . . . well, sorry, I'm no help. Any other newbies out there like me? *raises hand*

Cover Love {Indie Edition}

Sometimes self-published authors get a bad rap because of a few that don't care about how their book looks, as long as it's published. But then you have those that show that they really do put time, effort, and expenses into their works. So I'll be featuring a few of these lovely covers here today! I wasn't asked to advertise, and I don't necessarily recommend them, as I haven't read them all—I'm simply admiring their book covers.

Martin Hospitality—Abigayle Claire

Watercolor covers are hugely popular right now, with this one being no different! The fonts complement the picture so well. (Yes, you'll probably hear me talk about fonts a lot. Because, I mean, fonts are epic and I love them.)

 Seek—Angela Watts

When thinking of a way to describe this cover, the first phrase that came to mind was "kick-butt." Seriously, that's what every single element in this cover screams. And I'm kind of a fan of those boots.

Quest for Leviathan—Amanda Tero

Okay, I'm gonna talk about the fonts again. Sure, I love the picture, and the water is perfect, but those fonts! I love the color that really pops out, as well as the shadow that really adds dimension that you don't really even realize is there until you look for it.

Gift from the Storm—Rebekah Morris

Okay, yeah, another font instance. But those colors are spot-on. the pinkish tint on the gray background is amazing and ties everything together with perfection.

Live Without You—Sarah Grace Grzy

Yeah, this is one of those covers that makes you say, "awww!" I don't know what it is about the night sky, but I love the colors all blended in. And the white lettering stands out in such an epic way.

The Old River Road—Ivy Rose

This cover really looks pretty simple until you take a gander at that title and the design surrounding it. Wow. It really looks like something you'd see on a banner during the 1800s, which would be when the book is set.

Widow's Heart—Willowy Whisper

Yep, the colors. The colors are everything in this cover. The pictures seriously blend together in a way that just makes you sigh in contentment. I mean, the fonts too, of course. The fonts, the photos, everything . . . this is a talented designer.

Beyond Her Calling—Kellyn Roth

Yes, just so much yes about this cover! Once again, all the photos blend together so smoothly, complementing each other in an irresistible cover. Plus, I'm a huge fan of music, so of course that kinda clinches the deal.

 Have you read any of these? Are they as good on the inside as they are on the outside? Which was your favorite?