Kate Warren

Here it is the final week of NaNo and I have not posted a single update about the event (or a married one either) on this blog.  What can I say?  Life got crazy.

This year I have fallen behind several times due to stress of the kind that takes away all creative ability.  Yes, it is said (even by me) that you should push through the block and just write something, but there are times when even that won't work.  I think most people feel this when worried about one of their children.  I won't post about all of that right now, we're still in the middle of it at this point, but I will in the future in the hope that I will be able to provide some help and hope to other parents who face similar issues.

Back to NaNo...  The novel this year is a Christmas-themed humor story called North Pole: Confidential.  It's the story of what really goes on up there, from Santa's fractured marriage, to disappearing elves, dirty cops, and a talking moose.  The main character, through whose eyes most of the story unfolds is Jackson Frost, an investigator from the states sent north to find out what happened to Santa's right hand elf, who's been missing for several weeks.  Other characters of interest include: Angel Claus, Santa's adopted daughter; Sergeant O'Hurley, grumpy local policeman; Mrs. Claus, a piece of work; Santa's colorful and coffee-loving assistant Donna; Angel's group of friends; and a little old lady called Teeny who is not what she seems.

I'll try to post an excerpt soon.  Perhaps the entire first chapter.  I rather like doing that.

Other NaNo happenings include my taking over as unofficial Municipal Liaison for my region, and running The NaNorphans Guild for mentorless newbies.  The Guild has been my baby for four years running now, having been recruited to run it my first year, during which I was a 'Norhpan.  I'm thinking it may be time to hand the reins over to someone else, as I've put in to be notified when applications open for next year's ML job.  I love doing both, but I probably need to choose one.

Time for a break, to get away from the computer after catching up on internet things that go by the wayside during the challenges of the week, and play a game with the kids. 

Dear readers,

I was going to post a bit of my WIP North Pole: Confidential, but that can wait because there is a need in the world that you might be able to help.

The damage in the Philippines from Super Typhoon Haiyan is unbelievable and catastrophic.  The death toll at this point is just guessing and will undoubtedly be horrific.  Power may not be restored for months.  People are without homes, without food, without water and basic clothing.

In honor of a friend who has family there, I am posting some links for anyone who wishes to donate to the relief efforts.  I know things are tough right now, and it seems like everyone wants a donation for something these days, but please consider how you would feel if it was your mother, your brother, your niece, or grandson with no food and no place to go.  Even the smallest bit counts.  If you can spare $1.00, that can help someone.  And if you cannot spare even that, please give your thoughts and prayers, which are more powerful than you may know.

The Philippines Red Cross accepts PayPal donations in Pesos (43 Pesos = $1.00 US) 
World Food Programme

Save the Children

Catholic Relief Services

British Red Cross Haiyan Appeal

These are the links from my friend Tessa.  They are the ones she chose.  Please donate if you can. 

Thank you.

Kate

I've begun this year's NaNo and already done something I haven't done in previous years.  I started over.  Granted it's only the second day, and I'm keeping what I wrote before, but this is new for me.  I had a terrible time trying to write yesterday.  I just wasn't feeling it and this morning I figured out why: I started too early.  Not early for the event, but early for the story.  The title is North Pole: Confidential, but did I start in the North Pole? No.  I started with one character on a train.  Boring!  And if I'm boring myself how are the readers going to feel?

So I started over, after my character arrives at the pole.  And it's going much better.  The words are flowing, and I'm casting characters in my head.  The first beginning will be reworked and included later in the novel so that wasn't time lost either.

Now, a bit about the story for you:  Undercover detective Jackson Frost is posing as a writer planning a piece on the North Pole, but he's really there to investigate a disappearance.  Santa's right hand elf has gone missing just as they're gearing up for their busiest time of year.  Jackson will uncover secrets he never would have guessed about what really goes on at the North Pole: the Claus' troubled marriage, blackmail, union issues, financial problems, a cookie smuggling ring, and possibly even murder!

Just so you know this is a humor novel.  I've created an inspiration board on Pinterest (joined specifically for that purpose) and a playlist of YouTube videos to keep me in the holiday spirit.  I'll post links to these if anyone is interested, and I'll try to keep everyone updated on my progress.

Happy writing, and for those not writing, happy reading!

Kate