National Novel Writing Month, you have been conquered. My book is finished, and I’m four days early. Whoo-hoo! I finished at 8:42 p.m., and the final word count is 52,452.
Considering I’m easily distracted, I’m proud of my achievement, and the book is quite entertaining, if I do say so myself. I think this calls for a celebratory interview about the book. My favorite interviewer just happened to be nearby when I stuck my head out the back door and whistled down the street. He’s settled at the kitchen table with me now.
Cranky Interviewer: I thought I told you not to call me when you finished this book.
Me: There was no one else available, and I’m excited to get the news out.
C.I.: Just so we’re clear, I want cash this time. … The title is Windy City Hunter, right? Was it windy?
Me: Yes, Windy City Hunter, because the setting is Chicago, and of course it was windy. Chicago in December two weeks before Christmas? It was near-blizzard conditions at times.
C.I.: Well, let’s cover the important stuff first. How many bags of m&m’s did you go through?
Me: Two and three quarters.
C.I. You’re kidding, right? That’s nearly 400 m&m’s!
Me: They inspire me.
C.I. How many beginnings, middles, and endings are in this tripe, er, I mean this stunning masterpiece of fiction?
Me: Why do you always have to be such a wise guy? You know my writing is light, breezy, and easy to read. My books are entertaining and a good escape for a day or two. You should try one. To answer your question, there are three beginnings, three middles, and three endings.
C.I.: You’re kidding, right? You convoluted this book, too?
Me: It’s not convoluted. There’s a murder, a mystery, and a sort of mystery/puzzle thing going on. I gave that a beginning, middle, and ending, too. I didn’t want to leave any loose ends.
C.I.: I hate to ask the next question, but everyone is going to want to know. How many exclamation points?
Me: You will be happy to know there are only 83 exclamation points in this book.
C.I.: Jeez Louise, will you never learn? … What’s this I hear about zombies? How could you possibly incorporate zombies into one of your fluffy books?
Me: They were on television. Susan was greatly affected.
C.I.: Oh, for crying out loud. You’ve been hyping zombies for weeks, and now you’re telling me they were on television. You’re killing me here! … Does Susan cry very much in this book? Why does she cry so much?
Me: Of course she cries a lot in this book. She’s sensitive and emotional, but she laughs a lot, too.
C.I.: How about a quick synopsis?
Me: Sure. Susan and Darby are in Chicago to compete in a cooking competition. They stay in Darby’s Uncle’s condo, and shortly after they arrive, a tenant is murdered. One of them, Darby or Susan, I’m not telling you which, is eventually suspected of the murder and ends up in jail. So, you see, it doesn’t matter which side of the bars Susan ends up on, she’s upset and crying.
C.I.: Where’s Mick during this crisis.
Me: He’s in England. He doesn’t have much of a role in this book.
C.I.: There are rumors that your blogging has seeped into your writing. Are some of your blogging buddies going to be embarrassed by what you’ve done to them?
Me: Oh, you bet! There will be acknowledgements in the back to thank one awesome guy for allowing me to seriously abuse him, and I described the photos of another blogger as artworks in a gallery. That was very cool.
C.I.: You’re going to get sued, you know. … When are you going to publish Windy City Hunter?
Me: I’m not going to rush it. I want to be careful with the editing, and I have to give my niece time to do the cover, so I’ll probably publish in January. It would have been a neat accomplishment to publish five books in one year, but I’ll settle for having written five in one year.
C.I.: Yeah, whatever. … Last question. Will there be another Susan Hunter book after this one?
Me: Of course! I don’t have a working title yet, but I know Susan is going to be writing children’s picture books in the next book. I’ve had a few suggestions so far: Zombie Hunter, Flushing Hunter, and Rat Hunter (thanks, guys!).
C.I.: I’m outta here. Good job on that NaNoRhinoceros thing or whatever it was you just did. I’m not interested in your next book at all. I hate kids. Please don’t call me.
Me: Ok. Toodles!
I found this blog entry because I was google searching “000”. Comma separated goodness… Hey, congrats! Now I have some serious catching up to do. I really enjoyed the first one! So bring on the next one!
Hahaha … stupid commas. Thanks, Marcus. The next one will have the picture book authored by Susan Hunter released at the same time as my book.
I’ll be buying a copy.
Oh no, you won’t! This one is on me. 😉
Well, thank you. I’m honored.
Will we get to read it? Also, your M&M consumption seems very low, considering!
Hey! I’m over at your place reading about another adventure with Annie. I’ve already chuckle-snorted twice! 😉 … I hope to publish in January, and I did share some m&m’s with the dog.
Great Job Maddie !!!
Thank you, Rita Kay! I’m so glad it’s done. I think I will take my time and enjoy the editing.
Good Job, I am proud to know so many who have done this! But forgive me that your fireworks stating 50 000 riled me up so much I was angry then that sadened me that I would feel angry over it as well I . . . Congrats! I have not succeeded and will not at this point. my blog tonight will explain.
William, I know how hard you’ve worked at this, but it’s been a big month for you, and you are going to be a father! Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t make the 50. Truly. I’m home all day and can write as little or as much as I want, but if I had other more important things happening in my life, it wouldn’t have bothered me in the least to let NaNo go. You’re going to write your book anyway, it doesn’t have to be this month. Chin up, dear!
Yay I can’t wait 🙂 and the next with picture book sounds good… Kangaroo Hunter? (he he well she could be inspired at the zoo…)
chuckle snort? I’m going to check that out now..
“Kangaroo Hunter” will be added to the list! 🙂 Have you ever heard someone start to laugh and then there’s a little snort that follows? That’s a chuckle-snort, and Susan has been known to let one out now and then. Lewis Carroll in Through the Looking-glass coined the term chortle by blending a chuckle and a snort. … Isn’t that fun!
Oh yes I’ve heard it…a little too close to home ha ha ha snort OOPS
Laughed so much at that blog I followed your comment to…thanks
Ah ha hahahahahahagagagaggahhahahahaha! (I laughed a lot reading this!)
Congrats! Yay so happy!
Sounds like a great story and your ideas for the next next one seem happy yay awesome too!
I’m so glad you laughed! I love that cranky interviewer guy even though he’s not very fond of me. … Thank you, David. 😉
Yay and you know that I will have to buy the childrens picture book for monster if you can work trains and dinosaurs into it even better lol
The picture book is already written. It’s something I put together for our son when he was pretty young. I have another little story I wrote for him though. I’ll work on it this winter and change the cars to trains, then I’ll send a copy to monster. He can draw the pictures to go with the pages. 🙂
well am not sure his artist talents will be up to that challenge lol but he does like cars aswell
Well done, Maddie…!
Congrats… 😉
Thank you, Carolyn. I’m going to catch up with blogs today. I’ll be by to see if you’ve been reading anything to us lately. I love your voice! 🙂
I never doubted. 😉
Shine on you crazy diamond.
I actually did have doubts. It felt like a chore for a while. But something lit the fire on Thanksgiving, and it was really easy to finish after that. Today feels weird now that the pressure of NaNo is off my back.
Now comes the fun part… editing. Hey, Maddie, a site called Charles Henry Editing is looking for books to review. They’re pretty new on the scene, so I’m not sure of their quality. I just sent them a copy of my book to see what happens.
Ooh, thanks! I’ll look into that. … I typed this book so fast, I’m looking forward to the editing. I can’t wait to go back and read it all at one time to find out what really happened. 🙂
Congratulations. And if you include that decadent cake picture in the book, the book will have to be ‘adult’ rated.
Thanks, Steven! They *did* bake a cake in the contest, but not one that decadent. I just like the way that one looks. I’m out of m&m’s. 😉
Congratulations!
Thank you, Charlie! Life goes back to “normal” now. 🙂
I’m so impressed that you have written five novels in one year. Way to go! I should google this instead of asking, but can I buy your books with a Nook or do I need a Kindle or an amazon account? I’m going to your About page now to try to find the answer myself, but I wanted you to know they are on my to read list!
Rachelle, I didn’t leave any stones unturned. My books are everywhere. 😉 Kobo Books doesn’t have the proper text (final edit) for my first or third books, but they’ll eventually get it right. I’m an idiot and had no idea you weren’t supposed to just write stuff and slap it up on the internet, but I’m pretty happy with what I’ve done so far. If you read any of my books, just be prepared for some fluffy entertainment … they’re not marketed under Breezy Books for nothing. 😉
I love breezy books, and once I clicked your about page, I was embarrased that I asked before checking for myself! Anyway, looking forward to reading them. I might have to buy some M&M’s to go with them!
Never any reason to be embarrassed around here! M&M’s are great to snack on when you read, and when you need real food, grab a reuben sandwich.
Congrats and what a wonderful way to introduce your book! You are very creative, and it shows in your writing. I finished the first in the series (left reviews at 3 sites), and as I mentioned previously, thoroughly enjoyed it. I am awed by your speed as well as your obvious delight in what you do. You’re a great inspiration!
Carrie, thank you so much! It was 4:00 a.m. when I decided to head on up to bed last night (this morning). I checked Amazon quick before I turned off the computer and saw your review. I was so pleased, and I think I squealed out loud. I’m happy I was able to entertain you. Thank you for your kind words.
It was my pleasure. Your book was a very pleasant surprise at just the right time. 🙂
Instead of 5 books in 1 year, I am more like 1 book in 5 years! How in the world do you do it?
Such restraint, Maddie. Only 83 exclamation points? I’m proud of you.
I was delighted to see less than 100 exclamation points when I checked the count. 😉 Isn’t the publishing climate wonderful today? I write and publish simply because I can. There isn’t anyone to tell me that I can’t, and Susan entertains me, so I just keep writing her story. 🙂
Congratulations! I hope to write a book someday…until then, I’ll enjoy the successes of those around me and get in some great reading! Your stories sound very captivating!
Thank you! I appreciate your comment. I hope you’re feeling better today.
For the moment, all 4 of the household are feeling well, thank you!
I envy you and am proud of you all at the same time.
We’re even then, because I envy your red hair, and I’m proud of your bravery to wear long johns everywhere you go. … (but thanks! :-))
Any time 🙂
Congratulations, Maddie! I’m so glad you managed to finish your book. =D 400 M n M’s… that’s a lot, haha. And I don’t think 78 exclamation marks are a lot, especially since you’ve mentioned your character is emotional. That cranky interviewer should learn to be more appreciative.
Good luck with the editing process! 🙂
Thank you, Zen! Maybe I should put a bowl of m&m’s under his nose when he comes, and he wouldn’t be so cranky. 🙂
Congrats! I’m jealous.
Thank you! … and don’t be. 🙂 I’m jealous I will never be a Charm City Chick. … You are on my list for a copy of the book when it’s ready. You will enjoy some of the subject matter. 😉
Aw YAY!
OMG I am so happy for you. That’s great you finished your book.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! 🙂
Thanks for all the kind words, Deb. I appreciate your stopping by Facebook, too. I’m actually excited to start editing this time. 🙂
I am sorry but I laughed at that last sentence…I was thinking that I have never in my writing career life uttered those words. LOL You go girl. Be proud of yourself. 🙂
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you. This is such a TREMENDOUS accomplishment. You really must have creativity oozing out of you. That interviewer sure is a smartypants! LOL
That interviewer cracks me up. 🙂 … Thanks, Lacey. I don’t know if it’s so much creativity as it is what my mother always said about me – that I have a vivid imagination.
Maddie,
Congrats! I’m so proud of you!
Thank you, Valerie. I really appreciate it. … Your book is next on my list to read. I’m going to read it even before Notorious Nineteen (which I bought the day it came out). 😉 How long will it take you to write the second book?
So cool…to be on someone’s reading list before Evanovich or anywhere near Evanovich:)
I’m hoping to finish the first draft of the sequel in 6-8 weeks which would put me at the middle of December.
Hello,
I just wanted to let you know that I’ve selected you to join The Next Big Thing (A Blog Hop Post)
Check it out http://thejennymacbookblog.wordpress.com/
Thank you, Chelsea. I’ve been out most of the day, but will stop by tomorrow to see the details. Thank you for thinking of me! 🙂
That is the best interview I have ever read. Of course I didn’t finish the other one. Çongrats on the book. I really hope I get a chance to read. I love your writing style from your blogs.
Thank you, Bo! I appreciate your kind words. Hope you are relaxing and taking care of yourself. 😉
I have just about relaxed more than I can stand. I’m gonna try to write and post some comics today. I don’t even have to leave the couch to do that.
Congratulations, Maddie – what a brilliant way to get info on your book out there! I love this (smiled and laughed all the the way through) 😉
Thank you, Dianne! That interviewer guy is my all-time
favorite wisenheimer. 🙂
I think I’m in love with him… just sayin…
🙂
That is a huge accomplishment. I actually looked at the contest myself and said there was no way to write that much everyday. Congratulations!
Thank you! The 50k wasn’t really so bad; it was the pressure of “having” to write the 50k that surprised me so much. I’m glad I did it this one time, but I don’t plan to do it again. 🙂 … Thank you for stopping by!
Thats wonderful Maddie! Wow, five books in one year, you’re good!
You deserve all the M&M’s you want 🙂
Thank you, Maggie! You would think I would be sick of m&m’s by now, but I think I’ll fill a bowl for the editing adventure to come. 😉
Why not…
Maddie, are your books only in kindle form? I tired to get one online -for Christmas I’m not breaking my blog rules 🙂 – but only saw kindle ones on amazon. Can you send me the link for a hardcopy?
Hi, Charlie. My books are at most of the major online booksellers, but because I self-published, they are only available for electronic (eReaders, phones, tablets) and PC reading. I might look into having some copies printed next year. I’d like to have some to sell on on my website and for a couple of other projects. I have my fingers crossed that I can make that happen.
Okay, well let me know when that happens because I read books the old fashioned way and I was really looking forward to reading one of yours. 🙂
Congratulations! You’re one accomplished blogger/writer…
Thank you, Robert. You’re doing pretty good yourself. 😉
Congratulations!
Thank you so much. I appreciate that you stopped by. 🙂
YAY!!!!! Congratulations! I loved all your posts can’t wait to read it!
Thanks, Pam! Once I got past the half-way point, it seemed to go much easier. I’m actually really happy I was successful at this.
Hey. Maddie – I want to get an email whenever you put up a new post, but I can’t find the button on your side bar. Is there one there somewhere and I’m just being dopey not seeing it? 😦
I found a new widget! Thanks for being the first person in six months to ask. 🙂 It’s on my home page. I told Joe he had to move down a bit. Thanks, Dianne.
By the way, I’m starting to do that, too. I’m tired of missing posts because my reader doesn’t show them. That’s my project for the weekend – hit my favorite blogs and follow via email.
Me too! I find I’m missing them and having to go back and have a look:(
Absolutely inspiring, Maddie! I’m headed out to San Fran in the morning and planning on downloading my first of your books for the adventure. SO excited for you and this amazing accomplishment!
Thank you, Michelle! I’m truly honored you would pick my book for your trip. I always still freak out a little bit when someone tells me they are going to read one. I want to apologize for how silly they are, but I’m trying to stop doing that. My intent was only ever to entertain for a while, and I feel I accomplished that. Have a safe trip!
Never apologize for your art! I’m positive it will tickle me!
Oooh! I hate Cranky Interviewer, he’s so vile, rotten, obnoxious, and despicable!! Also cranky. I hate the fact that he lives up to his name… : P
Anyway, I refused to read his questions, but I did read all your answers, and like all your admiring, fawning fans, I bow and due homage and sprinkle you with M&M’s, at least metaphorically… : )
Sincere congrats, Maddie, on a truly amazing achievement. Five books in one year– wow! And to think you banged them all out while your husband was outside using that whiny Sawzall… your powers of concentration must be extraordinary!! : P
Well done, you are an inspiration– really! : )
I just love it when you stop by! 🙂 You always make me smile, and maybe one day you will be here when cranky interviewer is … you can bop him on the nose! Thank you for your kind words, Mark.
Love it….CONGRATS!!!! ♥ paula
Thank you, Paula! 🙂
♥
Looks like I got here late, it took ages to scroll to the bottom… Well done and congratulations, and thanks for writing in my photo 😀
Late is good, too. 🙂 I took a copy of your picture, along with my NaNo certificate, and the last seven chapters of my book to my mother last Thursday. When we talked later, she said, “This picture you left here was in the book, wasn’t it?” She really liked it, too. Thanks for letting me describe it the way I did. I’ll definitely be putting a link to your blog in the back of my eBook.
Looks like I might be getting hold of a camera for a heady 5 weeks in the near future, i am already planning some things to do with it 😀 I have found a pair of derelict and decaying buses that have “photograph me” written all over them 🙂
Oooh, cool! I know you’ll have fun and find good “subjects.”
well, they dont move so its a good start
Congratulations on finishing your book! And for writing FIVE in a year! That’s quite an accomplishment. I hope you’ve rewarded yourself handsomely.
Thank you so much, Mary. It has been fun to write this year. Every time I publish a book, my husband and I order Chinese food and celebrate. 🙂
Oh, this is great! Congratulations on this magnificent achievement. 😀
Thank you, Amber! I’m editing and hoping to publish this thing on Friday. I’ll have to catch up with blogs over the weekend. 🙂