Failing NaNoWriMo2020 and Theremini Adventures

I have to confess when October was coming to a close, and I thought I would dive headfirst into writing a full-length novel for this year’s NaNoWriMo; boy, was I wrong.

I had no idea what I would write besides fiction, no plot, no character outline, and no idea what I was doing. Jumping into the deep end, it’s no wonder I quickly fell out of sync with working on my “novel.”

On top of everything else going on in the world, Salt Lake City, and my personal life, I figured out that I didn’t have the gumpf to write a novel right now; instead, I ended up writing a couple of short stories and a few poems.

What I do have written for this year’s NaNoWriMo (a measly 6k) could be a good start. Although I was trying not to write anything spooky, I get the impression; it will most likely be a psychological thriller/ghost story.

What else have I been up to?

I finished reading Lovecraft Country, and it was great! A fun read that had good plot twists and a range of captivating characters.

Moog Theremini

I bought one, finally, a theremin. After a few months of researching, I decided to get the Moog Theremini because it’s easy to tune, comes with a built-in speaker, and can connect easily with my DAW for recording. Plus, it has 32 presets of classic Moog synth sounds, which are excellent. This has been tons of fun learning how to play it and make some incredibly versatile sounds that I plan on using.

Currently Reading

The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami 

The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle
photo source: goodreads.com

Murakami is probably one of the most talented contemporary writers in the world. His stories blend isolation and a hint of the otherworldly in his unique style.

I decided to pick up this chunky 600-something-page book and give it a shot. I’m already a sixth of the way through, and it’s an absorbing read. I’ve read other works by Murakami, but I can understand why this book is one people highly recommend when discussing his work.

Beta Reads

I am available for Beta Reads if anyone is looking for feedback on their poems, short stories, novellas, and novels. I read a slew of genres, including Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Romance, Literary, Mystery, Horror, and Thriller. Feel free to contact me through Fiverr if you’re interested in my services.

To my subscribers, expect more poems! I am dredging the hundreds of poems I’ve written and published on this blog. I’ve been handpicking select poems just for you while I brainstorm up writing tips. As usual, don’t hesitate to respond or strike up a conversation with me. I love discussing poetry, writing, and literature.

Have a wonderful week, and stay safe out there!

https://www.alinahappyhansenwriter.com/2017/03/27/short-story-sample-the-tenant/

Revising My Novel, Currently Reading and Just Tired

I’ve put my blog in the backseat for the past few weeks because I’m just exhausted. I’m tired of juggling everything, and really, I needed a break. Now we’re in the homestretch, the election is so close, and I am trying to stay positive, but damn, is it hard.

This month I have been revising my novel, really trying to tighten it up and bring it to life. I think I’ll have one of my best drafts completed by October 1st, and I’m excited.

Poetry? I’m trying to write more, but I have less energy to work on poems lately. Between revising my novel full-time and my new remote job, I don’t have a lot of energy left to work on poetry, but hopefully, that will change next month.

I’m focusing on reading these two books right now:

Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage

by Alfred Lansing

Great Demon Kings: A Memoir of Poetry, Sex, Art, Death, and Enlightenment

by John Giorno

I’m looking for a contemporary poetry book or collection. If anyone has any recommendations, I’d be very interested to know what they are.

When it comes to world events, or I guess, in the U.S. The decision for the Breonna Taylor case is devastating and a complete disappointment. Another soul-crushing failure, and I can’t believe the response the Louisville police had, arresting protestors before the curfew on the day they announced the outcome of the case. Just total bullshit. Another blow.

I am so tired.

Stay positive, my friends, and reach out if you’d like to talk about books, writing, or anything else on your mind. I am here and happy to chat.

Have a wonderful weekend, and stay safe.


Death Always [a poem]

Death Always

comes knocking

whether we want it to or not

creeping closer with each passing second

ready to embrace us in our last breath.



The events of this week have left me emotionally drained and exhausted. Kenosha, Hurricane Laura, everything. I am trying to stay positive, read more, exercise, and take care of my health but it’s so much work right now with everything going on. I can’t give up. I have to keep hope for the future. Here’s a small poem, because I don’t have the energy to go into detail about the brutal shootings in Kenosha and the protests. It’s heart-breaking.


Liked this poem? Read this one or this one here.

Golden Eyes [a poem]

Golden eyes look downwards into the sun
from space above. There are no angels here
only particles and blackholes. Blue marble, Earth,
spins on, and the gold suns, eyes, burn long
after the world dies.


Like this post? Try these:

My Stories on Medium: Poetry, Writing and Freelancing

I’m writing on Medium now. Why not? I’ll give it a shot.

Here are friend links to my Medium stories, check them out!

(with a friend link you have access to my story that is behind Medium’s paywall)

How I Made Over $450 in Two Weeks Freelancing on Fiverr

3 Reasons Why I Struggle To Write Poetry Now

Why I Think Everyone Should be an Avid Reader

What To Do When You Suck at Revising Your Novel

These are my latest four stories. Check out my Medium profile here.

What is coming: 

  • Another “Life During COVID” blog post this week
  • Podcast sesh #3 (by next week)
  • Poems (I will start to post poems again. I haven’t since March)

Become a subscriber and receive one of my poems in your inbox every Monday plus exclusive updates and links to my latest Medium stories!

Thank you so much for reading, subscribing, and following.

Stay safe and stay healthy!

Cheers,

Alina


 

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