How we have reached the last quarter of 2016, I will never know. It feels like just yesterday I decided to take my writing hiatus. Yeah… that was April. Well, hiatus no more! It’s October, the month before November and you know what that means… NaNoWriMo is right around the corner, and I have some deep thinking to do. 

But enough about me, what about you, how have you been these last few months? I feel like we haven’t spoken in a while and that needs to change, so what’s new? I hope you’ve had an amazing few months and you are ready for new adventures with me and all of my imaginary friends here!

October is a month for swapping stories, becoming someone else, and making your life be what you want it. So let’s do it!

It’s time for Pitch Madness and this round’s theme is Mario Kart! Wait, you don’t know what Pitch Madness is? Pitch Madness is a contest coordinated by the altruistic Brenda Drake where writers submit a pitch of their novels to win a request from one or more of participating agents. All that’s submitted by the author is a 35 word pitch and the first 250 words of the manuscript, the rest is up to the readers and agents. To follow the Pitch Madness results, keep an eye on twitter for #PitchMadness!

2016 has brought a long list of celebrity deaths, among them was the lovely Harper Lee. At the age of 89, Harper Lee passed away but left the world with quotes that encapsulate some of life’s greatest lessons. Here are a few favorites: 

"'Atticus, he was real nice.' 'Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them.'" -To Kill a Mockingbird

January has come and gone and with it, our resolutions for 2016. Bec Evans from On the Write Track has some advice to get your writing (or any passion) motivated again with one simple adage, “Win the morning, win the day.” Start a routine, and start it early, as the day progresses our motivation drains as if through a sieve and we become less productive. Speaking from experience as my NaNoWriMo months are fueled by early mornings at my keyboard, this is one habit to try. 

Looking back to January, we saw the loss of a great many people, Alan Rickman was one that hit me hard. As Severus Snape in Harry Potter he made a friend to authors everywhere when he spoke of J.K. Rowling and her work. His love for her storytelling made me as a bookworm feel as an imposter, for he had some much love that I could never compete. When he passed at 69 after battling cancer, the world grew a little darker but thankfully, Alan Rickman will always be Severus Snape and I will visit him in the land of magic and muggles often.

How about adding some spook to your day? January saw the 207th birthday of Edgar Allan Poe (one of my heroes) and with it came a short story generator. Just pop in a few words, click create, and see your story come to life. Mine is below, but make sure you create one yourself.

As 2015 came to a close, Goodreads came out with their email look back on books you’ve read in the past year. If you’re planning on adding to your TBR list this year, check out this article on How to Make a Non-Intimidating Reading Resolution. Whether it’s a lofty goal of 100+ or a more attainable goal (mine’s 50 books) make sure you have a wonderful year reading!

Unless you live under a rock you may have seen a little known film, Star Wars, was released in 2015. One artist has taken his love for the world and created a whole slew of flags for each of the planted in the universe. There are 100-Plus Planets In The 'Star Wars' Galaxy and this designer made one for each. 

Alright, who has seen the new Adult Coloring books? If you've tried one, please leave a comment, I'm curious of your experience. This list of coloring books highlights some of the best books to use as a "sort of coping mechanism, used to counter the pitfalls of busy, everyday life." These books look great.. thanks, but I think I'd pick up the Doctor Who one.

I'm moving to France! Okay, not really, but I would... for a short story vending machine. You heard me. When "you left your phone at home, or the battery's dead" and you need a quick stimulating pick me up, just find one of these little machines and you'll be all set. Seriously, why do we not have these in Seattle?

BREAKING NEWS! Oxford trolls world! Okay, maybe not... but this did choose the "word" of the year for 2015, and the winner is... the "Crying Tears of Joy" Emoji? What? What do you think of their choice, share your reaction below.

Amazon Books is now a real tangible building in Seattle WA. People's reactions seem to be a mix of cheers (for more books) and boos as Amazon has actively "encouraged consumers to check out books in stores, then go to Amazon for a slightly cheaper copy." I'm planning a trip into the city this month to check out the "new kid" on the block and I'll make sure to let you know how it went.

​​As the title of this month's new suggests, it is a NaNo event month. I will continue to blog this month, the the posts may be on the shorter side. Except... for Fiction Friday, those you will want to come visit for. 

Also, Beverage Therapy is now available on Channillo! Yup, you can head over there anytime and subscribe to read my very first published work. I'll also have it available on this site in the coming weeks for a donation to charity. Stay tuned!

Let's hear it for teens! No, really. A new study says that American teens lead the pack on reading. Though it sounds surprising, so the article says, Young People Read More than other age demographics is America.

In the spirit of Halloween and Samhain, have you ever wondered what it's Really Like to be a Witch? America has an interesting history with witches and this article gives a deeper background on the modern witch.

Lastly, and most importantly, please take a moment to head over to my fundraising page and help support NaNoWriMo. As a non-profit organization NaNo thrives on help from readers and writers like us. Whatever you can donate monetarily makes a difference and if you'd rather donate encouragement, go for it! Leave a message here, on twitter, Facebook, or the fundraising page of an author and help motivate them to meet their 50k word goal.

Fall is in the air, pumpkin spice is running rampant (seriously... pumpkin spiced pumpkin seeds, really?), and everyone is thinking about what to wear for Halloween night. October is the month where young and old are encouraged to become who they are not. Everyone throws on costumes and dances in the street begging for sweets and giggling like mad. Only in one other place do humans find such invigorating freedom; books.

October hosted banned books week where dedication to the free literary word was celebrated and honored. The Library of Congress, and even more, the American Library Association help to push the "freedom to express one's opinions" even when other's don't agree with them. Books are important and for one week in chilly October we can say thank you to those book who meet head on opposition and persevere.

If you're searching for a costume this month, why not try finding one with literary meaning. Not sure where to look? Martin Vargic's Map of Literary Genres is a great jumping off point. Tiny words, large "land" masses, and authors of all interests fill the page and tempt a reader to find authors they know. Try finding your favorites or close your eyes and point, you never know what you may discover.