No, that isn’t the title of my novel, though in a way, I think it would be a good novel title. Stillness Speaks – this speaks to me. It speaks to me of that space between words and actions, that place of serenity and clarity. That opportunity to see clear through to the absolute truth of a situation, to understand it perfectly without any conscious analysis, and to feel the natural, normal welling of love that flows upwards from heart to head, saying that whatever is happening is alright.

Stillness speaks to me now as I take a break from my early morning writing and think about what a joy it is to once again join the wave of human minds, spirits, consciousness, and enthusiasm. I’m speaking of that wave that comes over the world every November 1 through 30, when novelists the world over join in a celebration of writing called NaNoWriMo.

To be a writer allowing myself to get caught up in this spirit is an amazing, joyful thing. I can feel the vibrations of hope, the strong vibes of confidence and the weak ones of fear. These mix together and somehow the confident spirits give strength and hope to the fearful ones. We all strive and struggle in our own ways to be part of this happening experience. One day, one hour, one word at a time, we build our artistic literary creations, build them strong, build them big, build them crazy and wild and free. And however we build them, that’s exactly how they are meant to be. Do you see how beautiful that is?

Writers of the world, be free, be crazy with your words, and be confident. Together we will make this month a time of joy and discovery – a month to remember and a memory to savor and cherish.

…
This NaNoWriMo moment was brought to you by that wave of enthusiasm that came over me.

Oh, by the way, my working title this year is The Green Tea Chronicles.

Here’s my NaNoWriMo profile.

Here it comes – once again – the wonderful online writer’s conference planned and coordinated by amazing Lea Schizas. This is the conference’s third year – and the first year I’m offering a workshop there. In fact, it is the first time I’ve offered a workshop anywhere, so I’m really excited (and apprehensive) about this.

My workshop is Creating An Impressive Writing Website – during which I hope to help other writers figure out what a website might do for them, and what it should look like. I’ll also be doing critiques of existing sites so if anyone is wanting an objective opinion of their site and suggestions on how to make it better, this would be a great place to ask.

The conference is totally FREE so don’t hesitate to register if you’re at all interested. The conference will be a happening thing from October 13 through 19, 2008. It is all online, in chatrooms and on a message board forum.

To register, click on the conference banner below, and then find the registration link.

[Update: Sorry, registration ended on September 1, 2008. If you're not registered this time, get ready for NEXT year's registration. Put this on your calendar for next August.]