My NaNoWriMo 2010 story line came about as a quandary I've been pondering for quite a while. "Chick lit is just missing that certain je ne sais quoi." Granted, because I'm a chick, technically everything I read is Chick Lit. But, so many times I feel let down by the selection that's currently available. Some of the chick lit I've read in the past (titles to remain unnamed) fell flat on my literary palate. The lead female character is always of average to above average intelligence, is not unfortunate looking, is generally liked by the people they encounter and have a mild to severe shopping problem. On top of that the plot doesn't put the MC through a crucible in any way shape or form. Only mild disappointments (usually having to do with their love interest) are encountered. To summarize, they're fluffy stories about a Mary Sue.

**Now, I know I haven't read every book in this genre. So if you have any suggestions that shatter my opinion, please feel free to share**

My goal with this manuscript is to create a story that career women with more than just cotton for brains can relate to. A story that deals with discrimination against women in technical industries, the difficulty of balancing one's working and personal life, and preconceived expectations of what "success" is measured by. I'm coming up on my 5 year anniversary at my 1st job out of college, and these are all things that both myself and my fellow girls-in-the-workplace have had to deal with on a daily basis. And like they say, "Write what you know."

With out further ado...Here is my NaNoWriMo 2010 Synopsis:

The right pair of shoes can change a woman's life. That is, if she's open to change...

Jacqueline had been riding the corporate conveyor belt since college graduation day. Now seven years into her career at an architecture firm, pressure from herself and her family has kept her drive alive. She's fought long and hard to achieve what she has, sinking her teeth in and refusing to let go.

But flash floods of change are thundering her way. Will she be able to adapt to the tidal wave crashing down on her life, or will she drown?

Today my blog turns the big UNO. A year ago today I put up my first post: Coffee Coffee Everywhere But Not a Plot Bunny in Sight At first this blog started as a live journal of sorts chronicling my journey through NaNoWriMo '09. It served that purpose and so much more. Keeping up with the blog posts (ok, ok, attempting to keep up with them...) motivated me to keep up with my writing and take a critical look at the process and lifestyle that goes along with composing prose. As a result I've learned a good deal more about myself, expanded my circle of writing buddies and my writing has benefited greatly.

So, "Thank you!" to all the peeps that have found and followed my blog since Oct 13th of last year. Your comments and support have kept me going! :) You guys are awesome!

Only 20 days left in October...This is a NaNoWriMo Call To Arms!!!

I'm deep in the preparation trenches. My outline is almost done and I'm working on some character sheets.

JOIN ME! Put aside what ever reservations you have. It's exactly the swift kick in the writing pants you need. Hey, don't get snarky...we both know you need it. (I know I do.) But don't just take my word for it, swing by their website and check it out http://www.nanowrimo.org/

I'm in the process of updating my NaNo profile and I wanted to take this opportunity to invite my blog peeps to be my writing buddy. My NaNo ID is: Daria03

Having trouble finding me on the site? Check out this link on How to Add a Writing Buddy

Yesterday morning, I finally had the opportunity to test out my little theory on taking a hike to make headway in my writing. And I'm happy to say that as one of the commenters on the original post put it "Walking definitely helps."

Before I began my walk, I only had about a third of the story outlined for one of my two possible NaNoWriMo plots. By the end of the walk I had envisioned at least another third of the story line. In between, while walking along the White Oak Bayou trail with my dogs and fiancee, I had a wonderful time and soaked up some much needed vitamin D. I found that ideas for the story line came to me in snippets. An "ah-ha" spark would flash in my head, then my mind would wander off somewhere...back to the ongoing conversation...the on coming herd of bikers we had to get off the trail to avoid...why is my dog sniffing that. Then, another "ah-ha" spark would happen. All in all it was a very productive cycle without putting forth much effort. Like they say...work smarter, not harder.

After jotting down my ideas gleaned yesterday, I'm already looking forward to the next walking opportunity. Hopefully I'll have the plot finished after jaunt part deux.

So, have you had an opportunity to move forward through your WIP while strolling through your story line? Or have you used going for a walk to work through another genre of quandary?