• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Bio
  • Bookshelf
    • Audio
    • Complete List of Chautona’s Books
    • The Rockland Chronicles
      • The Vintage Wren
      • The Aggie Series
      • The Hartfield Mysteries
      • Sight Unseen Series
        • Sight Unseen Series Archives
      • The Agency Files
      • Christmas Fiction
    • Legacy of the Vines
    • Meddlin’ Madeline
      • Madeline Blog Archive
    • Ballads from the Hearth
      • Ballads from the Hearth Blog Archive
    • Legends of the Vengeance
    • Journey of Dreams
    • Wynnewood
    • Webster’s Bakery
    • The Not-So-Fairy Tales
    • Heart of Warwickshire
  • Start HERE
    • If You Like…
    • Characters
    • Suggested Reading Order
    • Free Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Podcast
    • Advertising
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Merch Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Bonus
  • Speaking
  • New & Coming
Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

How Expensive Is FOMO? About 50K. Good Thing I LOVE to Write

by Chautona Havig · 1 Comment

NaNoWriMo 2021 arrived without me even opening a new document. I wasn't going to do it... now I have a parody, a project and... uh oh! via @chautonahavig

What’s wrong with me? Oh, a lot of things, trust me. From my inability to remember anything I’m supposed to do (and I used to forget nothing I said or did–ahhh… those were the days) to my “shiny syndrome,” you name it, I’ve got something wrong with it.

Here’s the deal. I’ve been doing NaNoWriMo since 2006. Now, to be fair, the last three years have been a bit… hit-or-miss with recording my word count, but I’ve made it every time. I thought I hadn’t until I looked at the actual documents. That was kind of cool. Who cares what the website says? I know the truth, baby!

But this year, I had a lot of things going on and decided to be responsible. I didn’t have time to edit a bunch of books, write a novella, and do NaNoWriMo.

Okay, quick aside.

For those who don’t know, NaNoWriMo stands for NAtional NOvel WRIting MOnth.  Naaa-noe-WRY-MOE.  Just like the beginning of all the words except month. Because Na-no-wri-muh sounds weird. Especially since I don’t pronounce it “munth” but “mon-th”  You know… that “O” sound.  I digress.  Anyway, the idea is to write fifty thousand words in a month. That’s 1667 words per day. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

Back to my tale.

Well, obviously, I didn’t start NaNoWriMo 2021 at midnight on November 1.  This year I didn’t get my Chinese food, I didn’t write my annual parody (you can find old ones below), or even count down the seconds to midnight like I’ve done every year for the past fifteen or so years.  Sigh.

nanowrimo 2021

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

How Expensive Is FOMO? About 50K. Good Thing I LOVE to Write.

But it happened yesterday.  I was sliding into bed for my evening nap when I had the thought.  What if I did it?  Like the second half of the month only.  Could I write fifty-thousand words in FIFTEEN DAYS???

So, there’s another part of NaNoWriMo that I’ve done each time. I’ve challenged myself.  Once it was to “write a sermon” as a novel. Once it was to do sci-fi or to do first-person writing. Write the sappiest romance I could imagine?  Done. Youth adventure? Yep.

So… why not make this challenge be to… write the book in half the usual time?

Look… I’m going to be honest. I seriously doubt I can do it. Too much going on, including our first Thanksgiving away from our house since… forever. We’ve always done it here.

So now I have to write 3334 words per day from now through November 30, 2021… at 11:59:59.

Yep. I’m crazy.

I even wrote my annual parody last night… here goes (it’s not my best, but hey!)

How Do I Write It?

How do I write it? Let me now believe
I write it from start to middle to end
Of a tale—of belief we must suspend
And fill the pages of all I conceive.

I write it until all the words emerge
On the page of my electronic screen
And paint a vivid and wondrous scene
Until truth and fiction meet and converge.

I do love, most passionately, to write
Of deep griefs and desires—of sincere faith.
I write it each day and long into the night
I write each word with all that is within
Until morning dawns with its first gray light
And my word count inches close to the win.
Snort (my unlyrical and unromantic… amen).

So… what am I writing for NaNoWriMo 2021?

I have a whole VIDEO on how I chose, but for those who like spoilers, here you go.

The winner is…

Book, Chapter, & Vows

Book, Chapter, & Vows

Why can't the past stay in the past?

She told him falling in love wasn't in the plan, but she wasn't complaining. Now... now she's not so sure.

Order Now!
About the Book

Falling in love with Benjamin wasn’t in the plan, but Mallory finds she’s all but lost her head and her heart after two and a half years of banter, memories, and now shared books.

But when her ex-fiance (does it count if it was just for a few hours?) shows up right in the middle of a writing project with Benjamin, the guy manages to ruin her happiness… again.

Benjamin has been keeping one tiny part of him back from Mallory–just the one thing that’ll repel her for good.
So when the ex-boyfriend-slash-fiance shows up, and things look serious again, he takes a giant step back and prays he can keep his heart intact in the process.

They’re clearly meant for each other. God obviously has a plan. So what’s it going to take for Mallory and Benjamin to work things out and get those vows made?

Related

Details
Author: Chautona Havig
Series: Independence Island Series, Book 25
Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance
Tags: Collection, Romance
Publisher: Celebrate Lit Publishing
Publication Year: 2022
ASIN: B09R1Q1PCV
List Price: 9.99
eBook Price: 5.99
Audiobook Price: 12.99
Order Now
Purchase with Paypal
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Other Books in "Independence Island Series"
Flipping Hearts
Dual Power of Convenience
Finding a Memory
Christmas on Breakers Point
Bookers on the Rocks
Preview

You can read the rest of the series while you wait if you’re just anxious to get started. I recommend either the Merriweather Island Box Set or maybe you just need to remember to preorder my next book in the series, Finding a Memory.

May NaNoWriMo 2021 begin in 59:59… 59:58… 59:57…

Past Poetic Parodies

  • The Night before Nano (A “T‘was the Night Before Christmas” parody)
  • The Raven (as in Poe’s, of course)
  • Tease (as in Joyce Kilmer’s “Trees”)
  • Till November (A “My Grandfather’s Clock” parody)
  • Goin’ on a Book Hunt (Going on a Bear Hunt parody)
  • Winking, Blinking, Nod(ing) (“Winkin’ Blinkin’ & Nod” parody)
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email

Related

Filed Under: Short Stories, Writing

Previous Post: « Are You Ready for a Historical Romance Series That Will Keep You Riveted?
Next Post: Are You Ready for a Delightful and Unique New Christmas Tradition? »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. Alicia says

    November 14, 2021 at 11:28 pm

    Chautona I know you can do this. It will be tight but I have such faith it will happen. I was sort of saddened when you wrote you weren’t doing NaNoWriMo. It is like a tradition. And I know how much you love your traditions, especially from Nov-Jan.

    Keep us posted.

    Wow, traveling for Thanksgiving. That is new. Are you going to one of the children’s houses this year? If I remember at least daughter #1 has moved away a bit? That was awhile ago, but I don’t remember any others having children yet. It will be different but so great to see the grandkids.

    I keep trying to catch you on messenger. I have been following the best I can since I deactivated my FB account. I can still activate it, but usually do so for very important things. Like my recently adopted little dog (long story) disappeared. We found him four days later. Some preteens had him tied up ina very hidden place and he just happened to find the right time to bark and be heard (they had had painters and woodworkers around for days (new management) so he couldn’t have been heard until much later in the day. The property manager finally found him. But there are so many rescue sites that are focused simply on lost and found dogs. So it was activated for about two weeks. But messenger still works.

    AnywY back to writing for you… I have started praying and will keep doing so until you get your new book written.

    Hugs and love
    Alicia

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 215: A Chat with Henry O. Arnold
byChautona Havig

I had a chat with actor and author Henry O. Arnold a while back, and boy did we have a lot of fun. His Song of Prophets and Kings series features the advent of Israel’s kings from Samuel’s birth through David hiding from Saul (so far) and onward. Listen in as we chat about his most recent release, The Singer of Israel.

 

note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

What Made David Such a Man after God’s Heart?

I think this series will show us. I love that Henry O. Arnold started back at Samuel’s story to prepare us for the story of arguably the most influential king of Israel. Yes, Solomon was the wisest and richest, but David offered something that Solomon didn’t have. He was an average guy—a shepherd, no less—chosen by God to lead his country.

In a sense, it’s kind of the ancient Jewish version of a poor, everyday guy growing up to become President of the United States. If you know what I mean.

This five-book series is available as an eBook, in print, and as an audiobook, too! Henry read a snippet of it to us, and boy you get a feel for his love of Scripture and God’s people as he reads.

And if that wasn’t enough, he even gave us a hint of his upcoming Christian suspense/thriller “series. He says he has two books planned for sure, so… at least a duology, but maybe we can talk him into a trilogy at least? Get those odd numbers and everything?

The Singer of Israel by Henry O. Arnold

A singer’s voice inspires a troubled nation…A shepherd’s courage vanquishes a giant

The last official act of the prophet of Yahweh was to secretly anoint a replacement for the king of Israel who has been brought low by an unbalanced mind. The great prophet of Israel lives in fear of the wrath of the king. Then out of the hills of Bethlehem emerges the last-born son of a family of shepherds to become the unforeseen hero of Israel.

When David sings of the glory of Yahweh, this shepherd wins the hearts of the royal family and restores King Saul’s troubled mind. But when the singer/shepherd defeats the champion of the Philistines in single combat, David becomes forever known as “the giant slayer.” Saul quickly sees that David is now a threat to his kingdom and secretly plots to have him killed.

David may be the champion of the people of Israel, but he must live under the constant threat of Saul’s wrath until he is finally forced to flee for his life.

The Singer of Israel is a tale of triumph and tribulation, deepest love, and burning rivalries; the new epoch is given a voice…and it is The Song of Prophets and Kings.

You can learn more about Henry on this WEBSITE.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

  • Apple 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Stitcher
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 215: A Chat with Henry O. Arnold
Episode 215: A Chat with Henry O. Arnold
March 24, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 214: A Chat about After the Shadows with Amanda Cabot
March 21, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 213: A Chat about Daughter of Eden with Jill Eileen Smith
March 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 212: A Chat about Code Name Edelweiss with Stephanie Landsem
February 28, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 211: A Chat with Lynn H. Blackburn about Under Fire
February 24, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 210: A Chat with Jennifer Deibel about The Maid of Ballymacool
February 21, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 209: A Chat with Tracie Peterson about Remember Me
February 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 208: A Chat with Author, Hallie Lee
February 14, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 207: A Chat with Daniella Rushton about Portal Fantasy
February 10, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 206: A Chat with Lisa Phillips about Her New Spin-off Series
February 7, 2023
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Check out the Sparrow Island novels. A tiny island with a lot of heart

independence islands series

Featured Books

A Ransomed Grete

A Ransomed Grete
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon Kindle
A Ransomed Grete
Buy now!

Twice Sold Tales

Twice Sold Tales
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Twice Sold Tales
Buy now!

Under the Hibiscus

Under the Hibiscus
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Under the Hibiscus
Buy now!

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • Why I Can’t Wait to Read the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing Series!
  • What Kinds of Lessons Can We Learn from the First People?
  • Why Would Anyone Send Beautiful, Thorny Roses with Strange Messages?

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
Found this book at our local bookstore, Red Rock Found this book at our local bookstore,  Red Rock Books. It changed one direction of my next Bookstrings novel. I think we need more emphasis on picture books. So... this will sit around to inspire. 
#Bookstrings 
#bookishbooks
Reposted from @lornaroseboutique Annnnnnnd here th Reposted from @lornaroseboutique Annnnnnnd here they are!!! I’ve been anxiously waiting to see how they turn out, and they’re AMAZING!!! Gahh I love these post cards! 
If you love them too, you can check out the link in my bio!!

#digitalart #redbubbleartist #iloveart
When @kathleendenly offers to send an ARC, you squ When @kathleendenly offers to send an ARC, you squeal and accept before she changes her mind d. Eeep! I love her Chaparral Hearts series!
#AmReading 
#historicalromance 
#ChristFic
My first Goudge this month was a DNF. However, I My first Goudge this month was a DNF. However,  I found this while sorting my books in our home library and decided to read it now. Delightful. 
#yearofgoudge
#ChristianFantasy
Reposted from @susankbeattyauthor Take a trip to t Reposted from @susankbeattyauthor Take a trip to the Suamalie Islands where palm trees sway, the sand and sea pulse with life, and the people will steal your heart with Book 2 in the series, Wheelers Design.

Clay is messy and so is Sabrina’s life sometimes, but will God mold it into a work of art?
	
Wheelers Design releases March 28, but you can pre-order now: 

Pre-order the ebook copy now to get a special pre-order price of $2.99 https://buff.ly/3TPO7NT

Preorder the paperback copy to get 30% off plus free shipping. Just fill out the form https://buff.ly/40aLI2s 

#preorder #newrelease #cleanreads #contemporaryfiction
New ARCs arrived from @tyndalehouse over the past New ARCs arrived from @tyndalehouse over the past couple of weeks.  Looking forward to reading this one by Cindy Woodsmall.  Haven't read anything by her in years. 
#AmReading 
#christianfictionreaders 
#ChristFic 
#amishfiction
Reading right now. It's so good!!! Reposted from Reading right now.  It's so good!!!

Reposted from @lisaphillipsbks ⏰ If you haven’t read Cold Dead Night, you can enter to win it! Plus 45+ exciting Inspirational Mysteries & Thrillers from a great
collection of authors... AND a brand new eReader :D
--
Enter 👉 via link in bio.
When you’re done, comment to let me know you’ve entered!
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

Don't go before you grab your FREE short story collection!