Last night is when I first noticed the signs. A pea sized seed of NaNo WriMo doubt lodged into my skull. When I woke up this morning and looked in the mirror, there was this giant brain-sucking amoeba perched upon my head. It looks a lot like I just got out of the shower and wrapped a towel around my head with a few whisps of hair peeking out. Nope! It's not a towel. It's a giant amoeba and it draining me dry of NaNo power.
I KNOW it's OK if . . . .
-some scenes are boring. They can be fixed later.
-there are some holes. They can be fixed later.
-the dialogue is a little cheesy and needs some work. It can be fixed later.
I started out knowing all of this, but this !@#$ (pardon my symbols) amoeba is stealing this knowledge and replacing it with:
-this stinks!
-you'll never be able to fix this story right. why bother finishing
-even if you fix it, the character is so lame that NO teenager will relate to her and they'll hate the book.
How do I get rid of a brain-sucking amoeba? It's stuck. I mean it's really really stuck. LIke the way my hand is attached to my wrist kind-of-stuck.
I've made such good progress, I can't let this amoeba win.
Help me fight this amoeba (via the the comment section) and I'll put you're name in the drawing for the 16,600 word mark. I'll draw a name this Sunday. I should be there by then, because a brain-sucking amoeba, not even a giant one, can stop Indiana Christy. I think.
H E L P !
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Leave a comment below to win a copy of "The Secrets of Droon" Search for the Dragon Ship by Tony Abbot
I have my hat. I have my latte. I have a book to give away (hey! that kind of rhymes.) Bonus!
I've made it! I've collected my first 5,500 words in the Land of NaNo WriMo. The Great Inspiration Giver, Jacqui won the first Token of gratitude for her Gracious gift of cheering me on as she preformed the "running man" and the "sprinkler."
Now it's time for my 2nd book giveaway to any Great Giver of Inpsiration or Motivation (that's you) who leaves a comment below. I have collected many words, but it has not been w/o peril. I need wisdom and words of encouragement more than ever before.
Day 1:
On day one, my expedition was delayed by the curse of the werewolves of Youkantdothiz. I was cursed with a hairy head cold that muddled my brain and clogged my sinus cavities. Not even the Barista at the Cave of Starbucks could produce a brew that could make me feel better.
Alas! I am Indiana Christy and I pressed on.
My map made the hunt for the first 3,500 words a simple conquest. Perched in my tree, I found a herd of words roaming below. I aimed my bow, shot and pierced the words with a stealthy blow.
What I did not expect was the laundry monster. As I searched for more words, I went from room to room in the castle of Myhowz. At every turn there was a mountain of Laundry Monsters staring me down. They chased me and threatened to swallow me whole! What to do? My first impulse was to run and flee! But No! This monster multiplies too fast. I had to do something. Blob by monstrous blob I fought. Drowning each hideous beast in a vat of a churning current. Drowning . . . drying. . . folding. . . hanging. Finally, I conquered the slew of laundry monsters in my wake. Unfortunatley I know there are more hiding and multiplying as I type. It took a good part of the rest of the day to tackle these beasts. By nightfall it was too late and I ached far too much to hunt for any more words.
Little did I know, the worst was yet to happen. My glowing box, the one with the apple on the cover, the one where I keep my captured words, fell to the cave floor and busted. My loyal Tribe-mate had mercy on me and took my glowing box to the local glowing box store to see if it could be repaired.
I went to bed that night exhausted, wondering how I could hunt the remaining words without my fabulous glowing box.
Day 2:
My Tribe-mate came through for me. Though the glowing box could not be restored, so a new glowing box was purchased and my words were able to be saved and transferred to the new glowing box.
The hunt for the next 2,000 words proved to be more difficult. I have 3 small Elvish monkeys in my care and they chattered all day. The chattering scared away the words, making them more difficult to collect. It took all day, but I did it.
However, I am adept at setting snares (despite the chatter). I was able to collect the next 2,000 words in that manner.
Day 3 is about to begin. Wish me luck in the comments section and you will have your name entered in the drawing for the Secrets of Droon book giveaway. If you provide a clever answer for how to conquer the laundry monsters that multiply and attack on a constant basis, I will add your name a 2nd time, giving you double the chance to win.
See you in another 5,500 words!
6 and 5/8th seconds. That's all I had before the booby traps set off. I picked up the skeleton from its freshly dug grave. Not just any skeleton. It was the Skeleton of Thestoryinmymind. Yes. Shocking. I know. (But I'm Indiana Christy. I can get anything. well . . .except for a big mac at Burger King.)
Crack.
Rumble.
The walls shook. Chunks of stone fell to the ground in plumes of dust.
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C.R. Evers,
on 11/7/2008
Blog: Christy's Creative Space (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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24 Comments on A giant brainsucking amoeba is perched upon my head: Indiana Christy and the Plot of Doom with another book away, last added: 11/10/2008
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C.R. Evers,
on 11/3/2008
Blog: Christy's Creative Space (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Leave a comment below to win a copy of "The Secrets of Droon" Search for the Dragon Ship by Tony Abbot
I have my hat. I have my latte. I have a book to give away (hey! that kind of rhymes.) Bonus!
I've made it! I've collected my first 5,500 words in the Land of NaNo WriMo. The Great Inspiration Giver, Jacqui won the first Token of gratitude for her Gracious gift of cheering me on as she preformed the "running man" and the "sprinkler."
Now it's time for my 2nd book giveaway to any Great Giver of Inpsiration or Motivation (that's you) who leaves a comment below. I have collected many words, but it has not been w/o peril. I need wisdom and words of encouragement more than ever before.
Day 1:
On day one, my expedition was delayed by the curse of the werewolves of Youkantdothiz. I was cursed with a hairy head cold that muddled my brain and clogged my sinus cavities. Not even the Barista at the Cave of Starbucks could produce a brew that could make me feel better.
Alas! I am Indiana Christy and I pressed on.
My map made the hunt for the first 3,500 words a simple conquest. Perched in my tree, I found a herd of words roaming below. I aimed my bow, shot and pierced the words with a stealthy blow.
What I did not expect was the laundry monster. As I searched for more words, I went from room to room in the castle of Myhowz. At every turn there was a mountain of Laundry Monsters staring me down. They chased me and threatened to swallow me whole! What to do? My first impulse was to run and flee! But No! This monster multiplies too fast. I had to do something. Blob by monstrous blob I fought. Drowning each hideous beast in a vat of a churning current. Drowning . . . drying. . . folding. . . hanging. Finally, I conquered the slew of laundry monsters in my wake. Unfortunatley I know there are more hiding and multiplying as I type. It took a good part of the rest of the day to tackle these beasts. By nightfall it was too late and I ached far too much to hunt for any more words.
Little did I know, the worst was yet to happen. My glowing box, the one with the apple on the cover, the one where I keep my captured words, fell to the cave floor and busted. My loyal Tribe-mate had mercy on me and took my glowing box to the local glowing box store to see if it could be repaired.
I went to bed that night exhausted, wondering how I could hunt the remaining words without my fabulous glowing box.
Day 2:
My Tribe-mate came through for me. Though the glowing box could not be restored, so a new glowing box was purchased and my words were able to be saved and transferred to the new glowing box.
The hunt for the next 2,000 words proved to be more difficult. I have 3 small Elvish monkeys in my care and they chattered all day. The chattering scared away the words, making them more difficult to collect. It took all day, but I did it.
However, I am adept at setting snares (despite the chatter). I was able to collect the next 2,000 words in that manner.
Day 3 is about to begin. Wish me luck in the comments section and you will have your name entered in the drawing for the Secrets of Droon book giveaway. If you provide a clever answer for how to conquer the laundry monsters that multiply and attack on a constant basis, I will add your name a 2nd time, giving you double the chance to win.
See you in another 5,500 words!
12 Comments on Indiana Christy and the Plot of Doom: Book Giveaway #2, last added: 11/4/2008
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C.R. Evers,
on 10/27/2008
Blog: Christy's Creative Space (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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6 and 5/8th seconds. That's all I had before the booby traps set off. I picked up the skeleton from its freshly dug grave. Not just any skeleton. It was the Skeleton of Thestoryinmymind. Yes. Shocking. I know. (But I'm Indiana Christy. I can get anything. well . . .except for a big mac at Burger King.)
Crack.
Rumble.
The walls shook. Chunks of stone fell to the ground in plumes of dust.
I was out of time. I had to get out of there. Run! But I would NOT, COULD not leave without the skeleton.
Cradled like a wee babe in my arms, the bones of Thestoryinmymind clacked against each other as I bolted. I knew what was coming. The horror of all horrors. The wearwolves of Youkantdoothiz emerged, loathesome and angry from their stonewall tombs.
The most punishing odor filled the cave that put me in mind of egg salad. You know, like when you walk into the house and wonder "whoa! who isn't feeling good?" But it turns out that somebody just made a fresh batch of egg salad and even though it stinks you know it will taste really super good on fresh white bread, the kind of bread that is still soft and mushy and not stale in the least but the eggs still stink anyway. That kind of smell.
shoot. now I'm hungry.
anyway.
Inch by inch, stone by stone, the wearwolves shook themselves free. Thriller played in the background as they moonwalked through the dank hallows of the cave; howling, prancing, breakdancing.
"No! No!" I cried as the Michael Jackson Lyrics caused a pounding in my head like a jackhammer on an alabaster egg.
"Must. . . get . . . skeleton . . . out . . . . of . . . cave" The light in the distance, no doubt from the open air, afforded me the strength to press on.
Wow! those wearwolves can moonwalk fast!
I looked ahead, where the forest trees kissed the mouth of the cave and as I reached my leafy sanctuary, the light of day caused my enemies to stagger and howl in retreat.
Safe. Safe at last! Now, I can find out if the Legend of NaNo WriMo is true. Legend says that the skeleton of Thestoryinmymind will come to life . . . if. . . If only I complete my task.
I have escaped the wearwolves of Youkantdoothiz. I am prepared. I have tools on hand. My plane is waiting. I shall now be on my way. . . on my adventure to the land of NaNo WriMo. . . . I will arrive on Saturday.
To Be continued . . . .
Cradled like a wee babe in my arms, the bones of Thestoryinmymind clacked against each other as I bolted. I knew what was coming. The horror of all horrors. The wearwolves of Youkantdoothiz emerged, loathesome and angry from their stonewall tombs.
The most punishing odor filled the cave that put me in mind of egg salad. You know, like when you walk into the house and wonder "whoa! who isn't feeling good?" But it turns out that somebody just made a fresh batch of egg salad and even though it stinks you know it will taste really super good on fresh white bread, the kind of bread that is still soft and mushy and not stale in the least but the eggs still stink anyway. That kind of smell.
shoot. now I'm hungry.
anyway.
Inch by inch, stone by stone, the wearwolves shook themselves free. Thriller played in the background as they moonwalked through the dank hallows of the cave; howling, prancing, breakdancing.
"No! No!" I cried as the Michael Jackson Lyrics caused a pounding in my head like a jackhammer on an alabaster egg.
"Must. . . get . . . skeleton . . . out . . . . of . . . cave" The light in the distance, no doubt from the open air, afforded me the strength to press on.
Wow! those wearwolves can moonwalk fast!
I looked ahead, where the forest trees kissed the mouth of the cave and as I reached my leafy sanctuary, the light of day caused my enemies to stagger and howl in retreat.
Safe. Safe at last! Now, I can find out if the Legend of NaNo WriMo is true. Legend says that the skeleton of Thestoryinmymind will come to life . . . if. . . If only I complete my task.
I have escaped the wearwolves of Youkantdoothiz. I am prepared. I have tools on hand. My plane is waiting. I shall now be on my way. . . on my adventure to the land of NaNo WriMo. . . . I will arrive on Saturday.
To Be continued . . . .
28 Comments on Indiana Christy and the Plot of Doom: The Legend of NaNo WriMo, last added: 10/30/2008
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christy-
the best way i know to rid those darn amoebas is to take a break - one that may include a cocktail, or two.
brain sucking amoebas have an aversion to alcohol, in particular martinis.
don't drink?
well, a good workout might be in order. get those endorphins up and that amoeba will just fall off, withering away until it dies.
the good thing about your NaNo is that you're right on target!
get off your computer, Christy. (risky business, yes?) people watch, see a movie, read something, ...you'll soon find yourself inspired again.
Dratted fear. It's my big torturer, personally. Honestly? I pray it away. Not to sound odd. But, if I don't swat those thoughts, they'll just nibble away!
Stick your head in the toilet and flush (give yourself a swirly!) Amoeba be gone!
But seriously, perhaps a break is what you need like said above! Good luck, Christy!
Sl, I wanted to go to the gym today but I don't have a place to drop off the kiddo's. :0( Maybe I'll turn up the music and I'll dance around the house with them instead. Hey! I might do that. It'll get those endorphins going, and we'll have fun on top of it all. :0)
Susan, I don't think it's odd to pray the thoughts away at all. Sounds like a good plan to me! :0)
kelly, Would you like to to video tape this method and post it on you tube? Very clever. :0)
This won't be as good for you as going to the gym but. . . shhh...it's a secret: chocolate kills brain sucking amoebas. They are deathly allergic to the endorphine releasing chemicals found in dark chocolate.
Enjoy!!!
I would never even try something like NaNoWriMo, so you're miles ahead of me. Mark me down in the "pray it away" column.
Thanks for commenting on my blog! It was a fun event.
Kim, this is good news indeed! I knew there was a reason why I love chocolate. :00
Thanks for stopping by Stephanie! I really enjoyed your pictures!
Christy
There's only one cure for a brain sucking amoeba: salt. They dry up like slugs.
No, really, it's the ol' butt-in-chair cure. Just keep doing it. You'll fall into the groove again, as easily as you fell out, as long as you keep the butt in the chair.
Nice advice from everyone but... what a load of crap. The truth is Christy is trying to steal my thunder. Listen Christy, I'm the whiner. Why don't you get your own schtick?
Indiana Christy,
Your Tribe-mate informed me about your spot and how I might access it from my own glowing box...nearly 3 weeks have passed since then and finally, locked in my room recovering from Strep, I stumbled upon his message again.
I had no idea you were a spinner of creative tales and I look forward to the completion of this current project.
My suggestions for dislodging said amoeba are:
chocolate (personal favorite)
latte w/ a dash of cinnamon
take a walk...it's a beautiful 75 degrees in November!!
Russell H.
I'm rooting for ya to overcome that amoeba!
I haven't tackled anything like NaNo, but sometimes a good long walk works to recharge...
The best cure is to type type type. Seriously. Look at it this way -- when you're training for a marathon, you don't worry how you perform on your training runs. Even if the book comes out totally not worth a drop, you've still got a whole novel worth of practice under your belt.
Beth, that is true, I just have to add one thing to that: Butt in chair and no internet surfing. ;0)
Ian, you just make whining look so fun, I thought I'd have to try it for myself. I'm not as good as it as you are. :0P
Russl!!!! I'm so glad you found me. I'm in such a remote area, I'm glad your glowing box was able to locate me! ;0) a lattee is definatly in order, and the day is over, but I may still take the dogs for a walk tonight. It's still gorgeous out!
Hey Jacqui! I think I'm going to start typing soon. I took a break for most of the day, but I want to try to get out at least a few hundred words before I hit the hay. Thanks. :0)
Adrienne, Thanks! I'm thinking really hard about that walk. :0)
christy
Beer? Wine? Chocolate?
Definitely time for a rest. Yes, chocolate's great, or some nice peaceful music (you know what my choice would be, but then I'm obsessed), read a book that is not remotely like the one you're writing, go for a long walk or take a long relaxing bubble bath. Pamper yourself.
And then...get on with it!
PJ, I'm starting to notice a pattern. I think chocolate may be at the top of the list. :0)
Hi Kate! ohhhhh! I forgot about a bubble bath. I may try that one after the kiddo's go to bed tonight! :0)
You're doing great! Go check out some of the other tickers with 0-words. That should make you feel great!
Everytime I come here and see your word count go up, I slap myself in the head. Kelly's toilet idea is sounding better to me all the time. Not for my head, but my laptop!
Keep up the good work, Christy and those brain suckers will be gone!
Run a hot bubble bath, put on some soothing music, drink some, well, whatever you choose to drink...eat some chocolate and relax...
Now, keep a tape recorder close by...once that amoeba jumps off and runs for the hills, the ideas will pour out and you won't have time to dry your hands and write them down...
Good luck...you are still doing a wonderful job!!! Hugs...
If you hear a voice within say, "You are not a painter," then by all means paint...and that voice will be silenced. - Vincent Van Gogh
And think of all the voices he had in HIS head, not to mention brain-sucking amoebas.
Giant brain-sucking amoebas are deadly allergic to success. At 16,000 words in 8 days you are ahead of the game. Raise a glass of your favorite drink and yell loudly, "I am a SUCCESS you giant brain-sucking amoeba. Not only that when I drink this you will melt away just like the Wicked Witch of West!"
Take three drinks and call me in the morning.
REna, LOL! the part about slapping yourself on the head made me giggle! Thanks! :0)
Brenda, LOL! that tape recorder is a good idea! That amoeba won't know what hit it! :0)
Bish, LOL! You cracked me up big time! Great quote too! :0)
Java chip ice cream with hot fudge and a cherry goes a long way to making me feel better. Not necessarily more creative, just feeling better. It's the looonnnnggg walk I take afterwards that gets my brain in gear again.
Oh, and check out my word count. You'll feel MUCH better!
I usually scrub the baseboards and doors when this happens.
It sounds like you got over it, based on your new super powers, but just in case, if it ever happens again, I suggest conjuring up a zombie or some other supernatural creature to wipe out the brain-sucking amoeba.