November is upon us, chickens. It's NANOWRIMO month for thousands of writers across the world. National Novel Writing Month is something I always like to participate in. Truthfully, every month is NaNoWriMo when you're a professional writer, but there's something special about November. It's the annuals in me -- the 2nd quarter was always my best time in school, probably because that pesky Daylight Savings Time had ended and I sleep better with more darkness. Better sleep + better focus. So Yay! November and NaNo!

I'll be updating my progress here on Smatterings. My minimum word count is 12,500 per week. If you're in, leave a message in the comments, and we can help each other stay on track.

Now, to the wrap-up!

I had the great honor of interview one of my favorite authors this week for A WORD ON WORDS. Deborah Harkness was as charming and erudite as I could have hoped. We did a wine tasting at Natchez Hills Winery at Fontanel, and it was an incredible afternoon. Grab her latest book in the All Soul's trilogy, THE BOOK OF LIFE, and I promise you'll love this whole series! #keepreading

Another favorite of mine, Karin Slaughter, talks her travel tips on The Overhead Compartment. Some great ideas here, and I agree, when the plane door closes, it's ME time!

This guide to The Mobile Writer has a lot of great tips for how to write on the road, or even just away from your house for the day.

With NaNoWriMo upon us, here are 10 Tips for Writers to stay focused this month!

From The Wine Vixen: If you're anything like us, there is a huge bucket of leftover candy on the steps. What better time to have a candy and wine party? Impress your friends and know what wine goes best with your favorite #Halloween candy.

Also, A WORD ON WORDS officially launched this week! First up was Mary Laura Philpott's interview with young adult authors Adam Silvera And David Arnold. The show will be airing on Sundays at 10:26 am, then repeating on Thursday nights at 7:26 pm. There will be links online to the shows, and to the longer interviews as well. Will share when I have them, but here's the website's blog so you can follow along!

That's it from me. Don't forget to sound off if you want to do NaNo with me!

xo,

JT