NaNoWriMo 2010 Synopsis Debut!
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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?
Come join me on my journey through November here: http://lylacampbell.blogspot.com
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Thank you so much Kim and Heather!
This is my third year to do NaNo, but my first time to take on a serious topic that I find more than just "entertaining" As a female engineer, this story line hits very close to home for me. Both myself and my fellow female coworkers have all had serious experiences at one point or another that have truly made us question if our career was worth it or not. That's where the idea for this novel has sprouted.
Your comments put a smile on my face this afternoon :)
Kim: as soon as the nano website stops being snarky from a barage of people signing on this first day, I'll head on over there and add you as a buddy too! Good luck with your first NaNo...keep that inner editor quiet!
Heather: being more comfortable in the Y or X environment for me really depends on what day of the week it is and how heaivly the guys in the office are laying on the "your mom" jokes. (they REALLY love the your mom jokes...uhg). Sometimes an all male environment can be easier to work in. But sometimes, as in a case I've delt with personally, you can get a man that's just as horrible as that cliche that "women are petty." I think it effects my writing in that I have a very different perspective on the work place than a lot of women do. Possibly more insight into male behavior and what makes them tick. Many times they don't realize that their conversations can be heard over cubicle walls. I hear so much that they probably don't want me to hear. ;)
That synopsis definitely hooked me. Yes I agree being a "chick" is hard work at any level. Being a single career woman (who would love to find the right man who is not threatened by a woman with a brain) has been challenging, rewarding,frustrating and I still would not change a thing. This year is my first NaNoWriMo. Feel free to buddy me. My user name is: last_lines
I would have to agree. I have spent 20 years in marketing - all male-dominated technical industries (machine tools, engineering, high-tech R&D). I credit the fact that many of my closest friends from a young age were friends-who-happened-to-be-boys, so I have always been very comfortable in that environment. I would be interested to know the experiences of other writers on SheWrites, are you more comfortable in a Y or X chromo environment? How does that affect your writing?