The word count of a novel/ette/ella is what determines what it is defined as in the literary world.

A novella is shorter than a novel but longer than a novelette. To understand what that really means, we should look at what constitutes a novel and what constitutes a novelette.

In the way of definitions, they are all stories; they all have themes, plots, characters, etc. Mostly, it has to do with length.

A Novella is between 10,000 and 70,000 words.

A Novelette is between 7,500 and 17,500 words.

This means that a short story of 16,000 words could be called both a novella and a novelette, and would stand correct when compared to definitions.

Roughly, the smallest length is a Novelette, which is usually very short ‘Prose’ and a novella is a short story, followed by a full length novel.

There is much debate over what constitutes a full length novel. A novel has been argued to have aspects beyond word count that make it qualify as a novel. In other words, there can be such a thing as a novel of 750 words, but it is all speculative. Typically, when it comes to the literary world of awards and recognition, the word count is higher than a novella by a few thousand words.

My personal opinion puts it at somewhere over 80,000 words but some assume it should be much higher. It really comes down to the story, saying what needs to be said and worrying about the word count definition later. If you are going to sacrifice the authenticity and flow of your story for the sake of it being defined as a ‘Novel’ versus being called a ‘novella’ then you are playing with fire by adding fluff. But hey, who am I to say what to do with your literary masterpiece. By all means, if you feel the need to fluff, fluff away!

Citing Sources: Wikipedia (Gotta Lov’em!)

According to Wikipedia, “The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America Nebula Awards for science fictiondefine the novella as having a word count between 17,500 and 40,000.^[1] Other definitions start as low as 10,000 words and run as high as 70,000 words.”

So, a Novella constitutes between 10,000 and 70,000 words.

Well, that is a great difference. Let’s take a look at what makes a Novelette a Novelette.

According, again, to Wikipedia, “The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America Nebula awards for science fiction define the novelette as having a word count of between 7,500 and 17,499. “

Hurray! Finally! We are HERE! THE TOP! The best, I said BEST GIFT to get a writer!

Are you ready for this?

Are you excited?!

Are you scared? You should be….

The #1 Gift to get a Writer is…

A trip to a Writer’s Retreat!

One that I have found looking exceptionally relaxing is the Whidbey Island Writer’s Retreat in Washington!

What’s better than going on vacation? Going on vacation to WRITE! Whidbey Island Writer’s Refuge is a collection of quaint cabins nestled into the peaceful forest. This is as rustic as you get for a writer. A nice cozy place to write, people that are like minded and like goaled, great food, nature and your thoughts.

Of course we had to put a retreat as the #1 gift because if you get this gift for a writer, there will never be another gift that could top it! And THAT is why it is at the top of the Top Ten Gifts for Writers list.

Makes sense, don’t you think?

Alright. Speak your mind, speak your peace. What did you think of the list?

Would you consider this THE list of TOP gifts for writers? Would you add something? Take something out? Comment! Let me know!

For a recap of Top Ten Gifts for Writers:

#1 – A Writers Retreat!

#2 – Dragon Naturally Speaking

#3 – Personalized Classics

#4 – Fill-in-the-Blank Autobiographical Journal

#5 – I am NOT a Paper Cup!

#6 – Writer’s Remedy

#7 – Invisible Floating Bookshelf

#8 – Coffee Inspired Jewelry

#9 – Typewriter Jewelry

#10 – Customized and Personalized Bookstore Giftcard

Thanks for reading!

We are so close to the top! And we are getting pricier. Up until now, we have covered gifts that averaged around 20.00-30.00 and now we are getting to the really neat stuff.

This next item on the list is a dream come true to the writer that may have a bit of trouble typing quickly or for long amounts of time. This is a tool every writer should at least look into. It can save you time, save you stress, and make writing as easy as sitting around the campfire.

Not the best picture, that one there, but the point is the software is amazing.

Dragon Naturally Speaking 10 is the newest version of the best Speech to text software in the world. Nuance has been the leader in Speech-to-Text software for as long as people have been reviewing it and it’s only just recently become the wave of the future.

The skilled writer can usually pound out 60+ words per minute. Dragon Naturally Speaking responds at (reportedly) 120 words per minute. The difference? You don’t get tired of typing with Dragon Naturally Speaking as you do when you type by hand.

This means, as long as you are not too tired to talk, you can be writing.

Personally, I have been hearing great things about this software for the past year and it is shipping to me currently. I’m going for the wireless headset so that I can write from anywhere I like.

It also transcribes MP3’s and other forms of media. I would say that is an awesome software.

Anything that makes life easier goes at the top of the list for me. What about you? Do you think this is a gift you would consider getting a writer?

Don’t wander too far. Next is the big finale!

Top Ten Gifts for Writers – # 1!!!!

Did you like this post? Would you change anything? Add anything? Have a comment? Would love to hear from you!

Thanks for reading!

Can you guess what the #1 gift for a writer is? We are almost there!

#3 Top Ten Gifts for Writers

Personalized Classics: Write Yourself Into the Story

We’ve already covered that writers like to read and writers would love to have their own life story in print, but what about being the main character in a classic tale?

UnCommonGoods.com has this service available! (I think it is ingenious) so that you can put your significant others name, as well as friends and family, into their favorite story!

You can choose between Romeo & Juliet, Dracula or Alice in Wonderland. If that isn’t a great gift, then I don’t know what is! I’m sure if you look around long enough, you could find other titles, but I am fond of Alice in Wonderland.

So, if you think your writer would really love a gift as priceless as being the main character in a classic novel, this is the gift you should be slapping a bow on!

Not for you? We still have a couple more items on our list. Get ready for our next item on the list: Top Ten Gifts for Writers – #2

Did you like this post? Be sure to comment! Have an idea about what writers would love as a gift? Are you a writer and want to contribute the gift YOU would want as a writer? Please share!

Thanks for reading!

We are so close to the #1 spot on the Top Ten Gifts for Writers list I almost can’t contain myself! But I must. So we will go on.

If you know how difficult it is to write a story, then you are probably a writer.
But even if you are not a writer, you can appreciate the complexity at trying to write YOUR OWN story.

Help your writer with this thoughtful gift. Give the gift of an autobiographical journal, to cement the memories and get the foundation to their life story on paper.

Whether it is a story of love of a story of great struggle, overcoming great obstacles, make telling the story a snap. In this ‘color-by-numbers’ format, this will at least get the ball rolling.

This way, your writer can spend less time worrying about organizing it all and just fill it in at their leisure. What a great gift!

And it is great for all in the family, not just the writer. Fill it in yourself and give YOUR favorite memories of being together to your significant other. There is no greater gift than putting your love story down on paper.

If you liked this gift idea, you will love the next one on our list to the top of the Top Ten Gifts for Writers – # 3

Comment if you liked this post or if you have your own ideas of what the best writers gifts are!

Thanks for reading!

This is one of my favorites because it even fooled me at first. That, and it is good to the environment and is another one of those conversation peices. Just don’t throw it away on accident! Any writer would be thrilled to get this as a gift. Give it a go, you can’t fail!

#5 Top Ten Gifts for Writers – I am NOT a Paper Cup!

This is a great idea! no more papercups! Way to save the environment and blend in on-the-go! I don’t think I really need to explain much more on this. It’s dishwasher safe and it saves trees! That’s a heck of a combination!

Some food for thought. The silicone lid is very easily stained. Be sure to wash it /rinse it as soon as possible. Don’t worry if you are not particularly good about that. You can get replacement lids from the same place you can buy them (most cases) and there are lids on amazon.com so don’t fret! Everything’s Shiny Cap’n!

Don’t leave now! We still have more! Follow along on our journey to the top! Next: Top Ten Gifts for Writers – # 4

If you liked this post, comment! Did you have a different gift idea in mind? Go ahead and post it! Would love to hear what you writers out there really want!

Thanks for reading!

On to # 8 on our list for the Top Ten Gifts for Writers!

Well, you may have thought that the only jewelry for writers were typewriter keys. I mean, you can’t exactly gift dictionary jewelry. But there is one other sentimental aspect, nay, survival aspect in writing. COFFEE! Whether it is coffee or tea, every writer comes caffeinated. And if your writer doesn’t come caffeinated, they are by the end of the day!

# 8 Top Ten Gifts for Writers – Coffee Jewelry

That’s right! Who knew that coffee could become a fashion statement?

For the Simple:

These are simple statements. ‘COFFEE MUG’ and they make that statement in a cute, or elegant way. I love both of these. I can wear the first one with everything casual and I can dress up my look with the gold coffee mug and saucer. Isn’t that heavenly? You know what else is heavenly? The price, both under 20 US dollars. That’s a steal deal!

For the eclectic: a vintage pendant

Who can say that isn’t eclectic? And I could see many writers loving it! Style is not hard to see. If your writer has worn something like this before, they will love it. If not…keep looking down the list. I found some really neat and interesting pieces.

Rings:

This one is a perfect match to the second pendant I posted in this list. It’s perfect!

and the next one is a very ‘Alice in Wonderland’ theme if you ask me.

And what is a ring or a necklace with out earrings?!!!

Earrings:

I’m not a fan of pushing a corporate label but these are just too cute not to post! Starbucks is the lifesource of many a writer. And I don’t think you have to worry about spilling it. Please…don’t attempt to fill them

These are tea cups, I realize, but I don’t think I’m the only one that has had coffee in a tea cup. besides, they are just so dainty and lovely! once again, I am thinking ‘Alice in Wonderland’ but you tell me. Good? Yeah?

Other:

There are some things that just deserve a mention. These being a few.

Now, THAT is creativity. How many times have you seen coffee beans IN a bracelet? Isn’t that a conversation piece? I have to say I love this one especially. It has definitely ‘captured’ the essence of coffee in it’s design.

And one for a bit of humor…

Who can really argue with that? I hope that you found this post helpful in your search for the perfect gift for your writer.

Be sure to check out the rest of the list! Top Ten Gifts for Writers: Next up! # 7

Comment if you like it, found something neat you want to share or just feel like being chatty!

Thanks for reading!

I have spent the past couple of months doing everything under the sun BUT edit my writing. Considering I started with 180,000 words and have cut that number down to 91,000 I would say I needed a break.

Of course I would say that. I didn’t want to edit anything else for as long as I lived. But my novel draws me back like a moth to a flame. The time has come. I must continue on my path for my novel.

In my defense, I have had a lot of stuff going on:

• Started College at Arizona State University
• Moved to a new city, Scottsdale~!
• Set up a new ‘office’ space and have been moving furniture around trying to get ‘cozy’
• Procrastinating to the point where I should get some sort of award

Okay, a majority of that is fluff added so I won’t feel so terrible that I haven’t been editing. I have been writing…but I have been starting new projects which have nothing to do with my current works. That is a big no-no. If I have lots of projects going on, my attention becomes even more divided.

Well, now that my first round of midterms are done for the spring semester, I have determined that I need to study A LOT and that I should have my novel as finished as I can make it.

On a positive note, my procrastination has helped me do a few things:

• I am only on Facebook when I am in class, versus all day.
• I auto-post to twitter now, so I don’t tweet-attack the world
• I have been spending a lot more time catching up on my RSS feed (that is important to me, it’s all about the book world! And that is heaven!)
• I have been able to spend more time with family than I have in years (Lots of family in the Phoenix, Az area)

Anything else worth talking about:

I am going to be posting a lot of information on the book world now. Lots of gifting ideas and shopping ideas (Since that is my #1 go-to when I surf online I might as well share the cool stuff I find with you all!)

I am very excited for the 10th book in the Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire Chronicles by Charlaine Harris ‘Dead in the Family’. For all you Vamp Book haters out there, back off. Sookie is an amateur sleuth stuck in an ugly world out there. She needs our support. (I hear rumors that this, or the next book, may be the end of the series *gasp**begins sinking into a deep depression*)

On a side note about the Sookie Series: TruBlood, the tv show, may be incredibly hollywood-keen but it is a completely different direction from the books. Charlaine Harris doesn’t mind, but it is important that you know: Just because you saw an episode doesn’t mean you ‘know’ Sookie. The first episode remains true about half way through, after that – It’s Hollywood sensationalism. Just wanted to point that out!

Okay, Obviously I am supposed to be editing right now or I wouldn’t write a novel of a post here. Just trying to keep you in the loop (all 2 readers out there – which includes my mom, I am sure) and I hope everyone is doing GREAT!

Have a great day and whatever you do…don’t write that your vampires sparkle. Please. Pretty Please. Or I will stake you *Just Kidding*

Thanks for reading!

Sometimes you just have to let your procrastination flag fly. If you read me often, you know how I feel about procrastination. If not, basically procrastination is the best tool in a writers arsenal. Procrastination is the minds form of idea-seeking, thought-forming, preparation tool. So, as I was saying, let your procrastination/randomness flag fly.

And I’m going to help you out.

Quality Free Desktop Wallpapers are hard to come by when it pertains to writing. It can take some time, scouring the internet, to find something that relates, something that really makes you go ‘Ah Ha!’ and lets your mind stop wandering.

I’ve put together a quick list of free wallpapers I have found that are interesting and pertain to the fiction writing world. So if you are an author and you are on the prowl for a desktop, look no further.

1. The Desktop Wallpaper I myself am Using Now

I made this one number one on my Free Desktop Wallpaper list for Writers because…well, it’s my desktop so obviously I think it is the best. That is not to say there are not other, far more interesting, desktop wallpapers out there.

2. Oceanic Fiction

This Free Desktop Wallpaper by Wallcoo.net is straight out of a fiction novel. Well, not literally but it sure gets the imagination going. It definitely captures the concept of my working series so I’m adding it to the list.

3. City in a Bird Cage

This theme is close to the #1 spot, with the fishbowl. I relate it to fiction. Each and every writer is nurturing their own world in their own way. ‘There can be many like it but this one is mine” and so, in a way, each novel is our little world in a birdcage/fishbowl/snow globe.  I think this is a nice, clean depiction of that.

4. Anthem of the Writers World – Coffee Please!

This is a good one. Simple, I love simple, and to the point. It’s a coffee cup. GREAT! Because if you are writing a novel, you know…coffee is your only friend.

5. Platinum Conception

Another wallpaper by WallCoo.com and a very literal one if you are looking at writing your novel as a race. I would say it reminds me of the ‘Alice in Wonderland’ theme that is sweeping the nation. But really, it is just a race track through some wonderful terrain.

6. Simply Inspirational : Writer’s Digest Sinclair Lewis Quote

“It is impossible to discourage the real writers — They don’t give a damn awhat you say, they’re going to write. – Sinclair Lewis” This is a great inspirational quote for all aspiring and current writers. This will get you fired up and keep the nagging voices out of the back of your mind, or at least beat them back. Writers Digest has many inspirational quotes as desktop backgrounds, different colors and with different flourishes or plain. If this color and quote are not your style, give Writers Digest a look. I’m sure they have a background to suit just about anyones tastes.

7. The Rise of a Planet

This wallpaper by BaseSciences.com is a great wallpaper. It is the ‘rise of a planet’ as it is titled, and really that is what a writer does. Out of thin air comes a new world, a new perspective, a new story. It is busy but still clean and it makes plenty of room to put you desktop icons and shortcuts to be easily viewed. I love it!

8. Canticle for Leibowitz – A Steampunk Blogger

Now, this is new and it is relevant to the blogging/writing community. If anyone has been following the ‘Steampunk’ revolution for the past year now, you will know that almost anything ’steampunk’ has been getting published. It is not really new, it was a genre that started in the 80’s and never really took hold until now. Now it is a freakin’ epidemic.

Am I going to change my writing style right this minute for a fad that may or may not be around for a while? I honestly thought about it, but I think it is a safer bet for the new writer that isn’t set in a genre yet. This has sparked revolution in everything from books, to fashion and I’m guessing many other things. Regardless of where Steampunk is going, this wallpaper is definitely unique and speaks to the Steampunk crowd.

9. InkBlot Butterfly – All things Inkblots

The caption reads ‘What do you see here’ and whether you like butterfly’s or skulls, inkblots are a great way to rip into that skull of yours and take a peak at the patterns your mind chooses to see. There is a nice collection of inkblot wallpapers on the internet. If you ever get stumped for some ideas to go into your novel, just give your mind a little self-examination. I don’t recommend dumping your pen on your desk and smearing it around…that could be messy. But you could look into inkblots online. Some seriously artsy stuff going on.

10. Something to Make you Laugh

This is a funny, albeit rude, wallpaper by ScumIcons on DeviantArt. I had to put it on the list because I’m not a fan of Stephanie Meyer. If you ask, yes I have ‘read’ her and I did like one ‘phrase’ of her twilight series very much.

But can you really call it literature if only one phrase was memorable and the story itself was an emo-success? I’m sure hundreds of misunderstood teenage girls are going to throw themselves off of cliffs when they find out that their precious 15 year old exboyfriend either a) doesn’t sparkle or b) moves away.

I’m just saying…good for you Stephanie Meyer, you made reading ‘cool’ again and that’s a huge accomplishment. But consider this your ‘one hit wonder’.

WELL Folks! That’s it for the ten wallpapers I found that were great picks for writers. If you found some or designed a free desktop wallpaper for writers, feel free to leave a link back to your page!

As always, thanks for reading! Hope this helped you procrastinate into the next scene of your novel. If you are still at a loss, go ahead and poke around. I’m sure I have some more useless ramblings that could spark your brain into a tizzy…eventually…

Photo Credit: Nick’s Events

Do you know how spell check works?

“Of course” you say.

Do you have 50,000 words or more (possibly from NaNoWriMo)?

“Of Course!” you say.

Are you making progress editing your novel?

“Of COURSE…not,” you say.

Don’t feel bad and don’t feel alone. In the wake of NaNoWriMo you should just be glad you have gotten this far! Now, to be perfectly honest, 50,000 words is not a complete novel. But you don’t want to hear that and we are not here to talk about that. We are talking about editing.

I am sure it has been done, created, marketed and promoted somewhere else, but you should be working on your ‘Edit Your NaNoWriMo in 30 Days!’ or something catchy.

“How?” you ask.

Well, even if you spend at least three days on each chapter…that is ten chapters edited in a month.

“But it looks like such a HUGE file!” you say.

It is a huge file. But stop psyching yourself out. Look at it like this.

• If you break it into small enough steps, editing, than it is easy.
• If it doesn’t seem easy, you haven’t broken it into small enough steps.
• Think ‘baby steps’, in other words ‘One Chapter at a Time’
• Use FastPencil.com

Okay, this last part is only a suggestion but it helps. It’s what I have been using. They set you up with a ten chapter model ‘project’ for your book and as you edit each chapter, you just lay it out.

I am not saying print and publish with them. That is a completely different issue and one you should research fully as to what best benefits and suits you. What I am saying is the interface is easy to use, it is free, and you can even connect with other authors. And if you only want one copy of your book you are all ready with them. They run about the same cost as other services and it’s already laid out in their program.

If you don’t want to use FastPencil to publish, then you can utilize their layout and easy breakdown of chapters. Lay it out, organize your story, name your chapters and then you will have a better overall view. You don’t see a never ending cascade of text in a word document. Instead you see a couple thousand words in each ‘chapter’ and you can just work on ‘One Chapter at a Time’.

Baby steps. No one every wrote a book in a day (unless they were insane) so don’t think you have to sit down and edit it in one day. But you do have to start. Just like writing, in order to have a finished product you have to edit.

Try Baby Steps Like this:

* Work on One Chapter

* Start with just what the SpellCheck Program picks up

* Go through just ONE chapter and see how it reads.

* Go back through the chapter and look for plot-holes thus far.

See how easy this is? Breaking it down like this? I find it easier than saying ‘I’m going to read the whole thing and look for plot holes. Then I am going to read the whole thing and look for punctuation. I am going to read the whole thing and only look for…getting burned out. Especially your first pass of editing through your book, you are going to have pages dripping red and you are going to feel overwhelmed again.

Just. Start. Small.

Some days I day dream about hiring someone to edit all 130,000 words…and then I worry about losing my writing style and voice in the edits. But hiring someone is an option. It’s whatever you feel comfortable with. But that Next Great American (Insert Country/Nation Here) is not going to edit itself sitting on your desktop. Don’t let it collect virtual dust. Get to it! The world is waiting for you!

http://www.KarishaPrescott.com/

www.KarishaPrescott.com/

KarishaPrescott.com