Newvember, By Jennifer Bogart
Guest Post by Jennifer Bogart
I’d like to take a moment to thank Jennifer Pitt for inviting me to share her space in the virtual world. Having the opportunity to reach out to new readers is a privilege I don’t take lightly.
I am a creature of habit – not because I’m lazy, but because change is uncomfortable. Newvember is about embracing change and recognizing that even little things can make a big difference. When I started writing the book, I had no intention of creating something with depth and perception. I wrote from the heart with complete abandonment, but when readers started weighing in with their opinions, I knew I had created something entirely different.
This book was supposed to encompass all things superficial. The plot is a snapshot of one month in Willow’s life. At the time of writing, to some extent, it was also a snapshot of my life. I wasn’t a risk-taker, and I kept to a pretty basic routine. So when Jo dared me to write a novel in 30 days, I was uncertain about where this challenge would lead me. The simple act of writing regularly had a tremendous impact on my day-to-day life.
Before kids, I was a technical and copy writer. For as long as I can remember, writing was the only job I’d ever wanted, but focusing on nonfiction had taken its toll. I used to tell people it sucked the writer-soul out of me, but in truth, it prepared me for the path I was meant to take. It gave me the discipline and skill necessary to reach a daily deadline, edit on the fly, and eventually release the completed novel as an eBook.
The biggest risk I took was in starting the journey. I was terrified of putting my work on display, of disappointing readers, and receiving negative feedback. I hadn’t considered the possibility that readers would be inspired by my fictional character’s risk-taking deeds. They were… and five years after publication of the first edition, I decided Newvember needed a face-lift to remove the excess, smooth out the wrinkles, and fill in the gaps.
My intention had been to gift the world with silly stuff and fluff – the complete opposite of the writing I’d been producing years before. Instead, I delivered a book that not only inspired readers, it inspired me as well. One small change in routine sent my life spiralling into a new direction. Since 2010, I’ve published four novels, two short stories, and started a serialized novel. My risk-taking extended past personal goals to help other Canadian authors realize their dreams when I started Morning Rain Publishing with my two partners.
If I had never accepted Jo’s dare, I wouldn’t be here today.
Please remember to stop by Chantel DaCosta’s blog on November 18th. She’ll be posting a review and excerpt of Newvember! And don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway at the end of this post. It’s free to enter and there are some really great prizes!
Newvember: 1 dare, 30 days, 30 new things
1 dare, 30 days, 30 new things… The dare was simple, but it turned into a life-altering journey. This is inspirational thinking in disguise.
When Willow decides to take the stairs, instead of the elevator, she runs into Sawyer, who knocks her off her feet, and something in her psyche shifts. She is propelled into the adventure that is her own life. Filled with twists and turns that can only come from losing her inhibitions, she makes risky decisions, bares her soul, and discovers the chaotic emotions that lurk beneath the surface. Each new event becomes a catalyst in the development of Willow’s relationships with her friends, co-workers, siblings, and love interests.
Willow’s life will never be the same after Newvember.
(Originally published in 2011 as Remember Newvember this revised version contains new and expanded scenes.)
Book Links:
Indiegogo (for print books): http://igg.me/at/newvember
Universal Link Kindle Link: getBook.at/Newvember
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-ca/ebook/newvember
