Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Are You Celebrating Mork Month?

If you were born after 1982, maybe you've never seen an episode of Mork & Mindy. Maybe you've never even heard of it and have no idea what I'm talking about. But surely you know Robin Williams, who became a household name when he was cast as Mork from the planet Ork in this hit science fiction television show. Mork coined some popular catch-phrases of the eighties, including Shazbut (an Orkan curse word), Kay-O (instead of OK) and Na-Nu, Na-Nu (his trademark greeting).

Call me weird, but every time I hear or see the phrase NaNo, I think of Mork and the whole finger spread-greeting thing, which I've never been able to master (see photo to left).

So my question for you is, Are you Mork-ing? In other words, are you NaNo-ing?

Of course, you writers know I'm referring to National Novel Writing Month, where thousands of aspiring novelists write their hearts out, trying to reach 50,000 words by midnight, November 30th. It's a huge deal, and I'm almost ashamed to say I've never taken on the challenge myself. Not that I don't want to, but November is not a good month for me. I prefer to utilize the ACFW NovelTrack, which takes place in January, April, July, and October. Much better months for me.

Anyway, in honor of National Novel Writing Month, and more specifically, National Author's Day (which was on November 1st), author and ACFW President Cynthia Ruchti has put together a list of 11 ways to celebrate this "holiday." So whether or not you're participating in Mork Month, these are great ways to encourage a fellow author and celebrate the business of novel writing!

1. Hug a bookshelf and thank the Lord for the authors who wrote so you could read.

2. Go to the author's publisher's website and leave a comment about a favorite book.

3. Write a note (the handwritten kind) to three favorite authors...and let them know you're praying for them.

4. Look at Christmas list. Cross off silly things. Substitute with books. Purchase immediately! :)

5. Enjoyed an author's book? Buy one for a friend...and let the author know why you did.

6. Moved by something an author DID in addition to what he/she wrote? Say so.

7. Stop in at your local bookstore just to say, "My favorite authors are..." and thank the retailer for stocking their books.

8. Spend some time alone with the Author and Finisher of our faith.

9. Tell an author, "I'm someone who knows it's a 'real' job. Thanks!"

10. Defy procrastination! Post a review in a prominent spot(s). Your fave author will be grateful you did!

11. Some author you know is fighting discouragement in writing, family, or career. Make a difference. Pray.


Cynthia Ruchti is the current president of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), which she’s served in various volunteer capacities since shortly after she became a member in 2002. In her role as president of ACFW, Cynthia writes a monthly “From the President” column for ACFW’s Afictionado ezine. For two years she was one of four humor columnists for Afictionado’s“Let There Be Lite.” In 2007, she was the recipient of the ACFW Member Service Award. In 2008, Cynthia won second place for Women’s Fiction in ACFW’s prestigious Genesis Contest. Visit Cynthia's website at: www.cynthiaruchti.com

9 comments:

Yvonne Blake said...

I agree that Novemeber is not a good month for NaNoWriMo, but I do it anyway. (I think there's talk of moving it to another month.)

I remember Mork and Mindy!

Joanne Sher said...

LOL (truly!). Now every time "I" see NaNo I'm going to think of Mork! LLOOVVVEEE it!

And no, I'm not participating, but am cheering on the folks who are :D

Gail P Smith said...

What a great post Lynda! Loved the list, esp #4--I just bought a couple of books yesterday, altho to be honest only 1 was a Christmas present, LOL.
Funny how that happens.

Di Smith said...

What a wonderful list! I'm off to the book store to get some purchasing done and commit to posting a few reviews and comments on fave author sites. Hey, best start here... Lynda, I've so often been touched by your wisdom, humor, honesty and gentle prodding. You're an inspiration to me on writing for the Kingdom and I feel so blessed to have met you. Now to try and hug my bookshelf - awkward... ;) (I totally forgotten about Shazbut... super funny!)

Lynda Lee Schab said...

Aw...thanks, Diana! Right back atcha!

Jo - I am also cheering on everyone who is Nano-ing this month!

Yvonne - I would be very open to another month but wonder if it will really happen. :-)

Gail - Yes it IS funny how that happens. But there's nothing wrong with treating yourself, too! :-)

Donna Fletcher Crow said...

What an absolutely fabulous list! Thank you for those awesome suggestions. Just reading them made me feel encouraged-- think what it would do if someone actually followed up!

Sally said...

It's an ego buster when a co-worker reminds me they were'nt born until 1989 . . . makes me feel old, but I remember Mork and Mindy. I'm not participating in NaNo but it's a grand idea that I'll keep in mind.

Cheryl Linn Martin said...

I LOVE Mork and Mindy!

I don't do NaNoWriMo because I know I can't make that goal every single day. I do give myself goals when I'm writing. Five thousand words per week (or one thousand per a five day work week.)

Sometimes I surprise myself and get way ahead of the goal! Best of luck to everyone pressing forward with the challenge!

winner said...

I'm appreciate your writing skill.Please keep on working hard.^^