For the next interview I have Valerie Hamer who goes by the username ValNomad on the site. Her novel this year was non-fiction and titled "Expats' Medical Mishaps".
Who are you?
I am a Brit who has lived in Asia since 2000. I've been writing since I was 13 but only got more serious about it a couple of years ago. I just started an M.A. in Professional Writing as part of my plan to transition to writing as a full time lifestyle.
Why did you pick NaNoWriMo to consume your November?
This was my 4th NaNo in a row, and my 3rd victory. For me it provides a brilliant opportunity to focus on producing something concrete from the ideas that are always swirling around inside my head.
What was your novel about? Also, why did you pick that?
I chose to work on a non-fiction piece this year, as it's been on the cards for a long time. It's a collection of true medical mishap stories gleaned from expats in Asia and beyond. Although some of the tales are absolutely crazy they all have an element of humour in them.
What is your typical writing process like?
During NaNo it's akin to word vomiting: uou know you'll feel better when it's all out of you! I do tend to jump around from section to section to avoid getting bored, and if I get stuck I write some fake reviews for the finished product.
How did your month go?
I finished but it was touch and go for the longest time. Some days I wrote thousands of words and others none. It helps to be a hermit during the month.
What was the hardest part? What was the easiest part?
The hardest part is getting over the need to feel every word you get out is useful or necessary. The easiest - the last line!
What did you learn from NaNoWriMo this year?
That I need a definite goal in order to push myself beyond what is comfortable.
Where else can we find you online?
Tweet me @Farawayhammer
Blog & more: www.farawayhammerwriting.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/FarawayHammer
My first book: http://www.amazon.com/Picky-Sticky-Plain-Blind-Conversation-ebook/dp/B009Y3TUZK/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1389532035&sr=1-1&keywords=hamer+picky+sticky