NaNoWriMo 2006 Approaches!!!

After falling far short of the 50k marker last November, I’m going to
give it another try. I’ve had some actual encouragement at home this year, and at least one promise of help in baby wrangling while I lock myself away to write. Much better than last year so far.

Also much better than last year, I’ve accumulated both virtual and literal file folders stuffed with research and other handy information. I’ve got books this time! I’m as prepared as any good Boy Scout. Except, I could use more rope and maybe some Fast Luck Oil from Lucky Mojo.

Lucky Mojo has been a big influence on my choice of magics for this
story. catherine yronwode has an awesome site over there, just chock full of information on modern magics. Heck, she taught me the word syncretism. I'll be pulling heavily from her pages as well as a few sources on Hoodoo, Voodoo, Vodoun, Santeria, and other practices along that vein. I'll also be burning a candle to St. Peter while I write, with a Lucky Hand root on my desk/altar.

Last year I worked on a post-apocalyptic western. I had some good ideas and characters but no plot in mind. This year, I've got an outline. Yep, that's right, an outline, plot and all. Here it is, in its mutated glory. And I'm the only one that really understands, especially since Blogger won't keep my format.

The Little Queen of Spades and the Suicide King

I. Risen & Shining

A. Ellegua wakes Maurid
B. They travel the Nether-road
C. Ellegua info-dumps in the bar

II. Guédé at the Cat’s Cradle

A. Ellegua intros Guédé
1. Mamma Brigitte – herself, backup vocals
2. Leroy– bar servant, guitars, vocals
3. Mr. Cross – cowry shell necklace for conjure, management
4. Nebo – psychopomp, drums
5. Banda – exotic dancer, backup vocals
B. Brigitte charges Nebo with Maurid’s safety
C. Nebo Makes a Deal with Maurid
1. Regardless of Outcome
2. Maurid’s Forgotten Past
3. Vengeance

III. Get Your Mojo Workin’

A. The Conjure Woman
B. A Price to be Paid Later
C. A Warnin’ and a Hand

IV. The Peabody Hotel & Casino’s Anniversary Tournament

A. The other gamblers
1. Sylva – neutral, unknowingly has Ellegua’s prize
a. Twelve Cowry shells
b. Divination
c. Hearts and Spades
2. Ellegua’s Backup
3. Hired Pro #1 – dreg $
4. Hired Pro #2 – NSA $
B. Risky Business
1. Busted Cheating
2. Tempers and Guns
3. Memphis Law
C. Winner Takes All (and Vanishes)

V. Breaking Even

A. A Bet is a Bet - Conjure Woman & Sylva
B. Is a Bet - Nebo
C. Is a Bet - Ellegua

VI. Other Notes

A. Sylva is the conjure woman’s niece. She’s in Memphis to get in touch with some relatives. She’s gambling for fun & jink.
B. POV will shift between Maurid & Sylva.
C. Nebo’s deal & Maurid’s past are a whole different story – sequel?
D. I’m writing scenes and stringing them together like beads.
E. This is the first time I’ve ever used an outline for a work of fiction.