NaNo Banner!

I wanted to create a banner for Lady of the Snow to put in my signature line on the NaNo site. Initially I went to a website where you can make banners for free, but there were ads on it. I was in the middle of making it when hubby came home and asked what I was doing. Within five minutes he was on my computer, helping me put together one in Paint.Net (free program similar to Photoshop).

He pretty much put it together while I gave him input as to what image to use, the font, the colors, etc. It was done within a half hour. Hubby, being the great man that he is, said he was only there as technical support and that he doesn’t have an eye for the “artsy stuff” (which I think is a lie since I’ve seen some of the photos he’s taken and they’re definitely artsier than what I could do :P)

Anyway, I’m determined now to play around with that program so I can do it on my own next time.  I should’ve been able to do that on my own from the beginning since I had a few courses in college where we had to use Photoshop (and this program is pretty similar). But I was lost 😛 Although, some of what he was doing looked familiar; perhaps I ought to play with it a little before NaNo starts or else I’ll forget what I did learn tonight 😛

Here’s the finished result. I must say I’m beyond happy with it–it’s so much better than the one I was making!

Awesome Novel Banners and the Inspiration of NaNoWriMo

Banner for my novel, created by a fellow NaNoWriMo Participant

Isn’t that the best? August. over on the NaNo forums is taking requests from people (up to November I think) for a banner.

Here’s the link to the thread:

Taking Banner Requests

Anyway, I think it looks great–they even used the singer who I base my MC’s looks off of 🙂 (I suggested it and they found a good picture).

Anyway, I know some don’t see the value in NaNo–I’ve read some comments about how it’s only for “amateur” novelists and those not serious enough to commit all the way. I know others think it’s too much hype.

Though that’s true for many, I know it’s also a falsehood, since without NaNo, unfortunately I don’t think I would have been able to write nearly as much as I have for my book–and not in a month’s time. I suppose I’m not as dedicated in some aspects as I should be…but NaNo helps fuel the dedication. It’s also helped me connect with others in the area and be a part of a critique group (again, something a great many writers say is unnecessary, though I disagree in many aspects…that’s another post though :P)

Besides, writers of NaNo have been published, and by some pretty notable companies too.

Did you know that Sara Gruen’s Water for Elephants was written during NaNo? A book that ended up on the Bestseller’s list nonetheless.

NaNoWriMo may not be for everyone–but it’s definitely something that I encourage others who aspire to write a novel to at least look at. 🙂