Article: If you are starting anytime between July and November, you can participate NaNoWriMo (www.nanowrimo.org).  If you’re starting at a different time, you could also search online to see if there are other 30-day writing challenges that appeal to you.  You don’t need to sign up for a writing challenge, of course, but it can be a good way to make yourself stick with writing, especially when you get frustrated. If you don’t participate in an organized writing challenge, you should set your own ground rules. For instance, figure out what 30-day period you’d like to write during. When preparing to write a novel, try to read as many novels as you can. By reading or rereading novels you admire, you can get a good sense of what you’d like your novel to be like!  While preparing, you can reread your favorite novels from the past or take the opportunity to read novels you’ve never read before. Try to read novels that are written in different styles. Some novelists write dense, complicated prose (for instance, William Faulkner and Toni Morrison) while others write in short, relatively simple sentences (such as Ernest Hemingway and Octavia E. Butler). Reading novels written in a range of styles will help you figure out not just what kind of story you want to tell but how you want to tell that story. Novels come in a variety of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, romance, historical fiction, and realism. Before you start planning your novel, you should choose what genre you’d like to write in. Writing is usually the most fun when you’re creating the kind of fiction you most like to read! You can also write a novel that blends genres. For instance, you can write a romance novel that takes place in a fantasy setting! Whenever you get an idea for a character, plot point, setting, or anything else important, write it down! It’s easy to forget little bits of inspiration, but with a notebook you can keep track of your ideas. If you don’t like writing with paper and pen, you can take notes electronically on your phone or computer. There are a number of popular note-taking apps, like Evernote, that you can download for free. . Once you have some ideas, you’ll need to start fleshing them out into a methodical plan. You can try to outline the entire thing or simply write a brief overview of the plot for yourself. The more detailed your plan is, the easier it might be for you to get started and finish your draft efficiently.  It might help to keep traditional plot structures in mind. Most stories begin with exposition, lead up to a climax, and then end with a resolution. You can learn more about plot structures in various writing manuals, such as Denise Jaden’s Fast Fiction: A Guide to Outlining and Writing a First Draft Novel in 30 Days.  In addition to outlining the plot, you should also have plans for your characters, settings, and other important details. Try to write backstories for your characters and make notes about how they fit into your novel. If you’re afraid you won’t be able to stick to the challenge on your own, writing buddies can help you stay on task. You and your friends can meet at regular times to reflect on your writing or even agree to write together at the same time.  If you do include friends in the process, make sure that socializing doesn’t distract you from getting your writing done! NaNoWriMo has forums that enable writers to support one another and share ideas. While you’re writing your novel, these forums could be a great place to go for community and motivation!
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Sign up for a writing challenge. Read for inspiration. Decide what kind of novel you want to write. Keep an idea notebook handy at all times. Plan your novel Find some friends to write with.
Article: Choose a bag that’s large enough to fit all your supplies, and preferably something that has a strap or handles for easy transportation. You’ll probably be bringing this kit with you everywhere, so make sure the bag is comfortable to carry and suitable to your taste. Consider a bag with a few separate compartments and pockets to make it easier to organize your kit. A small backpack, a large makeup case, purse, or tote bag would all work well for your emergency kit. No matter where you go, who you’re with, or what you’re doing, you should always have at least $10 to $20 in emergency money on you at all times, as well as some change. On top of having some money in your wallet, keep extra emergency money in your kit, preferably in a secure or secret zippered pocket.  Change can be used at a payphone in case your cell phone dies, for an emergency snack from the vending machine, or to buy a pad or tampon from the bathroom dispenser. Even just $10 can be enough to get you out of a jam, whether you need a meal, cab fare, or anything else. Make a list of all the medications you take on a daily basis and write down your known allergies. This is in case there is a medical emergency and a doctor or nurse needs this information. Keep a copy of the list in your emergency kit. Update this copy whenever needed. Keep the medications together in a separate case or pocket. Don’t forget the medications you don’t take every day but need in case of emergencies; this could include:  Epinephrine injectors. Emergency inhalers. Antihistamines. Insulin shots. Eye drops. Always have enough supplies on you for at least a few hours of protection. Pack whatever product you prefer, such as pads, liners, tampons, or a menstrual cup. Consider keeping an extra pair of underwear on you as well. These supplies are just as important even if your period hasn’t started yet. Instead of being caught off guard, you’ll be ready if it comes when you aren’t home.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Select a bag for your emergency supplies. Have emergency money ready. Compile a list of your medications and allergies. Assemble the medications you need throughout the day. Pack emergency feminine hygiene products.
Article: Slice an avocado in half and remove the central pit. Scoop out one half of the avocado and place it in a small bowl, along with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of honey and a fistful of oats. Mash and stir the avocado with the other ingredients until they form a paste, which you can rub onto your face with your fingertips.  Put the avocado mixture on the driest parts of your face first. Continue spreading the avocado paste around until your entire face is covered. Keep the mask on for at least 10 minutes, then rinse it off with water. Accomplish 2 things at once by mixing together one lemon’s worth of juice with 0.25 cups (59 mL) of olive oil in a small bowl. Stir the ingredients together until they’re thoroughly mixed before spreading the oil mixture onto your face. Use your fingertips to apply the mask in parts. Use short, circular motions as you rub the mask into your skin—this makes the exfoliating process more effective.  Try almond oil if you’d prefer not to use olive. Let the oil mixture soak into your skin for around 10-20 minutes before washing it off with cool water. Combine 2 tbsp (25 g) of brown sugar with 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of coconut oil and mix them together thoroughly. Use the tips of your fingers to dip into the brown sugar mixture and apply it over your skin. Apply it in circular motions to exfoliate any dead skin cells from your face. For maximum effect, let the mask sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. This mask is especially good for people with dry skin.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Mix avocado and honey to help hydrate dry skin. Use lemon and olive oil to exfoliate and hydrate your skin in one go. Scrub off dead skin with a mix of brown sugar and coconut oil.