NaNoWriMo
I've been coerced, bribed, threatened, suckered... into participating in NaNoWriMo this year. For those who are not familiar with it: Every november, a bunch of crazy writers get together (virtually, of course -- there isn't a place crazy big enough to house them all) and write every day, for the whole month. The goal is to write at least 50,000 words in 30 days -- that comes to 1667 words a day.
Doesn't sound that bad, does it? Until you consider that's EVERY DAY for 30 days. I'd be lucky to write 50,000 original words on a novel in an entire year. So this is something new for me. Basically, I have to do a few things and make a few adjustments:
- completely turn off my inner editor - yeah, damn you!
- completely unleash my muse
- keep a tight writing schedule (good luck, pal)
- either write with a detailed outline, or completely at the seat of my pants and see what turns out (guess which approach I'm taking?)
Whether I succeed or not, I think it's a good exercise to do something different, and to change how I normally write. A) I'm a horrible perfectionist and my inner editor just won't leave; B) my muse comes and goes as she pleases; and C) I'm lazy and spontaneous and I hardly keep a strict schedule. It's gonna be REALLY interesting.
The problem is, I can't write every day, even if I try to. I already know I'll have problems keeping up with the daily schedule. I have two other projects (acting related) schedule for November. Then there's Thanksgiving and spending time with my family. Plus a few sick days here and there. So I'm trying to write as much as possible on a "good day."
Then again, whether I succeed or not, I think it's a good thing. I've been thinking of participating for a few years now, but it never worked out. This year, the timing is just write. I just finished my WIP, which is waiting on betas' feedback. And I'm itching to start on a new novel. I have no excuse, but much to gain. If nothing else, NaNo is going to give me a head start.
Doesn't sound that bad, does it? Until you consider that's EVERY DAY for 30 days. I'd be lucky to write 50,000 original words on a novel in an entire year. So this is something new for me. Basically, I have to do a few things and make a few adjustments:
- completely turn off my inner editor - yeah, damn you!
- completely unleash my muse
- keep a tight writing schedule (good luck, pal)
- either write with a detailed outline, or completely at the seat of my pants and see what turns out (guess which approach I'm taking?)
Whether I succeed or not, I think it's a good exercise to do something different, and to change how I normally write. A) I'm a horrible perfectionist and my inner editor just won't leave; B) my muse comes and goes as she pleases; and C) I'm lazy and spontaneous and I hardly keep a strict schedule. It's gonna be REALLY interesting.
The problem is, I can't write every day, even if I try to. I already know I'll have problems keeping up with the daily schedule. I have two other projects (acting related) schedule for November. Then there's Thanksgiving and spending time with my family. Plus a few sick days here and there. So I'm trying to write as much as possible on a "good day."
Then again, whether I succeed or not, I think it's a good thing. I've been thinking of participating for a few years now, but it never worked out. This year, the timing is just write. I just finished my WIP, which is waiting on betas' feedback. And I'm itching to start on a new novel. I have no excuse, but much to gain. If nothing else, NaNo is going to give me a head start.
Comments
Audrey
Hi Audrey! Thanks! Do comment on anything you find interesting or have questions about...
More words. :)