Hi everyone!
This week, I've been getting ready for an intense experience know as none other than... National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo, for short). For those who don't know, it's a month long writing event where you aim to write 50,000 words by the end of November. It begins November 1st, and you have a daily goal of 1,667 words. This year will be my fourth year/win (I'm so humble. *winks*)
So, I'm sure you're waiting for me to get into the meat of how I'll be preparing, right? Okay.
1. First things first, I've let my family and friends know that I will be participating in National Novel Writing Month. By now they know how important it is to me, so I'll have their support throughout the month. They'll be there to cheer me on, but also, it shows them that I have set a priority on my writing.
2. I've taken care of things that could tie up my time during November, and other writing projects have been placed to the back burner while I work on this new novel. Anything that isn't urgent or pressing has been dealt with. I've gotten caught up on my favorite shows, too. That way my obsessions won't take up a lot of time! lol
3. Plotting an outline! With the amount of words needing to be written in the span of only thirty days, I always figure out what my novel is going to be about and outline it accordingly. Now, mind you, I'm not the type of person to write fifty page intensive outline, I just like to have that road map of getting from Point A to Point B. I like to explain what I do as looking on a map and seeing that I'd like to get from Orlando to Miami. I have a sense of direction, but there's a lot of options still open. It's still an adventure.
4. Cleaning my desk. Yes, I know. It should be something that I keep tidy on an average day, but with NaNo here... I'll need a place for my story notes, my character list, and plot outline. Plus, since I'm still getting settled into the new place, I put off setting up my desk, so I have a reason for once get it mostly set up. =)
5. Lastly, I'm reading How I Write by Janet Evanovich. It's really pumped me up for what's to come, and I love learning about the craft. This book is informative, and she gives examples of what she means from her Stephanie Plum novels. I haven't read the Stephanie Plum novels, and I still know what's going on in her examples because they are that good and informative. It makes me want to start reading her books. *smiles*
Anyways! That's what I'm doing this year. I hope it gave you ideas of things to make this year a winner if you're participating in NaNoWriMo! Each week in November, I'll be blogging my journey and sharing with you how things are going. Are you doing NaNo this year? What are you doing in preparation?
The official National Novel Writing Month website. http://www.nanowrimo.org/
Tips for NaNo.
http://www.writersdigest.com/article/november-is-national-novel-writing-month/
11 deadly screams:
Hmm...NaNo...huh? Maybe I need to check into that. Is it too late to participate? Maybe I can jumpstart my muse this way. *glares at muse*
Thanks for the info, Sarah. I've heard of NaNo, but had forgotten it was the month of November.
I'm running off now to check out the NaNo website.
Great post today Sarah. I don't know if I'll be able to participate or not, depends on if I get my revisions done or not. Good luck on your nano novel. I know you'll do great.
Good luck to you too Gracen if you join in. Can't wait to see how you both do.
I did NaNo last year for the 1st time, and my perfectionistic streak nearly killed me. I was determined to get to the 50 K word count, and I did.
This year, I'm not going to sweat it so much. I've already proven to myself I can do it, but if I start to fall short of the goal, I'm not going to turn into 'Mad, Screaming Lunatic Mommy' who is unbearable to live with:)
Now having said that...I encouraged another author to join and now we're having a friendly competition on the daily word goals!
Did y'all see my good news today? I'm pretty psyched about it!
Gracen: Nope, it's not too late to participate. It's been a great experience for me these past few years, and I think it's just what you need to kick your muse into shape. =) Let me know what your username is, so I can add you to my friend's list, if you decide to join!
Sierra: Thanks! I figured it'd be a good topic since I've heard that quite a few writers are going to be doing NaNo. You should so try to participate. It's a lot of fun! Shoot... with your writing speed, you'll probably be finished within the first two weeks. *winks*
Molly: I know what you mean about the perfectionist streak trying to get in the way, even with going on my fourth year, I'm still having to fight myself just to get out the first draft instead of being perfect. Each year, I do try to write my best at the beginning, but honestly, last year was a lot easier with writing fast and well. Congrats on winning your first year of Nano and also on the publisher being interested in your entire series, as well as the novella anthology slot! That's wonderful!! *hugs*
Well, I did it...I committed myself to Nano for the month of November. Yikes! *bites on nails* I might need you to give me a swift kick in the butt to get me motivated some days. ;-) I'm actually excited about it, hoping it'll be what I need to get something--anything at this point--written!!!
So, my username is gracenmiller. Very original, huh? ;-)
That's great, Gracen! I'm glad you decided to give in to the insanity! I will definitely lend a helping hand and give you a kick on the days you need it. I'm so excited to have a friend to do this with.
My username is sashafoxx. Friend me!! =)
I think my NaNo name is storimom2.
Let's add get a Roomba to our to do list. It automatically vacumns daily! That's probably the only way I'll avoid the inevitable doggie "tumbleweeds" that come from 3 large indoor dogs!
Well, one of the things I have done is to inform my son that he is the gofer (you know, go-fer a coke, go-fer the mail,etc). If he is going to be at home (he is out of work), he might as well make himself useful. So..he is going to cook, clean and carry. This is one of the good points of having adult kids at home:)
Molly: I've added you to my friend's list. =)
Debbie: Great advice! I have cats that shed, so that seems like quite a handy investment.
Shadow: Wow... I bet that's great. I wish I had a gofer. My husband works or else I'd have him do it. =) Though, perhaps when he's not working he can be my gofer... Hmmmm!
Prep work? Nano starts in three hours. Guess we'll see how I do with no prep work.
I already don't rake the leaves, wear the same clothes for three days in a row and drink too much coffee.
If I tried to do an outline it would take me 30 days.
Good luck to us all!
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