Tomorrow is an auspicious day. It is November 1, the beginning of NaNoWriMo 2013. If you do not know, NaNoWriMo is short for National Novel Writing Month. Each year, November is the month in which people are challenged to write 50,000 words. I really wanted to do it this year, but I’m still in the middle of Raiders’ Rise, and, technically, you’re supposed to work on a new novel. I don’t want to take a break from my book when I’m making progress, though, so I’ve decided to compromise.
I am challenging myself to write 50,000 words, unless I finish the book first. But I will just continue working on my current project. Because of this, I’ve chosen not to register on the site and get involved in the forum. Maybe next year. I’ve written just over 50,000 words on the book so far, and I’m close to halfway through, so I may just do it. But it’s going to be a huge challenge. I’ve got to cut out Pinterest and reading. And every spare moment should realistically be spent writing. But does that make it okay to ignore my loved ones? Not in my opinion. So, it will be a balance. And I’m hoping that by this time next month, the first draft of Raiders’ Rise will be finished.
What about you? If you’re doing NaNo, what’s your strategy? I wish you great success!
Millie and I decided to do it these year. So far my strategy is to throw a fit because I will never be able to write that many words in one story. I just. can't.
ReplyDeleteThe website should hire me to do their pep talks. Haha!
Haha! Well, if that isn't the most brilliant strategy I have ever heard... :D It is going to be difficult. I'm tempted to throw a minor fit myself. But I'm so excited about the possibility of finishing this book that the inclination doesn't last. How's it going so far?
ReplyDeleteI was planning on doing it this year, and then I decided not to. And then I decided to again, with a different story. And then about three days before November I chickened out. :S I'm realizing NaNoWriMo, though useful, isn't the best way I can pump out a novel for me personally. Now I'm going to be writing a Novelette (7 to 17 thousand words long) during the last week of November.
ReplyDeleteHaha! Well, at least you're honest! I understand about NaNo not being for everyone. I've heard both good and bad things about it. I can see the danger in challenging yourself with a word goal instead of a story goal, per se. That's why I'm happy with my personal goal, which has really morphed into finishing my book this month. Ooh, a novelette should be fun! I have a novella that I keep wanting to come back to, but I haven't worked on it in quite a while. Good luck!
DeleteI've considered NaNoWriMo, but I don't think I could do it. In fact, I know I couldn't do it. Writing for me comes in nearly predictable spurts. I'll write obsessively and finish off multiple chapters for a while, then I'll be dry for the next couple of months. And, like the WordWeaver says, I don't think that trying to write an entire novel in a month is the greatest approach for me. When I try to force my writing, it comes out awful. :(
ReplyDeleteHowever, the people who can finish their novel in a month have my highest respect. I greatly admire their talent. :D
Haha! I know how that goes. You might find that a tad problematic when you get published, though. :D Anyway, I understand what you're saying. I found it way harder than I expected. I didn't come anywhere close to 50,000 words, partly because I hurt my neck and couldn't write, but also because it was so difficult to write that much! I think it's best to understand your writing strengths and weaknesses and cater to them, so I think you picked the right approach for you.
DeleteI know what you mean, though. It's pretty amazing!