I've just signed up to this year's NaNoWriMo event.It's possible I've gone completely mad!
I'm not sure what happened. I came home from work this afternoon, made a cup of tea, checked my emails, signed up.
Okay, that's not strictly true - I've been considering it for a while, but coming up with some really very good reasons not to: I've got a two day course to go on for work in November, the kids will need me to be available for specific reasons in November, I'm already booking up my days off with hot chocolate dates with friends, I'm going to be an aunt and will want to see lots of the new baby.
But, there are some compelling reasons to give it a go:
- I'm staring at a novel that's just been rejected and wondering what to do with it - I'm not happy with it, but it's been through so many incarnations at this point, I've forgotten what the original point was.
- Because I've been working on the same novel for most of the year, I think I've forgotten how to write something new. I have no ideas, no characters, nothing even remotely like a plan, plot or vision.
- I've recently turned my 2012 attempt into a short story that's out on submission - even if I don't win, I might be able to salvage something useful.
- It's a really good excuse to be lavished with chocolate. I don't drink coffee, so I have to get my caffeine from somewhere, don't I?
So, who's with me? Who's already signed up? Who's thinking about it?
Is chocolate a good enough reason?
Do you have any advice for me?
Do you have any advice for me?
You can do it!
ReplyDeleteTake the next week to plan then just make it happen. Not participating this year, but I've beaten it in the past. And if I can do it, you definitely can do it.
Thanks Alex. I'm slowly get some ideas. It's amazing what happens when you force yourself into a different outlook.
DeleteI am not doing NaNo--never have. Mostly because I'm juggling so many writing projects already. Maybe someday... Good luck with yours!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kathleen :-)
DeleteIt might be the kick you need. I wish I wasn't so busy with 3 book releases in November. Someday!
ReplyDeleteThree! Wow, I feel lazy! Good luck with them.
DeleteBest of luck with NaNo this year! I'm on the fence about participating, and if I do it'll certainly be "rebel" style as I'll be trying to add 50,000 words to an already started WIP. We'll see!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I'm not sure it'll be a novel, exactly. I have no idea what it'll be. Adding to your WIP sounds like a great idea.
DeleteGood luck! Best advice is not to overthink too much and just go where the story goes. Some great ideas can come out of NaNo.
ReplyDeleteVery good advice, thanks Nick.
DeleteHi Annalisa - lots of support for you here .. and another rooting from up the coast! Good luck .. but you've got lots going on as well - and that could give you a few extra ideas ... just enjoy and then becoming an aunt ... that will be lovely - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteThanks Hilary. You never know, real life might seep into my novel!
DeleteWoo! Go Annalisa! I've signed up this year too, for the first time since 2013. It's giving me a good excuse to dedicate time to my novel - and book extra days off work!
ReplyDeleteNo better reason to take time off work :-)
DeleteChocolate is a good reason to do anything! Good luck with NaNo. I'd love to do it, but my mom will be visiting for a week and then there's the American Thanksgiving. It takes two weeks out of my month.
ReplyDeleteThat's a shame, but family is more important. Have a great time :-)
DeleteGood luck with Nano. I'm doing a cheat version with short story drafts as I think that will do me more good this year.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a great use for November. Good luck!
DeleteHere's to madness! I'm sure it will be great.
ReplyDeleteMadness indeed :-)
DeleteI will encourage you (and drink hot chocolate). I am not going to attempt it (but shall eat chocolate)
ReplyDeleteGood luck!!!
Lol, I hope you'll think of my suffering while you're eating :-)
DeleteThose sound like good reasons to sign up!
ReplyDeleteI have never tried it. I just can't write a first draft like that. Sometimes it takes me DAYS to figure out what happens in the next chapter. Rushing it has never done me any good. So I continue to SLOW draft. Ugh.
Because it's only the word count that matters, you can write yourself into a corner, go back re-write, take another direction. By the end, you may only have 35k of useable story, but 50k of total words. Sometimes, writing without thinking can be liberating.
DeleteGood luck! I'll be in the NaNo trenches myself. I've been prepping more than usual, so we'll see how that goes. Fingers crossed for all of us! :)
ReplyDeleteI've started making notes, and searching for that all important mc name!
DeleteThis'll be me first year signing up for NaNo, yeah very intimidating but although Ive seen and heard of it in past years, This year feels so right for me. I was laid off from my job at Citi back in June, and by some act of god Ive been able to set things up where I dont have to go to work, at least for another two months. I was so burnt out at work and dreadfully unsatisfied. It took me months to get out of my stupor and remember what writing is (you know, that thing I used to do when it didnt feel like work).So this year is going to be alot of fun for me.
ReplyDeleteSounds like it's come at the perfect time. Good luck :-)
DeleteIt's a good idea for you to do it so you don't allow life to take up all your writing time. It's a way to be reminded that writer you is as important as mom-you, aunt-you, and friend you. And yes, you deserve chocolate.
ReplyDeleteI haven't met him yet, but the aunt-me has happened! I've seen pictures, and he's gorgeous :-)
DeleteYou absolutely can do it - and I like the idea of turning 2012's work into a short story.
ReplyDeleteHappy chocolate eating!
Thanks Keith. It's worth trying for the chocolate alone :-)
DeleteME! I've signed up and in a similar fashion to you - I was finding out a bit more about it to pass on to a class and before I knew it, I'd registered myself. Ooops! I thought, hey, what's the worst that can happen? You don't write 50k words - but you write 30k, 20k, even 10k would be better than I'm managing at the moment... so there we are. Mind you, it's the 4th November and my word count is officially at zero. I always knew I wouldn't be able to start until tomorrow but nonetheless, 10k words in a weekend is going to require a little effort - and chocolate.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck Annalisa, let the creative spirit be with you :)
Good luck to you, too. It definitely gives you a focus - I've written 9000 words that last week wouldn't have even occurred to me! Keep the chocolate flowing, and you'll be fine :-)
Delete