Oct 19 2008
National Novel Writing Month
I can’t believe that November is just around the corner. That means it’s almost time for NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month. I’m joining up once again to see if I can be one of the winners again this year. This will be my 3rd year of NaNo and I’m already working on the basics for my story.
For those who don’t know what NaNoWriMo is all about, it’s really pretty simple. During the month of November, millions of people from around the world get together and try to write a novel of at least 50,000 words. The end product doesn’t have to be ready for publication, just a rough draft. The trick is making the 50K word count by the 30th.
I won last year, making the word count. It might sound easy, but it’s not. Some people can sit down and have their story done by the middle of the month, but I have no idea how they do it. The rules of the thing are pretty basic. You can’t write a single word of your story before 12:01am of your local time on November 1st. You can get your basic outline done, have a good idea of what you’re going to write about, and all your characters worked out, but you can’t write any part of the story until the 1st.
Then, you’ve got 30 days to create a 50K novel. The website is set up to help you along the way. It helps you keep track of your word count, gives you a special page for your information, and even offers a forum so that you can hang out with others working on their novels. It’s really a fun time, but it’s a lot of work.
If anyone else is joining in the NaNoWriMo challenge this year, add me to your buddies list. I’m listed as crsenter. I’m still trying to come up with the basics of my story, but I think I’ve just about got it figured out. But, like last year, I may change my mind at the last minute. LOL
Wow, sounds difficult not to mention I am not a patient person so I could never accomplish that. However, you go girl… Keep us posted on the outcome. Thanks btw for commenting on my blog.
http://apoetsview.today.com
http://insanfrancisco.today.com
Hi I’ll add you! I’m in this year. I swear that this year NOTHING is going to happen - I WILL COMPLETE!
For some reason November is jinxed for me. The only two times in the last 6 years that nothing happened were the 2 years I didn’t do Nano! Grrr
Do you have an idea yet? I’m going with historical fiction.
i wish i could do this… maybe when i get out of this crazy college world. i want to have the time to write a novel in a month. i think i would feel like the most accomplished person in the world. it would probably kill me, but i’d feel so damn accomplished. really.
Wow, thanks everyone. It’s not easy, but honestly, if I can do it anyone can. The only real trick is in getting your critic side of the brain to take the month off and just let your creative side run wild.
@Jodapoet- I will post little updates throughout the month so everyone knows whats going on. I did that on one of my blogs last year, and I think that was what kept me going to the end.
@KatieAnne-Maybe with us being writing buddies throughout the month, we can help each other keep going.
@Ames-It really is an accomplishment and the feeling at the end of the month is both exhilarating and almost depressing. You’re thrilled to pieces that you’ve finished the first draft, but at the same time, you get the same kind of feeling as watching your children go off on their own.
@Mitch-Thanks. The only real demand is within yourself to finish. The strangest thing about NaNo is that the first week you start off strong, then the next two weeks get really mundane and you’re ready to give up, then that last week gets there and it’s all or nothing. Most people give out about half way through the month.
@Sire-Come on, Aussie. I know there’s a torrid story in there somewhere.
No more Nano for me. It makes for great writing, but the need for even greater editing–I am taking the tortoise approach these days