Nov 08 2008
NaNoWriMo Update #1
Ok everyone. It’s time for my first NaNo update. First of all, I need to thank everyone who gave me the willpower to go ahead and work on my NaNo novel. I am so happy that I did, as it’s only the 7th of the month and I just hit 10,088 words. Granted, I should have about 1,600 more than that, but I’m not going to complain. Fortunately, it’s the weekend, and even though I have a couple of writing gigs to get done, I will still have plenty of time to work on the book. I am so happy about this.
So, here’s what my book is about. The title of my book is “A Life In Ruins”. It’s about a female archaeologist and her old college professor. There is no romance between the two of them, he’s more like an older brother and she still works on all of his digs. Anyway, they are looking for some old stones that have symbols carved into them. They are starting out in a small village in Africa, south of Egypt, and are currently looking through the archives of the church which has been in this location since the early 1200’s.
I know there are a lot of people who spend days before NaNo starts, working on characters, creating outlines, getting their plotlines worked out. But that’s just not me. I’m letting my characters write the story themselves. It’s so much more fun that way, as I really have no idea where they’re going to take me next. I do know that eventually, they’re going to take me to a tiny island off the coast of Croatia, called Susac. But that’s still a long way away.
I’m also doing a things a little different this year. The past 2 years, I always tried to end my day’s writing at the end of a chapter. This year, I’m not worrying about chapters, I’m just letting the story go on and on. When I get to the end of a really good scene, then I stop writing, or when my fingers just can’t go on anymore. But, I’m having a blast this time. Last year, I forced myself to finish my story. I think that’s why it’s still sitting in a folder on my hard drive. Once NaNo was over last year, I put the story away and I’ve never looked at it again. Kinda dumb, but that’s just the way I am. LOL
There is something different about the story I’m writing this year too. I can’t explain it, but it seems to actually be writing itself. I mean, last year, I was well into the second week of the month before I hit 10,000 words and had to really cram and jam toward the end to make the 50K mark. This year, I might actually be done before the end of the month. I won’t say that I will be, cause sure enough, that will cause the story to end in my head. LOL.
Thanks again to everyone who encouraged me to go ahead and write my NaNo novel. If I keep up the pace I’ve been going, and continue to let my characters write the story, I might actually go for it and try to get this one published. I wouldn’t hold my breath on that one, but you never know.
well have fun writing it my dear friend , but nano reminds of mork and mindy
MOOOOKIE,
It does kind of sound like nanu nanu. Really good to hear from you, hope all is going well. Tell everyone hi for us
Miss you muches
I love it when the writing takes over like that…can’t say it happens to me very often, but that’s probably because I haven’t dedicated enough time to it. It’s so much easier to goof off online than be disciplined. >_<
I’m not doing NaNo this year, but I know a lot of people who are, and I admire all of them. It’s a major accomplishment for anyone who finishes.
I did NaNo last year, and really had to work to get to the end. The biggest problem is that about half way through, things begin to get stale and it’s hard to keep up with the story.
I’m really hoping to keep mine going this year, so far so good.
Thanks for stopping by and feel free to come back any time.
I, too enjoy when a novel takes a life of its own. No longer does it seem like a job, but more like the air you breath. You have to keep writing for the sake of the character’s because they need as much attention as family, kids, the dog! I’ m currently writing my third novel (for fun) and it never leaves my thoughts. I am always thinking about the characters and what should they do next. It’s hard to let go of them once the novel near completion, so I go through a period of mild depression because the journey’s almost at an end. Best of wishes on your novel!!!!
You need to publish your completed stories, do not bury them!!
I wouldn’t worry about finishing at the end of a chapter, either. Just go with the flow and let the story unfold at its own pace.
Thanks Rusty,
After this is all said and done, I may just have to go find that other book and get it polished up. Who knows, it might just be the story that someone out these has been waiting for.