Many of my friends plan to participate in National Novel Writing Month this November -- or are at least considering it. It's a big commitment, to write 50,000 words in 30 days! Good luck to those who go for it; I've tried it only once, but I do think it's a worthwhile project.
I considered starting work on Storm Damage over that month, but due to getting tied up with home refinancing, maintenance tasks, winter preparation and various RL stuff, I still don't have the fire history book ready. I have to finish that (I'm close), and I also want to do some columns up in advance, so that if I get too into my first draft I can skip writing a new one for a week or three.
I wouldn't have officially participated in NaNoWriMo, anyway: While it works well for many as a kick in the pants to get that first draft finished, I found it didn't match my writing style. My long stories work best if I go back over the previous day's work every writing session, cleaning it up and adjusting my plot and other details along the way. I've found that if my first draft is too rough when finished, I tend to put off going back to put the work into it, which is part of the reason why Red is For Ick (my only NaNo novel) is languishing on the back burner now, needing some work to its middle.
Just the same, NaNo's a brilliant concept, and good luck to everyone who's participating. Keep writing!
I considered starting work on Storm Damage over that month, but due to getting tied up with home refinancing, maintenance tasks, winter preparation and various RL stuff, I still don't have the fire history book ready. I have to finish that (I'm close), and I also want to do some columns up in advance, so that if I get too into my first draft I can skip writing a new one for a week or three.
I wouldn't have officially participated in NaNoWriMo, anyway: While it works well for many as a kick in the pants to get that first draft finished, I found it didn't match my writing style. My long stories work best if I go back over the previous day's work every writing session, cleaning it up and adjusting my plot and other details along the way. I've found that if my first draft is too rough when finished, I tend to put off going back to put the work into it, which is part of the reason why Red is For Ick (my only NaNo novel) is languishing on the back burner now, needing some work to its middle.
Just the same, NaNo's a brilliant concept, and good luck to everyone who's participating. Keep writing!
I'm going to try it this year!
ReplyDeleteYeah, this would never work for me either. I work when inspiration hits and head out in all directions.
ReplyDeleteI've heard this is a great way to release your muses, though, esp if you keep putting off that start.
Good luck, Susan!
ReplyDeleteDonna, that's right: NaNoWriMo is all about those people who need the motivation to get started, and then to barrel on through to the end. That's not quite as difficult for me as it used to be, since I've learned over the years how to work with a deadline.
This wouldn't work for me either, Mark. Too many other things, particularly academics, all come down at the same time. I'm impressed with anyone who takes a run at it.
ReplyDeleteExactly right -- sometimes, no matter how much we'd rather avoid it, real life situations interfere.
ReplyDeleteI've never done it...thought I know several who have.
ReplyDeleteI made it through, but it just felt too rushed to me.
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