It's almost November and most writers (and spouses and families of writers) know what that means - NaNoWriMo time!
I've participated in, and won, National Novel Writing Month for seven years. I've written manuscripts that ended up in the drawer. I've written novels that were revised, sent out to agents and editors, and received positive feedback. I've even written one that was revised, sent out into the world, and landed me an agent. (That was many years ago and we've since parted company.)
So, this year, my eighth doing NaNoWriMo, I decided to shake things up a bit. I am going to be a NaNo Rebel. What does this mean? Well, it depends. For me, it means I won't be starting from scratch. I'm going to finish my Camp NaNo novel and probably write some novel and/or character related stories. I will absolutely write my 50,000 (plus!) words though.
I love NaNo but I've struggled a bit in the last few years - time, ideas, writer's block, etc. This year, I'm excited again. I can't wait for November!
Any other NaNoWriMos out there? Anyone else setting themselves a challenge of some sort? What is everyone working on? Share, and then let's support each other.
Whoo hoo! (That's about as close as this transplanted New Yorker gets to an actual rebel yell.)
I've read about this in past years and always kick the idea around but don't carry through at sign up. Nerves? Lack of committment? Self-esteem issues? Likely all of these but I hang it all on November being a busy month. I'm thinking about it again. Good luck to you.
ReplyDeleteI guess I'm a rebel too, because I'm also finishing something I've already started. But I plan on 50,000 words.
ReplyDeleteSally, thank you for the good wishes. :)
ReplyDeleteBut don't you give up on NaNo! November is busy for a lot of people and so the good folks over at NaNo started Camp NaNo - same idea but it takes place in the summer, a time that is usually less busy for people. Maybe keep that in mind for yourself for next year?
Angela - it feels different to be "a rebel" this time. How about for you?
ReplyDeleteI plan on not only finishing the Camp NaNo novel but also fleshing it out, taking it deeper, making it more complex. And I like the idea of the associated stories but we'll see how that goes... :)
No matter what, 50,000 plus words will be written!
Yup! I totally plan to write a novel -- only I plan to finish the MS i've been struggling with for nearly four years. whether it's 50,000 or 500,000 words, it'll definitely be done by the end of November.
ReplyDeleteand then ...on to editing!
it's nice to hear i'm not the only one who'll be cheating on NaNoWriMo a bit. based on the comments, it looks like we're in good company!
Hey, Jenny, we're not "cheating" - we're "rebelling." Hey, if there's a whole NaNo Forum devoted to us rebels, then it's all good. :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Madeline - I'll be participating in NaNo this year. It will be my 4th time. Feel free to buddy me, username: Mesmerix. Happy writing!
ReplyDeleteHey, Stephanie - I'll add you to my Buddy List the next time I'm over there.
ReplyDeleteGood luck! :)