As many of you know, November is National Novel Writing Month (nanowrimo for those of you down with the lingo). I didn't officially sign up for the challenge of writing a 50,000 word first draft of a novel in the month of November - I attempted to do so on October 31, but the nanowrimo website was on the fritz due to the high volume of late-comers. However, I have been trying my best to get some writing done. I think that this month has inspired me - just the thought of all of those brave souls out there pounding out a draft in one month's time (a holiday month, no less) gives me a sense of hope. It's a community feeling, which is sorely lacking from writing, a usually solitary endeavor. So I'm thinking very kind, hopeful thoughts for all writers out there, especially at this time of year. Tomorrow we will fill up on turkey and pumpkin pie and then, as we recover from our potato and stuffing induced-stupor...well, we just have to get back to writing.
the waning days of National Novel Writing Month
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Interesting - I never knew that November was National Novel Writing Month. So how did you do? Did you finish writing those 50,000 words. I would not even know how to begin. Do you use an outline or go into your book of ideas for a novel? This inquiring mind would like to know how does a writer's mind work?
Cheers!
I take a writing class here in Paris and my teacher encouraged us to try NaNoWriMo. I didn't have the effort or the time to do it, but good for you! Did you make it to the 50,000 words?
Thank you for your comment! I often wonder how a writer's mind works, and I am a writer so that should tell you something of the mysteries entailed. However, you're already on to me - I love my outlines. I think it gives me a sense of security knowing that I have this little plan written out of what should happen a few scenes ahead. Sometimes they are very detailed, especially when I'm writing historical fiction and I have a lot of period details and factual events to consider. But I use an outline even when I'm writing straight fiction, though it tends to be a little bit more loose (or, I've found, it's best if a little loose!).
I do have some ideas for future novels piled up, but I've learned that there is a big difference between being interested and inspired by a particular story. Perhaps I'll write about this in a future blog post!
Thanks,
Alisa
I didn't officially sign up for NaNoWriMo either (I could feel myself buckling under the pressure of that word count) but I did write in the month of November, which was a good feeling. I've had my bouts with writer's block, so it always feels good to experience the urge to write again.
How about you? How is your writing class going?
Thanks for your comment!
Alisa