Organizing the Novel Writing Adventure
October 27th 2007 18:10
Ready to write a novel in November?
Do you know your characters? If not, write character sketches and find out what makes them tick. Writing one or two sketches every day will get you into the habit of writing every day, too.
Do you know how your story begins, and do you have an idea how it will end? It is probably too late for a detailed plot outline now - in my experience you can make it without one, though. This does not mean, however, that you should not bother planning your story at all. I think, and many people on the NaNoWriMo forums seem to agree with me, that knowing your beginning, ending and a few scenes in between will likely get you through the madness successfully.
Do you have a plan how to rearrange your usual schedule to fit in an hour of writing every day? If you want to write 50,000 words while working 40 hours a week, you have to make some sacrifices. I will get up 30 minutes earlier than usual, I will not watch TV when I come home from work (well, apart from the Simpsons, I can't do without them). I will also try to get some writing done during my lunch breaks; that means I need to bring in my lunch.
It looks a lot worse than it really is. I will be doing NaNoWriMo for the sixth time this year, and I can't wait for the madness to start. Sure, I will be complaining about sleep deprivation, characters that don't behave the way they are supposed to, and the fact that I am a horrible writer. But at the end of November, I will - hopefully - have the first draft of a novel. For me, that is reason enough to change my habits for 30 days.
Do you know your characters? If not, write character sketches and find out what makes them tick. Writing one or two sketches every day will get you into the habit of writing every day, too.
Do you know how your story begins, and do you have an idea how it will end? It is probably too late for a detailed plot outline now - in my experience you can make it without one, though. This does not mean, however, that you should not bother planning your story at all. I think, and many people on the NaNoWriMo forums seem to agree with me, that knowing your beginning, ending and a few scenes in between will likely get you through the madness successfully.
Do you have a plan how to rearrange your usual schedule to fit in an hour of writing every day? If you want to write 50,000 words while working 40 hours a week, you have to make some sacrifices. I will get up 30 minutes earlier than usual, I will not watch TV when I come home from work (well, apart from the Simpsons, I can't do without them). I will also try to get some writing done during my lunch breaks; that means I need to bring in my lunch.
It looks a lot worse than it really is. I will be doing NaNoWriMo for the sixth time this year, and I can't wait for the madness to start. Sure, I will be complaining about sleep deprivation, characters that don't behave the way they are supposed to, and the fact that I am a horrible writer. But at the end of November, I will - hopefully - have the first draft of a novel. For me, that is reason enough to change my habits for 30 days.
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Comment by Susan Keeping
What's in a word
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Thanks for this post, I'm thinking of doing it but still sort of wading my way through reading about it.
Did you say that you have done it 6 times, that's impressive
Tracy
Comment by Sonya 1
Writing Words
I would say it is better to try and give up than to not try at all. The important thing is to keep writing, no matter what you think about your prose. I am there to cheer you on, too
Sonya
Comment by Sonya 1
Writing Words
This year will be my 6th time. Before I knew about NaNoWriMo, November was the least favourite month of the year for me.
Don't read too much - just give it a go! There is nothing to lose. You can do it!
I discovered the challenge by accident five years ago when the first week of November was already over. I had no time to think about anything, I jumped straight in and wrote. Sure, you can tell from the story I produced - I could easily write 50,000 words on what is wrong with it. And yet I love it because it is my first ever novel.
Thanks for your visit
Sonya
Comment by Patricia Graff
Inside my Mind
Free Speech
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Congrats on doing it for 6 years
Comment by Sonya 1
Writing Words
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
What an incredibly inspiring post!
I have been fighting with my masterpiece for sometime. You could say I have a first draft but it wont seem to polish or edit quite the way I want. I know characters....Beginnings, ends. This sounds like a good plan.. I will think about it.
Comment by Sonya 1
Writing Words
I am glad the encouragement helps. There is more, as well, should you need it.
Sonya
Comment by Sonya 1
Writing Words
Thanks for visiting!
I am glad you feel inspired by my post. I know editing can be tough (I will have loads to say on the subject once NaNoWriMo is over) and sometimes it may seem that your work is un-editable. I'm sure you will find the right method to make the rough diamond that is your first draft shine and sparkle. It may take some time, but it's feasible.
Sonya