Sometimes, I make questionable decisions. I have a tendency to get excited about new projects and pile ’em on.
Generally I talk with my husband, aka my “crazy filter,” and get his opinion on whether my new projects are a good idea or whether I’ll be weeping on his shoulder in a couple of weeks when I realize that I can’t do ten things on the same day. He’s good about being supportively realistic.
It might have been a good idea to chat with him before signing up for my first NaNoWriMo.
If you don’t know, “NaNoWriMo” stands for National Novel Writing Month. During the month of November, participants attempt to write a 50,000 word novel.
This means writing 1,667 words a day, every day of the month.
*Gulp*
I’ve finished a longer book, but not at THAT speed.
Just where is this writing time going to fit into my life? I’m not sure. Somewhere between kids and teaching and correcting and choir and accompanying and Thanksgiving preparations…
Ah well. I like a challenge, and I’ve had my new story in mind for over a year now. I’m hoping that this push will get it out of my head and onto paper.
Just to share the fun, I’ve invited my 7th and 8th grade Creative Writing class to participate in an abbreviated form.
In case anyone is interested, here is the calendar I’ll be using with the kids, with daily word counts for three goal levels: 100, 200 or 300 words per day. Feel free to use it if you’re looking for a shorter writing challenge!
Writers, are any of you doing NaNoWriMo this year? Have you in the past? Do you have any wisdom to share?
thenaptimeauthor.wordpress.com 
I’ve done both camps this year and will be doing the regular one next month. I thought I had a story idea and general plot until I went to the library and found not 1, not 2, but 6 new books with a similar plot sitting in the new releases. Sigh! Tomorrow I will come up with a new idea. I write by the chapter and post it daily on my blog. When nanowrimo is over, I leave it up for a week then delete it and start editing and revising based on any feedback I get.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh no- what a frustrating library find! At least you found out now, I suppose…
It sounds like you’ve got great plan- I’ll have to stop by and check out what you’re working on (assuming I have conscious hours when I’m not working on mine!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did nanowrimo for 5 years since 2013 and made it to 50K plus. It was tough but I started writing as soon as I got out of bed in the morning. All you have to do is write, write, write without editing. I self-published 2 of them and am still sitting on the other three manuscripts. I think I’ll skip it this year. I said the same thing last year but decided to join at the last minute.
LikeLiked by 1 person
WOW- impressive record! I think the “not editing” will be the trick, and not worrying if I get my facts straight the first time through! You have one more day to change your mind and jump in! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have an idea on what to write but I’m not sure if I have enough to make it to 50K words. Although I won’t know till I hit those darned keys. You should join. Try to write more than 1667 words a day for the first two weeks because by Thanksgiving week, there are too many distractions, you might not be able to make your word count. Good luck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oooh, that’s a great idea- TG week gets so crazy! I’m not worried about the beginning- halfway through I can’t decide who survives, which MAY be a problem! Thanks much 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Anne! This is so exciting! I did my first NaNo last year and am coming back for more this year lol…why…
But it really is a lot of fun, though very challenging if it isn’t the only thing on your plate besides work.
My best advice would be to not have any days where you don’t write at all. Even 50 words makes a difference, especially by the end when you don’t want to have to make up thousands of words in a few days!
Otherwise, enjoy the journey of letting your imagination be wild and free 🙂 I’ll be here for encouragement on the tough days!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Megan! I appreciate the encouragement, and the advice! I’m looking forward to diving in…mostly lol 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good luck! If you can help it, focus on your number of words for the day, rather than the whole 50k. That way you can have a clean slate each morning-there’s nothing like the added pressure of knowing your thousands of words behind to form a writer’s block!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you- this sounds like EXCELLENT advice!
LikeLike
Hi Anne – I’ve never done and won’t be … but can see the logic in keeping it simple with simple daily steps – good luck to you … I feel sure you’ll manage it – especially with hubby’s support and with the kids – yours and the others at school … cheers Hilary
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Hilary! Some of the kids at school are pretty excited about it- we’ll see how they feel by the end of the month 😉
LikeLike
Hello Anne, I wanted to write you a note but I can’t figure out which Anne Clare you are on the Nano site. 🙂
I’ve done it several times now, and the Camp. The first time around I was all on my lonesome, just signed up, wrote, and hated it. Most of us are busy and it is exhausting, especially when you’re used to stare at every sentence and try to write it as perfect as possible. There’s no time for that.
Later I had writing buddies, and that makes the whole thing a lot more fun, especially in the camp Nano where you can set your own goals.
I can’t say I have ever produced anything at the Nano that I would even want to show to someone let alone publish. Still, it gets the ideas out of my head, which is something I have a hard time with otherwise. The P10K helps, but it is a lot more easygoing. Having the pressure of Nano every month isn’t something I would want. But for that one month… writing, writing, writing is a great experience. Every day is tough, but it gets easier and easier to get into the ‘zone’ and I really like being there.
I also enjoy looking around. There are interesting prep talks and many helpful forums. I don’t have time to participate in discussions and such, but there is a lot of information to be found.
Overall, I always had fun in every NaNoWriMo event I participated in. I hope you’ll enjoy it, too. If you want a writing buddy, write me on Nano mail.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the fantastic encouragement! I’m hoping to sort out the site this weekend 😀
LikeLike