I"m sure I'm not the only person in the bloguniverse that is writing about this and I know I certainly won't be the last. What am I referring to?
NaNoWriMo.
I wasn't going to sign up this year. I did it last year and after about writing 30k, cut half of what I wrote and never finished. I know, I know. First drafts suck. But, I kind of, sort of got lost in that draft. I didn't plan anything out. My idea was there but the execution was awful...so awful that I couldn't finish the first draft.
But, if you've been following me for any length of time, you know that I'm not one to give up very easily. I make take some breaks to regroup, but that is only that...regrouping.
So, for this NaNoWriMo, I have a brand new shiny idea. I've been hesitant to start it though because I'm been working on my other story....well, er...I was working on my other story. I haven't written anything in well over a month though because I've been stuck, stuck, stuck! But, last week I had the opportunity to talk to Jeri Smith-Ready at the Arcadia YA Panel that Frankie held. And she said something to me that made me that really made sense...actually, I had said it to myself before, but because she said it (I mean, it is Jeri who is one of my all-time favorite authors) I listened. She said, "Who said you can't stop writing the current draft to start another one? You can do whatever you want."
Duh, Kelly.
There are no rules. I don't have an agent. I don't have deadlines. I can do whatever I want. I haven't given up on my other story. It's on the backburner. So, I figured I'd give NaNoWriMo one more try with my new idea.
It will be a challenge because in this novel I'll have to kill people. And again, if you've been following me for any length of time, you'll know that I have a hard time making bad things happen to my characters. I want everyone to be happy and healthy and wise. My character is also a strong female character, as in literally kicking butt and taking names, sort of character which is different for me too. I tend to write my MCs as the sort who needs to be rescued. I know, I know. People like strong female characters. But, not everyone. I'm the sort who likes to be rescued. I like the whole white knight thing.
Only time will tell how I'll do this year, considering the fact that once again I haven't plotted. I know the general story, but that's about it. I just plan on making this story as bloody as possible. Mainly to prove to myself that I can.
I'll be posting my stats on here, every Friday. And, if I don't, please bug me on Twitter or shoot me an email asking me--hold me accountable. It is TOO easy for me to let my
Anyone else doing NaNoWriMo? If you are, GOOD LUCK!
5 comments:
Wow, it's been a while since I've been here. How have you been doing? I tried NaNo last year and had the same problem. I've been trying to revise this novel I have for ages so I'm going into Revision mode this month.
Good luck with Nano, I look forward to seeing your updates on Fridays
Good luck! I updated my NaNo account with my current novel, since one of my friends wanted to keep tabs on my progress, but I'm not really doing NaNo. I mean, I'm almost 40k into it now - so, NaNo is kind of pointless... but I'll be updating, nonetheless.
Since you'll be doing NaNo, don't worry about sending me chapters every week (I definitely won't be able to keep up! And you don't want to be worrying about editing anyway). Just send me what you have when the month is over and you've had a chance to regroup and look over your work and cut the scenes you won't be needing. That way I'll just get the good stuff :)
I've thought of doing NaNo, but every time it comes around, I can't. I think it's the whole, end-of-the-year-and-in-November issue I'm having with doing it. ;)
Good luck to you, and you're totally right! You can do whatever you want!!
If anyone can kick NaNo's butt, it's you, Kelly! Even with 4 kids. It never ceases to amaze me that you get anything done at all, let alone write -- and finish -- novels.
Best wished with NaNo. I acheived my writing goals during that period last year, and it felt great! I look forward to hearing how it goes for you this time. Happy writing!
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