To NaNoWriMo or not to NaNoWriMo...

[locker_monster]

I really want to try NaNoWriMo this year, but the more I think about it, the more I think I don't have the time. Which is sort of ridiculous, since I never go out after I get home from work, but after sitting in front of a computer for 8.5 hours a day I really don't have the energy to crank out 1666 words, daily quota if you want to make the 50 000 word mark.

I may just try to write something every day and not officially participate this year. I started a fic and I'd rather not put it off for a month just so I can write something else. It'll be a good experiment I think. Will my fic take off if I'm constantly plonking away at it or will I end up writing crap because I have to write something? I remember the student paper at the university had an article about NaNoWriMo and writing an average of 1666 words per day. The guy found he started to write completely useless stuff just so he could make quota. I guess that's the challenge a NaNoWriMo writer faces. Quality vs quantity.

If only I didn't share an office with two other people. I could happily write away during work hours. :-D

Comments

[beachkid.livejournal.com]

write in emails to yourself! they will neeeeever know.

[locker-monster.livejournal.com]

I think they might notice all the e-mails I keep sending off. Though, I do that a lot anyway. I sent off a crap load of personal e-mails today. Hey, work policy says as long as it doesn't interfere with productivity, work e-mails can be used for anything at your discretion. :-D

[newnumber6.livejournal.com]

I can understand the worries about 'just writing crap to meet the quota', and occasionally I feel it in my own writing, but nonetheless I don't consider it useless, compared to not writing at all. Even when you're writing material for the quota, often it's stuff that you can either revise later and turn into something not bad, or, even if you do want to throw it out later, it can help you overcome the psychological hurdle of getting from point A to B if, like me, you're a more linear writer who can't just skip ahead a chapter without writing your way there. If the crap at Chapter B gets your to write C, and C works, even if you have to completely throw out B and then later modify C to match, it can be well worth it.

[locker-monster.livejournal.com]

I always feel like my stuff is crap, so it's not much of a change. ;-)

But yeah, just writing something gets you into the rhythm and at some point you do hit your stride. I've still got a few days more to think this over.

[ninamazing.livejournal.com]

Totally understandable. Work is exhausting. And I like this fic plan!

I think I actually have time to do NaNo for the first time since 2002, but I am kinda terrified. And I might just write lots of short stories, because those are what I need to sell right now.

[locker-monster.livejournal.com]

I'm starting to find work makes my eyes tired so staring at the computer screen a few hours more doesn't help with the inspiration.

Short stories. Sounds like a plan. I suppose you could write separate stories that add up 50 000. I mean, the count's not official, but you still hit the goal. :-)

[littlebatti.livejournal.com]

You can do it!

I have been seeing NaNoWriMo mentioned here and there on the net and never knew what it was. After I saw your post I decided to look it up. And then I wanted to do it too. I did a little more searching and found that someone I know is the ML for the local NaNoWriMo group where I live. Go figure.

I think to get time to do this I will just not clean my house for the month of November. Small sacrifice. That's it. I'm signing up damn it. See what you made me do.

Writing in emails is actually not a bad idea. I read a novel a few years ago where the story was told entirely through emails between staff in an Advertising firm. Was a hilarious story.

Write in 5 minute bursts if you have to. It's ok if you write crap. The point is getting it down first - edit later. Most writing teachers will tell you that.

I am getting excited now. I might not make the 50,000 but I can give it a shot and might just have fun doing it.

[locker-monster.livejournal.com]

I think to get time to do this I will just not clean my house for the month of November. Small sacrifice.

And if you can't write, you can clean your house to clear your thoughts. ;-)

If I don't sign up, I can be a cheering section. It's always nice to have other people motivating you. And I could always write during my lunch hours. Hmm...

[littlebatti.livejournal.com]

OMG! I signed up.

I'm going to do it.

[locker-monster.livejournal.com]

Whoo hoo! Good for you. At least one of us made a decision. :-D Here's to making the 50 000 mark.

[littlebatti.livejournal.com]

OMG! Now I need a plot.


Hmmmm... Do I fanfic or original fic?

Any plot bunnies you are throwing out?

[locker-monster.livejournal.com]

I've been thinking about this, too. An original fic would be cool. When you finish, you'll have a little novel to call your own. On the other hand, a fanfic has established characters so you won't have to waste time thinking up new characters, giving them personalities and names and such. I think I'd go fanfic my first year of NaNoWriMo. Just to get a hang of things and then next year I'd write something original.

As for thrown out plot bunnies, there aren't really any I can think of. Depends on what you like to write about.