November is National Novel
Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). This year is the first time I’ve ever participated
in NaNoWriMo. I’m not quite sure how it works or what to expect, but I’m giving
it my best shot.
From what I read on
nanowrimo.org, the goal is to write a 50,000 word novel in one month. My last
novel came in at about 94,000 words, so I’m aiming a bit higher than 50k to
call the story complete. But accomplishing the goal of 50,000 words in a single
month will be a great jumpstart on my first draft.
My personal goals with NaNoWriMo
this year are things that will help me on all my future projects, along with
the current one.
1) Write every single day (with
Sundays as my only free days). Having a routine is essential to me, especially
as I struggle to focus with my undiagnosed ADD. I’ve been aiming for a regular
writing routine, and I’m hoping to use NaNoWriMo as motivation to settle into a
good schedule.
2) Increase my word count each
consecutive day. I’m often impressed by my fellow authors who log 5k to 10k
words per day on their works in progress (WIP). My typical 600 to 1,500 words
pale in comparison, but I’m always happy when I pass the 1,000 mark. If I can
beat my word count on a consistent basis, perhaps one day I’ll log in 5k words
. . . or maybe more!
3) Most importantly, continue to
seek God’s help. He is my source for words to write. Without Him, my word bank
would dry up like a puddle on a hot Texas summer day. “Come to the fountain . .
.” is my daily plan. If I seek the Word to feed my soul and commit my writing
to the Lord, He will faithfully fill me to overflowing and grant me the words
that will create novels pleasing to Him. And I pray He receives all the glory.
Excitement describes my first
foray with NaNoWriMo (click the link and become one of my writing buddies). I’m anticipating a productive month of writing. I’m sure
I’ll be exhausted come December, but blessedly so. What a great way to kick off
the holiday season!
Are you participating in NaNoWriMo? Are you a veteran or a newcomer
like me? What are you hoping to get out of it? Any tips or advice you’d care to
share?
For those of you not involved with NaNoWriMo, what activities are
keeping you busy in November? Is it something you do throughout the year or
exclusively during the winter months? Does your whole family get involved or is
it a solo project?
6 comments:
Best wishes on your Nano participation, Andrea! I'm not participating, though I DO have a big writing goal for these next couple days. So I'll be with you in spirit for two days at least...and I'll cheer you on the rest of the way.
As for my November, once I get this big project off my plate in the next couple days, I plan to finally relax a little. yay!
Love your goals, Andrea, they're realistic and very attainable :) I am also participating, but unofficially and I'm also a newcomer. I'm hoping to get comfortable with the habit of writing (establishing a routine), learn what writing styles and methods work best for my personality, and learning to trust God on a whole new level as I surrender :) *also wanting to overcoming the many fears of writing by stepping into the unknown*
you're not alone in this, you are definitely being prayed for as you do this, and remember not to be hard on yourself IF you don't meet your word count because the most important thing with NaNo is to keep going. that's what i've learned so far and even though writing has several challenges for all of us, this is what we're meant to be doing and that's a huge blessing! i'm looking forward to reaching the destination, but the journey is also to be enjoyed :)
hugs to you and cheering you on!!!
Hope your project goes better than expected, Melissa! Relaxation is calling your name, eh? Enjoy, my friend!
Thanks for the encouragement. I really appreciate it.
Kara, thank you for your sweet comments. I wish you the best for your writing journey. God's got great plans for you in this, I'm sure. :)
Thanks for your prayers and encouragement. It feels wonderful to have such awesome support through NaNo this, my first year.
Bless you, Andrea! Praying God gives you creativity and inspiration to keep those words coming. :-) This is my second year--last year I only made it to 30,000, but what a story it turned out to be! This year I in a whole new genre, and nervous for lack of writing time, but I am keeping at it, and looking forward to what happens to this one. :-)
Gwendolyn, thank you for your encouragement. Your words are just the push I need tonight to reach my word count goal for the day.
30,000 words is commendable! Any progress is reason to celebrate. :) Best wishes for this year's project for you. May you be blessed with time to write and the productivity to use each moment to the fullest.
Thanks for stopping by!
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