NaNoWriMo

October 31, 2016

Starting tomorrow, I'm planning on writing 1,667 words per day for the entire month of November.

All part of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), which encourages participants to write a 50,000-word novel in 30 days.

From their website: National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to creative writing. On November 1, participants begin working towards the goal of writing a 50,000-word novel by 11:59 PM on November 30. Valuing enthusiasm, determination, and a deadline, NaNoWriMo is for anyone who has ever thought about writing a novel.

I did this in 2011.

One of the NaNoWriMo rallying cries is "No Plot? No Problem!"*** Just keep writing. The idea is to dispense with writer's block, perfectionism, procrastination, and the like, and just go for it.

Well, it ended up being a real problem for me in 2011, not having a plot. I ended up with, over time, close to 80,000 words of various scenes and stories very loosely strung together, spanning decades and multiple points of view. In other words, a mess.

Maybe I'll get that sorted out some day to my satisfaction, but tomorrow, I'm starting with something new. I've been thinking about it for a while. It's going to be non-fiction, which makes me a bit of a NaNoWriMo rebel. (They actually have groups for the rebels, as well!)

It's a good thing there's a starting point. Because I have all kinds of excuses to not start. My writing/sewing/craft room is not set up. It's been painted and the carpet's been cleaned. But nothing more.


I'm hoping to get this desk emptied and moved in before tomorrow.


The bookcase will have to wait.


And the closet will take a while longer. (Yes, I really do Project 333; this is the extra clothing that didn't make the current three-month cut.) The idea is to get all my stuff out of this blue room and into the pink room, so the blue room will be all nice and clean for guests.


And I didn't even show you the piles of stuff on and under the bed that need to be moved and organized. Scrapbooking stuff, sewing stuff, old journals, etc.

If I don't get the desk moved, I will just have to sit down and write there.

Or, I will have to clear a spot on our kitchen table, which is currently in the living room, housing a microwave, a toaster, our vitamins, and all kinds of miscellaneous items while the kitchen is being done.

What a mess!!
So you see, there are lots of reasons why I could procrastinate. I really do want to write this book in an organized, neat, and beautiful (the beautiful matters!!) environment. This is driving me crazy. 

But NaNoWriMo starts tomorrow, whether I'm ready or not. Start your engines . . .  er, laptops!

(Or maybe I should write longhand, and edit on my computer? Writing with pen is supposed to foster creativity. Hmmm . . .  spiral notebook or looseleaf? Aargh . . . . stop it, and just start writing!!)

Anybody else out there doing this?



***At least it was in 2011. Not sure about now. They have loads of support/info/write-ins/local writers' groups to join. People post their word counts on Twitter! I am not involved in all this, because I feel like it will just distract from me actually writing. I will check in occasionally to their online support for encouragement, as needed, though!

14 comments

  1. Sounds wonderful, a great adventure. Enjoy the process.

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  2. Hi Deborah, you go girl!!Wishing you a great month of writing. There are always reasons to put off something we really want to accomplish, so your determination is to be commended. Have fun and enjoy the process. xo

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  3. What an interesting project! Best of luck with NaNoWriMo!

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  4. This is a big project to undertake Deborah but I wish you great imagination, motivation and a good time while writing.
    xx

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  5. Deborah you can do it! Can't wait to see what it will all look like in the end. Happy writing! Hugs, Martha

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  6. Not unless blogging counts, which I know it does not. I have thought about it for years. Obviously, I am very good at procrastinating. I don't seem to come up with much that is worth reading. I imagine that you have lots of excellent material in your first endeavor. Perhaps the stuff of several novels. Happy organizing!

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  7. I've never heard of this challenge but I think it sounds great. It reminds me how we had to turn in an assignment in school and really put our pen to paper when there was a deadline. I think you are going to do well and we are all rooting for you. Blogging is good practice.

    I do a lot offer lance writing. The best advice I had as far as procrastination was to get out of the house and have a change of scenery and routine. Go to your library, a coffee shop or a park. I haven't tried it yet but I will say just tapping away at my kitchen table is okay! Know you'll appreciate your office...can't wait to see the transformation!

    Jane

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  8. Oh, this sounds wonderful! And challenging! Hope you get published someday! Sending hugs and encouragement your way. xx Karen

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  9. Oh my, my friend, good luck with this project! I'm sending hugs, love and good wishes for a beautiful outcome.

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  10. Oh boy, Deborah, this stresses me out just reading it! You are a brave woman, taking on this creative venture in the midst of wanting your room set up, the remodeling in progress, AND the holidays approaching. Best wishes for a calm November! Tea time!

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  11. I have a few friends who have been doing NaNoWriMo for several years. They love it.

    My very best to you as you undertake the endeavor. May your thoughts flow freely.

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  12. Best of luck, Deborah! It sounds like a wonderful challenge and one that you are more than qualified for! Will you eventually share what you come up with? I'd love to know what your creative mind leads you to. Feel the encouragement coming from all your followers. Sit down, take a deep breath, charge up that computer, and GO FOR IT!!! Rosie @ The Magic Hutch

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  13. All the best with your writing project! We'll watch for happy results at the end of it all. Wishing you creativity, stamina, and clarity of thought.

    Hugs,
    Brenda

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  14. Dear Deborah the writing project sounds fantastic! Looks like you have such a lovely spacious and light room in which to write and I hope you will be doing some crafting too. All the very best with the novel! Best wishes Alison xx

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