It’s National Novel Writing Month and for the first time, I am trying NaNoWriMo. This is pronounced na-noh-RY-moh.
According to Wiki, NaNoWriMo is the brainchild of freelance writer Chris Baty who started the project in July 1999 with 21 participants. In 2000, NaNoWriMo was moved to November “to more fully take advantage of the miserable weather.”
I don’t know about “miserable” because I like writing when the snow is falling.
Here’s how it works:
Participants take on the challenge of writing 50,000 words of a new novel from November 1 to the deadline of 11:59 pm on November 30. To “win” you submit your work to some kind of “scrambler” which automatically counts your words. Even if you don’t hit the 50,000 words mark, you’re still successful because you have at least created a few scenes of a new book. And, as the old adage says, you can’t edit a blank page. So, if nothing else, this exercise will provide a starting point.
The focus is on completion, rather than perfection. This is hard for me, since my modus operandi is to edit as I go. But nothing ventured, nothing gained, so I’m giving it a shot.
I am still discovering new stuff on the NaNo website and, while I am off to a slow start, I remain motivated. My goal is to write 50,000 words of the next book in my “wedding” series. So far, my characters have names and they’re on an airplane, arguing about something. Not sure what.
I’ll report back next Tuesday. Wish me luck!
snowflake from photos.com #452594187
Good luck Suzanne – that writing without fixing is a challenge. I tried the NoNoRiMo camp in July with a 30,000 word goal. I managed 39,000 but since than some of it has to go! However, it gave me a running start at my next book. Enjoy.
Thanks, Mahrie! Can’t say I’m “enjoying” yet. This is challenging!
I love NaNoWriMo, though I’ve yet to officially participate. It always seems like I’m starting a big editor project in the middle of October, so I’m not set up to draft something new when the challenge starts. This year, at least, I’m about 2/3 of the way through a project I’d hoped to have drafted by Halloween, so I’m using the NaNo vibe to help me get it done. It’ll need editing, but like you said, you can’t edit a blank page.
Good luck with your project!
And good luck to you too!
I decided at the last minute to try this – signed up on October 31 with barely an idea in my head. I typically need a LOT of simmering time but I’m still trying to let the words rip. 🙂
All the best Suzanne. We’ll be cheering you on!
*queue marching band and confetti cannons*
I have not participated in NaNoWriMo yet, but I admire all who do. Like Liv, I’ve got a project underway and am riding the NaNo energy to push me along. 🙂
There definitely is an Energy around NaNoWriMo. Even if I don’t want to write, I have to. It’s like being swept along in the current.
All the best on your project, Elizabeth!