It’s Monday morning, and I’m dreading going to work because my schedule today is fuller than full. If only every day could be a weekend. I’d get a lot more done (maybe?).
I signed up for Nanowrimo this year. What’s Nanowrimo, you may ask? It’s National Novel writing month. I don’t know what inspired me to do it. Maybe because my wonderful Writing Wenches are doing it, and I like the idea of us teaming up and writing several different novels. The support from the Wenches should be enough to push me through.
But I’m super busy. I’m still taking the MOOC, How Writer’s Write Fiction. I’m trying to edit Little Birdhouses. By next week, I need to write a newsletter for PTA and draft a letter to send out for an event. I’m trying to run more to prep for a 5K I haven’t signed up for yet. Plus, the oldest kid’s birthday is coming up. After that, gymnastics’ meet season will be upon us. Granted, that may free up some time for me in the hotel or at a four hour meet to write a little bit. I plan on bringing my laptop or maybe just plain old pencil and paper. I wonder if life will ever slow down, or if I’ll know what to do with myself if it does.
But back to Nanowrimo. I’m a little worried I’ll fail. I committed to do 365k (writing 1,000 words a day for a year) and I couldn’t stick to it. The thing is: I want writing to be my life. I have to stop making excuses NOT to do it. It’s sort of like running. I love the feeling I get afterwards, but starting out is always HARD. I hem and haw, and I don’t want to go and I make excuses, but in the end I’m so glad I did it.
So for Nanowrimo this year, I’m going to work on a story I wrote for the MOOC. I was inspired me to expand it, and in no time I had about 5,000 words. I did a basic outline of this story too (which is against my normal M.O.). I generally know where the story is going to go, and I’m in love with the characters. I’ll share the opening scene of the story with you later this week too and you can tell me what you think. I had great feedback on the MOOC.
Are you going to participate in Nanowrimo this month? If so, what are you working on?
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Lauren Greene, Author 
I’ve done Nanowrimo several years and it has always been a good experience. The purpose of the exercise is to develop a daily writing habit that will carry over into the new year, as well as to let you try out a new book idea. If you keep that in mind, you may enjoy the month.
On another note, gymnastics meets sound like a great place to write. I wrote large chunks of my first book at swim meets. There is something about the murmur of a crowd that helps me focus.
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I signed up for the third time and am more anxious about it than the other two years. I did it last year and beat 50,000 words, but this year I’m blogging and promoting a book, too! I’ve got a big file of notes on characters and scenes, which is the closest thing to an outline I’ve ever done. I’m excited, but already a little overwhelmed at the thought. I’d like to put together a menu for the month, which I’ve never done before, and I’m thinking of trying to out-wake my kids and write for about 45 min. before they get up. They have some sort of internal sensory reaction to my being up and usually pop out of bed when I do, so we’ll see how that goes!
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In my opinion, failing is only failing if you don’t write a single word. Even if you sign up and write a single word, then that’s one more word than you had!
I too am feeling slightly anxious about doing NaNoWriMo this year. I mean, I am doing it, because not doing it just doesn’t feel right, and I love it, but I also have work, and my masters degree, and my social life (which will probably die a little bit) and all the other stuff I normally do of a week. And I find myself thinking, am I completely crazy for trying to do all this? Where will the time come from? And then I realise that I am not a sensible person when it comes to trying to do to much, and I will probably love it and get through it all, dragons only know how.
Happily, I do know what I am working on, so at least that’s the first hurdle out the way.
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I am the same! I am always trying to do too much! I don’t know why. It’s crazy. But I like being busy and feel more fulfilled. And you’re right–writing one word means I’ve won! Thank you for your encouragement.
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I kind of have an idea. But I look at it this way, I want a surprise for myself on November 30! Good post, Lauren!
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Katharine-everyone loves surprises, right? I know my idea will take me in a different direction. My characters seem to have minds of their own!
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I’ve had my reservations about doing NaNo. I thought I had to be in the middle of a novel or have the makings of a novel. I guess I could still participate in it, but I worry about not meeting the goals.
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I have about 5,000 words written on this story. I have a general outline on what I believe will happen, at least until the middle of the story. Someone left me a comment on this blog telling me even if you write one word it’s a success! Trying never hurt. If you’d still like to do it buddy up with me.
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This is my fourth year doing it. I only “won” in 2012, the first year I did it. I’m hoping to do better than last year, but my plate is very full right now.
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