Quid was mentioning in the "stuck" thread that it takes 5-10 novels to learn to write a novel, so why not get out and do it now? I know, you love your ideas and characters you have now so much, you can't bear the idea of blowing them on a warm-up novel.

My first novel was an autobiographical account. This time I am going to write a techno-thriller disaster novel. I mean, what's the worst thing that can happen? I do well, I sell it, and I'm stuck in that genre for the rest of my career. The worst thing that can happen is that I'm 20% closer to my goal of learning how to write a novel.

How I worked NaNoWriMo last year: I prepared an ouline of 25 chapters, so I could work on one chapter at day. I did my writing in the morning, but after doing an hour of housework. If I didn't do the housework first, a fog of procrastination would stymie the writing.

While the 50,000 word goal is 1666... words a day, I shot for 2000 a day so I would have some breathing room and be able to take at least one day a week off.

Last year was a complete bust for me - my husband was in Ramadan, a month of fasting for Muslims, and we didn't have a microwave, so the only way he could get enough sleep AND eat enough that it didn't kill him was for me to get up and make him brekkie. At 4:15 every a. m. I was toast.

The year before, I didn't have internet, but I managed to write 195 pages (about 47,500 words) in October.

This year, last July, I wrote 210 pages in one week, and another 70 some pages in the next week and a half. Well over 50K.

In other words, theoretically, it shouldn't be a problem.

My goal for NaNoWriMo is 150K or more. Because yes, I'm that insane.

To prepare, I plot. Detailed plots - with assistance of aforementioned hubby. He's the king of plotting - makes my stale stuff come to incredible life. With that in place, it's the best way for me to sit down and churn something out. I plan to have 3 novels plotted before November begins so that I can (in theory) just crank out the pages.

I try to do 1666/day but I end up doing 4k or 5k then taking a few days off. Last year I finished about 2 hours before midnight, which is cutting it a little closer than I like.

I plan a lot before I begin, but always feel free to scrap the plan and write something different.

If I don't write, I will again be offering my services as a writing buddy. Someone to nip at your heels, bounce ideas off and help you stay focused.

I would, however, like to write 50k, and still plan on joining up again. I did it last year under the same username I have here.

The reason I don't want to tackle a novel right now is that I am still learning the short story trade, and having a lot of fun with it.

I'm back and forth playing around with last year's product and, if I can get the inconsistencies in it somewhat ironed out before the end of this month, I should be able to start on its prequel this NaNo.

I plan to do much more advance groundwork in October for this go around, though -- plot outline, rough synopsis, characters' datasheets (I was just designing a new one when I logged in tonight, too). Not going to go by the seat of my pants this November. That was just too weird last year.

Although I am also a new mommy, I'm still going to try to do it this year. I'm not sure how that will work out, especially since I'm (mostly) no longer able to spend my days at home.

I tried NaNoWriMo for the first and last time the year before that, and very nearly went insane. But then, I was starting a new idea from scratch; my mind was so overworked, I could smell the smoke.

This year, I plan to take it a little easier. Have the novel plotted by Nov. 1st, and sweat the small stuff after Nov. 30th. Just get from A to Z with as few bumps and inconsistencies as possible.

I don't actually remember what the official answer is. I don't think a series of unconnected shorts constitutes a novel, but since there aren't really any other requirements beyond the word count, I don't know if anyone actually cares.

How do you define "novel?" Does fan fiction count? What if I want to write interconnected short stories rather than a novel? What if my story is largely autobiographical, or is based on a real person? Can I still write it in November?

We define a novel as "a lengthy work of fiction." Beyond that, we let you decide whether what you're writing falls under the heading of "novel." In short: If you believe you're writing a novel, we believe you're writing a novel too.

So if you think a series of unrelated shorts is a novel, go for it.

Last year was my first attempt, and I finished over 51K words a bit early - talk about excited! I'm a procrastinator, so completing was a big deal for me. As additional motivation, I have promised myself to finish a couple of other projects first.

Christine - congrats on the new mommy thing! We did IVF to get our twins, now unexpectedly I'm pregnant the natural way (LOL!) - so will be doing the "pregnant mom getting time to herself at the computer" thing, unless I'm doing the "laptop in bed cause I'm on bedrest" thing ;-)

Looking forward to our Hatrack group again!

*waits impatiently*

But I still don't get it. I mean, I'm aware that some very smart people have claimed this is the case for humans...but I can't help thinking they also claimed it for the benefit of humans.

You also can't post to the forums unless you sign up; another aspect of the community thing.

This should be interesting.

quote:

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Nanoers are strongly encouraged to miss the point if that's what works for them.

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That's the great thing about NaNoWriMo. There are no hard and fast rules, and even the rules that the website says are unbreakable (like not starting a week early) really are. You can do it however you want.