posted
I thought I'd mention here that the National Novel Writing Month site has been relaunched and that means sign ups for the 2012 NaNoWriMo are open. It seemed like a good idea to have a thread for this year's, where people can talk about it, find buddies or ask questions.
Their website is here, and you can sign up or look for information about it for those who've never done it before.
I did NaNo myself for the first time last year and really enjoyed the experience. It's not necessarily for everyone, but it's definitely for me. 50k in 30 days sounds like a lot, but it's not that bad if you keep at it. Also, having friends or writing buddies who are doing it, who can give you a pep talk when you need it also helps. I'm going to be doing it with a friend of mine who has never written a novel before but wanted to try both a novel and NaNo, since she hears me talk about it a lot. I think we'll have fun.
As I did last year, I'll be blogging my way through the experience, though that's definitely not necessary.
So, how about we start with a sound off of who's planning to participate this year from Hatrack?
Also, as I said, if you've got questions about it, this would be a good place for them. Those of use who have been through it at least once can try to answer.
posted
I haven't made up my mind on this. I've done it and won three times, but have only one actual completed novel out of it. Basically, I find novels very scary. I'm so much more comfortable in short form.
Which is probably a sign I should do it, hm?
Posts: 248 | Registered: May 2012
| IP: Logged |
posted
Looks like I will be doing it again. I had decided not to because of the time and effort it takes to do it but suddenly I have three ideas.
One deals with the adventure of a Leprechaun and gnomes in the modern world, even though most of their adventures would be in the wild.
Second deals with a contemporary non-Christmas Santa Claus adventure...more adult-ish even though that doesn't mean he chases girls and smokes anything,
Third one is...third one is...third one is...Rats can't think of it right now.
It might have been a UF tale set in the 1930s staring a boy of twelve or so who just figured out he can do things other people can't but I don't think that one was for NaNo.
Oh well, I might think of it later.
Posts: 5289 | Registered: Jun 2010
| IP: Logged |
posted
Yeah I'll give it a try this year. I'm quite busy with work and school but I'm in serious need of some re-creation. I'm getting burned out. I'm Pyre Dynasty over there too. Even though I still haven't finished my first try from years ago. (Mainly because I hit a point where I decided I really should do more research on Victorian England before writing more.)
I think I'll combine some of my uploading musings into a novel. Either that or rewrite the novel I wrote as a teenager. Or I could do some Zombie-POV. Perhaps I'm finally ready to write The Grid. (Nah, I'm not sure I'll ever be ready to push that button. (Okay I really need to sleep I just told an inside joke about a novel that only exists inside my head.))
Dang guys, you got me excited, and I've got a lot of essays in the mix. (Perhaps I'll cheat and insert them in the middle and call it post-modernism.)
Posts: 1895 | Registered: Mar 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
I've done it for 5 years, and I'm on the fence this year. I haven't had any brilliant ideas knocking down my door, and I do have 4 (count them...) previous Nanowrimo manuscripts in need of revising.
My current thought is to find the most promising of those old manuscripts and spend as much time editing it as I would normally spend writing a new one. I'm hoping that I can still get in on the cameraderie of Nanowrimo though, since I live for it from one year to the next. I've got no idea how that idea might be received though. What are your thoughts?
(On the other hand, I'm still open to that great idea bowling me over.)
Posts: 938 | Registered: May 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
Why not? Yes, that is a rhetorical question. Same name for those who don't know me on either boards. Posts: 13 | Registered: Sep 2012
| IP: Logged |
posted
I'm working on completing a novel in progress. Hopefully I can get it done in time to do NaNoWriMo on a new manuscript.
Posts: 620 | Registered: Mar 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
I just signed up for this year. Novels are more my style but am intimidated slightly of writing one in only a month. But it's a lot more than I did last year so that's something.
Posts: 4 | Registered: Oct 2012
| IP: Logged |
posted
Just a couple more weeks until NaNo begins. Is everyone doing whatever preparation they need, even if it's just hyperventilating or screaming into a pillow?
posted
Been away from the treehouse for a year and a half, going to jump in feet first! Just signed up for NaNo, my username is swallgren.
Posts: 35 | Registered: Apr 2011
| IP: Logged |
posted
I wish you all luck. I've done it for three years in a row, but I've already got my current WIP at 6,500 words, so I want to finish that. However, I'll be cranking along with you all.
Posts: 1608 | Registered: Feb 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
Yay! I have been on hiatus from the Treehouse as well, but NaNoWriMo is on my calendar! I am even planning on helping my 8yr daughter write a book during it as well. Wish me luck! I managed to get 12k last year only giving it an honest week's effort so I know I can do it this year. And I have a better story outline to go with. I am LeetahWest there as well Posts: 108 | Registered: Jan 2011
| IP: Logged |
posted
Totally ready. Been fighting with myself through most of October to keep from starting early. I can't wait for November first. How about everyone else?
posted
Oh yeah, I have to start a new novel in a couple of days. Guess I'd better put my thinking cap on.
Posts: 1993 | Registered: Jul 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
I've added everyone who posted their NaNo name here. Make sure you let us know who you are so we can support each other.
Posts: 1993 | Registered: Jul 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
I finished the projects that I thought I would be working on in November, so I've got my decks cleared for a fourth NaNo attempt. I've made the 50,000 words each time, so my goal this year is to finish the novel I just started. I'm only 6,500 words in and won't be counting those, so I'm shooting for 113,000 words in 30 days. It's a stretch, but I've popped over the 100K mark twice so far.
I'm on as Owasm and I know that I've already got Genevive on my buddy list from last year.
Posts: 1608 | Registered: Feb 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
I plan to hit the 50k for NaNo, but I'm going to continue the pace until my novel is finished. I expect it to be in the 75-80k range so I'll be writing a bit into December. I'd love to pull off what Owasm is planning, but I don't know that that's within my typing ability. Posts: 1993 | Registered: Jul 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
Well, turned the burner on and set the pot to boil. Logged on to NNWM today and did the wink/nod that I'm in again. I've been at this since 2004 and never finish because i try not to prep first and always start from scratch Nov. 1st but usually get distracted or forced to work (LOL) that darn thing of making money to pay bill's is always getting in the way of my fame and fortune! Rats!
I have a feeling I'm going to make it this year. Always a gosh darn devils temptation to start early or use old material to get a jump on day 1 but whats the point I'd only be cheating myself. Well, good luck to everyone. See you at the finish line.
posted
I'm registered at NaNo with my usual moniker, wirelesslibrarian. First time for me, so I don't really know what I'm getting myself into. Hoping for guidance from some of you veterans.
Posts: 108 | Registered: May 2011
| IP: Logged |
My primary trick is to start with an outline of some kind so you can concentrate on putting words to paper and less time thinking of what to write next. I've always had some kind of an outline ready to guide the story. It's nice to figure out a little worldbuilding as well, if you need it.
You've got a couple of days, use them wisely. Posts: 1608 | Registered: Feb 2009
| IP: Logged |
I realize everyone approaches nnwm with there own aspiration/goals on what they gain from the contest, but forgive me if I'm wrong but I thought the whole original concept of NNWM was to let go of the all the prep, and it's function was to just go for it day one. If you do prep whats the difference between the contest and our everyday writing. I thought the original idea was not to worry about if you're going to write the next great novel, but just try to flex your writing muscles in a non stop fashion without any rewrite. To let your imagination flow and let it take you where it will, and keep going till the end of story, 50k or whatever you can achieve, and just be proud with that and leave the worry and stress of if its professional or 50k is reached at the door.
I thought the whole point was to challenge the average writer to try and achieve a difficult level of word count on one idea/one manuscript in this question - Can you in one month create one concept, one idea and reach 50k plus words by the end or at least that's what I thought its original idea was. Maybe it has become just another form of publicity/networking now. No harm in that i guess. Like I said I guess we all take from it our own personal goals. As long as you enjoy it and challenge yourself should be all that matters.
Please remember this is just an opinion. No need to get out the torches. Remember I have yet to achieve the 50k award so what ever you do don't follow my advice
posted
I always saw it as a way to let go your inner editor. That doesn't mean you shouldn't have a plan. Heck, if you want to write 10-5k short stories I still think that's valid. NaNo is entirely what you make of it. Pantsers will approach it differently than outliners. Just have fun and challenge yourself.
The first time I did it just to prove I could. This time I'm going in with serious intent to finish a manuscript that I will rework and complete in the spring. No matter what happens, we will all learn something.
Also, just an opinion.
Posts: 1993 | Registered: Jul 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
I'm a newbie, so I obviously don't have a clue. Having some sort of plan does seem wise, though, and I don't think that THINKING about writing something qualifies as writing it. Heck, if that were true, I'd have shelves full of finished novels. I've never been an outliner, though. Guess that makes me a pantser, but I think I'm going to try and get something organized before I start typing away on Thursday. Thanks for the input!
Posts: 108 | Registered: May 2011
| IP: Logged |
posted
I used to be a pantser, now I'm a moderate outliner. I have the main points and the end figured out. I have a description of the story. And I know what my opening scene is. Part of me wanted to do a chapter and scene outline, but I didn't get to it in time. I've never used one before, I guess why start now?
Posts: 1993 | Registered: Jul 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
Of my three novels written for NaNo, I've self-pubbed two of them. So for me it's more than just writing for fun, but writing to get something useful. However, the intent of NaNo, as has been said is to break down writing barriers so that you get enough words down on paper enough to justify it as a novel.
You get what you wish to put into it and that's the beauty of NaNo. Get your 50,000 words any way you wish. It's just that, for me, I like to spend my hours doing something useful, but that's because I can and I write fast. NaNo is a great way to push yourself that you just can't do on your own.
Posts: 1608 | Registered: Feb 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
To me, it's partly about the idea of letting go of the inner editor and also trying to develop the habit of writing every day. Both have been incredibly successful.
I approach NaNo from the idea that I'm only competing with myself. The first time I did this, I wanted to hit 50k, and more, I wanted, for the first time ever, to finish a novel. I did that. It became a habit that I've spent the last year continuing.
I find that, if I don't have an outline, I get lost in the middle and eventually grind to a halt without finishing, so to try to pants my way through NaNo would be setting myself up for failure, and I don't think that's valuable. Using NaNo as a kick in the butt, to get myself really writing? That's the value for me.
That said, I do agree with those who are saying that it's what you put into it. I'd also add that it can be whatever you hope to get out of it. If you want to try a different process, do so. If you want to see what you come up with when you have no prior expectations, go for it. Those, and other approaches to NaNo, are all great as long as you're writing. I think that's the one important part, to write, to let the words loose.
posted
For me Nano is about words not the concept. About keyboard jockeying. Preparation beforehand is a survival strategy. I think it still fits with the spirit of freedom and pantsing by the fly of your seat. Just because I have a destination in mind doesn't stop me from getting there while leaving the inner editor in the dust.
Posts: 1895 | Registered: Mar 2004
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by wirelesslibrarian: I'm a newbie, so I obviously don't have a clue. Having some sort of plan does seem wise, though, and I don't think that THINKING about writing something qualifies as writing it. Heck, if that were true, I'd have shelves full of finished novels. I've never been an outliner, though. Guess that makes me a pantser, but I think I'm going to try and get something organized before I start typing away on Thursday. Thanks for the input!
You're allowed to outline, map, etc. just don't write a word until November 1st 12:00 AM.
By the way, I'm in this two, my username there the same as here. Can't wait for midnight/ Posts: 70 | Registered: Feb 2012
| IP: Logged |
posted
12 more minutes before I get to start writing. I have basic chapter outlines for the whole story and detailed chapter outlines for my first five chapters. Hoping to get a chapter (about 2500 words) before I call it a night in a few hours. wish me luck!
Posts: 108 | Registered: Jan 2011
| IP: Logged |
posted
Of course, yesterday my computer decided to crap out. Don't think there's data loss, but I have to take it to the shop. Fortunately, I have a netbook. Might be good to get out of the apartment and go more mobile than usual.
This morning before work, 546 words.
Posts: 1993 | Registered: Jul 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
A few twists and a few turns today as my writing took off like a scalded cat in a different direction. 6,130 today in about three or four hours.
Posts: 1608 | Registered: Feb 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
Finished a prologue today, Started it in morning break, went back at lunch and redid parts--added description and some human senses and made what was the second paragraph into the last paragraph.
1030 words.
Would have been more but my wife needed some computer time for her crafts and I needed to finish a crit.
Posts: 5289 | Registered: Jun 2010
| IP: Logged |
posted
A little over 1k today. Pretty good considering I was just working on it during breaks. I've been a little creepier than I meant the piece to be because I've been reading Space Eldrich and it's kinda affected my mind. I've found that a little bit of infodump can keep my fingers moving.
Posts: 1895 | Registered: Mar 2004
| IP: Logged |
Printer-friendly view of this topic
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
