The thing I don't think those of us intimate with the writing world see is the opportunity before us - not to write a book, we're already doing that. But to get other people writing. Therefore, this post is directed to my readers who have thought about writing at one time or another, but never started.
November is national novel writing month! (NaNoWriMo) What a better time to start the book you've always been dreaming of? I know some of my friends have awesome ideas that they've told me about and asked me to write. Here's the thing, if it's not my idea I'm not going to have the vision that you do to write it.
I couldn't pull off your ideas half as well as you can. So get writing! The challenge of NaNo is to write 50,000 words in one month. That's only 1,666 words a day for the month of November. Even if you don't 'win' and write 50,000 words. At least take the chance to start writing. There's no time like the present :)
As far as winning goes, here's my tip (and you'll hear this over and over): Have a plan, and write any chance you can get!
Some plotting tools for anyone interested in starting:
http://thescriptlab.com/screenwriting/structure/the-sequence/45-the-eight-sequences
http://www.kkitts.net/downloads/files/TenScenePlot.pdf
Get prepared now because the month of November will fly by!
22 comments:
I won't be able to join this year (but I'll be routing on the sidelines for everyone who does). My advice to those is, if you do finish that novel in one month, be sure to polish it before you submit it. Agents get flooded with queries in December now, I hear. :)
Oh David, good point, hadn't thought of that. I'm not participating either, just because imposed timelines and competitions for projects that large and meaningful make me sweat and get snipey-- something my family decidedly doesn't enjoy. Go everyone who is, though!! Sounds like great motivation.
I want to do this but I really can't commit that kind of time with my schedule. But I will be writing and revising so it's a win for me. ;0)
Good Luck!!!
Don't try to find time--MAKE time. Prep your family for the frenzy, so they'll be supportive.
Can't participate this year, but I won in 2010 when I wrote CassaFire.
No NaNo for me this year but I'll be cheering for all those participating.
I won't be participating in NaNo either. I can't work under deadlines and get too distracted. I will be cheering everyone on who's participating!
Did you know you can participate in Camp Nano anytime of year? That's motivation for when the time is right to write. Nice post.
I won't be participating, since I'm already involved with another WIP. I actually began this WIP last November (and then put it on hiatus to focus on other projects), but knew I wouldn't have won. My guesstimate for this book is well over 50,000 words. At least I can try to add 50,000 new words to it next month and hopefully finally be done with it by the end of the year.
My idea was too shiny. I couldn't wait for November. It's kind of my own NaNo right now. Good luck to the participants!
This will be my first year doing this. Thanks for offering your tips. I've been busy with the planning...
This is my first year and I'm so excited! I'm doubly excited to be meeting so many fellow writers.
Someday I'll get to do NaNoWriMo.
One can dream...
best of luck to those participating!!
Great motivational post!
I looooooove NaNo... fun, fun, fun. I'm not doing it this year, but I fully support it! :D
I can't wait to pop out another book!!! Yay for NaNo!
Great tips! I agree that everyone who wants to write a novel should!
I'm in - maybe to win, but definitely to get a jump start on another WIP.
I did NANO last year and I rocked it hard core! I'm in it to win it. What do I win?
I agree. In some ways NaNoWriMo is a great challenge for beginning writers.
Thanks for the plotting links!
I buddied you on NaNo :). I'm kind of scared of this year's. First of all, I didn't know there was a website to register with last year, and secondly, I am not hearing any character voices in my head. Getting my game face on anyway :)
good luck nano-ers, i did camp nano & had a blast! nov will fly by for me regardless!
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