Do you NaNoWriMo?

Most aspiring writers know that NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month, which is the month of November. The goal is to complete 50,000 words (too short for a complete novel, other than some of the shorter Harlequin lines, but a good start nonetheless) between midnight on November 1st and 11:59PM on November 30th. Their web site is http://www.nanowrimo.org/ .

I've participated in this for the last several years, but decided not to do it this year. I'm probably close to halfway through my work in progress, and I'd rather work on that. One of the rules of NaNoWriMo is to start with a brand new project. It's a rule I admit I haven't always followed, but this year I'll honor it.

That brings me to my next question . . . .


Do you Sweat?

The second 70 Days of Sweat writing challenge started ten days ago. I'm not even sure if people can still register. The idea here is to have a completed first draft of a novel (I think it's 90,000 words, but I'm not sure) in 70 days. I participated in the first challenge, and that's why I got so much done (In addition to the WIP referred to above, I've also gotten through the first third of another project). Their web site is http://70daysofsweat.com/wordpress .

As for me, I'm going to spend the weekend continuing my read-through of my WIP, which I'm writing with no blueprint (synopsis). I feared that I might have lost my sense of direction, veered off into a different direction. I want to check the flow, make sure it gives the reader a good sense of who these characters are, their hopes and fears, what they want out of their lives, and that the tone is consistent.

From what I've read so far, I'm rather pleased with myself. I'm enjoying expanding of what I've already written, fleshing out the characters, knowing where I want everyone to be when it ends, but not sure of how they'll get there. Of course, I have to keep up the standard I've started for another 250 pages or so. It'll be chilly here in Chicago, a good weekend to stay in, cook (but not eat a whole lot), and work. My goal is to have it completed by the end of the year.

Have a great weekend, everyone!