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!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I haven't officially signed up for NaNoWriMo, but I do plan on participating in it unofficially, except I won't start until about November 5th. I plan on finishing the rough draft of the novel I'm working on now. I'll put it aside for about a month and work on it again in December. I'll chill out for a few days and then work on the next one. The one I'm working on now, I'm writing without a synopsis...the one I'll start in November will be with a synopsis.

Melissa Blue said...

For the Sweat I think it's between 55k-100k. To be honest I like the Sweat better than NaNo.

Gwyneth Bolton said...

I keep saying I want to try one of these, but I never do... Maybe one day. They seem like they'd be great challenges.

Gwyneth

PatriciaW said...

No NaNo for me. I'll be working on revisions to my current wip. I tried NaNo last year and didn't finish but it let me know that finishing was within the realm of possibility, which I've proven this year.

bettye griffin said...

Good luck to you, Shelia!

Mel, I must say that the Sweat seems to have a more realistic goal than NaNoWriMo, probably because it's spread out over more than two months. It was extremely beneficial for me.

Gwyneth, I know you'll get those books written and turned in on time without a challenge. So get to work like a busy little bee!

Patricia, Sounds like you and I going down the same path.

I wish everyone a productive weekend.

Shonell Bacon said...

I plan to NanoWrimo this year. This will be my third year. I'm wondering if it's worth it considering no one has bitten to take on either of the two last projects, LOL. Usually, I either get a full novel done (way more than 50k) or I get about 50 to 60k worth of words toward a novel done for NW. I'm working on the outline for the story now using a four week boot camp I put me and a few girlfriends through.

bettye griffin said...

I've always admired your finishing as a winner in the NaNo, Chick lit gurrl. I'd wish you luck this year, but I know you don't need it to be a winner! They might as well issue that certificate to you right now!

BTW, interesting photo.

Shonell Bacon said...

More so than any other year, I'm going to have to be diligent in my writing. For the last two years, EVERYBODY knew that November was the DON'T MESS WITH ME MONTH and I purposely did less to make sure that happened.

This year, there is so much drama at work that I know it's going to be hard work to get the writing done, but I'm going to try!

Oh, and as for the pic - yeah, I bought a writer's hat and an inspirational mug from The Writer's Store (online) when I was buying scriptwriting material, :-)