Category: Process

What 1 Writer’s NaNoWriMo Looked Like

What My NaNoWriMo Looked Like This Year

On this, the last day of November, the last day of NaNoWriMo, I start with about 1,500 words left to write.

I look at my notes and see that last November? I wrote a sequel to my original novel. And…I not only wrote it, but I wrote a Nano-and-a-half worth of words. 75,000 words.

This year? My story did not flow that easily.
Was it the characters? Was it the world building? The tense, the adherence to the basic Robin Hood timeline that stymied me? I don’t know.
I’ve tried to fit my words in short daily time frames, with NaNoWriMo sprints really helping with that. I’ve done 21 shared word sprints this month, averaging about 500 words per 15 minutes sprint. So long as I have a good 15 minute break between sprints…
Maybe I’m just calling it quits too soon?
They say that every story is different and I’ve come to truly appreciate the truth in that.
So, let’s look back at my NaNo writing this month.

Gratitude

Here in the states, today is Thanksgiving.

Despite its problematic and revisionist history, in our current day and age, it’s one of our least commercialized holidays. (Excluding Black Friday)

It is the day where most of us gather with friends and family, to feast, and celebrate togetherness. No gifts, no gimmicks, no themed stuffed animals, unless you count the turkey (and most people I know fix the stuffing separately, but really, no one wants to call it ‘dressing’, because that’s what goes on salads, not a bread filled casserole-thing).

Just food and togetherness.

And a moment to stop and think and appreciate all the things we have.

For those who can’t be with their loved ones for the holidays, and those who have complicated family and friend relationships, my heart goes out to you and yours.

For those who would rather just stay home and away from everything, who am I to stop you from celebrating -or not- in your own way.

But for me, in honor of the holiday, I’d like to share a few of the things I’m thankful for.

How To Write: You Do You!

How To Write: You Do You!

 The Many Writing Proverbs

There’s a caveat that goes with pretty much all writing advice about what you SHOULD do, and it goes like this: “unless that doesn’t work for you.”

It seems to go hand-in-hand with the advice about what you SHOULDN’T do’s caveat, which is “if you do it well enough, you can break all the rules.”

‘Cause, remember, all the people giving this advice swear by the adage, “if you know how to write a book, you know how to write that one book.”

I can spout off writing proverbs and rules all day. How about I tell you how I’m actually doing?