Who’s in?
Starting November 1st writers across the globe will be hunkering down at their laptops, desktops, paper, what-have-you, and crafting a brand-new story for National Novel Writing Month. We get 30 days to write 50,000 words. It will be a writing frenzy that will require loads of caffeine, creativity, and perseverence.
I participated two years ago for the first time. I actually stumbled upon NaNoWriMo five days into November. I had never heard of it before until I was messing around in the blogging world and reading posts by writers already deeply immersed in their NaNoWriMo novels. I was immediately intrigued. That very day I began writing off of two words that had been bouncing around my head for a while.
NaNoWriMo has no constraints, no structure, no rules (other than writing 50,000 words from scratch). In my experience, the writing emerges organically and sails off in an unchartered direction. Stories like this become their own masquerade party. Characters come out of the woodwork. They behave unexpectedly. Setting changes abruptly. Secrets that weren’t part of the plot on page 11 are suddenly unveiled by page 64. The plot veers into a different direction without warning. The author likely has no idea how things will turn out once the clock strikes twelve.
Of course, organic writing is only one way to get through NaNoWriMo. There are some writers who actually prepare for this event, where they know how things are going to end first. They follow a structured path. It can still be a twisty path with bumps and storm damage and predators along the way, but where the finish line is clear and definite. Where they know how to proceed from one moment to the next.
Because I didn’t know about NaNoWriMo until 5 days into the event, I had to write on the fly. “Pantsing” is the term many people use for this writing style. And for me it’s great fun because writing freely meant that I wrote from the gut. Anything could happen, and it would be okay. Imagine that. Writing without structure and under a deadline also meant I couldn’t revise as I went along. At one point I was feeling that the story was hurtling into orbit and if I had a prayer of getting it back in my rational, organized world then I had better do some editing. Then I remembered the objective was to get down words. Any words. 50,000 words. In under 30 days.
I stopped editing. And I just wrote.
It is a freeing experience, to write without censoring yourself. Without worrying if your scenes transition well. Without worrying if the dialogue is snappy or witty. And, gasp! without fussing over punctuation or grammar. In fact, such organic writing helped me overcome one of my biggest storytelling flaws–I protect my characters too much. I let them dance dirty for a while, but I tend to pull them off the stage when they start behaving dangerously. I practically had to shut my eyes to their erratic, shameful behavior because, well, I needed 50,000 words. By the end of the month I wrote a daring story that any other time I never would have imagined writing.
So. Are you in?
My NaNoWriMo username is madrye. Feel free to buddy me, and we can brave the whirlwind together.
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Good luck!! I’ve never tried it but I’m in awe of everyone who does it.
Thanks, Vicky. It’s definitely worth a try, if you ever get a hankering for it.
Maybe next year. Need to take a breather after putting out two pieces of work this year. Sounds fun though! : )
Hi Britt, Okay–I guess I’ll let you off the hook. This year.
I envy anyone who has the time to do this. Amazing. Good luck!
Have a pizza.
Well now, Richard, I never said I actually have the time to do this.
But I do have the insanity.
I’m sure I’ll have many pizzas throughout November…
You know I’m all over this.
I’d say NaNo is the highlight of my year but a) last year was my first participating and b) I run my own unofficial personal NaNo every time I write a draft. It’s part of what works for me. This year will be a challenge on a couple of levels, but I’ll be posting about that probably today or tomorrow on my own blog. I love it when life decides I need a new challenge (well okay, I only love conquering the challenge, but that’s not the point.) Username: Heresy. See you in the word trenches!
Hey Julie, sometimes I think challenges are what life is all about. I haven’t looked forward to anything so much in my writing life this past year, because I have done nothing but revise, revise, revise. This will be a welcome, and fun, change. See you there!
Yeah, I think that’s the other thing, that you need to alternate. That is one of the best thing about the pattern I’m finding in my writing. It’s turned into an alternating write draft, edit manuscript pattern. I’ve learned since the end of August how easy it is to get burned out of editing and revising.
I’m glad you’re looking forward to this, and you’re right, challenges are what it’s all about. Like with our characters, it’s what forces us to grow as we rise to that challenge.
For some reason Julie, this comment ended up in my Spam bin. What’s up with that?
Editing takes a lot out of us, it’s tedious, but in a weird way, satisfying too. I really love the sense of fulfillment I get when I refine a scene or solve a problem. So, writing in all stages has insanely wonderful aspects.
They’re trying to keep my pearls of wisdom from you *snort*
I agree, editing can be very satisfying, and I love it. I just think I need to go 50/50 where possible. Otherwise my brain explodes it seems.
Hmm, why did I not get an email notification of this post…. Glad I got it in my Facebook feed!
I will be cheering you and others on from the sidelines. November for me will be revisions, revisions, revisions. And then more revisions.
Maybe next year will be the right time for me to try it. Maybe a sequel or something completely different….
I hope you’ll keep us updated on your progress as you go, and I know we’ll see that winner’s badge here on the blog!
Hey JM, I know what you mean about the revisions. Up until a couple of weeks ago I wasn’t sure that I would be participating in NaNo this year because of the work I continue to do on Spark (I’ll have to update you on this another time, sigh).
However, I came to the conclusion that I need to write. It’s as simple as that. No matter what other responsibilities I have going on, writing needs to be included somehow. This challenge seemed like the perfect opportunity.
I don’t know if I’ll be updating here, but I am going to post about NaNo and my progress every week over at Limebird. I know I’ll see you there.
Thanks for your vote of confidence!
I’m IN! And MLing for The Bahamas. WOO! I’m super excited about it. I’m going to get a novel out of me that been living inside me for over a year. It’s time!
We’re already buddied up.
Oh good, I’m glad you’re doing it. We’ll have fun.
I’m tempted since I do love any kind of insanity! I’ll let you know if I end up jumping in, but for now I’ve got to finish those never-ending revisions. I’m jealous of all the craziness you’re about to encounter and will be cheering you on!
Thanks, Sheila. I may be quiet over the month of November, or I may be ranting about NaNo cruelty. We shall see…
If you are quiet here, I’ll miss your posts but I know how it is – the great thing about NaNo is concentrating on just that for the whole month since writing is pushed to the sidelines too often. Good luck and have fun!
Absolutely. I really am addicted to being consumed by writing. So, NaNo is a great excuse to ignore everything else in life. Not that my kids and hubs would agree, but oh well.
They can wait their turn for 30 days, can’t they???
I salute you, Kate (madrye)!
I added you as a NaNo buddy, even though I won’t be participating this year. (The last thing I need is yet another excuse not to finish my novel from last NaNo!)
Good luck!
Haha. I know what you mean. I have not touched my NaNo from last year, either. It was a tough decision, but I’m fed up with editing. I want to write brand-new, so here I go!
This will be my 3rd year, too! I’m definitely in! I am so excited!!
Woo Hoo to all Wrimos around the globe!
Glad to hear it, Denise. This will be lots of fun. Good luck to you!
I love the term “pantsing.” I shall use it forever, for everything.
It is a great term, isn’t it. So profound.
I’m in. I will be completely pantsing it this year but I need the daily word count deadlines to get me going on my new project. I added you to my buddy list. I am elizafith.
Awesome. I’ll be heading over to NaNo and making sure I buddy everyone back. Good luck to you!
I know it is just an excuse but, November is the worst month of the year for me try this. A week deer hunting with my father and the rush around Thanksgiving pretty well kill any chance I have to finish. I need to just pick March and do it on my own!
November is the worst month to do this, absolutely. I don’t know what they were thinking, but perhaps that was the point? Make insane writers more insane? You’ll be missed, Dennis. Have fun deer hunting! And yes, there’s always doing NaNo solo.
Best of luck to everyone in NaNoWriMo this year! I’m not in it, but I’ll be watching closely from the sidelines
Thanks, Dianne!
This sounds mad… I’ve just blogged about a supplement I read on how to write a book in 30 days…It may help. Not sure it’s for me. Good luck though
You’re right. It is mad. Which means it’s right up my alley.
Yea! Good for you! I just mentioned you on my blog today b/c of your inspiration in 2010 and getting me on the NaNoWriMo bandwagon – those 50,000 words are now the basis of my latest novel. And yes, it’s a very freeing experience to JUST WRITE without revising, agonizing, etc. etc. Good luck!
Well, thanks for the mention. I’ll remember to stop by to read. That was a crazy year in NaNo, wasn’t it–because I think you started late, too? I’m excited to write without lassos.
It is freeing indeed to write without a plan. I do it whenever I suffer writer’s block and immediately feel creativity flow again. I have never done NaNoWriMo but considered it last year. Even though I’m at the “editing” phase of my work I’ll try to get some more writing done for my website instead.
I wish you good luck! I’m sure you’ll manage well above 50 000 words
I freewrite to cure writer’s block, too. I think it’s the best strategy. Thanks, Fredrik. Perhaps one day you will brave the NaNo waters…
I’ve never done Nanowrimo but everyone I know who has raves about it. I’m taking a break for a few weeks before major revisions on another WIP. But I’m totally cheering you on! It sounds fantastic!
Thanks, Kourtney. Good luck with your revisions.
I heard about Nanowrimo last November, and this year I’m definitely partaking. I’ve tried to get Mr. Wonderful in on it, too; surely it’ll be easier to put in my hours at the keyboard less if he’s doing it at the same time.
Awesome news, twisting. What is your username? I’ll buddy you.
I signed up yesterday with the same username I have here. I confess I’m starting to get a little anxious every time I log in and see that clock ticking down to the big day.
Okay, twisting–just buddied you!
I think the equivalent for me would be to try to write one song per week. I was on that schedule just organically for a while, but lapsed in my devotion to it. It may be time to get back on that horse.
Hi Chris, Oh boy. Writing a song per week? I would think that’d be really fun to do. I think you should go back to doing something like that. Nothing like a challenge to spark our creative energy. If you decide to do that at some point, good luck!
I really am so tempted! What a challenge, but what an achievement!
It really is an amazing feat. If you think of it in small doses, it might be easier on the brain. 50,000 words in 30 days breaks down to 1,667 words per day (or something around there).
I’mm guessing you don’t have to write every day… I think I’mm going to go for it! Are you doing it?
This would be perfect for a novel that’s been waiting attention for years, however I have another project I can’t distract myself from, no matter how tempting this sounds. Maybe next year?
Okay, Darren. I’ll hold you to next year then.
Kate,
I just read JM’s comment… I didn’t get this one in my email in-box, either. Weird. It still says I’m following you, though. Can’t figure that one out.
I like your description of writing without worrying. I, like you, tend to protect my characters from serious harm, and I have to consciously let bad things happen to them–so difficult! I hope you have lots of success with NaNoWriMo. I’ll be revising the novel I just (almost) finished writing. I want to hear all about it when you’re finished!
Hi Anne, isn’t that strange? I wonder why…I also just posted something today and Vanessa Chapman said she had been wondering why I haven’t posted in so long. It makes me think a bunch of people didn’t get an email notification for this particular post…
Thanks for your good wishes. I’m sure I’ll have lots to say about it come December!
Have fun revising!
Loved your post! We too have been plugging NaNoWriMo. We just found out about it, thru a fellow blogger,a few months ago, and loved the idea of committing. Well, I loved the idea. My daughter on the other hand, is already climbing the walls, trying to figure out if her mild OCD can handle typing and forming idea’s without taking the time to organize thoughts and clean as she writes. This writing experience has two things she doesn’t like very much. One, she’s a perfectionist, and believes in stringent editing, and two, she cannot stand to be timed on anything. Of course, I had to challenge her and told her I thought it would be a great learning experience for the both of us to do together. Now, she’s making lists on how to balance her daily schedule and the holiday’s during the event. And how to write without wanting to stop and shave the mistakes. What’s the point? I mean if you have to itemize chores, and a schedule on a task that is supposed to be about artistic freedom and spare of the moment…shouldn’t we step back and take another look? lol. She’s giving me looks at this very moment reading over my shoulder. Coarse I won’t hear about it until after she’s made a list on what to say to me! Just joking baby!!(Inion)
We’re in this year and look forward to, if not writing a descent story, overcoming some of both our fears. Her time constraints, and perfectionist side, and me, and my control freak ways, having to learn to let go and let flow!
Either will come out with a great story or at least, a feeling that we achieved personal growth in crossing the finish line, while overcoming our tics. Or will be throwing things at each other in our writing room, cursing and hitting one another while sputtering mumbo-jumbo, such as: sackin-frackin-nanowrimo-freakin’ka;lkdkjjd****
Either way, count us in and we’ll see ya there!!
That’s funny you mention OCD. That’s my problem, too. I also tend to revise while I write, so this is a challenge for me on those fronts. However, I love diving into a netherworld and losing myself. It helps to have the deadline looming because it keeps me from editing as I write, and to simply enjoy the story.
I am sure you’ll have loads of fun next month. Good luck to you!
Best of luck on the wild ride, Kate! Way too daring for me, but I can see how it would be a valuable exercise… Look forward to hearing more about it (if we’re lucky enough to!), and sending you loads of inspiration vibes
Hi Alarna,
Sorry you aren’t joining in on the insanity.
Thanks for your good wishes, and I’m sure I’ll have lots to say in December.
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I’m wishing you the best of luck here. Can’t wait to hear how you go on. I have to admit that my first drafts sound like a Nano attempt. I don’t bother too much about punctuation or anything – get it down that is what counts. When I was doing an M.A. (Creative Writing) a writer called Trevor Hoyle was in talking to us and he said that one of the reasons many writers fail is that they never actually finish anything so the first rule is just get to the end, even if it is rubbish you can always work on it but at least you get the sense of having a draft. I always keep that in mind. So I’m sending you stars of inspiration flying through the air – hope you can catch. Have a great time.
Hey Loony,
Yes, I believe that a lot of writers don’t finish and then make the mistake of thinking they didn’t finish because they aren’t good writers or good storytellers. A first draft is not a good measurement to go by, and I think it’s important to remember how we felt when we were writing. If we were having fun, then we have the capability of being successful writers.
I see those stars of inspiration right now, so I’m off to catch them!
Yaweee!!!! Catch the stars and write. I’m with you.
Good luck! It’s going to be awesome!
I’m having a great time, Suhail Rafidi. Are you participating as well?
Oh yes! I’m on schedule so far, but I just can’t seem to gain a lead, no matter what I do. As far as word count goes, I feel confident that I’ll make it to 25,000 by the 14th, but then the difficult part begins…:)
Well, I think your enthusiasm alone counts for something. I have a feeling you’ll be just fine. Keep up the good work!