Week one is officially complete, and we're creeping up on the end of week two. Today is day 11 of NaNoWriMo, and I've logged 20,045 words as of this posting.
The first six chapters flew through my fingertips and onto the screen. However, at about chapter seven and the switch to a Victorian-era diary, it started to get a little more challenging.
Plantsing worked fabulously for the first six chapters in modern times. But, moving into the Victorian era turned dreadfully tricky at about day seven. I'm working my way through it though, and I've finally finished and organized the bulk of my research.
I'm coming up with dialog, descriptions, and the story in general. And at speeds that I honestly didn't know that I was capable of. I think that is my favorite part of NaNoWriMo so far - surprising myself with how quickly I can get the story onto paper. Writing articles takes me significantly more time and outlining.
I understand this means that at the end of 30 days, I'll have much editing to do. But for now, I'm enjoying ignoring the red underlines as much as possible.
It's funny how interested my family is in this project. My mother and stepfather were both trying to assist me in coming up with names for characters and asking lots of questions. Friends and other family are showing interest too. It's encouraging.
The engagement under the NaNoWriMo hashtag on Twitter is another boost to writing this month. I've connected and interacted with so many other writers. It's nice to know you're not alone and that others are heads down in a computer or notebook trying to put their first or next great novel down on paper.
For me, I've found that my sweet spot for writing is early in the morning. This time change has been perfect for that too. I can now wake up even earlier and get more written before changing gears and switching over to client work. I've also found that carrying my notebook with me everywhere is critical. I've squeezed in a bit of writing riding in the car as a passenger, waiting for my husband to finish an unplanned client meeting, and even while getting a pedicure.
What I've Learned in the First 11 Days of NaNoWriMo:
The first six chapters flew through my fingertips and onto the screen. However, at about chapter seven and the switch to a Victorian-era diary, it started to get a little more challenging.
Plantsing worked fabulously for the first six chapters in modern times. But, moving into the Victorian era turned dreadfully tricky at about day seven. I'm working my way through it though, and I've finally finished and organized the bulk of my research.
I'm coming up with dialog, descriptions, and the story in general. And at speeds that I honestly didn't know that I was capable of. I think that is my favorite part of NaNoWriMo so far - surprising myself with how quickly I can get the story onto paper. Writing articles takes me significantly more time and outlining.
I understand this means that at the end of 30 days, I'll have much editing to do. But for now, I'm enjoying ignoring the red underlines as much as possible.
It's funny how interested my family is in this project. My mother and stepfather were both trying to assist me in coming up with names for characters and asking lots of questions. Friends and other family are showing interest too. It's encouraging.
The engagement under the NaNoWriMo hashtag on Twitter is another boost to writing this month. I've connected and interacted with so many other writers. It's nice to know you're not alone and that others are heads down in a computer or notebook trying to put their first or next great novel down on paper.
For me, I've found that my sweet spot for writing is early in the morning. This time change has been perfect for that too. I can now wake up even earlier and get more written before changing gears and switching over to client work. I've also found that carrying my notebook with me everywhere is critical. I've squeezed in a bit of writing riding in the car as a passenger, waiting for my husband to finish an unplanned client meeting, and even while getting a pedicure.
What I've Learned in the First 11 Days of NaNoWriMo:
- Write now, edit later.
- Seek out support from family and friends. They'll encourage you and happily celebrate your word count milestones with you.
- Engage with the NaNoWriMo community on Twitter and in the forums to continue motivating yourself.
- Research, research, research. (Probably more for those writing historical fiction or non-fiction.)
- Bring a notebook with you everywhere and write whenever you have time—no matter where you are.
- Jumping ahead and writing the next chapter is okay, sometimes it's even better for your story because it can give you an idea to come back to.
- You'll think about your characters and possible dialog constantly. I mean walking the dogs, doing the dishes, eating dinner with your spouse, all the time.
- Even your small writing sessions get you closer to your end goal. Three short spurts of writing in a day can add up and help you hit your daily target word count.
- Stock up on healthy snacks as well as some chocolate or other sweets. The fruits and nuts will keep you going, and sweets are always a nice treat. My favorite writing snack is trail mix.
- Headphones are your friends. On the days when I don't hit my goal in the morning, I'll sit with my husband in the living room while he watches TV. Listening to music and not the TV helps me to get in the zone, while still spending time with him.
Writers and fellow NaNoWriMo participants -
How do you motivate yourself to continue writing each day?
Let me know in the comments!
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