72 replies to this topic

[Stars]

National Novel Writing Month is nearly upon us. I know that at least a few people here will be pleased to know that I intend to participate for the first time this year. I've had a number of stories in mind for far too long, and one of them is finally going to get a first draft.

Who else plans to write something this November? There are a couple of answers I expect by default, but I wonder if anybody will surprise me.

[Puffin]

I can't decide. I sort of want to, but I'm not sure that I'll be able to complete my novel within that time (even if I do fulfill the word count). Though, I might do it anyway, just to get myself to write everyday.

 

Also, here's a hint to keep the ball rolling when you're doing NaNoWriMo: pre-plan the fuck out of your story. Seriously, try writing a flow-chart of events or a loose outline. It'll help keep you focused and hopefully prevent writer's block.

Which, if you get writer's block, just write your way out of it. Either throw something suddenly into the plot to get your characters to react or just let the characters lead. If it turns out bad, edit it later.

[kspr]

ok

[Stars]

Also, here's a hint to keep the ball rolling when you're doing NaNoWriMo: pre-plan the fuck out of your story. Seriously, try writing a flow-chart of events or a loose outline.

That's the part I'm best at...and usually as far as I get. xp

[panda]

Can't wait to read it. Does a short story count? I'm kicking around an idea.

[Puffin]

Technically, it's National Novel Writing Month, but hey, why not? Write whatevs.

 

Also, Stars, you may enjoy this. It's basically a list of rants with suggestions on how to go about certain world-building stuff or how to handle certain issues/character types within a novel. I know you're super into world building, so that part probably wouldn't be of any huge help, but it does point out some stuff that I know I never really thought about.

[Stars]

The goal is supposed to be 50,000 words, but any number of words you write will be more than I've done in previous years.

 

Also, Stars, you may enjoy this. It's basically a list of rants with suggestions on how to go about certain world-building stuff or how to handle certain issues/character types within a novel. I know you're super into world building, so that part probably wouldn't be of any huge help, but it does point out some stuff that I know I never really thought about.

 

I can always use more ideas/perspectives on world-building, so I will certainly be giving these a look.

[Kamau]

Ha, I knew what link you were suggesting before I even got past 'rant'. They're highly enjoyable reads.

 

I plan on participating, but I don't expect to make it to 50,000. My goal isn't going to be x number of words per day, but rather, x amount of time spent writing per day. I'm gonna use NaNo as another effort to push myself to write daily. 

 

If anyone else wants to do it with me, we could always pick a specific time a day and write! It can even be late at night (which might be better for me, considering my usual work schedule). Like, fifteen minutes a day at 10 pm. Or something. I'm just gonna try to write. :) 

 

Heck, we could use this topic (or a different one) to keep a log of word count, and even if we can't Skype or something while writing we could list our counts and use each other as motivators. 

[Xteven Xavier]

I think I'll give it a shot but i basically live in a world of writers block with only glimpses of writers clarity, so the chances of me hitting 50k words are pretty slim.

[Stars]

It amuses me that the person writing those rants has a beef with Robert Jordan, while I'm halfway through the fifth Wheel of Time book. xp

[Lackadaisy]

National Novel Writing Month?

Well, I'll try, before I eventually forget about it and move onto something else because I'm a lazy dick.

It only has to be 30-50k, right? Shouldn't be too bad.

[Monkeydog]

I always try to but I always fail.

 

Maybe this year I won't. MP Writing Group assemble! 

[Stars]

[Puffin]

... If all of you are gonna do this, then I totally will try. I did get to about 35k last year- I'd be surprised if I reached 50k, or even 35k this year, but it's worth the try. At least until I have to buckle down and write some essays for school.

[kspr]

ive had rap battles longer than that

[lazlo falconi]

Heck no man! I mean, I'd love to and I can't wait to read what you guys write, but if I had time to write 50k words a month... Well I'd post on forums like I did when I was 16!

[Stars]

Also, Stars, you may enjoy this. It's basically a list of rants with suggestions on how to go about certain world-building stuff or how to handle certain issues/character types within a novel.

 

It feels only right that I compensate with a link of my own (that a customer recommended to me today). I don't know that you'll necessarily get anything out of it since you've been writing for I have no idea how many years, but one never knows. Also anyone else who wants to write could potentially benefit from it.

 

EDIT: I personally found the entry on middles to be both helpful and amusing.

[kspr]

there's no rule that it has to be one narrative, is there? because there's a real possibility i could write 23 short stories about what i imagine my cats do when i'm at work.

[Puffin]

Write whatever you want, man. Technically, if you have that one thread connecting all those short stories, you could probably pass it off as vignettes.

[Stars]

I had considered working on a different short story each week of the month before settling on one longer tale. Whatever gets you writing.