It’s day two of National Novel Writing Month! Who put words on the page yesterday?
I did! To be honest, my day started off a little rough. Construction crews rolled into my court at 8am and set up camp in the front yard. The noise, you guys! But, the upside of having a (rickety old) laptop is that I can write just about anywhere.
I loaded up my daughter and all her homeschool curriculum, and we found a quiet booth in the back corner of a Panera Bread. We stayed there until I hit my word count goal. And I’m so glad I’m off to a decent start.
For the next four weeks, I’ll report in on Fridays. I’ll tell you how I did and I’ll ask how you did. In that way, we can encourage one another and maybe make it to the end in one piece. I’ve decided to split my reports up into four categories to keep it uniform. Here goes:
What was difficult this week
One word: stamina. I’ve been on a bit of a break since turning in my last round of edits, and it’s been quite some time since I’ve drafted anything new. Months, probably.
It took me ages to just settle in. And once I finally got the laptop open and the Instagram picture posted and my tea refilled, I was exhausted. I have a feeling it’s going to take me a few days to rebuild the stamina I need to sit and type for long periods of time.
What was easy this week
Dialogue. Once I got going, it was dialogue that sent my fingers flying across the keyboard. I made a note actually, so that I can remember just how much easier dialogue was to write than anything else. I think it will be my saving grace as I’m rebuilding the drafting stamina I’ve lost.
One victorious moment
Getting through that stubborn transition scene I’d left myself.
Last Friday, I told you all that I’m cheating my way through NaNoWriMo. I’m not starting from scratch because I’m already 12k words into a draft I’d like to finish. But when I sat down today, I opened my laptop to an awkward transition scene that I hadn’t really thought through.
You know what I’m talking about right? Those scenes that move the reader from one big moment to another. When settling in for a long writing session, it stinks to start in a boring transition. I’m going to watch myself from here on out and try to avoid leaving off in such a place.
There’s this advice floating around out there, and it’s good advice. It recommends stopping your writing sessions when you’re in the middle of the action. By doing that, you open up your next session with lots to write and a faster pace right out of the gate. Do this. It will help.
One setback
I’m not feeling well. I blame my son. He came home with a sore throat last week and everything has snowballed a bit. Everyone in the house is struggling with cold symptoms. Nothing big, nothing that demands doctors or antibiotics. Just good old fashion aches and sniffles.
But I want you all to hear this. Getting sick? That’s life. Sometimes we have to stop and rest (do that if you’re able), but often we’re required to power through. That’s usually the case if you’re on a deadline. Sick or not, teams of people are waiting for you to finish your book. Practicing the discipline of writing through less than ideal conditions will benefit you.
To most people, winning NaNoWriMo means you hit 50k words in the month of November. I love that. It’s such a fantastic goal. But, friends, it’s not the only way to win this thing. You win if you take away new disciplines and new tools that will help your writing down the road.
Learning to write consistently, making the task a priority, encouraging others even when you’re down, thinking like a writer, not waiting on inspiration before you sit down to work. These are all trophies you can walk away with at the end of November, whether you hit 50k words or not.
SO! Now it’s your turn. Tell me:
1) What was hard this week?
Getting started! I’m halfway through editing a different novel, and if I’m being honest, starting a new novel for NaNo is just reminding me of everything I love about my old book. The words are also a lot harder to write because it’s set in the past rather than in a fantasy world. It’s still a historical fantasy, but I find myself needing to do so much research.
2) What was easy this week?
I think that I’m finding tension a lot easier to create in this book and my writing reads a lot better because this is my third book and I have a better understanding of my style and what I want my writing to be like.
3) One victorious moment…
Conquering the first line! It took way too long because I kept on going back and changing it in an attempt to make the next sentence flow better with it. I’m still not pleased with the line, but it’s better than it was and I’ve managed to move on.
4) One setback…
This entire month is going to be hard because I start GCSE work this year so there’s lots more homework (like essays) and daily homework programs I have to do. I’ve already fallen behind because I’m on holiday bit I’m hoping I can make up those words today.
I’m so proud of you! These are all so real and so fantastic. I identify entirely with your struggles and your victories. Cheering you on from my chair, friend. You can do this!
1. What was hard this week?
It was hard this week for me not to touch my manuscript. I really want to finish polishing this by the end of nanowrimo.
2. What was easy this week?
I’m also cheating my way through the month. I finished my manuscript a little over a week ago, but hey, some of us need a head start. This is my first project.
3. One victorious moment…
I did allow myself to do a quick edit of the last chapter I wrote (not the final chapter, I wrote that several months ago) and the flow is much better now.
4. One setback…
I’m beginning to think that my manuscript stinks. I struggled throughout writing it to balance three separate elements of my YA adventure. First there is the main plot, the adventure itself. Then there is enough of the main character’s family life to establish him as normal and portray the humor in his daily life. After those two things, I found elements of the story that I wanted to tell rather than show. For instance, his girlfriend coming to dinner was amusing and went about four pages, but his visit to her place was boring and “told about” in two sentences. Is it normal to struggle balancing these things? If you might have time to post advice on how to keep them in proper proportion I’d quite appreciate it.
Oh yes, of course! Pacing is always hard to nail. But take solace in the fact that it’s very normal to zoom in on certain moments–especially if they’re important to the plot–and then to zoom out so that you don’t bore the reader. Wishing you the best as you sort through your manuscript.
Fabulous as always, Shan:
1) What was hard this week: Transitioning from lots of little tasks (updating my author bio, cleaning out email, scheduling an author newsletter, etc.) to WRITING. It’s been a while for me too!
2) What was easy this week: I’m a pure NaNo writer this time and hadn’t drafted at all,so it was super exciting to finally start writing now that it was November 1st.
3) One victorious moment: Not just writing, but using my Dragon dictation software while walking on the treadmill.
4) One setback: My microphone was being buggy and I had to restart a couple times this morning. But to keep momentum going while I rebooted, I wrote on my phone and then transferred it over. So it was both a setback and a victory 🙂
Thank you, Steph! And I find the dictation thing so interesting. I don’t know if I could do it. I think my magic is in my fingers. But what a great way to write! Treadmill and words = two birds, one stone. I love it.
1) What was hard this week: SLEEP. I’m a night owl. I like to write at night, it’s just they way my brain works. And during NaNoWriMo, well… you can imagine!
2) What was easy this week: Starting the book. I’m writing a brand new book from scratch, but I already had the first scene planned out pretty well, so it was easy to jump right in to the story.
3) One victorious moment: I THINK I finally figured out how to build up to the grand plot twist at the end. It’s something I’ve been thinking on for a while 😉
4) One setback: School. That’s all. I’d rather be writing 😀
OH MAN! I used to be a night writer, when my kids were small. And yes. It can be so difficult to shut down and just rest. Now I do my writing during the day if I can manage it at all. So proud of all your progress, friend. Keep on keeping on!
1) What was hard this week: Finding the energy to focus on writing. It’s been a long couple of weeks and I haven’t been getting as much sleep as I probably should, so I’m generally tired, which makes it hard to focus.
2) What was easy this week: Getting started, thankfully. The first couple hundred words flowed really well, which was a lovely way to start my morning yesterday.
3) One victorious moment: Managing to write 500 words in odd moments during the school day yesterday! Since I’m shooting for a smaller goal this year (so much school), that was more than halfway to my daily minimum of 835 words.
4) One setback: School. The past couple of days have been fairly laid-back, but I’m expecting things to pick up again soon.
I’m so glad you got off to a good start! That energy thing is so hard. I’m glad you pushed through. Be sure to take care of yourself though, okay? Sleep when you can.
1) What was hard this week
Getting rolling on my new WIP. I’m still trying to get a feel for who my characters are.
2) What was easy this week
Writing with a character I’m familiar with.
3) One victorious moment,
I was able to get a bit more than the necessary 1667 words for the day!
4) One setback.
I unexpectedly had to be out of town for several hours yesterday and that really cut into my writing time so I didn’t get as much of a head start as I would have liked.
Hooray for extra words! You go, Maddie!
1) What was hard this week
I feel like none of the characters in this book are really fleshed out as well as I’d like for them to be.
2) What was easy this week
Getting into it, which surprised me. I’ve been halfway dreading this book because it has less plot and the characters aren’t as formulated in my head as the other books in the series, but I managed to write 5,000 words without a problem.
3) One victorious moment
Finding that my writing flowed better than I expected.
4) One setback
I’ve been sleeping or busy all day, so I’ve written nothing, and I’ll be busy for a lot of the weekend, so my plan to get a head start might not pan out like I was hoping.
Head starts are good and all, but yes, this thing does have a way of chipping away at any cushion we give ourselves. That’s why it’s the consistency of the thing that will keep you putting words on the page. Definitely cheering you on. Don’t stress if you get behind this weekend. It’s still early days. Lots of time to make up the words. It might be helpful to look at a calendar and pencil in the largest chunk of time you can to write. Call that your “make-up day” and then stick to it, regardless. That will help you to not feel guilty when life invades.
That’s a really good idea. Thanks!
1) What was hard this week?
School was probably the hardest thing. Trying to find enough time to write after school, but still get homework done. And that the goats found a new place to get out on the first day of NaNo…
2) What was easy this week?
It was really nice to start writing again. It’s been a while and for the past week or so, I’ve been really looking forward to when I could get started actually writing.
3) One victorious moment…
I actually cheated a little bit because I wrote my first 100 words or so about a week ago and it was really nice to paste that into a document yesterday morning and find that I could pick up the story right where I left off there.
4) One setback…
Right now, I have 1,513 words and I was hoping to have 4,000 by the end of today. I’m hoping that I’ll be able to add a few more words tonight and then really hammer down tomorrow to get caught back up.
Good job on all those words! And I’m a huge fan of cheating. Whatever it takes to get words on the page, friend. I’m cheering you on as you write toward that goal!
First, let me just say that I’m so glad you are all doing NaNo this year and posting about it! It’s my first time, although I’ve wanted to try it for years, and I was second-guessing my decision. It helps to see so many other writers doing it!
1) What was hard this week
Stamina for me, too! It didn’t help that I was exhausted. I tried getting up early, but my years in college made me used to a schedule of staying up late to get work done, so it’s hard to rise early consistently without being really worn down. I’m still experimenting with the best time for me to sit down and get my word count in.
It’s also been REALLY hard for me to “let go” as I’m writing. I usually write decent first drafts, but the novel I’m working on is a complex one. I feel like I’m making a huge mess when I have to skip scenes or make things up as I go in order to keep myself moving, but I know I have to give myself permission to be messy.
2) What was easy this week
Sitting down to write. I actually had time and was eager to sit down and do it, even though I got a little blocked once I started! lol
3) One victorious moment
Two, actually, and those moments were making my word count (2,000 words) yesterday and today! I’m actually really surprised that I made it.
4) One setback
Experiencing some writer’s block (not as bad today as yesterday) and realizing how much worldbuilding I still need to work on for this novel at a later time!
I had a little block today too. I had more than enough words by that point, but I really needed to know what happened next. It is SO gratifying to get through those. Very happy you made it as well.
1) The hardest thing so far has been probably to push myself when I’m physically and mentally tired to write those last few hundred words. It’s hard, but I’ve been pushing through!
2) My writing style is really clear-a lot more than last year for sure! Maybe I’m just more comfortable writing in third person, but the words flow much more naturally and I’m sort of proud of what I’ve made.
3) Writing up to my word count goal and beyond it yesterday! I was staying up and doing homework and was able to do the last 1K in one sitting. It felt really good.
4)School. I’m trying to find time between classes and during study hall (which is thankfully 85 minutes every other day, it’s gonna be a saving grace this November) but it’s ROUGH. I’m gone for 12 hours a day because I also have rowing practice right after school until 6 and because of that I’m so. Tired. But I’m going to push through!
So much on your plate, friend! But you know what? All that LIVING is so good for your writing. Pulling for you as you climb this mountain.
I’m not doing NaNo this year. (I’m editing my book to be able to publish in Spring of next year!)
But I enjoy reading NaNo posts so much because they inspire me. One day, I’ll do it, most likely with a novella I want to write because I want it to be 50,000 words. (I know that’s novel length, but I like my novels longer than that, lol.)
I didn’t know you homeschooled. That’s really cool. I was homeschooled my whole life and have never felt like I missed out on anything. I loved it. 😀
I wish everyone luck on their goals. Everyone, you’re a great writer. Remember that! <3
This is our first year homeschooling and we’re just doing it with our youngest. She’s using the opportunity to get more involved in the things she loves like piano and theatre. Thus far, it’s been a good experience for us.
And regarding NaNo. Most of us will not actually “finish” a novel. You’re right. Most novels are longer than 50k. But the idea is to get that many words on the page. To show you that it’s possible to write quickly and to write every day. It’s sort of a trial by fire, but there’s no expectation that a novel will actually be done by the end of the month. So you can jump in any year and call your project whatever you want: novel or novella. Doesn’t really matter. The goal is WORDS.
1) What was hard this week
Finding motivation and time to write, even with it being NaNoWriMo. Usually, the NaNo excitement gets and keeps me going, but this year, I’m excited for so many things that it didn’t work so well.
2) What was easy this week
Going for a long time once I got going. Mostly.
3) One victorious moment
I wrote for, like, almost two hours on Thursday. That was pretty cool.
4) One setback
I definitely got distracted on Friday and made D&D characters instead of writing. Oops.
You made me laugh! Distractions are real. They happen. But I love that you wrote for an extended period of time. SO HUGE.
It was hard getting in my words! I literally only got 16 words in day one. But, I was able to catch up yesterday…it just took forever, but it forced me to go places with my story I hadn’t thought of before. I feel like I’m really getting to know my character!
The easy part was…um…:) Yeah, haven’t gotten there yet, lol!
My setback was getting to the end of my writing session and seeing I had zero time or energy left to read a portion of a mystery book, which was my reward. I will do that today, after I finish my writing time, lol!
My victory was so fulfilling yet it will probably make everyone laugh that I consider it a victory. I wrote two words over my allotment! I know, crazy, but this is my first real year of nano and I’m so thrilled with this victory, lol! 3,336 words never looked better!
Good job, you! That’s an awesome victory!
1) What was hard this week
Writing without getting distracted. There’s so many things that I’m normally doing, and quieting down to write can be difficult.
2) What was easy this week
Narration. It’s my fallback for when I don’t know how to write something, I just simply narrate it. I then later go back and add description and sometimes dialogue when needed, which helps me get more words in!
3) One victorious moment
Some of the scenes and characters actually sound like what I had in my head originally, which is a pretty awesome feeling and helps keep me motivated. I often end up spending days figuring out why something doesn’t sound right trying to figure out how to fix it instead of just continue writing.
4) One setback
The holidays, really. I have even less time to write because of preparing for relatives, events, etc.
Yup! The holidays make this month a bit nutty. Which is one of the major reasons for celebration when you make it through.
ALSO, I love that you’ve found a tool to help you when the writing clogs up: narration. It’s so good to have shovels like that to help dig out a pathway. Good luck as you dig, girl.
I know this is a little late, but I really need a procrastination break from writing!
1) What was hard this week?
School! I’m taking my first Regents class this year, and the work load is a lot. I also have quarter tests this year, and that’s on the 8th, so there’s that to study for. Not to mention homework, English papers, Social Studies news article work, Drama club, etc.
2) What was easy this week?
I actually knew what needed to happen for my mc to start her journey, so writing the first couple chapters has been a piece of cake for me! Though I’m terrified for when the middle starts.
3) One victorious moment
Yesterday for Double Donation Day I wrote 2,000 words (in multiple sittings, I can’t focus for that long!) and now I can sort of relax for the rest of the weekend, which is good because I have a friends b-day today.
4) One setback
Just learned that we’re visiting my sister at college for a whole week, which means making up lots of writing and homework. Still excited to see her though!
What was hard: I’m coming back and adding to something I haven’t worked on much since July. I had to go through and remind myself of what was going on in the story and how to write as my main character.
What was easy: idk.
One victorious moment: Starting a new chapter.
One setback: Not being able to write more than 200 words on Saturday due to a previous engagement that I completely forgot about.