Well, crap... that's another unexpected romantic subplot intruding on my story. This is NOT going to plan.
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Nano 2016 Motivation and Confession Thread
- Thread starter Caged Maiden
- Start date
Letharg
Troubadour
1826 words today! Not bad considering the amount of workload I have at the moment but still lagging behind because yesterday yielded zero words. At least the weekend seems to be quite free so I might be able to squeeze some 3000 words out on Saturday and Sunday!
- Thread starter
- #43
Okay, first a word of motivation for Gribba: It doesn't matter if you switch, or if you write a heartfelt letter to your husband...all those words count, if you're writing. Cut and past those suckers into a blank document, if you need, to keep your spirits high. I do. And it isn't cheating. I do 50k words of "practice" every nano. Every word I write (including an article I wrote for the home page over two nano days last year) count toward my word count goal, if I need them. The point of nano isn't really to finish a novel in 30 days. It's impossible. But the reason we do it is to reaffirm that we can devote ourselves to the craft and dedicate our focus and time to getting words written and work done. So, do what you need to. I usually open a blank doc. Call it "Nano 2016 November" (to differentiate it from the two camps I've done, also), and every dang word i write gets pasted into that document. So, if I'm editing and rewrite a paragraph in the middle of a scene, that paragraph gets pasted in, and I don't erase the old one. Put it this way, I feel it's more honest than if I hem and haw over a paragraph for an hour and then only include 145 words at the end of that hour. I technically did a lot more work than that, so why shouldn't I at least give myself credit for both paragraphs? HA
Then, a hug for Nimue :grouphug: I'm so glad you're here.
And this for Chesterama :frog: because nothing says welcome home like a frog with its tongue hanging out
And my status update :smoke: because I'm quitting smoking again today, after two weeks free, and then two weeks of weakness...so that's pretty much how my day is going...a little shaky and a little anxious, but hopefully with a 30% chance of rain and writing...
and a little quote to keep me motivated:
Then, a hug for Nimue :grouphug: I'm so glad you're here.
And this for Chesterama :frog: because nothing says welcome home like a frog with its tongue hanging out
And my status update :smoke: because I'm quitting smoking again today, after two weeks free, and then two weeks of weakness...so that's pretty much how my day is going...a little shaky and a little anxious, but hopefully with a 30% chance of rain and writing...
and a little quote to keep me motivated:
Garren Jacobsen
Auror
You know what's fun? Having Death call your MC a smart ass.
Right, done for the day. Fifth chapter completed and uploaded. Today's count is 2700+ words and the total count is 8700+ words.
Today, I uncovered an unexpected romantic subplot - like I already posted about earlier. I guess I should have seen that coming.
Here's the deal:
One of the major ideas for this story is that I don't tell it from the POV of the main character. Instead, I'm doing scenes with different people from the village where they talk about the main character, and where the reader can pick up about what's going on. I know the main story pretty well and I know what the random villagers will talk about.
Unfortunately, I don't know the random villagers at all. The exceptions are the ones that play key roles in the story, but I can't use them all the time. Instead, I'm making up new characters as I go. It's fun. I've come up with some pretty good ones so far.
These characters have to have some story of their own though, or they'll just be cardboard cutouts spitting out lines of conversation. That's where the romantic subplot showed up. The tricky part now is that one of the characters could potentially also be romantically involved with the main character and I may have some kind of triangle drama on my hands.
It could be fun. It could be disaster.
For now, I've decided not to worry about it, and to just keep writing and see what happens. I'm having fun with it, and the sgtory is progressing at a decent pace.
Tomorrow I'm back to work and I'm going to have lot less time for writing. The target for working days is 1k words so I might pull it off. I'm a lot more productive in the evenings after all.
Today, I uncovered an unexpected romantic subplot - like I already posted about earlier. I guess I should have seen that coming.
Here's the deal:
One of the major ideas for this story is that I don't tell it from the POV of the main character. Instead, I'm doing scenes with different people from the village where they talk about the main character, and where the reader can pick up about what's going on. I know the main story pretty well and I know what the random villagers will talk about.
Unfortunately, I don't know the random villagers at all. The exceptions are the ones that play key roles in the story, but I can't use them all the time. Instead, I'm making up new characters as I go. It's fun. I've come up with some pretty good ones so far.
These characters have to have some story of their own though, or they'll just be cardboard cutouts spitting out lines of conversation. That's where the romantic subplot showed up. The tricky part now is that one of the characters could potentially also be romantically involved with the main character and I may have some kind of triangle drama on my hands.
It could be fun. It could be disaster.
For now, I've decided not to worry about it, and to just keep writing and see what happens. I'm having fun with it, and the sgtory is progressing at a decent pace.
Tomorrow I'm back to work and I'm going to have lot less time for writing. The target for working days is 1k words so I might pull it off. I'm a lot more productive in the evenings after all.
Fluffypoodel
Inkling
A good night. Almost at the day four goal on day three, that's a nice feeling. 2,235 words down tonight.
Ireth
Myth Weaver
Squeaked past par today with 1192 words written, 5076 total. Hopefully I'll do a bit better tomorrow.
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C
Chessie
Guest
Okay, so for today my count was 2,240 pushing me to 5,690. I suppose I could have written 10 more words but whatever. Also, no excerpts for me this time. I'm trying something new where I just write and don't correct my prose, editing as I go. That's probably why the story flowed easily today. I'm hoping tomorrow is good as well.
@Maiden: it's totally possible to write a novel in 30 days. There are authors in my Indie group who do it in that time with frightening regularity, and I've written a 52k manuscript in a month. It's definitely doable depending on a writer's individual goals.
@Maiden: it's totally possible to write a novel in 30 days. There are authors in my Indie group who do it in that time with frightening regularity, and I've written a 52k manuscript in a month. It's definitely doable depending on a writer's individual goals.
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Nimue
Auror
I got drunk insteeeeeeaaaddd
Well. I have an hour and fifteen minutes before bedtime. I'll write something terrible
Well. I have an hour and fifteen minutes before bedtime. I'll write something terrible
Tom
Istar
Ack. 766 words. Not a very productive day. I have only one class tomorrow, so I'll try to catch up then.
Checking in.
Goal 1700.
Go!
Goal 1700.
Go!
Gribba
Troubadour
Caged Maiden, oh thanks for that, for your words of motivation... as a first timer to NaNo, I was feeling a bit closed in by the story I chose. I can see how (especially for a first time) it might be a good idea to just do the writing, not necessarily one book or one story, just to write and get an idea of what it is like, and what one might be ready for as a writer, doing this kind of thing.
Thanks for that, now I feel, like, I CAN DO THIS!
Oh and good luck with the quitting smoking, I am rooting for you!!!
Svrtnsse, I like your idea and it sounds like fun.
Nimue, thats the spirit!!! Drunk writing, will be epic!!!
Thanks for that, now I feel, like, I CAN DO THIS!
Oh and good luck with the quitting smoking, I am rooting for you!!!
Svrtnsse, I like your idea and it sounds like fun.
Nimue, thats the spirit!!! Drunk writing, will be epic!!!
- Thread starter
- #53
I'm not saying it's impossible. I'm saying it's not the main focus of nano for the majority of participants. Most people do not participate in nano so that at the end of it, they'll have a finished story of 50k words that they will then publish. In fact, I sort of take offense at the amount they push that agenda, while simultaneously expressing the "cage your inner editor" sentiment. The two seem counterintuitive to me.
Nano is an exercise in consistency, productivity, and for many participants, its the only time they devote a full thirty days to focusing solely on writing or finishing something. So, yes, I was simplifying, but I encourage every participant (especially those trying it for the first time) to think outside the box a little and not feel that the nano parameters need to be the ultimate goal. I'd rather give some encouragement and tactics to not getting flustered than rely on a relatively small percentage of writers who actually repeatedly churn out quick, short novels, to use as an example of what is possible. It absolutely IS possible. And our friend just expressed her worry for beginning a new project and needing planning, and I feel the right thing is to be supportive and say, "Hey, don't worry that you wrote 5k on one story and ditched it. In fact, don't worry if you write 10k on the next one and then realize it's not working. And if you spend the last 35k words writing a great short story that excites you, that's still a nano win, because you wrote it, you dedicated yourself to the challenge, and you did the words."
Nano is an exercise in consistency, productivity, and for many participants, its the only time they devote a full thirty days to focusing solely on writing or finishing something. So, yes, I was simplifying, but I encourage every participant (especially those trying it for the first time) to think outside the box a little and not feel that the nano parameters need to be the ultimate goal. I'd rather give some encouragement and tactics to not getting flustered than rely on a relatively small percentage of writers who actually repeatedly churn out quick, short novels, to use as an example of what is possible. It absolutely IS possible. And our friend just expressed her worry for beginning a new project and needing planning, and I feel the right thing is to be supportive and say, "Hey, don't worry that you wrote 5k on one story and ditched it. In fact, don't worry if you write 10k on the next one and then realize it's not working. And if you spend the last 35k words writing a great short story that excites you, that's still a nano win, because you wrote it, you dedicated yourself to the challenge, and you did the words."
1100 words tonight, which puts me a bit closer to 'on track.' Finished chapter one.
Still can't say I'm enthused for this project, but some of the books I ordered are giving me ideas, and just maybe, possible solutions for the plot / timeline issues.
Chapter two, though, is going to be a bit of a pain. Albeit a fairly short pain.
Still can't say I'm enthused for this project, but some of the books I ordered are giving me ideas, and just maybe, possible solutions for the plot / timeline issues.
Chapter two, though, is going to be a bit of a pain. Albeit a fairly short pain.
- Thread starter
- #55
Hmmm, I definitely hear the "not enthused" sentiment. You know, the thing is, I love this book...but I am not enthused about this chapter I'm tackling now.
I think the reason is that when I think of the book, I see all the really emotional moments and I get sort of squishy on the inside. The moment where the characters fall in love. The scene where they realize they can't be together because they're distant relations. And then when they decide to throw that out the window and carry on anyways. And before all that, when they hated each other and didn't voice why, but after some scenes of forgiveness and honesty, they admit their shame and apologize for the animosity...which is sort of after the romantic feelings have surfaced a bit.
But...I've realized that one of the biggest problems I have, is that I tried to write epic fantasy...and I sort of don't. I mean, I think my plot is crap, and the writing, too, so your guess is as good as mine, why I can't do the epic thing, but I LIVE for the moments of internal reflection, and sometimes it's hard to force those. Unless I have some inspiration for those moments, the writing becomes dull and utilitarian, and it's endlessly defeating as I try to move forward with the story.
I think the reason is that when I think of the book, I see all the really emotional moments and I get sort of squishy on the inside. The moment where the characters fall in love. The scene where they realize they can't be together because they're distant relations. And then when they decide to throw that out the window and carry on anyways. And before all that, when they hated each other and didn't voice why, but after some scenes of forgiveness and honesty, they admit their shame and apologize for the animosity...which is sort of after the romantic feelings have surfaced a bit.
But...I've realized that one of the biggest problems I have, is that I tried to write epic fantasy...and I sort of don't. I mean, I think my plot is crap, and the writing, too, so your guess is as good as mine, why I can't do the epic thing, but I LIVE for the moments of internal reflection, and sometimes it's hard to force those. Unless I have some inspiration for those moments, the writing becomes dull and utilitarian, and it's endlessly defeating as I try to move forward with the story.
I didn't sign out last night because I wrote until 10:30 then crashed. But I managed 1680 words So I'm happy about that.
Excerpt from last night:
“Her family take a hint and go back to where they belong? We don’t need that type here. You can’t trust them. All terrorists, my dad says.”
I swallowed. The spit stuck half way in my throat, blocking my airway. I wanted to cough. My body convulsed.
“You agree with me, don’t you Rackham? You aren’t standing up for her.”
Shauzia glanced at me, her huge black eyes rimmed in red.
“You didn’t come yesterday.” She said. “You said you were busy.”
“Shauzia don’t be stupid.” I said. It wasn’t the right thing to say.
“I’m not stupid Andy. You wouldn’t come in yesterday.”
Jacob grinned. His teeth were uneven. He hadn’t brushed them. I could still see flecks of Shreddies stuck between the cracks. They were yellow. So big and so yellow.
“You’re one of us, aren’t you Rackham?” He said. And I threw my fist at his uneven teeth.
It hurt.
It hurt a lot. I don’t think I did any damage to his disgusting face, but his face did a lot of damage to my fist.
He also had quicker reflexes than I anticipated and threw a half decent punch back.
I didn’t duck.
Jacob Moncton swung and his fist met my cheek and I tasted blood.
“Stop it.” Shauzia screamed, but I barely heard her. A ringing had begun in my ears so deafening I was sure he’d damaged my brain.
That was all I needed. A broken hand and a broken brain.
And then, between the ringing in my ears and Shauzia's screaming the only thing I could hear was Mr. Radish, telling me to steer my own ship.
“Don’t get blown off course, Rackham.” He had said, sitting so calmly in his shorts and socks and sandals. And now here I was again. Bobbing like a cork. Following the tack off the edge of the earth.
So I'm happy about that. Excerpt from last night:
“Her family take a hint and go back to where they belong? We don’t need that type here. You can’t trust them. All terrorists, my dad says.”
I swallowed. The spit stuck half way in my throat, blocking my airway. I wanted to cough. My body convulsed.
“You agree with me, don’t you Rackham? You aren’t standing up for her.”
Shauzia glanced at me, her huge black eyes rimmed in red.
“You didn’t come yesterday.” She said. “You said you were busy.”
“Shauzia don’t be stupid.” I said. It wasn’t the right thing to say.
“I’m not stupid Andy. You wouldn’t come in yesterday.”
Jacob grinned. His teeth were uneven. He hadn’t brushed them. I could still see flecks of Shreddies stuck between the cracks. They were yellow. So big and so yellow.
“You’re one of us, aren’t you Rackham?” He said. And I threw my fist at his uneven teeth.
It hurt.
It hurt a lot. I don’t think I did any damage to his disgusting face, but his face did a lot of damage to my fist.
He also had quicker reflexes than I anticipated and threw a half decent punch back.
I didn’t duck.
Jacob Moncton swung and his fist met my cheek and I tasted blood.
“Stop it.” Shauzia screamed, but I barely heard her. A ringing had begun in my ears so deafening I was sure he’d damaged my brain.
That was all I needed. A broken hand and a broken brain.
And then, between the ringing in my ears and Shauzia's screaming the only thing I could hear was Mr. Radish, telling me to steer my own ship.
“Don’t get blown off course, Rackham.” He had said, sitting so calmly in his shorts and socks and sandals. And now here I was again. Bobbing like a cork. Following the tack off the edge of the earth.
C
Chessie
Guest
Hah. Aren't they just so much fun though? That's finally why I decided to just write romance because it seemed to always be my focus anyway. <3
My work shift begins with some Aretha Franklin and Led Zeppelin. Probably not the best music to listen to while writing fantasy...j/s.
Tom
Istar
When I got home from my morning class, I was planning on writing. What I wasn't planning on was falling sleep until 3 pm. I guess it's just been a long week. Checking in now, and hoping to reach at least 1700 words!
Ireth
Myth Weaver
Not doing well today. Only 171 words so far. Trying to get a hold of my villain's inner turmoil is harder than I thought. My villains don't usually worry about whether their actions are evil or not. XD
Fluffypoodel
Inkling
Got 2,109 words done. Might go in for a round two later tonight but we'll see. Two hour drive to Cape Cod coming up!
