Classic Scribbles

Wednesday 20 November 2013

Progress Report



Here it is twenty days into National Novel Writing Month and I've written about 12,000 words. Not even halfway there yet and I know I won’t make the 50,000 mark. Joining gave me a not so gentle push back into my writing and I’ve made headway in my novel, but…

Something happened while I was writing. My original outline changed drastically. Don’t they always? Writing is rewriting. here's what happened; a minor character, I had killed off in the outline came back to life and now has a staring role.

Sometimes I think novels write themselves. I had no say in the matter. The character made the decision to live. When it happened, I composed a timeline for him and I must admit the plot is stronger and much more interesting.

Am I the only one who thinks November is an awkward month to hold the novel writing event? My garden required massive attention before frost threatened to freeze the plants. A few early Christmas parties took up several evenings and renovating the basement took priority.

I’m enjoying the pep talks on the NaNo website and intend to keep writing. My motto has always been quality before quantity and I would rather have 25,000 good words than 50,000 gobbledygook words.

Many thanks to my writing buddy, Sue Malarkey, for talking me into joining.