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.
I agree. November is an awkward month, especially since fall extends well into the month and Christmas is just around the corner, but I think anything that provides incentive and gives a writer the push is all to the good. I also wonder about those who do produce 50,000 words. I'm willing to bet that they end up at the same place, with probably 50% salvageable.
ReplyDeleteYes, Tina, I agree. I'm still glad I joined NaNo. I spent part of the day plotting another character and I really like the direction the novel is taking. I don't believe anyone actually writes 50,000 publishable words. I recall looking at some of the comments on the boards the first weekend and some people claimed to have already written 50,000 words. Yeah, sure and I'm the Easter Bunny.
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