Or from this point forward what will be known as "My Big Fat Stupid Idea"
I've always been an aspiring novelist. I've been messing around writing bits of stories on and off for about 7-8 years but have never actually made a serious concerted effort to get my ass into gear. I know it's a pipe dream, and I know it's one that many people aspire to and will never reach but that shouldn't stop you trying should it?
I've got various stories at varying stages of development stashed somewhere but it's all a bit of a higgeldy piggeldy mess as I tend to jump around a fair bit and concentrate on whatever bit grabs me rather than write in any set order.
In order to focus and challenge myself I have decided that this year I will participate in NaNoWriMo - or National Novel Writing Month for those of you not in the know! It's going to be difficult as the goal is to write 50,000 in 30 days and it must be new stuff although outlines are permitted. There are local meet-ups and forums for support so I am hoping that I will have the required motivation to have at least a good crack at it. With over 200,000 participants in 2010 and just over 37,500 "winners" (that's what you're called if you reach the 50,000) the odds are stacked that I won't make it. If I fail, I fail but it will at least be fun trying. I hope.
There's been a whole host of authors published following their involvement with NaNoWriMo so it should be seen as a serious venture although I am under no illusions that I am pretty rubbish at story-telling so whatever I churn out is hardly likely to be the next bestseller.
Are any of my readers taking part? I'd love to hear about it. I'm going to spend the rest of October acquainting myself with the NaNoWriMo guidelines and tips, jotting down a kind of outline and getting myself match-fit! I'm even considering downloading Scrivener, I'm taking it that seriously.
It's going to be a huge undertaking for me, I am the worlds biggest procrastinator. Hold my hand?
love & kisses
Mrs M x
I am going to have a go at NaNoWriMo too.
ReplyDeleteI tried once before and failed miserably but I want to try again. I have one or two ideas and hope to have some sort of outline before the end of October. I will be interested to hear how you get on.
If I go ahead with Nano this will be my third year at it. The first year I failed miserably and last year I made it just with 1/2hour to spare. It was hard going. Especially when your trying to balance, a house, kids, work and write, etc. But you feel great when you have accomplished it. I would like to this year and probably will but just not sure I have the time. We could spur each other on, it's helped me a lot last year. xx
ReplyDeleteI did it when I was pregnant with my first child as I knew that would be the last opportunity for me. I did 'win' but have never looked at what I wrote again. a) it was rubbish and b) I have 2 kids now and no time.
ReplyDeleteIt was fantastic fun and what a great community.
Good luck.
We'll be here cheering you on.
Lou.