NaNoWriMo and the Deathly Hallows
Every time I think about NaNoWriMo during the past couple days, two feelings wash over me: absolute gut-wrenching terror, and butterflies of excitement.
I might be writing about this off and on over the next month, so I should probably give a quick explanation as to NaNoWriMo and my history with it. National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo is just more fun to say, tho) is an annual event that occurs in November, and is currently in its 10th year, having started up back in 1999. The goal of the event is simple: to encourage and spur writers to start a new novel from scratch and finish it (or at least 50,000 words of it) by the end of the month. It’s received coverage in the news (CNN has done reports on it), and last year almost 120,000 people tackled the challenge.
I’ve only done NaNoWriMo once before, in 2006. Our staff over at Mutant Reviewers was pretty enthusiastic over it, so I shrugged and thought what the hey. Might as well squeeze out at least one book just so that I can say I did it before I died. What I discovered was a month-long marathon that was simply exhausting and grueling, but also tremendously fun. 50,000 words is nothing to sneeze at — it’s around 1,667 words a day, or about three pages of original story and plot. It’s not just the writing of it that’s difficult — obviously, I have no problem writing copious amounts of nonsensical words — but it’s the constant thinking of plot, of developing characters, of writing engaging dialogue, of keeping the story going forward.
It’s the sort of thing that you never really have time for, but you do it anyway. And I really wasn’t thinking about it before last week, when a couple friends and fellow bloggers mentioned it. It’s that time again? Ah crap. I’ve felt bad for skipping the past two years, using excuses of marriage and school to say that I’m too busy. And now? I’ve got a kid. A pregnant wife. Responsibilities out the wazoo. This blog, in fact. No time! No time!
But I’m going to do it anyway. Partially because I love writing alongside friends, partially because my awesome wife is going to try to do it with me as well, and definitely because finishing my previous novel (Bug Juice – a comedic fantasy about a summer camp) was one of the best achievements of my adult life.
So right now I’m in a frantic hurry, because we’re counting down the days until it begins next Sunday, and I have to get a lot of work done, as well as map out an outline and, oh yeah, come up with an original story concept. I thought I had one, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized it was just a mish-mash of other stories I like, such as Monsters Inc., Coraline and Fables. So I’m throwing all that out, and going to try again.
Anyway, if NaNoWriMo interests you, I encourage you to check out their site and sign up! You can add me as a writing buddy (Sypster), and we even have a writing team formed over at Mutant Reviewers for just this thing.
- Posted in: General
I hate that I’m even considering it. But only because I had a cat-related story idea!
I too am feeling the pressure, I’ve never attempted to write a novel in this fashion before, although I have one started on my desktop, and a few short stories in some old dusty notebook somewhere. I’m not worried about finishing or really getting close, my hopes are read great works by others and break out of the writers block I’ve had in the last several years (partly why I’ve gone ahead and started my own blog).
I idea in itself is almost electric, the concept of punishing out 50,000 word novel is elating. I dunno much else on how to describe what signing up for this dose to you. A few good ideas/PDF books on nonomimo.org, go check it out.
@ Arb – Part of the fun/torture is doing it alongside friends, so I’m here to support your magical cat mystery!
And I can promise you, you won’t regret doing it. You’ll hate it, but you won’t regret it.
I don’t think I could ever do it. 50,000 words in stream of consciousness could be somewhat…disturbing.
I’ve never been able to stick to a structure or any sort of logical development when I write and it basically comes out like some sort of Dali personified.
Behind you all the way, though I certainly don’t envy you!
I’m going to try it myself, but I don’t seriously see me doing 50k, maybe something shorter, (I dare not use that horrible word ‘novella’… bugger) but it won’t stop me trying.
It does help to have a structure before hand (it’s not against the rules to have started the structure before the 1st, only against putting pen to paper and writing the novel)
It’ll in all likelyhood be crap, but it’ll be MY crap, and that’s what counts
I had a look and got sucked into it. It’ll actually be really good for me I think. Considering I’m quitting my job to go back to school and get into writing/editing, yet haven’t written a thing in months, this is just the motivation/kick in the pants I need to get me started. Signed up for the sponsorship too – just to make sure I REALLY feel the pressure.
The fact that DA:O is coming out shortly after is going to kill me though o_O
I’m in Syp. I’ve always wanted to write a novel and this is the kick in the ass I need.
I really have to thank you for posting this as I had no idea such a thing as NaNoWriMo existed. I’ve been in a bit of a slump for some time now and this is just what I need to get myself motivated. Like Llokki, DA:O is going to present some challenges however.
You got me on the train, Syp. Thanks! Just the type of ulcer I need right before the holidays.