I know that we're only a week into October, but don't forget, NaNoWrimo is right around the corner. Despite not taking part in it this year, YAedge is always a huge supporter. I've done five out of the last six, and each year that I don't, it makes me a little sad.
To me, NaNoWrimo is more than 1,667 words a day or 50,000 in a month. It's a lesson that every word doesn't need to be right, the first draft doesn't need to be perfect. It's a community of writers, online and in my hometown that I may not have met otherwise. It's motivation to prove to myself that I can work every day, and still have time for other things in my life that I love to do.
This next month, I won't be focusing on a new story, but continuing my work on Parlor, my NaNoWrimo book from last year. As I did the last 1k-a-day, I will be focusing on editing. This time, I'm not going to give myself a daily word or edit count, but a challenge to myself to work hard each day. It's easy to get distracted, even when I have the whole day to write, by other things.
For those of you participating in NaNoWrimo this year, be sure to start thinking about your story, plotting it out and developing your characters. I usually fly by the seat of my pants to some extent during NaNo, but you will thank yourself for any pre-NaNo work you can get done. On the days where you don't have much time, or are having a tough writing day, having a plan and really knowing your characters will take you far.
I'd love to hear how many of you plan to participate this November, and what you've done so far to prepare.
On an off topic note, for those of you keeping track, I've started reading Frankenstein for my One Classic a Month Challenge. So far, it's not what I was expecting, but I'm enjoying it. I plan to continue to read modern YA while enjoying the classics, so it will be a little slower than my normal pace. As long as I finish in October, I'll be set!
Did anyone decide to join us in reading a classic a month?
Questions for Aprilynne Pike!
15 years ago
3 comments:
Oh, yay! I'm doing NaNo too this year--and working on the book I started (and abandoned) last year. At least, I think that's what I'm doing.
I've signed up (mswicegood) already too! I'm using it as a tool to get back into the habit of writing as work. I've let myself get distracted by other things in life and wanted a good/fun way to get back into that habit of setting aside writing time and treating it like a job - which means no blowing it off unless there's really an emergency or illness. I haven't blogged about it yet, but I plan on it next week. I look forward to your updates about it.
Mary, awesome! I love NaNo. <3
Megan, good plan. Despite not doing NaNo, I hope I can get back to the habit as well. I have so much time to write, but I fill it with other things.
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