Thursday, October 18, 2012

NaNoMo - Trading Blood for Callouses


I have never been able to do the official National Novel Writing Month as I have a seasonal business that keeps me busy through the fall months of October, November and December.

My business--OneWiredWoman makes the rounds of local craft fairs. With the help of copious amounts of caffeine and artistic wire, I will literally wire until my fingers bleed during the fall months.





But this year I am trimming my wiring timetable and I am committing to doing NaNoMo. I expect to still use copious amounts of caffeine, and although my fingers might not bleed, I'm expecting some callouses.


I have done a Fast Draft Class with Candace Havens which is a two week, write until you drop class.
(I highly recommend it and her Revision Hell Class too.)

I have done Savvy Authors Bootcamp in May. But I am excited to be participating in a worldwide event for authors. I have even talked a couple friends into joining me.

And I'm plotting! Yes!  As a confirmed panster I signed up for Todd Stone's Prepping for NaNoMo class with Savvy Authors this month and I have been reading blogs, listening to webinars and chats while walking the fine line of plotting.  You see if I plot too much I don't want to write the story.  My subconscious says "Why write it?  You know what happens."  But I know I won't have time to mull around what happens next so I'm working on figuring out some of the major plot points while not going too deep with the plotting.

Another tool I plan to use.  Free writes.  Remember those? Old-fashioned pen to paper, a timer, and a prompt. They are very freeing, very creative and words fly!  So if I get stuck I plan on free writing, using prompts applicable to what comes next or character interviews, dialogue between characters, etc.  I don't expect all of the free writes to make it into the manuscript. Maybe a few tidbits, nuggets of gold will end up on the page, but you never know.  At least, it may keep me from staring at a blank screen and/or running to the fridge or wine cabinet. LOL.

I'm looking forward to the camaraderie, the pep talks, the challenge and the creativity of NaNoMo. Maybe you'll join me, spwriter500 on the NaNoMo website.

As always feel free to comment and share.


9 comments:

  1. I started last November but wasn't feeling well and didn't finish. I'm hoping to try writing again. I'm working on my second novel and eager to finish.

    Your blog was the encouragement I needed.

    Thanks,

    Terry Newman

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Terry. Maybe we can support each other through NaNoMo and good luck with your second novel. Fantastic!

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  2. I started last November but wasn't feeling well and didn't finish. I'm hoping to try writing again. I'm working on my second novel and eager to finish.

    Your blog was the encouragement I needed.

    Thanks,

    Terry Newman

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  3. I've tried NaNo twice but never won. Life always gets in the way. I'm going to try again this year. I figure even if I don't win, I'll have some words down on paper to mold into something that will hopefully eventually sell. Good luck to you and all that are doing it.

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    1. I agree with you Susan, any words are good and if NaNoMo helps us get there it's a win. Thanks for stopping by.

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  4. You're the most industrious woman I know, and I have no doubt you'll finish the challenge and do an awesome job.

    I'm re-considering NaNo...

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    1. I need things to push me forward, deadlines, etc. NaNoMo might be the ticket to getting words on the page. Read Susan's comment above. Any words are more words than we would have had.LOL.

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  5. Even with my last son out of the house, I can't imagine doing NaNo. I'm in awe of anyone who tries. I keep thinking maybe next year. But it won't be any year until I finish and publish my first book. Good for you! No, great for you!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Sheryl. I have a lot of support at home for trying NaNoMo. Thanksgiving week may be tough though.

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