Happy NaNo Day 1, writing world! Whether you're participating or not (and usually I do not), it's kind of inspiring to see the internet explode with eager writers cheering each other on to hit their 50,000 words every November. I've attempted it twice, and both times had major issues come up that prevented me. This year, I'm DETERMINED to win.
Wait, I hear you say. Didst not thou speak of a book thou wast already composing last month?
Verily, my friends. I got 25,000 words in--around the first plot point--and found myself screeching to a halt. Because I was writing the wrong story. I didn't like the way the plot was going. This story is going to kill me, I swear, and I won't deny it's been frustrating. And so, I am taking a break to let new plot ideas for that idea percolate. What better to do in the meantime than NaNoWriMo, to keep getting my daily words in?
It helps that I got a brilliant flash of inspiration for a new idea just days after pausing on the previous story. While browsing Etsy, I discovered that you can buy love letters. LOVE LETTERS. Real ones, from couples in the 1920s or 30s or whenever. And BAM, story idea. The thing that's odd about it is that it's not a YA story, nor a sci fi, nor a fantasy.
 |
| Yes, I made a mock cover. Just for kicks. |
my ears. Already before 8:00 am on this November the first, I've got almost 400 words down.
It seems writing something completely different is just what I need to get me excited about writing, rather than being frustrated about it.
So, my friends, have you ever written something completely different than you're used to? Are you doing NaNo? If you are, buddy me and we can cheer each other on!
14 comments:
I'm jealous of everyone who is participating in Nano, because my jobs and dissertation prevent me from participating. But I'm happy for you and wish you luck (or should I say break a leg? Do writers have their own phrase for good luck?). And I love that love letters are on Etsy now; those could definitely be a good writing prompt.
I did NaNo last year. I'm a little disappointed not to be participating this year, but I have to finish this revision. or else there will be consequences. :)
I seem to bounce around genres a lot, so pretty much everything has felt completely new and different. I'm excited to see what you do with this romance!
Woohoo for writing a new genre! I feels like jumping off a cliff, but can be Super fun. Good luck and way to start out strong!
I'm doing NaNo too. And I approve of writing love stories, especially if that is what is flowing. Hurray for romance. :)
Best of luck! I am very excited for you, and yes, everything I write is to challenge myself. I had an editor tell me once he thought I wrote to much dialogue, so I then challenged myself to write an entire book without dialogue. Every time my characters started talking, a tornado shows, a church blows, he kisses her unexpectedly, you know, action. It was just a prove-you-wrong challenge that turned into a really cool story I can't wait to edit.
Have fun.
That happened to me-getting about 20,000 words in and getting blocked. I was unable to unblock and fix the problem, but I'm still having to start over from word one. So I am doing NaNoWriMo. The genre is Steampunkish/Adventure. I think I'm better at writing contemporary fiction so anything fantasy is outside of my comfort zone. But I'm determined to write it. Good Luck to you!
Good for you! I'm doing NaNo this year too, and excited about it, and since I'm used to work on multiple projects in the same time writing different things comes natural to me. This WIPis different than my first one, there is not a single vampire (a miracle!)and I got 13 different main characters and all are female,while my last cast were mostly male, the point of view is also somewhat new (1st person)..so although fantasy isn't a new genre to me I believe I have a big challenge ahead of me. but i can't imagine writing a romance so I applaud you :)
Literally I don't even know how you come up with the ideas you do! They're absolutely brilliant. :) This one sounds awesomesauce, (do people say that anymore?) and I hope you have fun with it all November. Here's to NaNo!
Wow, you should be a cover artist. That's beautiful. I want to read Memorabilia already. And I want to go buy love letters online.
I am feeding off the NaNo energy, but not officially participating. I hope to get more written than I normally would, and I am also starting a new project...BUT when I write fast, I feel like I lose my story. I am doing PiBoIdMo, though. It sounds like you have made a lot of progress already. Good luck!
Happy NaNo and good luck!
Husg and chocolate!
Have fun, Shallee,
I've kinda given up on NaNo. November has turned into one of the busiest months of the year for me, so I get stressed out and quit a third of the way.
Hope your word count is growing at a good rate.
You're a brave soul, Shallee, for doing NaNo. I'm too much of a wimp, but I can cheer you on!
I'm thinking of jumping genre to do a light romance where we were in Italy this summer. Nothing concrete, just an idea swirling.
Yay! I hope this story works out better for you!
All the best Shallee!
Nas
Post a Comment