I've heard rumors of National Novel Writing Month (and only in whispers) for the past couple of years, and paid little attention. I didn't even know it happens every November. Then last week Ed Ferguson made mention of it over at Lee Walker Westerns, and I finally took notice.For a slow writer like me, the idea of turning out a novel in a month has seemed preposterous. But it actually sounds like a pretty cool thing. It will give me a much-needed kick in the butt to churn out a little prose every day, and at the end of the month I'll have 50,000 words of... well, a number of choice words come to mind. But if nothing else, it will be good exercise for the brain and fingers.
Last year (NaNoWriMo's 10th), I'm told 119,000 people signed up and over 21,000 finished. This year is expected to top that.
So I'm wondering... am I going to be pounding the keyboard with a hundred thousand strangers, or are any of you folks playing too?
All the official poop is here: NaNoWriMo.org
12 comments:
I've never entered because I just try to put words to screen daily anyway.
Wish I had your discipline. I need somebody with a bullwhip.
I think NaNoWriMo is a great idea. I'm not signed up, but I plan to write a novel in November. And part of another one.
OK, James. You'll be my inspiration. As if you aren't already.
Do you know what James Reasoner calls writing a novel in one month? Half-stepping.
Hi. This will be my seventh try, if I do it.
I never seem to be consistent. The best I've ever done has been 13,000 - 15,000 words. I would love to win one year.
On another occasion, I said apprehensively and with pre-emptive sour grapes that I don't think NaNoWriMo is a good idea -- unless maybe your name is James Reasoner or Georges Simenon. I'm sticking to this position for now. Meanwhile, I have a story idea about a group of editors and agents who conspire to discredit NaNoWriMo and murder its organizer(s).
Well Loyd, it's just you and me so far.
Good story idea, Doug. You write it up and I'll publish it right here on the Almanack.
So this means we'd have to get going November 1? Hmm.... Does it have to be readable? maybe Dave if you do it, I'll do it. I can only write if I have a deadline.
How about a new Kid Wolf/Sonny Tabor team-up - when they're both 90 years old? Just kidding, Laurie. Yep, we're supposed to wait until Nov. 1 to start writing, but it's OK to start outlining now. That's what I'm doing. 50,000 words averages to about 1700 a day. Since my chapters normally run a little over 3000, I'm trying to get 15 chapters planned.
I have several friends who do it, but I tend to work slower and more deliberate myself.
Uh, I just remembered I have another writing assignment in November. Not kidding.
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