It's NaNoWriMo time again, and I have had a difficult start so far - only because I have been really busy with "family stuff" and therefore have only been able to cram writing into the last hour (or two...when I stay up too late) of each day. Still, I am exceeding the daily target, so that's what matters.
In terms of insecurity this month, ummm, well I have the usual feeling I always get during NaNoWriMo:
"Wow, I am writing a bunch of crap here.I'm not going to stop writing this bunch of crap.
Geez, I'm really rambling here!
I'll have to cut out huge chunks of this scene during revisions.
I may have to rewrite this entire scene, actually.
What's the point of writing this if it's all going to disappear during revisions?
You know ... I'm going to keep writing, because at least I'll have something to edit later!
It's only Day 4?!!"
So yeah, I guess that's the constant internal dialogue I have while doing NaNo, at least it has been for the last few years. I'm still quite happy with most of the novels I've ended up with, though, even if I still need to edit them a great deal - during some future very productive editing phase of my life!
Anyway ... I love my story even if I think what I've written so far has quite a few ups and downs in terms of mediocrity of writing quality.
Here is my little word count widget, provided by the NaNo people!
Are you participating in NaNoWriMo this year?
Oh yes, with many the same thoughts as you, but in the end, it's the re-write that makes the book! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteHee hee, sounds like my dialogue. The only thing I can think of to do in moments like that is to skip ahead to a part of the story I find more exciting, figuring I can fill in bits later...
ReplyDeleteMan, editing is the bane of my existence. I love first drafts but it seems to take SO MANY more drafts before a book is ready for the light of day... So I hear you. In addition to BuNo for editing, put March Madness on your calendar. I need a realistic plan next year, that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteI don't do NaNo. I just can't write that fast - yet.
ReplyDeleteOnly day four? I see quite a battle ahead for the remainder of the month.
ReplyDeleteWrite anyway. You can do it!
I'm reminded of an interview with Marissa Meyer where she basically said she writes a first draft, then scraps it and rewrites the entire story. The first draft serves as a glorified outlining session.
ReplyDeleteI have never done NaNo, the pressure of the daily word count scares me! In awe of those who do, so keep writing and remember you can't edit or revise a blank page so go with the flow and enjoy seeing the words mount up.
ReplyDeleteWow! 8000 words in 3 days! Plus today? You go girl! So what if it's crap, it's YOUR crap and as you say, it can be edited and revised at a later date. Keep up the good work and remember to have fun!
ReplyDeleteGo, go, go. You can fix it in edits. I'm not doing NaNo but admire those of you who are.
ReplyDeleteSusan Says
Yep, that sounds about right for NaNo. Sounds like you are doing really well!! My books were a complete mess after NaNo, but at least they were written, which is (for me) the hardest part. Unfortunately I can't participate this year. I'm way too crazy busy.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts about NaNo are to be found in my post for Nov. 1st:
ReplyDeletehttp://rolandyeomans.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-dead-chat-up-nanowrimo.html
Bottom line: never play poker when the ghost of Mark Twain is dealing!
I wish you fun and great ideas this NaNo.
Yep, that messiness is the reason I don't do NaNo. Usually it doesn't matter because I'm self-motivated and write all the time. This year has been a complete dud for new content. Perhaps I should have forced myself to write that messy manuscript. Best of luck to you.
ReplyDeleteHi Trisha - hope the family bits sort themselves out. But the main thing is - you are writing and at least your thoughts get a chance to get on the page ... good luck with it all - NaNo at least inspires you and others to settle to it ..
ReplyDeleteCheers Hilary
I've never done NaNoWriMo.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I will. One day.
Good luck!
Hehehe! I know that inner dialogue. I have way too much going on this month to do NaNo and I'm missing it. Good luck with the challenge!
ReplyDeleteJust remember, if it is crap (never trust your internal dialogue...I'm sure you're writing good stuff!) then crap makes great fertilizer.
ReplyDeleteI could never do NaNo, but if I did, I bet my dialogue would sound about the same as yours :)
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to getting to 50k+