National Novel Writing Month: the madness approaches
Oct 15 '03
The Bottom Line Nanowrimo (national novel writing month) is a fun and crazy experience. Check it out at http://www.nanowrimo.org.
Every year I join the collective madness known as National Novel Writing Month and attempt to write a novel. This year I hope to cross the finish line.
What is National Novel Writing Month?
National Novel Writing Month (otherwise known as "nanowrimo") is when thousands of people all over the world try to write a novel (each person writing his or her own novel) in the month of November.
A novel (for the purpose of this endeavour) is defined as 50,000 words of your own fiction writing. Quantity is the goal, not quality. (Although some strive for some degree of quality, but recognizing this will be only a first draft.)
The FAQ (and sign-up) is available from the website:
http://www.nanowrimo.org.
What do you mean 'attempt'? And why do you keep trying?
Yes, sadly, after several years of trying, I have not yet managed to cross the 50,000 word mark. Although last year I was proud to cross the half-way mark (made it to 30,000 words) and kept on working on my novel (although at a much more leisurely pace).
But as November approaches, I start to gain interest in my next attempt, my next novel. This year, I hope will be different. This year I plan to finish. Of course, that's what I think every year, so ask me on December 1 if I was successful!
All my life I've been writing. Near and dear to my heart is fiction. In my youth I wrote short stories. But then I grew up and found a career as a technical writer. Technical writing suits my personality. But the romance of fiction writing attracts me, and when a fellow technical writer told me of Nanowrimo, I was hooked.
The experience is crazy, painful, exhilarating, and surprising. It's a wild ride, and no two are alike. Even if I never finish a novel, I'll join the fun again.
Why is most of your novel writing in November?
Well, I plan, and dream, and sometimes edit in other months. But for me there's nothing like a deadline to help keep me going. A deadline that's barely possible (when you have a day job and other activities) means there's no time to procrastinate if you want to finish.
Can I read your novel?
I'll probably post a brief excerpt to the Nanowrimo site in November. Check the Authors and Novels section. But you can't read any more unless you're a good friend... or unless I finish this one, edit it into something worthwhile, and manage to get it published.
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Epinions.com ID:
msmarques
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Member: Michele Marques
Location: Toronto, Canada
Reviews written: 27
Trusted by: 10 members
About Me:
I love books, movies, and languages.
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