NaNoWriMo

All posts tagged NaNoWriMo

So you’re thinking of doing NaNoWriMo this year?

Posted by Frank Cote on October 26, 2011
Posted in: Novel writing, Writing. Tagged: , , , , .

I’ve decided NOT to do NaNoWriMo in November.

I feel a little weird because I’ve attempted it (sometimes half assed I grant you) every year since 2006 and succeeded 3 times, and I’m not counting this summer’s success at Camp NaNoWriMo.

I will be writing in November, but I feel that I’ve gotten what I’ve needed out of NaNoWriMo and now it’s time to move on and focus on other things.  NaNo taught me that I could write every day and finish a draft in a reasonable amount of time.  I learned that I can write and write well when I have a good story idea, decent notes and detailed outline.  I learned that discovery writing is a sure path to failure for me, even though I enjoy doing it.

If you are beginning as a writer, I highly recommend trying the National Novel Writing Month challenge at least once.  You will not regret it.

If you are doing NaNoWriMo this year and you care to receive some advice from one who’s been there, read on!

 

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Holy crap it’s October!

Posted by Frank Cote on October 3, 2011
Posted in: Beginnings, Novel writing, Writing. Tagged: , , , , , .

How the hell did that happen?

September flew by.  I haven’t even finished my latest short story yet!  I’m still working on editting Revenant.  Now I have to start brainstorming for November.  I haven’t decided whether I will officially participate in NaNoWriMo, but no matter what I am starting a new novel in November.  The goal is to have 2 first drafts and one completed work before the end of the year.   I’ve got 2 down.

I have two promising ideas, we’ll see which one tickles me the most during the month.

One is a story idea that I’ve been trying on and off again since the late eighties and really, it’s about time it gets written properly.  It’s an epic fantasy however and not easily written.   There’s a lot of work that needs to be put in before I start and I wonder if a month is enough to flesh it out.

The other came to me while watching William Shatner’s Weird or What? with my lovely wife the other day.  It’s a lighter story, somewhat paranormal with a nice twist and some funny bits.  I have the makings of a few interesting characters, some nice settings and fun, but I do not have a plot at all yet.

What to do, what to do?

Feel the burn. One Hundred Thousand Words and climbing

Posted by Frank Cote on August 31, 2011
Posted in: Endings, Life, Novel writing, Writing. Tagged: , , , , , , .

It’s the 31st.  It’s a brand new day.  I’m flush with a second back to back NaNoWriMo win.

The manuscript is not done however and I’ve put in another 500 words this morning and more are coming.  I know that if I stop and take a break because I’ve made the word count, there’s a chance I won’t finish the book.  It would be a shame.  A finished first draft is easily moved up on deck when you decide to revise it.  An aborted draft is just, well, unfinished and it’s hard to put a decent ending on something when you let it sit too long.

Whereas, you should let a manuscript stew a while before going back for revision.

So how did August go in general?  Impressions and thoughts below:

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Camp NaNoWriMo? It’s like writer’s x-mas in July!

Posted by Frank Cote on June 22, 2011
Posted in: news and views, Novel writing, Writing. Tagged: , , , .

Anyone joining up for Camp NaNoWriMo?  C’mon!  Who’s with me?

Apparently the starting pistol goes off July 1st!

My wonderful wife caught wind of this and punted it my way today and we’re planning on doing it!  November comes early this year!  50K in July!

I figure I’ll take one of my ideas on deck for now, and the other in November (I’m a glutton for punishment).  The timing is perfect.  I’ve been itching to get into high gear with something fresh.  It works for my wife as well.   She does NaNo with me every year (and last year put me to shame) and this summer is the perfect time for her, no courses to work on!

So, the assignment is to get an outline ready for July 1st.

I have a 4 day weekend coming up, with Monday all to myself.   I intend to spend half of the day revising Revenant (and progressing in my online course from Holly Lisle) and spend the other half brainstorming ideas, plots and maybe outlining.

I made the mistake of gearing up late last November and when the 1st came around I was completely unprepared and I failed utterly.

This time, I’ll have a plan.

Oh yes, a PLAN!  *insert evil laugh here*

What to do, what to do? A poll! A poll! Need your input!

Posted by Frank Cote on June 15, 2011
Posted in: business of writing, Life, news and views, Novel writing, Writing. Tagged: , , , , , .

I am in the throes of a conundrum.  It involves this year’s NaNoWriMo.  I am starting to think about VERY early because I promised myself that I wouldn’t repeat the complete and utter failure of NaNoWriMo 2010.

It will. not. happen.

So, this means that I will hit October prepared and eager for November 1st.  I will have an outline to work with and copious notes.  I will work on something “original”  (my definition of original in this context is a work that is NOT a sequel of something I’ve already done, isn’t another attempt at a story I’ve never completed, and isn’t fanfic).  This attempt doesn’t have to be something aimed at eventual publication (option A is definitely not, option B could be).

I’m having a LOT of trouble making a decision.  I have a while yet, so it’s not like I’m hearing the Jeopardy theme or anything, but still, it bothers me enough that I find it’s worth posting about.

I know I don’t have a ton of readers, but for those who DO see this, I put up a poll.   I’d love it if you participate, call your friends and get them to participate.  I make no guarantees to follow the outcome, but it might sway me to one side or another.

Note:  The full description of each option is after the cut.

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