Some of us Vibrant Nation writers are taking up the challenge of November’s NaNoWriMo.org 30 days of extreme writing. And, as can be expected, the wonderful readers of Vibrant Nation are here to lend a hand! I LOVE this site because I know that all the experience, talent, and encouragement offered by VN’s various talented writers will inspire me to meet this challenge of 50,000 words in 30 days, despite myself! Thanks writers for helping out us newbies in the writing world! You’re awesome!
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Sorry meant to say INEXPENSIVE bike thingy. Got it from one of those mail packets. It is surprisingly sturdy...
Vent all you want, it's healthy and the women here will listen. I suggest that when things get overwhelming, grab a bed pillow, go into the bathroom and scream into the pillow, or beat the hell out of it. That should help with the frustration a bit
This is great. My NaNo novel of three years ago, Finding Hope, was published last year. I actually finished the whole first draft during NaNo in 17 days! (In all fairness, I wasn’t working at the time
But my best starting advice is to know the story you want to write before you start. Don’t cheat and start the story, just have it clear in your head. Know your protagonist well. Then, when the starting pistol sounds, take off. Write like the wind. Don’t think too hard about what you’re writing. It doesn’t have to be perfect. That’s why we do rewrites later 
Good luck, everyone. I follow this post and offer help and encouragement wherever I can.
Linda Rettstatt http://www.geocities.com/lindarettstatt http://www.lindarettstatt-author.blogspot.com
Fran,
Thanks for introducing me to NaNo. I’m such a procrasinator, maybe this is just what I need to get me writing every day. I’ve signed up as No_Word_is_Final. I’m trying to just focus on the word count so i don’t bog down worrying about what comes next and why. Worrying about the story is what always stops me dead in my tracks. Maybe the word count approach–just writing, following where it takes me, rewriting later–will help me be a more disciplined writer who actually finishes more than a short story.
Nancy
Excellent, Nancy! I’m going to look for you to make us ‘buddies’ on the NaNo site. There’s already a few of us from VN, and growing!
We’ve already got our first tip from Linda Rettstatt, above, and I’m taking to heart her best starting advice, to know the story I want to write before I start. In fact, I’m losing sleep, dreaming of which character will be my major ‘actor’ and what trouble she’s bound to get into.
I’ve also been reading some good books, Like Wild Mind, by N. Goldberg. I feel inspired by the hilt!
Hi Fran! I just signed on at NaNoWriMo and – like everyone – need lots of encouragement from other VN’ers. Thanks for helping to pull together all of us who are brave (crazy?) enough to take on such a huge challenge. Am anxious to start on Nov. 1 – hoping I can write around the turkey and stuffing on Thanksgivng!
Hi! How’s it going with NaNo?? How will I find you on NaNo? Using the same name, Willsmama, on NaNo? I’m franyo
You GO, girl!
Fran, a funny thing happened on the way to NaNo. I’ve always written scene by scene when they occurred to me–when they were so visual and auditory I coudn’t do anything but write them. But I never had a whole story, just scenes which rarely connected. So I planned to just relax and do some free writing for NaNo to develop the discipline of writing every day. Then it happened–a whole story (well, except for a few details in the middle which should work out as I write), a new story, totally unconnected to any of the scenes I’ve written before. I so excited! It’s getting harder and harder to keep my fingers off the keyboard. November 1 better hurry up and get here.
Thanks to all the writers giving NaNo tips. I’m definately doing the index card shuffle! Keeps my fingers off the keyboard. . . . =~D
~~Nancy
I’m one of your “experienced VN authors” (thanks for not saying “old” :)
One thing I do is carry around 3×5 cards in my purse. When an idea strikes me, I can immediately write it down and not throw away an envelope, shopping list, or other piece of paper that might include a insight or fresh phrase or description for my book.
Latayne C Scott
http://www.latayne.com
This is a great idea. I do the same. I once wrote an entire scene while sitting in front of a slot machine! When inspiration strikes, you’ve got to go with it.
Linda Rettstatt
http://www.geocities.com/lindarettstatt
http://www.lindarettstatt-author.blogspot.com
Fran please don’t think I’ve been ignoring you; I had some computer glitch and wasn’t able to post until today when Marilyn suggested I clear my cookies. I wound up having to create a new account.
I’m not certain whether I’ll participate in NaNoWriMo this year. I’ve a self-imposed deadline on my novel, and my agent has been too generous with her patience, so I’d best concentrate on that.
However, I am here, so if you have any questions I’ll try to help along with the other ladies upthreac.
Here’s one hint: you might want to think about outlining your book prior to the November 1 start date; that wouldn’t be cheating. Create a sentence describing what your book is about, and then create 20 chapter headings that fulfill that sentence. Then, with everything in place, you’re ready to go on November 1.
Wishing all of you success, but most important, have fun.
I find outlining is a must, whether for fiction or nonfiction. And I use the 3×5 cards to do it!
After I’ve collected notes for a project, I actually sit in the middle of the floor and “deal” the cards into piles according to subject matter. Then when I want to write a scene (let’s say, about childbirth) all my thoughts on that are in one place.
Then sometimes I put the cars in an individual pile into an order that makes sense to me. Of course this is most helpful for nonfiction but helps me be organized with fiction, too.
Latayne C Scott
http://www.latayne.com
novelmatters.blogspot.com
Absolutely. I use a bulletin board and Post-Its. Each scene (i.e., for my screenplay) has it’s own Post-It, and I’m able to juggle them around, repositioning them on the board to put my thoughts in order.
I’m using that same process for creating my novel’s treatment/synopsis.
Thanks, Yakkity1. You know, you are the initial inspiration for this challenge — for me AND for quite of few of us VNers.
So thanks for being you, and I’m sure we ALL appreciate your inspiration as it comes.
We’re crossing our fingers for your novel, too, you know. And, referring to your photo, Take a bite outta that deadline, shark girl! Ha!
I’ve been doing Nano since 04, and I always write my 50,000 plus words, but I’ve not been following through on editing and finalizing a marketable draft. This year will be different. I have a publisher asking me to just send her a finished MS. Like Linda, I’m not working this year (laid off for a year now), so I have no excuses.
Perle Champion
ps: I’m perlesrose on nano, too. Perle Champion on Facebook
Hey writers! I’m not one of our experienced writing pros (yet), but did find this nice quote from Sidney Sheldon from the Writer’s Handbook, 2001. It seems to fit perfectly into the philosophy of NaNoWriMo, with the emphasis on turning OFF one’s self-editor:
“Question: How can a writer best develop the skill for self-criticism?
Answer: There are two phases to writing a novel: the creative phase and the editorial phase. I feel that it is very important for them not to occur simultaneously. When you are putting words on paper, don’t be a critic, because that is inhibiting. When you have finished the novel, then you must be ruthlessly critical of what you have done. That first wonderful flush of creativity is over, and you are faced with the reality of what is on paper. I think the best way to become self-critical is to read major writers and try to measure up to their standards.”
So, there you have it….When you are putting words on paper, don’t be a critic!
If you all like some quotes listed here, please mention it and we can all add our two-cents’ worth! GO NaNo writiers — On your mark - Get ready –
Here’s some inspiration from another NaNo leader in my state:
Fellow Wrimos and caffeine addicts,
We’re closing in on the starting line for NaNoWriMo 2009. We can’t believe how quickly it seemed to sneak up on us this year! If any of you are freaking out over not having a plot, characters, or any sort of idea what novel to write: don’t worry about it! That’s half of NaNo-season; you’ll waffle between different plotlines, or you might just not come up with one at all until partway through the month. That doesn’t mean you can’t sit down and start writing!
NaNo-novels without a plot are almost like a rite of passage amongst the Wrimo Syndicate. It happens to everyone at least once.
Note from Robert: I went into this last year with no possible idea what I was going to write until the day BEFORE NaNo started. And guess what, I still crossed the finish line by the end of the month, and probably wrote one of my best novels that year. So don’t freak out if your mind is still blank on what you’re going to write. It’ll come to you eventually!
Oh thank you…and Sidney Sheldon. I spend way too much time re-writing instead of writing!!
Here’s more inspiration from middle-grades author Nancy McArthur (The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks):
“You don’t have to begin at the beginning. Start by drafting any scenes you have a clear picture of in your mind, even small fragments, regardless of where in the book they may ultimately fit in. This approach prevents procrastination or fear of finishing.”
Get ready, get set……
This is great advice Fran. I won’t worry so much about telling the story in order. I can cut and paste it together as I go!
Excellent, intransition — How did your first day go with NaNo? Don’t give up and remember it’s for FUN. Be sure you check out the great advice from Perlesrose further on in the posting.
“This is not a test. There’s no right or wrong way to do it.”
How shall I find you and add you to my buddy list on NaNo? I’m listed as franyo. Hope to see you there!
my name is writeright
Got 3669 words written yesterday. Quite pleased.thanks for the encouragement.
I’m perlesrose on nano, too.
Hi Everyone!
Make sure you’ve set your local time zone correctly (it’s under User Settings). Some word-count features appear and disappear at midnight on November 1 and November 30, so dialing those in now will save you stress later. Join a local region, and find out when and where the first novel-writing get-togethers (called “write-ins”) for your city or town will be held.
On the eve of NaNoWriMo, I want to send out encouraging thoughts to all of you who are participating. Write your hearts out!
Linda Rettstatt
http://www.lindarettstatt.com
Nice website. How long have you been writing/publishing?
I’ve been writing for five years. My first novel was publised in 2007.
Howdy writing newbies! Having this Vibrant Nation spot to receive inspiration and tips is fantastic! Tonight the writing begins…….Ready, set, GO!
To also stay in communication on the NaNo forum, look under the “Newbie” category (towards the bottom of the forum listings) and add your encouragements to:
Vibrant Nation newbie writers – looking to be buddies?
This is my first time doing NaNo. This story has been rolling around in my head for years and everyday it pops in/out so I am going to work it. Any suggestions I have my story line and my main characters….. everything but a title and it WILL come! Best Wishes to all who entered!
Today’s our first day of the NaNo challenge, and I hope everyone’s feeling more confident and less-nervous than I am!
I’m still hoping for some inspiration, encouragement, and tips from our very own VN experienced writers! Help us out, ladies!
Here’s a little more inspiration from the 2001 Writer’s Handbook:
The Crucial First Page, by Ann Hood:
“Here is my premise: Your first page is your most important page. Whether you are writing a ten-page short story or a four-hundred-page novel, your biggest task is getting the first page perfect…………..
“But let me give you the good news: Your first first page, the one you wrote yesterday when you got a great idea for a new story, or the one you wrote last year when you began the novel that is almost finished, does not need to be perfect. In fact, it shouldn’t be. It is almost impossible to write the right first page until you are finished with all the other pages, even if you have a solid outline or a crystal-clear vision of what you want to do.”
I’m happy to help out with some good advice!
I blog at Novelmatters.blogspot.com with five extraordinary published novelists. One of them, Debbie Fuller Thomas, author of the newly-released Raising Rain, has a great way to jumpstart creativity:
Enjoy beauty. Find a quiet place that you love and take time to meditate. Don’t write or think about your WIP. Take your lunch to the cemetery. It’s quiet and peaceful, and no one knows you’re there but God. Or listen to your favorite music without distractions, or take a scenic detour home from the grocery store and listen on your car stereo. It can help you get perspective.
Just downloaded my first submission! I’m jazzed but now I need sleep so I can get up and do it again tomorrow!
Hi guys. Hit 3726 today, posted excerpt. The thing about writing, is if you wait for the muse, or inspiration or any ephermereal thing you might as well be waiting for Godot. I use Julia Cameron’s book “The Artist’s Way’ a my guide. She, like Nike, says just do it. Just write whatever whether trash or treasure. Save editing for later. The purpose of this exercise is just to put words to page. Cut pictures out of magazines and write their story and hinge them all together. Have fun. This is not a test. There’s no right or wrong way to do it. It’s just you and the page. I hope you’ll all just let loose, pretend you’re Emily in her quiet bedroom, Jo in her attic, John-Boy at his window and just write.
Perle
You girls ROCK! I’m on track, too, and just took a long walk to get my juices running for the next installment of day 2 of NaNo. I feel energized! I feel creative! I am woman, hear me roar! Ha!
Perlesrose – You have an excellent point about writing, just putting words to page, and perhaps hinging them all together later (maybe even MUCH later). It dawned on me yesterday, when I felt drained from my first session for NaNo (writing a very dark scene inspired from my own youth) that today I choose to write from a completely different point of view, much more lighthearted and positive, much more like I feel today, right now.
I might later hinge the scripts of days’ writing together into a novel, OR I might have the beginnings of 2 novels….Anyway I look at it, I’m writing, keeping my commitment to myself and producing the writing that has been inside of me for SO long. Can I say that I’m proud of myself? Well, I am!
Like you, I suggest we as newbies or even experienced novelists, only worry about having FUN. Remember the writing is OURS to do with exactly as we see fit. I may edit later, or I may file it (or part of it) away indefinitely, or burn it on a bonfire while I dance around it in relief for getting it out of my system. But for now, I’m enjoying the cathartic experience that it was, yesterday, and looking forward to writing a happy scene today.
Today, however, I’ll just write….THANK YOU for your pearls of wisdom, sweet perlesrose!
And congratulations wonderful Bekah! I’ll be requesting a signed copy of your novel!
wow, thank you. i NEEDED THAT.
If anyone ever wanted to see their book in finished in form, sign up for nanowrimo.org. This year they have partnered with CreateSpace.com who will take your finished novel (must be winner, i.e., 50000 words or more) and print you a proof copy and ship it to you all for free. When you get your copy, you can make it available to public on their site and/or for sale on Amazon.
And they say there are no prizes for winning NaNo ….. A free proof copy sounds like a prize to me! I’m 1/10 of the way there with 28.5 days left. I’m beginning to feel link an essayist emerging from a cacoon with novelist’s wings! I must be dreaming! Now, if I can just make my story last another 45,000 words . . . .
~~Nancy
Here’s another great idea from Debbie Fuller Thomas, author of newly-released Raising Rain, who blogs with four other writers and me at NovelMatters.blogspot.com –
Write at the same time every day. This creates memory triggers that can flip on the power switch.
Happy writing today, on the second day of this wonderful NaNoWriMo!
Latayne C Scott
http://www.latayne.com
Best of luck to all NaNo writers! You’ll be amazed at the end! A truly wonderful exercise…Just keep writing! I can’t wait to see your results!!
Laura Denktash
http://www.cookbookcoach.com/
WhooooHooooo! I am unable for some reason to login and post my word count on nanowrimo … anyone else having this issue …
I cannot believe that I could actually write 4720 words on just one person …. whooooHooooo!
most of it is garbage but what a great way to get your arms around the character(s).
I stayed up until midnight and started writing … otherwise I never would have gotten to sleep …
Yeah to all us for doing this!
Cathlene
Hi girl! I’m SO glad to see you are writing….I saw that you, as one of my buddies on NaNo, hadn’t entered any words and thought you had given up. Then I realized that since I’m in Germany and it was Day 2 for me, it was only mid-evening of Day one for you. So, way to go! Yeah, Us!
I’m new to this, too, but I have been writing in MicroSoft Word, selected ALL for copying, and then just entered this copy into the box of NaNo under MY NaNoWriMo. Voila! My words were counted and added to the word total, and then the bar moved up to reflect that I’d written ‘So’ many words for that day. Yeah, me!
Now, on Day 2, I’m a little bit confused, and wondering if I just add the NEW pages I’ve written, or again select ALL but accidentally make it look like I’ve written all the words from Days one AND 2. Anyway, I’m sure it’ll all work out, and remember: If you meet your goal sooner than the end of the month (and it sure looks like you’re a seasoned writer who could do this), you can enter the whole manuscript by the 25th (I think) and be proclaimed a winner early on December 1st. At least, what I’ve read seems to say this… Just be sure that you remember that NaNo does NOT keep a copy of your work, so be sure that you’re not sending it to them thinking that they are saving it for you, accumulating your words and manuscript for later verification of total word count. You know what I mean??
Basically, what I’m saying is….CONGRATULATIONS!! You’re off to a great start and as a fellow VNer, I am SO darned proud of, and happy for YOU!!
I’m a first timer with NaNoWriMo. I wrote 2500 words for the starting day. I thought that was a lot until I read the comments. I’m finding that writing straight through for a first draft is the way I need to go.
I intend to finish this year as one of many winners.
I’m happy for you, Marilynne! Congratulations for being off to a great start!
Unlike you, I came to the realization that for me, NON-linear is how I need to write, and then during editing/rewrite time, reassemble the ‘scenes’ I’m writing daily, moving them into the ‘perfect’ story and flow. I, in life, kinda bounce around from talent to skill, and back again, and writing straight through as you are doing would be torturous for me.
Whatever works for you, but don’t think that if someone told you that the only way to write a novel is to ‘write straight through for a first draft’, you necessarily need to do it that way. Again, whatever works for you, eh? I think that if this IS your style, the editing/rewriting would be a lot less difficult, and for that, you would have your basic nature and talent at writing to be thankful for!
2500 words on the starting day? You ROCK!!
Hi writers and hopeful writers,
In response to another NaNo posting, I’ve started a conversation where I offer batches of writing tips. My first batch can be found at http://www.vibrantnation.com/conversations/24961-12-writing-lessons-ive-learned-so-far/
I will also answer specific writing questions you may have–here or in the conversation link above.
Good luck!
Talia
Conflict! Conflict! Conflict!
You’re about one chapter in. Give that main character (MC) something that blocks his happiness. Show some signs of his reaching out to meet his goal, then throw an obstacle in his way.
Happy writing.
A very wise advice, indeed. The conflict should be clear from the first paragraph. What does the protagonist desire? What may prevent the protagonist from accomplishing it? (Just a hint, but enough to make the reader wonder.) e.g., If the protagonist wants a life of tranquility, does the reader see that this might not happen?
Also, by intoducing the conflict at the start, you avoid a major newbie mistake of “getting ready to get ready.” That means that you explain much too much at the start, give a long background, or stay in the protagonist’s head for pages on end only to be broken by an occasional action sentence, but one that is nonsensical (e.g., opening the refrigerator door.)
Go for it!
Talia
Yakkity1 is right! One of the reasons that Dan Brown’s DaVinci Code, Lost Symbol, and other books are so widely read is that Brown puts his characters in hot water again and again. Each chapter is a cliffhanger — and you keep reading to see what’s going to happen next.
What if you get stuck and don’t know how to create another conflict for your poor characters? Go to a book– like Lost Symbol — and read a couple of chapters. See how someone else created conflict.
My friend Debbie Fuller Thomas, author of the newly-released Raising Rain, says that reading other people’s work stimulates creativity:
Read widely. Feeding your mind with interesting and thought-provoking material results in interesting and thought-provoking writing. These new ideas can blossom into a story idea or influence the direction of your WIP.
So — Happy writing today!
Latayne C Scott — author of 15 published books
http://www.latayne.com
This is so exciting to find VN friends involved in NaNo. I am new to VN, but this is my 5th year with NaNo (finished 50,000 in 2005 and 2007). I write like crazy in November, but have never done anything with it. Maybe the VN group is the extra boost I need. Thanks so much for all the encouragement so far!
ljbberg
Just LOOK at all the inspiring stories to be found on VN! Women who have published, who’ve written and treasure the stories they’ve told, and fabulous VNers like YOU, who inspire us ALL with the fact that you’ve WON (by finishing) for two years previously. Wow!
You’re an inspiration to us, as all of us can be for each other, in completing this challenge. I believe that this shall be YOUR year to “DO” something with your winning manuscript. You’ll see!
Did you notice the posting above from perlesrose?
“If anyone ever wanted to see their book in finished form, sign up for nanowrimo.org. This year they have partnered with CreateSpace.com who will take your finished novel (must be winner, i.e., 50000 words or more) and print you a proof copy and ship it to you all for free. When you get your copy, you can make it available to public on their site and/or for sale on Amazon.”
I agree. We need an after-Nano support group to edit and final draft our creations.
I agree. We need to keep contact after Nano so we finish what we’ve begun.
yakkity Advice Day 3:
Show, don’t tell!
“Jane’s alarm clock died overnight, the coffee can was on “empty,” her best pair of jeans had shrunk since the day before (2% spandex be damned), and the construction crew had no idea as to where the bus stop had been moved.”
instead of:
“Jane had a lousy morning.”
OMG I started writing last night think I have to get this book out of my head now and how to do that… just start writing. And then here I see this write a novel in a month article and I am amazed that so many others are here, and wow on the same spirited page as I am what a slap to it and do it. I couldn’t be happier, reading down through these comments I have had quite a few revolations already…and I see I’m off to a good start.Thanks and Yes! Go for it!
OMG I started writing last night think I have to get this book out of my head now and how to do that… just start writing. And then here I see this write a novel in a month article and I am amazed that so many others are here, and wow on the same spirited page as I am what a slap to it and do it. I couldn’t be happier, reading down through these comments I have had quite a few revolations already…and I see I’m off to a good start.Thanks and Yes! Go for it!
This being my first time involved with NaNoWritMo felt a little intimidated, but if my hands could keep up with my mind I’d be all right. I use a flash drive to keep up with what I’ve written, but I don’t have spell check on it and it is driving me nuts. I’m looking forward to the last day so I can reorganize and edit my “masterpiece.” I will finish.
Hi NaNo VNers that’s quite a mouthful…)! Did y’all see the notice on Oprah’s Book Club? This thing is HUGE!
Write That Novel Now
Did you know Sunday is the official start of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)? Now is the time to sit down and start that novel you’ve always talked about writing. Get advice and inspiration from some of your favorite writers, and take on NaNoWriMo this year.
Hmmmm…
Methinks Miss Oprah might be living here with us in VibrantNation.
Thank you for letting us know about NaNoWriMo. I have been writing since I could hold a crayon ( preferred words to drawing.). I find I am altering my plot as I go. I find the more I write on it now the more I see where revisions are going to be needed after Nov 30.lol What can I say?
Are there any more newbies out there? How are you doing? What are you finding are your stumbling blocks? I wish my fingers were as fast as my mind.
GOOD LUCK. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone , whether “newbie” or “seasoned veterans” participating.
Again THANK YOU for posting so everyone had the opportunity to try.
Recently a secular organization asked me to address their annual conference, on how to write effectively. (You can see the link to the video of the presentation – and the handout I provided to the participants – here. Small enticement: The handout is a kind of resource list/crash course for effective writing and publishing.)
My two latest books are controversial, and that’s why this organization wanted to hear what I had to say about handling touchy subject matter. In addressing others who might want to write on something controversial, I shared with them the most important element of persuasive writing.
It is this: The first task of a persuasive writer is to anticipate, and address, the objections of the reader – before those objections arise in the reader’s mind.
What does that have to do with writing fiction, you may ask?
Everything. Because, more than any other kind of writer, the fiction writer must convince the reader to care about people who don’t actually exist, in predicaments wholly invented by the writer. Now, that’s persuasive writing!
Here’s an exercise to help you do that.
Choose either the plot of your WIP or an extended section of it. Now, imagine three people you know who just won’t put up with illogical or unbelievable plots. (We’re not talking about the writing, just the plot at this point.) Ah, there’s your snotty Aunt Eunice who points out plot holes in Murder She Wrote reruns. And your teenage son who rolls his eyes when something improbable happens at a movie and groans so loudly that you duck down in your theater seat. And don’t forget your spouse who throws across the room any book with too many coincidences.
Imagine them at their worst. All them to morph into avatars. Let them hold court on the plot of your novel. Let them be ruthless. Reason out what they would object to.
Then fix it. Every plot hole, improbable coincidence, silly sequence, gratuitous artifice.
Then ship those three avatar plot critics off to a Siberian prison that swirls in the middle of a perpetual ice storm forever, because they have nothing more to say.
Then take lung-deep, ah!-bright-wings breaths.
And write.
Lavishly, recklessly, write.
–Latayne C Scott
http:novelmattters.blogspot.com http://www.latayne.com
Day 4!
How’s your antagonist? Very bad, thanks; how’s yours?
Think your villain’s already a mess? Make her a hot mess! She’s the one who will go to any extreme in order to emerge the winner, and in doing so she will make your protagonist more interesting (conflict! conflict! conflict!). Think the movie “Single White Female.” Bad girl roommate went from copying the good girl’s hairstyle and fashion sense, to seducing her lover, to…I won’t reveal the spoiler in case you haven’t seen the film, but she pulls out all the stops! If your antagonist is a situation, make it near-insurmountable; keep stoking the fire. Really pile it on.
Oh, and did you see the “post your opening paragraph” thread? It’s an invitation to share the introduction to your novel and get feedback from the other VN writers (and readers). Post your first paragraph
Have a good time writing today.
I woke up this morning dreaming of my NaNoWriMo book. I had dreampt the next few pages, then dreampt away in a scary sequence that has nothing to do with what I had planned. Now I have to think, in my waking hours, if the scary sequence would be good.
I woke up this morning dreaming of my NaNoWriMo book. I had dreampt the next few pages, then dreampt away in a scary sequence that has nothing to do with what I had planned. Now I have to think, in my waking hours, if the scary sequence would be good.
Don’t think….let that internal critic sleep in…
I know, I know, it’s NaNoWriMo…meaning you’re all a bunch of fiction writers, right? But as a very NON-fiction writer, a former national magazine freelancer and author of Hot Flashes from Heaven, I’d love to contribute two itsy-bitsy words of advice to those of you yearning to be published.
“Show up.”
Show up at your computer every day. At a regular time. Clock in like you would a “REAL” job. I mean, you want writing to be a REAL job for you, right? So treat it as such. Show up.
Sit there in the midst of writer’s block, bad hair days, headaches, whatever. And wait. Wait for the words to come.
But don’t wait too long. Like best selling author Anne LaMott teaches (I dedicated my book in part to her), “write shitty first drafts”. (Sorry for the language here—it’s Annie’s way of talkin’ plain ol’ writer-talk.) So, “let your fingers do the talkin’” and get them skimming across that keyboard. If you’re a writer, something’s bound to pop out.
Noooo, it might not be Pulitzer material. Yet. But it just might lead to it.
You’ll never know. Unless you show up.
http://www.ronnasnyder.com/
Excellent advise, Ronna. And, as a person who definitely prefers NON-fiction to fiction in my personal reading, you’ve pointed out to me that my avoidance techniques are the ugly NON-fiction of this NaNo experience for me. It’s only day five and I’m already behind on my daily word count… I think I’d be much better a writer in non-fiction, but even THAT is an excuse I’m laying out in front of myself to postpone getting down to business, SO
I’m taking your words to heart and setting that time to begin writing each day and committing myself to “Showing UP” every day on time, clocked in and ready to roar.
Thanks — I needed the kick in the seat!
I’m one of those weird ducks who writes both fiction and non-fiction, but prefers reading non-fiction. Strange. I guess I get my basic daily requirement of fiction through my screenplay analysis business.
Ronna that is great advice, “clock in like you would a real job.” I remember my agent telling me than when she first went out on her own working from her home office, she would shower and get dressed as though going to her former office, and wouldn’t allow anything to break her routine. She’s now one of the best agents in the business.
Happy writing!
I’m part of Nano this year too, but I have not had luck in turning off my critic. But I’m persevering. I WILL catch up. I have my outline; my characters are real in my head; and I really want to do this.
If you would like to be my buddy, just look for LuvrOfInfo.
Lydia
Howdy! I’ve found you on NaNo and hope you add me, us from VN, as buddies. Hope you’re doing well with your writting–We’re cheering you on!
franyo (on NaNo) Write ON!
I do have a question as this intrigues me. I write but poetry and some of my poems are actually stories but in poem form. Would this qualify for this? I am actually starting on a poem..fantasy but I would call it epic. ????
Hi – There IS one overriding rule to NaNo, Kali, and it’s this:
THERE ARE NO RULES!! If you write a poetic epic, and it is or isn’t actually a story, that is truly ONLY your business.
This NaNo thing, of which I, too, am completely new to, is expressely for the experience of challenging yourself to getting the words out of your head, and into reality. I say, WHO cares if it is something that you can use later? WHO cares if it, at a later date, turns itself into two or more smaller projects? WHO cares if it’s quality?
I think we ALL need practice, and I’m sure you’re more talented than you give yourself credit for. Take advantage of the inspiration on the NaNo site, like this week’s message from the creator of the site. Read the tips and encouragement from published authors here on VN, and on the professional tips on NaNo. Sign up, even though it’s late (if you haven’t already) and watch the words fly! You just might surprise yourself!
http://www.NaNoWriMo.org - Be there, or Be Square (channeling my inner Middle Schooler…)
thank u for the information…i will sign up!
Sounds wonderful. In the traditin of the Bards of old. An epic story told in prose form. Fiction is fiction. Write On!
Perle
i always seem to write stories in prose…i guess my thought process goes that way. i will get started! thank you for the support!
kali
Kali,
There is a YA writer whose major body of work is done in story poetic form and is very popular among teens. This is a great, validated (meaning published) form and definitely qualifies. Hey, what do you think Homer wrote? LOL
Go for it!
Lydia
LuvrOfInfo: What is the YA author’s name? I’m trying to get into the head of my 12 year old MC and need all the help I can get.
Thanks.
lol! ty..i will!
Here’s another great hint from award-winning author Debbie Thomas, whose new book Raising Rain was just released:
Write someplace new. Sometimes the same old ideas sit in my office, fish-eyed and lifeless. Taking my laptop to a different environment helps me get away from them and makes room for new ideas.
Debbie blogs with four other published fiction writers and me at NovelMatters.blogspot.com. Come see us for suggestions and support. And we answer questions!
Latayne C Scott
http://www.latayne.com
One of Debbie Fuller Thomas’s best hints is to read about other authors who faced challenges.
But age is not a challenge!
Irving Stone wrote The Agony and The Ecstasy when he was 58; Katherine Anne Porter wrote Ship of Fools when she was 72; James Michener wrote four books, including Centennial (which I think was his best and he wrote it when he was 67), after age 58; Leon Uris wrote Trinity when he was 52; Robert Ludlum wrote The Matarese Circle when he was 52.
Among the most interesting for us is Robert J. Waller who wrote The Bridges of Madison County at age 53 and made millions. Waller had a Ph.D. in business and was an economics professor at University of Northern Iowa. Bridges was his first published novel, and he made his fortune off it and by selling the movie rights to Clint Eastwood. As the story goes, Waller got the idea for the novel and wrote it over spring break. A year or so later, he’s a millionaire.
The May edition of the AARP newsletter, and they have a chart about American authors who wrote some of their best work after the age of 50. http://assets.aarp.org/www.aarp.org_/articles/bulletin/interactive/powerof50/mar09authors/index.html
So go for it!
Latayne C Scott
http://www.latayne.com
novelmatters.blogspot.com
I think age may actually be a prerequisit for many of us before we can start writing. I couldn’t have written the things I write today when I was 20. I didn’t have the perspective or the life experience. It’s the ability to look back that gives most of us the depth and texture in our writing.Besides that, few of us had time to shower when we had children underfoot. When was there time for writing?
~~Nancy