Critter Alley

Critter Alley

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Anybody In?







Have you always wanted to write a book?

If you're ready to stop talking and start doing, then consider joining me for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month).  Starting on November 1 (and not one minute before), thousands of adventurous writers everywhere will feverishly work to create a 50,000 or more word manuscript by midnight on November 30.

It requires discipline. It requires dedication. It requires lots of caffeine.

Last year I accomplished my goal of 50,000+ words. This year I'm shooting to do the same. If you sign up on the NaNoWriMo site (it's free, though donations are appreciated), you'll get encouraging emails. You can discuss your agonies or ecstasies with fellow writers on a variety of message boards. And if you're competitive like me, you'll get incentive to keep just a little bit ahead of everyone else's word count.

If you succeed, you'll win a fabulous prize!

Okay, not really. But what you will gain is the satisfaction of producing a (very) rough manuscript that you can later tweak and edit and polish until you have produced a suitable-for-publication, real book. 

There's something quite empowering about succeeding at NaNo. And that's why I plan to have myself firmly planted in front of the computer working on novel #2 throughout the month of November. With a full time job, posts on Critter Alley will slow to a trickle, but I will keep you updated on my word count and progress. Alas, there won't be much blog visiting, but I'll be baaaaaack...in December.

If you plan to participate, the NaNo site has numerous tips for survival. I'll give you mine in a nutshell.
  • Set a daily word goal and do your best to stick with it. Keep writing!
  • A general plot outline helps, but go where your muse carries you. Keep writing!
  • Let the words flow and don't worry about grammar, spelling, or punctuation. Keep writing!
  • Don't re-read what you've written...it's too tempting to edit. Keep writing!
  • For now, turn OFF your internal editor. Keep writing! 
I'm in as K9friend1, so if you sign up, let's be "Buddies".
NaNo is fast-paced, fun, inspiring, and I think you'll be amazed at what happens if you do it. Hey, it must be good, or why would I put myself through this again? I'm working now on my outline and characters, stocking the pantry, and thinking about plot lines. I'll be ready to write on November 1.
 
How about you?

16 comments:

Ryker said...

You go Pat! I will sit in the sidelines and cheer you on!

Lynn said...

I've been thinking about it, but how do you keep your "daily" goal when Thanksgiving gets in there? November seems to be such a busy month for me. Is that just an excuse? I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try it, doesn't mean I HAVE to do it to the end, eh?

The Daily Pip said...

Does it have to be a novel? I have an idea for a non-fiction book, but gosh, one month isn't very long. Let me think about it ...

Kristin (Pip's mom)

Cattis said...

Good Luck. You got my support all the way.

Two French Bulldogs said...

Wow good luck to you
Benny & Lily

BECKY said...

Hey Pat...I think you may have just given me the encouragement and extra boost I need! I'll see if I'm smart enough to figure out how to sign up first!! :D
This will be my first Nano!!
(Will you be at Sat Writ this Sat? Maybe we can talk a little then.)

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

WTG!!! Maybe next year I will join you.

Lynn

Cheryl, Indiana, Shingo and Molly said...

Good luck!!

Woofs and Kisses!
The Fiesty Three

Tammy said...

Wow, good for you! I'm with Lynn, but your excitement is contagious! Best of luck!

Kristine said...

Lots of luck!

I don't think I'm quite the book writing type. Discipline is not really what I'm known for. However, I am thinking of signing up for the blogging equivalent - writing at least one post every day for the month of November. Even that for me will be a challenge.

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

Good luck, Pat I'll friend you at the site when I get there! This is my first time, so I'm wondering how to juggle the turkey day stuff. Guess I'll find out soon!

Donna Volkenannt said...

Good luck, Pat. I keep wanting to participate but my life seems to get in the way.
I'll be cheering you on, though!
Donna
http://donnasbookpub.blogspot.com

Pup Fan said...

One of my friends did this last year, I think. Really cool! Go Pat!

Ann Summerville said...

How did this arrive so quickly? I was undecided, but now I think I'll jump in and attempt another 50,000 word masterpiece. I'll look for you on the NaNo site.
Ann
Cozy In Texas

Unknown said...

Thanks for the tips Pat. Good Luck and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Marlene
RMKK Companion

Eileen said...

Good luck on the book!