This month I’m participating in a writing challenge called The National Novel Writing Month or “NaNoWriMo.” The goal is to write 50,000 words during the month of November. There are many ways to get ready for the writing challenge, and since this was my first NaNoWrimo, I wanted to set myself up for a successful completion. I prepped by doing the following: First – I completed an intensive outline, chapter-by-chapter of Book Two in the “UnMasked” series. I also made sure I was ready with an update of the main characters along with a time-line and completed as much research as possible, so that when I sat down to write I’d have everything I needed within my grasp.
Secondly – Before I began the challenge, I told myself there would be days where I was too busy to write. On days when inspiration hit and the words were flowing, I would write extra and build up a word bank. The first two days of NaNoWriMo I surpassed my goal by almost 1,500 words. A few days later, I had three days where I couldn’t write and was then staring down the barrel of being behind. So, I refigured my words per day and got to work.
Thirdly – I decided that I would write in sprints, take breaks, and make sure I was mixing things up in terms of HOW I was putting the words forth. When I’m writing and completely oblivious to the outside world, I tend to stay glued to my seat. I remember being on a tight deadline to finish “UnMasked”, and after an intensive week of writing in excess of eight hours per day, I stood up and heard a loud crack. I’d damaged my IT band and had to endure some painful days as well as complete necessary physical therapy. This time, I’m making sure I take breaks and I’m having fun as I practice multiple ways to get the words out.
Here are the three ways I’m getting the words out of my brain and onto paper: First, I still sit at my computer and pound away on my keyboard as fast as my fingers will type – making sure I get up at least every few hours to drink water, walk and stretch for a few minutes. Secondly, I utilize my standing desk to ensure I’m not getting stiff. Thirdly, I plug my headset into my cell phone and go walking as I talk through various scenes in the book. I’ve definitely found I talk much faster than I type. My current goal is to get through as many chapters in book two as possible, before the end of November. Since I’m currently at roughly 77% of the final number I’m confident that I will surpass my goal of 50,000 words.
Immersing myself in the story of Granda Patti and her daughter Jen and being able to visit the Clarke family has been enjoyable. As I began to write, the characters seemed to take great delight in veering off and away from my initial outline. One character in particular showed unusual spunk and snark in terms of adding subtle changes to the first few chapters. Once the heavy-duty editing begins I’ll discover what changes will make book two, book three or end up deleted. It’s been a blast as I’ve gotten my creative juices flowing.
I’m motivated and so glad that I made the decision to do NaNoWriMo and focus on the goal of 50,000 words this November.
If you’ve always wanted to write and feel like a book sounds too daunting, just think; it’s roughly 1,700 words a day to successfully reach the 50,000 word goal within a month’s time. Trust me, if you get your phone out and start talking into your phone, you can speak faster than 1, 700 words in the next hour.
By outlining your book and having an idea of what your various chapters will look like you are setting yourself up for success and placing yourself in a position where the words will flow more easily. And for those pansters – people who don’t like to outline – there’s still space to allow the characters to speak to you and go “off topic.”
The hardest part is sitting down and writing the initial sloppy drivel that sometimes bursts forth. There’s plenty of time to edit later. Your focus will be on vomiting out your words, the good the bad and the ugly. Getting your thoughts and ideas out of your brain and onto the written screen or paper is your initial most important objective. You’ve got this. You can do it. I believe in you. Now it’s time to believe in yourself.
My little bit of motivation today is this – “if you’ve always wanted to write and feel like you don’t have the time, set a goal. Even if you only write 200 or 500 words a day for a month. Do it, its 200 or 500 more words than you had yesterday.”
Please Write me and let me know how you’re progressing!
Here are some ways to connect with me:
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And you can sign up for my newsletter to receive information and events and upcoming contests – on my author’s page at https://www.juliecadman.com/
Also- if you’re looking for holiday gifts for your loved ones that like to read – UnMasked as well as the UnMasked Companion Journal are both available in time for holiday gift giving.
“UnMasked” is available on Amazon at: https://a.co/d/fCkRf8z or you can link direct to Amazon from my homepage and can also order on Barnes & Noble.