This is just my second attempt at NaNoWriMo. Last year, I wrote less than 15,000 words. Pitiful, yes? This year, I'd like to better prepare myself for the challenge. Even if I don't hit the 50,000 word mark, I'd like to make a respectable showing this year. So, here's my To Do list that will get me off to a good start:
1. Have a basic plot outline.
2. Prepare a brief biographical sketch for each of my main characters.
3. Bribe my husband so that he doesn't kill me for dumping the kids on him the entire month of November.
4. After the time changes this weekend - we "fall back," right? - I'm going to keep getting up at my usual time, foregoing the extra hour of sleep, to write. So, I usually get up at 6:00, but I'll set my alarm for 5:00 and my body will still think it's 6:00 because of the time change. Am I making sense?
5. As much as I hate staying in the office over my lunch break, I will, just so I can write.
6. I will not permit myself to edit as I go along, like I usually do. That pesky self-editing is what keeps me working on the same four chapters I wrote for NaNo last year without progressing any further.
7. I'm clearing a spot at home to write where there is no TV and no phone.
8. I will not log onto the internet during a writing session.
9. If the husband bribery works (see number 3), I will attend the Saturday write-in sessions my writers group is hosting.
10. Apologize to family and friends in advance for my lack of time to chat, socialize, go out, etc. (Who am I kidding. I live a really boring life as it is.)
If you have never given NaNoWriMo a try, you should. Check it out at http://www.nanowrimo.org/
Good luck to all! I'll see you on the other side of November...
Rachel, I'm feeling your pain. I've decided to take the NaNo plunge as well this year (gulp). I've got the same list as you, except I don't have to bribe my husband to take care of kids - cats maybe.
ReplyDeleteHow does November sneak up so quickly?
Last year was my first NaNo experience and it worked out better than I thought it would. I managed to come up with my 50K with a couple of days to spare. Still haven't finished the story though...
ReplyDeleteThis year I'm starting off with a genre (young adult urban fantasy) and the barest of plots (not even a plot really, more just a concept) and I can't wait to get started.
Best of luck with your endeavor!
Conspicuously absent from your list is any mention of typewriters. Simple oversight, I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteBecause rumor has it that one can find some nice typing machines at the Mustardseed Retreat, if one were so inclined.
Duffy Moon, if you are so inclined, you can join us at the Mustardseed on November 13 for a day of writing. You wouldn't even need to lug along your writing aparatus.
ReplyDelete