NaNoWriMo - are you ready?
This is the first time I've done NaNoWriMo. Well, the first time I've committed to doing the 50,000 word challenge.
See, I know I can do it because I've written a 100,000 word book in 11 days while working full time. I know I can do 50,000 words in 30 days.
I don't have anxiety about writing so many words in 30 days. What I'm afraid of is prepping my story before it has a chance to gel in my brain.
It's how I'm used to writing my stories. They start with scenes, some won't let me sleep. They continue with interesting dialogue and make me run to the computer to start tapping out the words. Except my hands are stuck in soapy dish water. Oh bother!
I've learned to push through the 3 Act Structure even though I don't know where the story's going. Well, I know the beginning and I usually know the end, but I don't know how I'm going to get there...yet.
I'm meeting a group of beginning writer friends who want to take on the 50,000 word challenge. We're going to put these ideas into some semblance of a story by the end of November.
We've done some Prep-tober activities before the challenge began on November 1st. I think it's best for all concerned since most of them have only written short stories or blog posts and aren't used to writing 2,000 words a day.
It's my minimum limit I've set for myself when I write a story. I push for 2,000 words a day during the first part as I've learned the habit is easily broken once I start telling friends I'm writing. Boo! Between distractions and impromptu visits (which I love normally), I don't get much writing done.
The last story I wrote, I had a 14 day deadline where no one would be around. Actually, it chose me. It nagged me for weeks before I finally decided while I had this space of time I'd sit down and write the story.
By the end of 11 days, I was pleasantly surprised I'd written so many words in such a short time. I patted myself on the back and felt it was my best work so far.
Most of my praise came from worksheets and prepping details before I sat down to write. I knew I had a short window of time and needed a detailed outline before I could commit to the story.
I didn't used templates the way I do now so this challenge should be a snap. I've begun using a Story Binder for outlining my NaNo story.
I start my Idea Creation worksheets, move on to Character Development templates, work with Setting, Theme and Scenes, then Story Formation worksheets round up the binder. By the time my worksheets are filled out, I have an incredible story I NEED to write.
If you're doing NaNoWriMo, good luck! I wish you a wonderful storytelling experience. You can write 2,000 words a day with as little as an hour a day commitment and a binder of helpful info by your side!
For more info on Story Binder or any of my Upcoming Workshops, click here.
Let me help you write the most amazing story your readers won't put down.
This is how to Love Your Writing Voice!
Have questions? Email me at lovemywritingvoice@gmail.com
