Tuesday, November 27, 2012

What NaNoWriMo taught me


I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Mine was very calm, and not what I’m used to because I come from a very large Italian family *insert comical thoughts here*. This year we didn't travel, so it was just my family and one large turkey (who we gave thanks too, and are still eating).

November is also the time to write like a maniac, drowning yourself in coffee, and letting the house go to total chaos in a marathon to midnight on November 30th. Yeah, National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is kind of like that. I love every second of it!

I haven’t done my usual NaNo events, like interviews (click here to read past ones), or insane writing dares this year. Why isn't there more time in the day? Just saying.

Anyways, I’m close to my 50,000 NaNoWrimo word win. I need to write 1,000 words a day until the end. Does blogging count? Hmmm. I might be on to something if it does.



What did I learn from NaNoWrimo that I forgot since last year….     

1. Lock your inner editor in the closet. She will do nothing, but get in the way, nagging at you. She is evil.
2. Just keep writing and don’t look back.
3. Don’t bother editing. It can be done later.
    4. Set a goal for yourself and try to adhere to that goal.
    5. Use social media-like Facebook and Cityville-as a reward for completing your word goal.
    6. It’s a great way to connect with other local writers.
    7. You have a first draft of a novel. Yay!
    8. You never know what your characters will tell you about themselves.

What’s in store for your novel after November? Well, I joke to everyone and say “Yeah, it takes me only a month to write, but a year to edit.”


Did you NaNoWriMo this year? If so, how are you doing.