Friday, November 8, 2013

NaNoWriMo Update

This month I am participating in NaNoWriMo and although I have participated in 2010 and 2011, this year is, by far, going much better than before.  I was thinking about it and trying to figure out why THIS time I am more successful.  It all came down to an idea and planning.  

In years past, I had an idea and just went with it. I really wasn't sure where I was going with it. Well, I should have known better. I mean I even taught middle schoolers HOW to write and I required pre-writing, yet I never really required it of myself?!

This year I had an idea and then I sat down one night sort of plotting it out. I created a skeleton of what I wanted the book to be about, the conflict(s) and ultimately, the ending.  I was surprised where I ended up. 

This Joyce Carol Oates quote about writing really hit home and pretty much FORCED me to figure out my book and not just write aimlessly without a plan. 


Via Buzz Feed

So, I'm at 19,800 words and the goal is to get to 50,000 by the end of November. I think I can do it. This is my third try and you know what they say....the third time is the charm.  And I have to say, I really like where it's going. I sort of surprised myself.

Wish me luck and if you have successfully completed NaNoWriMo in the past or have some great writing tips for me, let me know!


10 comments:

  1. YAY CHRISTINA!!! Almost 20,000 words, that is AWESOME! *cheers you on* I hope you continue to keep us updated on your progress, sounds like you are well on your way to that 50,000 word mark!

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  2. Good luck with your writing! I'm sure you will reach your goal soon. :) It sounds like you're having a great time too!

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  3. You are so going to do this, Christina! You are doing great! I got so behind in the first week, but I wrote a lot yesterday and I hope I can catch up. I didn't have time for any writing today though. Boo! I also totally should have planned! I'm going to be so prepared next year...

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    1. Thanks, Leanna! I bet you will get caught up! I hear you about planning though- for me that was key! Thanks for dropping by!

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  4. Good luck! It's funny, we just taught seniors that they cannot write an introduction to their paper until they've written the paper by saying: how can you introduce something you haven't written yet. I've always aspired to write, myself, and am always awed by those who actually DO it. You're the woman! :)

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    1. That's an awesome point, Natalie! Thank you so much for the kind thoughts. Even if I don't reach the goal, it was still great practice and good for me to get back into the habit of writing. Thank you for visiting!

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  5. 19,800! You go, Christina! That's fantastic!

    I'm completely failing NaNoWriMo this month. I might have to schedule my own novel writing month for December, because I have too many essays, presentations, reading assignments, and applications to work on this month. :(

    Hope you reach your goal!

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    1. Thanks, Lea! I hear you about having so much to do- that was me the past three years. I hope you can find time to continue it in December. Good luck with your finals, essays, etc, and thanks for the kind thoughts! I appreciate it! :)

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