NaNoWriMo Update–Novermber 9th

November 9, 2009 by Chris · Comments Off
Filed under: Lessons Learned

This past week, I spent a great deal of time editing. As per my last suggestion, I was looking for missing elements to include on my list of scenes to add.

I’m glad I did. I feel as if I know my story more intimately. I found a few plot troubles that I was able to correct. Better me than an editor. I spotted a few more areas where I can fill out my mystery a bit. Overall, I’m pleased.

I’ve also spent time reading the blog posts I find on NaNoWriMo. There’s a lot of positive energy flowing out there. It’s so beneficial, touching base with other writers, sharing frustrations and ideas.

I still have a lot of work to do. At least I can say that I’m one step closer.

Tags: NaNoWriMo

NaNoWritMo–Day 2 with Writing Tip

November 2, 2009 by Chris · Comments Off
Filed under: Writing Tip

I made a little progress today on my writing. Read through a few chapters and did some editing. One thing I found extremely helpful was using BackPack (or whatever web-notebook app you use) to identify the missing elements of my book.

As I re-read my book, I’m finding that there are scenes missing. They can be little things, like a description that is too short. Or it can be something major, like a confrontation between two characters. I add these elements as I find them to my list. Then, when I go back to rewrite, I try and incorporate them into my writing.

I feel as if the work is becoming more well rounded. I’m including the elements that will make the book seem more real and thoughtful. How’s your writing going?

67.87%

54299 / 80000 words

Tags: backpack, NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo–Let the Writing Begin

November 1, 2009 by Chris · Comments Off
Filed under: Writer's Life

My rough draft is done. However, my word count is a bit low. After checking several sites for advice, my 53,000+ word mystery should be more like 80,000. That puts me at about 27,000 words shy of a general goal.

I decided to use National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) as my motivation to write. There’s lots of support here from other writers who know and understand. There’s also the energy. If anything can get you motivated, it is the energy of a whole lot of motivated writers, with a similar goal. That’s important. In any creative field, self-esteem can be an issue. How many other professions can you think of where rejection is a common occurrence? A writer’s greatest asset is her thick skin.

So, here I go. I’m committing myself to joining the ranks. I’m going to finish this sucker and get it published.