Thursday, October 28, 2010

NaNoWriMo

I’m taking the plunge this year and participating in NaNo. What’s this, you ask?

The complete abbreviation is NaNoWriMo, which stands for National Novel Writing Month. Those that sign up are committing themselves to writing 50,000 words from November 1-30.

50k seems like a lot to write, especially in 30 days. It can be done. Millions have done it. The idea is to just write. No time to go back and edit stuff as you go, just spew those words out and get them down. December is soon enough for editing.

My goal is to break it down into smaller, more manageable chunks. I know that I’m going away for Thanksgiving weekend. Add in some weekend days that I probably won’t have time to write and I’m figuring I have 20 good days to write in November. So, divide 50,000 by 20 and my daily word count goal is 2500 words.

This is a reasonable goal to me. On a good day, I can have this knocked out within 3 hours or less. Other days make take me longer, but it’s definitely a do-able goal. On the good days, I’ll probably also try to go past that mark because who knows what will happen the next day.

I think I’ve mentioned here that my hubby found an English writer’s group in Nuremburg for me. The rest of the group have joined in with me and we’re going to try doing write-ins at the bookstore where we meet. We’re kicking the month off with a scheduled write-in for Monday afternoon.

Write-ins are basically where a group of writers meet to write. I’ve never participated in one before so this is a new experience for me. I think it will be a lot of fun and helpful to keep the motivation going so that we all reach that 50k goal by November 30.

This week, I’m finishing up the prep work that I need so that I’m ready to start come Monday.

If you’re interested in signing up for NaNo, or just want more information, head over to the official website. If you join in the fun, look to add me as a writing buddy. My screen ID is Riley Quinn. Go figure, right?

Are you already signed up? Think you’ll sign up? Or do you just think we’re all crazy? :)

8 comments:

Rachel Firasek said...

I'm signed up and have added you. November is going to be nutty for me. With the revisions for Passion of the Soul in full bloom, I'll be cutting into my nano writing time, but I'm still committed to try. I'm glad you found the writing group and have motivation on that side of the pond. :)

Gale Stanley said...

I think the write in is a great idea. I made my goal last year and I hope to do it again. See ya there buddy.

Stephanie Bisby said...

I've signed up and can't wait to get started. I always love the NaNo challenge. I'm hoping to make time to blog about it as well this time, but we'll see.

Autumn said...

I've signed up for the first time this year! I'm pretty excited. I'm AutumnCro on there. I'll add you.

Anonymous said...

I've participate 2 other years and never made the 50K. It's going to happen this year.

Denise Golinowski said...

Hi Riley! As you already know, I'm doing NaNo, too. Done it about 5 or 6 times. Sounds like you've got a good plan in place and that 50,000 will trip right off your fingers. That's exciting about your writing group and the write-ins! Here's to making goal with time to spare!

Denise Golinowski

Riley Quinn said...

Yay! Lots of you participating this year. Good luck to everyone. I'm sure we can all do it.

Maeve Greyson said...

I'll be cheering all for all of you but this little chicken is going to sit this year out. I've got enough irons in the fire without adding this one. But don't think I won't be watching and hoping all of you make your goals! Best of luck to everyone. :-)

(Chicken Maeve)

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