It wasn’t my idea, it really wasn’t, but I’m doing it anyway… NaNoWriMo that is. Ever heard of it? 50,000 words written in one month--November. My good friend and Critiki member, Heather Clark, said she was doing it and asked if anyone wanted to join in. My first reaction? No way Jose! I don’t have the time or the motivation to write a whole novel in one month, especially November. Who was the crazy person that set it during the busiest time of year? Second reaction? Well, maybe it would help me get this story I’ve been thinking about out of my head. Heck, why not?
I still didn’t want to say the words, to commit to it, but the question was looming. If you know anything about me, once I make a decision there’s no going back, you can count on me. This storyin has to be written, I might as well do it quick, so I said the words, “I’ll do it!” So there you have it, I am doing NaNoWriMo.
For two weeks I’ve been focusing on outlining, brainstorming characters and relationships, getting down to minor details, and prepping for this major goal. I have never written anything close to this many words in such a short period of time, but my heart is in it. I feel prepared and now I’m just itching for tomorrow morning to start the first scene of this novel or perhaps the third chapter, which brings me to my point.
The thing that has helped me the most with this huge goal is remembering that I need to be flexible. I can allow myself to write badly, as long as the concept is on the page. This book is not going to be perfect when I get to the end. The language will not be consistent from start to finish. The character’s voices won’t be completely defined. It’s basically brainstorming on paper, but it WILL BE ON PAPER. I may make changes to characters or settings as I write, but I will continue to write and mark with an asterisk things that change. If I need to brainstorm more or find something better to fill a scene, I will mark it with a comment and plow forward to the end. Of course having a great support system helps. That’s where my husband, crock pot, washing machine, and critique group come in.
This isn’t my first time shooting for a big goal. When working for a promotion in Mary Kay I knew it would take more focused work to get to where I wanted to be, but it was always for a short time. “Short term sacrifice for a long term gain.” Big goals push us, they motivate us, and they can be the very things that turn our careers around. So I’m doing it! Will you join me? Nanowrimo starts tomorrow morning! I’d love to be your buddy, look me up: janelley33.
