Then this year, BAM. I'm doing it. Characters are coming to life. Relationships are being developed. Hints are being dropped about what comes next, because I'm pretty sure there will be a "next".
What's Different?
- It would be disingenuous of me not to acknowledge the biggest change: the last two years, I was working at a job that I loved (a lot of the time) but which left me exhausted, frequently frustrated, and with stacks of planning and grading during my nights and weekends. Now I stay home and cook and clean and write. HOWEVER. I think that if I were to go back to work tomorrow, I would make this work because of the rest of the bullets on this list.
- I've developed a truly awesome network of fellow writers who I've met through blogging. Not only are you guys an amazing support system, I've also learned SO MUCH about craft from you. Talking about the books we love (and don't love) has been a perfect foundational course in storytelling. All the posts I've read about specific elements of craft have been like advanced electives. And beta-reading two fabulous manuscripts? I felt like an undergrad being allowed to sit in on a graduate-level course and occasionally finding something pithy to add to the conversation. Mostly, though, I just enjoyed the chance to watch people who were way ahead of me work. Now as I go, I can see things that I'll need to go back and fix that I would have never seen before. Which leads to...
- Freedom to suck! A cornerstone of NaNo, I didn't totally get this one until this year. I was still in the novice writer position of vaguely thinking, "Yeah, I'll fix this up later," but not knowing how I would make it actually any better. After a year+ of talking and thinking about craft, I'm actually elated when I type something and think, "oh, that needs XYZ," because it's a specific note. I do NOT stop to fix it, but sometimes I change the font color to remind myself to come back for it. It's exciting that I can see specific revisions I know I'll need, and it's exciting that I can skip over them for now.
- Last but not least, I've found Write or Die to be absolutely invaluable. Since I'm not writing weekends, I need to get through 2500 words a day to finish on time (with half-days for travel and holidays.) I know that I am the kind of person who, if I give myself a break one day, I will fall right off the wagon and never finish. But 2500 words is a daunting number. And sometimes I leave off right before a problem I don't know how to solve, which tends to lead to a morning of playing Plants Vs. Zombies, watching The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, and my second-viewing-in-four-months of all of Friday Night Lights. But when I use Write or Die, I really, truly just have to throw words on the page. Why? I set it to kamikaze mode, which actually starts to delete your words if you don't meet your word goal in the number of minutes you set it for. You can set your own goals; I like to do smaller chunks, but today was a mega-unproductive day until late afternoon, so I managed 1000 words in just under half an hour. When you realize you're about to lose words, it really makes them flow more freely.
In short: time is good, but even if you're short on time, I think you can do this. Having a network of brilliant and awesome writer friends makes everything a million times better. Let yourself breeze past the things you don't like; you'll come back for them. Really. And short, timed blasts can really add to your word count quickly.
How are you getting through your NaNo? Or, if you're not, how do you tackle big scary tasks?
Having the time to write is a huge factor, but finding a story that finally "clicks" is the biggest thing of all. I like what you've said here about learning the craft of writing from others. Definitely part of the reason I decided it was high time to dive into the writing community (rather than siphoning tidbits from Jaime's brain all the time lol).
ReplyDeleteAnd those boys from Friday Night Lights are such a distraction. This past spring/summer, while I was writing my WIP, my husband and I watched FNL from start to finish. So hard to switch gears from Matt Saracen to writing sci-fi!
My story is definitely more boy-heavy because of FNL (although my very favorite character is actually Tyra!) We watched it this summer too, while we were packing up all our stuff. I like to have a show on while I do housework, but it has to be something I've seen...and I missed them :)
DeleteI'm so excited for you, Jess! The 10K mark feels huge for me too, like maybe this story could be a real book someday. And I love what you said about the freedom to suck. The perfectionist in me wants to edit everything NOW, but deep down I know that won't be helpful in the long run. I'm making peace with the fact that parts of this NaNo project I'm working on will suck (maybe even A LOT of the parts!), but getting it all down will help me shape the story later.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, fantastic job sticking out NaNo and your story thus far. I'm so proud of you! (And yay for supportive writing friends!)
Isn't that an awesome feeling? Yeah, this totally could be a book! (Or, for me, I'm even ok if this is just the book I practice on. I still have a ton to learn about writing and revisions and all of everything, but actually getting something written is the prereq for all of that!)
DeleteKeep writing--don't let that perfectionist out yet (but if she insists, inserting comments/notes or changing font color is a good way to pacify her for the time being.) Remember, in NaNo, you get credit for all your words, even the ones you're going to slash and burn later. That's what makes it so much fun :)
You are doing awesome, Jess! I know exactly what you mean about giving yourself a day off and then falling off the wagon. That's me right now. I'm hoping that tomorrow afternoon (after I query a few agents) will be more productive for me. I'm really struggling with this notion of allowing it to suck. My inner editor is screaming bloody murder in my head right now, and I've been caving miserably. I know I can make up the lead I lost by slacking over the past couple of days. I just need to push myself like you have been. Though, I'm not sure I could handle having my words disappear before my very eyes. O_o
ReplyDeleteAs for the awesome network of writer friends, I couldn't agree more. I've learned so much and been encouraged just as much by a special group of people. And just so you know, I was beyond thrilled when you agreed to read my story. :) Thanks again for doing that, by the way. I know it will be loads better just by having your eyes on it!
I can imagine it's tough to dive into a new project when you're at such an exciting stage with the older one! You'll get there. I know you've been wanting to get to ONLY ANNIE for a long time, so I'm confident you'll find your rhythm with it!
DeleteI am so excited for you! :) Write or Die is one of those tools I keep meaning to try, but it intimidates me a bit.
ReplyDeleteYou can always start on a different mode, at least while you get a sense of how fast you can write. There's one setting that just gives you a reminder to keep writing, and another that plays a loud sound until you get back on track. Play around with it--it's pretty customizable.
DeleteYay, Jess! You know that I sometimes feel having a lot of things on my plate and being super duper busy at work is a great incentive to write. And I admire those who - also having a busy schedule from home - sit their butt down and write :D
ReplyDeleteI can´t wait to read your story!
And your feedback on my story has been invaluable....So thank you again!!! :D
Thanks! I definitely spend too much of my day on timewasters, putting off butt-in-seat time, but I've drawn up a schedule for this coming week so hopefully I will use my time better (the writing got done this week but boy howdy, the housework sure didn't!)
DeleteI agree about needing a good group of writer friends. My writer friends keep me sane and motivate me. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat job on your progress!
It's amazing how well that works! How was the move?
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