Today is the 8th day of NaNoWriMo, known as November 8th to most people. So how am I doing?
Better than I ever expected.
I honestly thought that I’d struggle with reaching the 1,667 words each and every day. Based on past experience, I expected that to take me about 2 or 2 1/2 hours. No, more like 1 1/2, which was refreshing.
Plus, except for yesterday (when I didn’t try very hard because I didn’t need to), I exceeded the 1,667 words/day guideline, and a couple of times I even ended up getting into the 4,000+ territory. Saturday after the sleepover I wrote on and off throughout the day, even going to a write-in at a local library. It was great to meet other crazies.
So going into today, my word count is 20,750 (or about 83 pages). I’ve never written that much of anything, and it feels good. At this rate, I’ll reach the 50,000 word goal the weekend before Thanksgiving, but we’ll see about that. Since I realized how easy and enjoyable that writing can be, I decided to aim for 75,000 words, as that’s a more realistic length for my novel, and I’d love a completed first draft at the end of the month.
Another surprise this week has been a couple of plot twists that came. Going into this novel, I knew the introduction and where it will end up, but I didn’t know how my protagonist gets from point A to point B. I’m really surprised at what happened, and how organic it came. Plots and characters really can speak for themselves, and I look forward to seeing what else they have to say.
So, the long and short of this update is that I’m now addicted to fiction writing. Obviously, I’ve loved writing this blog, but though I’ve attempted it before, I never really got into fiction writing. I still have no idea of pursuing it as a career, but I could see myself doing it, and that’s something totally new to me.
Wow, good job!!
Wow, sounds like you’re really making some progress. Are you planning on publishing your novel into some sort of hard cover, or at least an ebook when it’s done?
Well done! I never got anywhere the year I signed up so I can only admire your progress. That’s a lot of words done!
Wow, you are doing phenomenal!
Thanks, everyone! But I’m still on the first week…have a long way to go!
Henway: Going into this competition, I had absolutely no plans to publish. But now that I’m enjoying the story so much, I’m getting attached. How can I *not* let my baby grow up and be her best? I don’t know that I’ll seek formal publication or self-publication, but I’ll likely choose one or the other.
Hey, I appreciate the update. You made me laugh with your statement, “known as November 8th to most people.” :))
I am feeling a little jealous here. I wish I knew how to write. When I was in college I thought it’s something I could try, but I have no idea how to even start. Non-fiction might be an attainable goal for me someday in the far future, but fiction? I just don’t think I have the imagination.
It’s exciting to hear about your progress. I’m rooting for ya.
That’s so awesome! Congratulations on your progress!
Hooray for plot twists coming organically — don’t you love when that happens?! It’s something akin to magic. You had a phenomenal week — just keep chipping away, a little more every day!
I would love to write a novel during NaNoWriMo. Maybe next year… Or I’ll just put it on my next 101 Things List. I’d have to come up with an actual plot though. Care to share what yours is about? :)
That’s so great! It sounds like it really is fun and that you are enjoying it, which is the most important thing! Keep it up :)
Wow, good job on your progress so far! I’ve never tried the NaNoWriMo…it feels too daunting for me. But yay for you!
That’s seriously awesome! I’ve thought about writing for NaNoWriMo for the last two years, but I didn’t think I could follow through. I am very impressed!
That’s incredible! Bravo Ronnica =) I need to try and do this. I have always wanted to write fiction and it seems that giving yourself a daily goal has really helped you do it. Maybe this summer….
Good luck with the next phases of the book!