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NaNoWriMo


Well, this will be my first year trying to write 50,000 words in thirty days. This will be a tall order for me because I find it nearly impossible not to edit as I write. This also means I will be outlining (also a tall order for me) the month of October in an attempt not to get to the middle of November and wonder where on earth I was going with the plot.

For those of you who haven't heard of it yet, National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo for short) has run from November 1st to November 30th every year for the past eleven. The goal is to write a novel in thirty days or at least get a damn good start on one. Back in 1999 there were only 21 participants, but this year they expect over 175,000.

And I have to tell you, I'm kind of excited about it. I'm more motivated with a deadline and this is quite a deadline.

I also noticed while browsing the NaNo site that there is a Young Writers Program where kids 17 and under can participate by setting their own word count goal. This sounds like something my aspiring writer daughter might be interested in (plus it might keep her occupied while Mom is writing). She's been working on a great idea for a chapter book, so we'll see.

Now, who's with me? I can use all the support I can get.  Here I am. Won't you join me?

20 comments:

Miranda Hardy said...

I added you as a buddy (DreamyCowgirl). This will be my first year as well.

Megan K. Bickel said...

I'm not a novel writer right now, but I wanted to give you a cheer and say good luck and have fun! Write on!

Miss T said...

I'm almost at the end of my current WiP and then I've got to jump into editing... so I thought I'd give NaNoWriMo a miss! But all the very best to you!

Karen Jones Gowen said...

I'm planning on it, but unofficially. Wishing us all the best!

Melissa said...

I just decided last night that I was going to do it and feel pretty crazy for making this decision! I have so much going on in November anyways but... I`ll have to do it! I`m adding you. (MelissaWideen)

Lisa Potts said...

Thanks for all of the support, ladies, it's very much appreciated!

Christie Wright Wild said...

Any wisdom on PiBoIdMo, or PiBoWriMo? I've searched Google but come up dry.

That's cool about your daughter! Maybe she WILL write a book.

Mia Hayson said...

My first year too! I'm both excited and terrified. But I guess that's part of the fun.

;)

(AmeliaHayson)

Lisa Potts said...

Christie, I haven't seen anything on PiBoIdMo for 2010. I know Paula Yoo handled it in 2009 and she did the NaPiBoWriWee back in May, but I haven't heard a thing going on in November. Sorry.

Mia, that is definitely part of the fun. Kind of like being on a roller coaster at the top of that first big hill.

Su said...

Yay! I'm NaNoWriMo-ing, too. Very exciting!

Laura Pauling said...

Good luck with it!! I've never done Nanowrimo mainly because I have enough motivation and I'd rather take my 3 months then rush it in a month. But I admire those that feel they can do it! Maybe one of these years I'll try.

Carolyn V. said...

Good luck with NaNoWriMo! I'm not doing it this year. I just started my last year of college and will be working on classes (oh, I wish I were done)! I hope you reach the 50,000! =D

PT Dilloway said...

I think you know my thoughts on Nanowrimo already. But good luck to those of you who need it to get motivated.

Faith said...

Yeaaah, join the madness! It's a lot of fun, and do your best to try and connect with a writing group in your area at least once or twice. It's great for meeting new people, and always a crazy time.

As bad as some of my writing is during NaNo, it's kinda freeing not to edit as you write... a good challenge in just getting the words down on paper.

Patricia A. Timms-McGehee said...

Hello! I'm a fellow crusader and I'm also participating in NaNo. Yay! Less than 30 days away!

You can do it!

Lisa Potts said...

Su, what's your author name on Nano?

Laura, I kind of look at it as a good experience at trying not to edit myself.

Carolyn, congrats on all you've accomplished already at college!

RM, yes I know how you feel and I wish I was half as motivated as you are.

Faith, sounds like you've had great experiences in the past with Nano. I'm determined to make this a good experience myself.

Patricia, thanks for stopping by and for the words of encouragement.

Julie Hedlund said...

Lisa,

I truly thought about NaNoWriMo, but decided not to take myself out of the PB momentum just now.

HOWEVER, good for you! Good luck! Can't wait to hear how it goes.

Anonymous said...

Woo! I did NaNo for the first time last year and I had a ton of fun. I emerged from an experience that featured endless cheerleaders on tap, a forum full of people ready to answer every research question, word sprints and in-person write-ins having made new friends and written an entire novel! I can't wait to get started this year. I've added you as a buddy -- I'm Siesta.

Tara Lazar said...

Hi Lisa! I am the host for PiBoIdMo, aka Picture Book Idea Month in November. It's the 30-ideas-in-30-days challenge. Paula Yoo hosts NaPiBoWriWee the first week in May, where picture book writers draft one picture book a day! Paula is my guest blogger on the last day of PiBoIdMo. My blog is taralazar.wordpress.com for those interested in PiBoIdMo.

Good luck with NaNoWriMo!

Lisa Potts said...

Julie, totally understand your position. Thanks for the luck, I'm going to need it.

Amie, I've added you as a buddy too!

Tara, thanks so much for the great information. I will pass it along.

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