Off the bucket list

I'm always amazed at people who actually start to work on a bucket list.  

In 2006 I surprised myself but jumping into Nanowrimo and writing what turned out to be quite the tale of narcissistic drivel.  Still it was like writing a novel and I'd had a taste of what I'd wanted to accomplish.  

Every year since I've pushed myself to not only participate in Nanowrimos but to try and write almost every day.  I've got even more dreams and figure I have to work towards them.  

Lately I've thought about quitting but figure lots of writers must do the same so why not try to keep going just a little bit more?  If nothing else I'm practicing getting my meaning across to others.  

To I feel ready to hit the big time yet?  Far from it.  

Is your writing where you want it to be? 

Race to the finish line for Nanowrimo 2013

I reached 50,000 words November 24, 2013 and was proud of myself.  I was tempted to jump in the air but I'd only cause myself a dissservice. 

My challenge was to reach 50K on the 24th like I had last year.  Next year, if I participate, I will have to reach it on an earlier day.   Mind you next year I'll tell myself it must be by the 24th so I'd best stop this cycle somehow.  

The challenge for me now is to keep writing to the end of November and not just throw my hands up in victory.  I am meeting this challenge so far. 

Remember if you don't write, you won't finish your writing.  Edit next month or after you achieve your goal.      

Have you reached your goal yet?  Even if not for Nano do you have a set writing goal for every day? 

Write the story, finish the race!

Okay down to the count with Nanowrimo and it'll be another win year for me.... yah!  Assuming that I will continue to write the thing tomorrow and don't push delete. 

But don't you ever wish that not only could you get to 50,000 words but that you could actually finish writing a story and not just run the race?  Come up with an actual decent ending and feel good about what you wrote?

Of course a lot of this has to do with editing after Nanowrimo is over but what about the not giving up on your original idea?

I often find I've changed my mind as I write my story and have other ideas I want to pursue but I have to keep typing to get to the end of the thing.  One day after editing perhaps I can actually figure out what I wanted to convey to readers and to myself.  Maybe I'll follow some of those other leads to add depth to my story and write a different story entirely.

Ever wonder where you are going with your story?  Or are you simply tired of the whole thing and just want it done i.e. to be at 50K words and win?  You can win you know.  Keep writing. 

What writing skill?

Some of my friends think I am an incredible writer because I write all the time though sometimes I just feel like I am pushing keys on the keyboard.  Talking heads anyone?

Maybe what is really incredible is that I keep writing no matter what.  I just tell myself I am never blocked and go...  it helps to read over what I wrote the day before because that often gives me ideas to work on.



So I've got the writing down, ie write, write, write, but I've yet to feel successful or even competent as a writer.  I've certainly not been published yet or even tried to self publish anything.
I still do not have confidence in my writing. 

Yet, I keep going hoping that one day things will make sense.

I've got less than 15k words left and wondering where my story is wandering but then I often wonder that.

Don't give up with your writing.
What keeps you writing?

Nanowrimo write with you or not?

Okay this is the tenth day of Nanowrimo and I'm feeling pretty good.  How about everyone else? 

I always manage to hang in there but have set myself a goal to reach 50K by the 24th of November. 

That is the day I hit 50K last year so must repeat or do better. 

 

Write, write, write.  Write with you or not?  

Reading lots to write lots.

I go through periods where I can hardly read fiction books at all.  I'm not sure why but sometimes I just can't get into it like when I used to write during Nanowrimo. 



In the past during Nano  I wouldn't read any fiction as I found myself overly worried about copying the style, words or themes of others.  Now I realize I should just write the book and get on with it and so am able to read whatever I want whenever I want.  Reading helps me want to write even more.

I am reading a lot of YA lately though and throw in some juvenile lit too.  I enjoy them so sue me.  I think people shouldn't forget what is was like to be a kid.



Some great book review sites would include: 

Anita Silvey's Children's Book-A-Day Almanac.  She even goes into the stories behind many books which is great. 

GoodReads where I can read lots of reviews and store my currently read books. 

And never forget Amazon, Barnes and Noble or other online retailers who let customers post reviews. 




I'm past 6k words on my Nano novel now.  How about you? 
What  book review sites do you enjoy? 

How to write lots in one day

I learnt a trick on the Nano forums years ago and still use it to this day.
Well I use it during Nanowrimo and forget it with my writing the rest of the year.

Every hour, on the hour, write at least 500 words.  Do this for as many hours as you can. 

Again during Nano we are looking for quantity and the quality will be edited into the work after Nano is over.

Using this little trick (or is it a technique?)  I am able to get ahead on my first day's writing and even use it on other days as well.  My goal is always to get to 50K words as fast as possible but for me that translates into at least 2k words per day.  More is always better. 

Write, write, write.  I'm right with you. 

Edit: already at 2222 words this morning. 
How is everyone else doing with their writing, Nano or otherwise?  Do you keep to a schedule?

My Top 10 How to Write Fiction Books

I like to read and yes I also like to read about how to write creatively. I've found inspiration and help from reading fiction itself. You can see how authors not only format their stories but how they introduce characters, convey emotion, speed their story pacing.
I mentioned in a previous post how wonderful Chris Baty's book, No Plot? No Problem!, was for inspiring me to finally attempt to write fiction through participating in Nanowrimo.  I will again trip along with another story this November.  
The following are my top ten books about writing that have helped me in the last few years.
Which books have helped or inspired you to write? 

Elements of Fiction Writing - Beginnings, Middles & Ends

Characters, Emotion & Viewpoint: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting Dynamic Characters and Effective Viewpoints

The Elements of Style

Naming the World: And Other Exercises for the Creative Writer

Plot & Structure: (Techniques And Exercises For Crafting A Plot That Grips Readers From Start To Finish)

Elements of Fiction Writing - Scene & Structure

Seize the Story

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers

Writing Fiction For Dummies

Writing Magic: Creating Stories that Fly

How to Write a Nanowrimo Novel

Minimizing distractions when you are writing. 

One of the first things I look at is actually what am I using to write. 

Pen and paper?  Laptop?  Speech to word program? Alphasmart Neo keyboard, thank you. 



I've used my Alphasmart Neo for years and really love it.  Sad to see they will no longer be produced but hopefully mine will last for years.  You can read more about Alphasmarts here and if they sound good to you rush to buy one if you can find one anymore.  I think I'd better pick up an extra Neo myself.  Of course there are similar keyboards but the Alphasmarts are really good. 

The reason I use my Alphasmart is that I have few distractions when using it.  It allows me to type, stores my words and then I can transfer it at some point to my computer.  It is very easy to use and batteries (3 AA's) last forever even when I use my Neo daily.  I'm going on a year right now with the current set of batteries. 

I tend to transfer writing from my Neo to my computer once a week but during Nano I may transfer more often depending on how impressed I am by the marvellous story I am writing. 

Lots of people use various software programs to minimize distractions as well.  Such programs help you focus on the story which is what Nanowrimo is all about. 

Figure out what works for you to minimize distractions and type, type, type.
We will worry about editing another month and NOT in November. 

Unleash Your Inner Book with Nanowrimo 2013

Time for Nano!  Time for Nano!
Sure that's what we'll all jump up and down for as we spring towards the beginning of another November of frantic writing.
Here's a great introduction to it...

Nanowrimo in 3 Minutes

Why do I participate?  Maybe it's just to fill up the month or maybe, just maybe, there is a tiny part of me and thinks I'll score with an idea one day.  Sure I'd like to sell a book or two but my problem is actually allowing anyone else to read what I produce.

One other problem but you mustn't think about till after Nanowrimo is over.

Even though I've taken a few of Holly Lisle's great courses I've yet to actually edit *read edit properly* one of my novels and I've participated in Nanowrimo since 2006.  I've even written other novels outside of Nano as well but let's just say I've yet to push my lazy butt to prepare any of them for release.

So another Nano year?  Bring it.

Chris Baty's book was a lifesaver at the start and I recommend you rush to buy it.. or not. Yes, this is an affiliate link but it's a book that greatly helped me.