What have I been up to, you ask? Oh, you didn’t? Well, you could leave me to talk to myself then… or maybe stick around and see if I have something interesting to say. I probably don’t, though. Just some crazy ramblings about stuff and things.
So… where was I?
The first time I did NaNoWriMo was in 2007. 6 years ago. And although that first time didn’t go very well, the ones that followed did. I was finally getting things done, instead of dragging on and on during several months and then never actually finishing everything. I learnt that I worked better on a deadline, or at least with some kind of goal in mind. This system worked for several years… until I got into university.
As many of you know, university is already pressure enough. Besides, in November I always have several projects to develop and finish, so starting a novel during this month is nothing short of crazy. NaNoWriMo has the worst timing, and yet I can’t resist trying it every year, even if my goal isn’t 50k words.
Because, you see, during those months that it actually went well, when I actually had time, I learnt how to work. How to keep writing, how to use the time you have, how to ignore your inner editor (ahah, liar liar pants on fire, I’ll never be able to do that), and I applied all that to writing in general. Not just in November, but over the whole year. I started Sincerely Yours, the Villain in November, didn’t get anywhere near fifty thousand words, but I still finished it eventually. I didn’t give up, even when I thought it was worthy only of fire.
I suppose what I mean is: although NaNo doesn’t work for everyone, or perhaps it does and you just don’t have time, it has the potential to help you get something done. Maybe it’s the deadline, the pressure, the community (and my group of writers is crazy and amazing), but at least for me it was a great way to learn that I could do it.
But that’s the easy part. Now I have to actually write this manuscript. The motivation is there, I just need time. Or a time turner, that would surely help. I have even outlined the book (well, some of it) and I’m usually a pantser! Let’s see how this goes.
Apart from that I have recently been working as an intern for Pooja Menon of Kimberley Cameron & Associates, and it’s been amazing. I’ve had the opportunity to read some great manuscripts, and although I can’t exactly tell you about that, I think I’ll make a post about it in the near future. It has been a very interesting experience.
So good luck to those of you doing NaNo, don’t go insane!