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Original poster

NaNoWriMo - what's it all about?

471 replies

Twine88 · 29/09/2016 13:55

I know roughly the idea behind it, but I wondered if anyone had actually taken part and had any thoughts to share?

My novel is already in excess of the 50k but, is still all over the place and needs much editing.

Any thoughts appreciated, even if you considered it and decided no.

OP posts:
MissBattleaxe · 29/09/2016 15:00

I haven't taken part but I guess it's a bit like doing 10,000 steps a day only for writers.

I actually think writing a whole novel in a month is a great exercise because it gets your writing muscles working properly and breaks through that barrier where you think "No, it's crap, I won't finish it".

I reckon for every book in a book shop, there's an unfinished novel in a drawer so I guess NANOWriMo is the cure. Sometimes the main obstacle between being a writer and having half a book in a drawer is the inability to finish the bloody book!

schmalex · 29/09/2016 19:25

I did it for the first time last year. I write for kids so 50k is about right for me. I planned beforehand though. It is well worth doing - if only to prove to yourself just how much you can write if you get down to it! I did something like 3 fifteen minute blasts a day, with a timer app called Write or Die. It's surprisingly easy to write 500 words in 15 or 20 mins when you have to! I couldn't write at that pace all year round though, not until the kids are at school anyway.

Original poster
Twine88 · 29/09/2016 22:08

Thank you both. I thought about it last year and decided against it. Might try it this year. I fell short of this months target by about 10k. My motivation is lacking, despite the fact that when I get to it I see improvement.

I might try that timer app. I certainly need the pressure!

Will read up more on NaNo.

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Youarenotprepared · 29/09/2016 22:37

I bailed last year but I'm still in the groups and registered on the site. I'm hoping to do it this year.

schmalex · 30/09/2016 06:12

I bailed about 5 yrs in a row before I finally did it!
I find the trick is to make sure you keep up or even get ahead early on.if you miss a day it is very hard to get back on track.
They do run group sessions in a lot of locations, although I haven't tried that.

TheCountessofFitzdotterel · 30/09/2016 09:19

I have NaNoed successfully twice and would heartily recommend it. It's fun to be part of a community working to the same deadline.

JesusDontWantMeForASunbeam · 30/09/2016 12:23

I think I'm going to give it a go this year. I haven't had time before but I'm a SAHM now and the youngest is at preschool 2.5 days a week.

Original poster
Twine88 · 30/09/2016 12:59

I have three school days a week completely child free, so I really should get on. I am going to sign up. Thanks for all the feedback!

OP posts:
schmalex · 01/10/2016 07:06

You're tempting me to do it again this year!

Doublemint · 01/10/2016 07:27

Ooh just had a look, does it run every month or just November?

TheCountessofFitzdotterel · 01/10/2016 08:03

Just November.

Doublemint · 01/10/2016 09:23

Ok! Going to do it!

Diamonddealeroncemore · 01/10/2016 11:57

I tried last year but was still working full time and didn't plan properly but I'm defo going for it this year as I'm at home full time. I've got a new book I'm just starting on so it would be great to break the back of it.

Although I'm moving house in November which isn't going to help matters.

Original poster
Twine88 · 01/10/2016 13:52

Great to see others going for it! I registered yesterday and I think now we are in October more info will be on the site. I am hoping to do a bit. More writing this month and then some planning for next month.

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Doublemint · 02/10/2016 22:56

I've registered this evening and written a very very draft- ey synopsis.

Now just got to start writing the bugger.

Original poster
Twine88 · 03/10/2016 18:05

Well done Doublemint

I got an email today saying the new site was live, tomorrow I will try and write a synopsis - and actually do some writing. Already behind schedule this month..

OP posts:
Doublemint · 03/10/2016 20:23

Ha! I have no schedule!!!! got to realllly get my bum in gear!

Dunlurking · 09/10/2016 16:08

Delurking to say good luck to those trying it, and thanks to those posting who've expereince it already.

I've been thinking of getting Scrivener and I see they do an extended free trial version for NaNoWriMo participants. Also you get 20% off the cost of Scrivener if you participate and 50% off if you finish your 50, 000 words. Trouble is I've just bought my first Mac and it's all strange - am I taking on too much to try Scrivener AND NaNoWriMo or is this a good way to get immersed in it, or will I be overwhelmed? Any thoughts?

I have a synopsis and plan and the first 5 chapters done but need to just get bum on seat and finish that first draft.

Dunlurking · 09/10/2016 16:09

Sorry should be "experienced"

NotMeredithGrey · 09/10/2016 16:14

I used to do Nano every year until I had kids Confused but as my littlest is now sleeping through the night, I think you have all inspired me to try this year. What are your usernames?

kungfupannda · 10/10/2016 08:14

I'm going to try and do it this year. I've got a novel coming out in June next year, and the publishers have an option on number 2 and like the sound of what I'm doing so far. But...I'm not getting on and writing it. Baby number 3 has caused a bit of a stall in the writing process, obviously, but I really should be getting on with it now.

Dunlurking · 10/10/2016 09:03

I've signed in. I'm in the Lancashire and Cumbria group if anyone else is from this region.....

Going to investigate the Scrivener thing more.....

WinterHoliday · 10/10/2016 13:34

I've done NaNo a few times and would recommend it although I'm probably not going to do it this year - I have too much else going on in November! I know once I see people talking about it on Facebook I'll wish I was doing it so I might change my mind!

I now have a finished novel which I'm trying to get published and I started that during NaNo 2014. I didn't actually get to 50,000 words that year but I did carry on writing it afterwards. A couple of times I have reached 50,000 words but then never looked at it again. The idea is that you get a first draft done during NaNo and then edit it afterwards.

I went to some small write-ins (four or five of us on our laptops in a pub) and they were great fun and a good way to write without distractions at home. One of our group has had books published and they were started during NaNoWriMo (although he was already a writer).

Original poster
Twine88 · 10/10/2016 17:24

I write using the ipad app 'Novel in 30'. Came across it while researching NaNo last year. It lets you set a word count for a set number of days. Its not the most sophisticated app, but it will do me for now.

The next three days are my writing days, during which I hope to catch up on the writing I have not done for the last four days!

NaNo for me will be a continuation of editing my story and filling in all the missing gaps!

So exciting to hear of success via NaNo!

OP posts:
SpaceUnicorn · 11/10/2016 19:21

I've just signed up for the first time. I've been dismissive/scared of it in the past, but this year it's 'calling' me Confused