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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:
chuckading · 03/11/2017 00:04

I'm at 5574 words now and I'm off to bed!

That's brilliant Bigly, I'm a bit of a pantser too. I did a rough outline, but that seems to have gone out the window and all sorts of extra things have happened as I've been writing, I'm loving it. That said I haven't properly read through what I've written so far, so it's highly likely to be rambling crap! Grin

Good luck MrsF hope you reach your target today.

RavenWings · 03/11/2017 00:15

Does anyone here do the sprints? I did one earlier - oh god, it made such a difference! I think that focused, quick burst style really suits me for getting plot legwork done.

BiglyBadgers · 03/11/2017 08:16

Yay! Well done us. I'm glad you are feeling happier about if Charming

I haven't done any of the organised sprints Raven as they seem to have them at times I just can't manage. However, I have arranged to meet up with a couple of other people in my area who are doing it today, so hoping that will motivate and maybe make some new writing buddies. Grin

TheDistantSky · 03/11/2017 09:07

I’ve hit the 10k mark, mainly through going to coffee shop next to school an hour or so early...I need to keep typing so it looks like I’m actually doing something Wink

Would love to do a write in or meet up but the nearest ones to me are miles away and only on Saturday when I have the kids.

I’m definitely more of a planner; need to actually sort my structure for the rest of it...

IHateYourCarpet · 03/11/2017 09:45

Ohhhh :)

I'm so glad to hear everyone is getting on so well!

I've just hit the 10k mark. It makes 50k seem so much more achievable! Have a fantastic day of writing everyone.

BiglyBadgers · 03/11/2017 09:55

distantSky. There weren't any near me that I could make either, so I went on the regional forum and found some people who lived or worked closer and we we have arranged a little meet up between us. Maybe worth a try?

RavenWings · 03/11/2017 14:37

@bigly - oh I don't do organised ones, I just do the ones in the forums - a 10/30 minute challenge when you say when you'll write and then post your total words after. It's so helpful!

JosBoys · 03/11/2017 16:38

Oh, can I join? It's my first year trying NaNoWriMo. I've ended up writing character background most of today so don't know if I can put that towards my word count or not. I'm guessing not Sad

IHateYourCarpet · 03/11/2017 17:12

JosBoys I'm sure you can use it somewhere! It's a fab thing to be able to look at if you suddenly get a bit stuck, and it's a great way to get to know your characters. Or would it make good material for a flashback at a later point in the story?

JosBoys · 03/11/2017 17:30

Actually you're right, I can probably use some of it in descriptive scenes or flashbacks. Smile
Does anyone use writing software packages? I've been trying to decide if I need one or not.

BiglyBadgers · 03/11/2017 17:47

Hello JosBoys. I just use Google docs, but am basically a pantser and just can't do chapter by chapter planning or extensive character backgrounds, so don't really get the most out of packages like Scrivener. I like the fact Google docs syncs with everything and is available on any devices anywhere. I tend to be sneaking in bits of writing while waiting for trains or between lectures, so being able to write on phone and tablet is really important for me.

I had a really nice meet up with a fellow NaNo writer this afternoon. Was great to have someone in person to freak out a bit with and we both like the same genres so she could get my crazy plot issues. I'm trying to set up another one for next week and hopefully get some more people along.

TheCountessofFitzdotterel · 03/11/2017 20:45

Ime the software doesn't matter for the first draft, it's the subsequent ones where something like Scrivener comes into its own. Scrivener usually has a special offer for NaNoWriMo winners so afterwards is quite a good time to think about it rather than during.

MrsFionaCharming · 04/11/2017 00:00

It didn’t feel like A good one for me today, but when I updated my stats I realised I’d actually done almost 1,500 words, which isn’t too shabby for an hours work.

I’m working tomorrow, then off on Sunday and Monday so hoping to look at doing some word sprints then.

Witchend · 04/11/2017 17:38

Gone over 10 000, not sure I'm happy with the content though. Never mind the dc are clamouring to read it! They're not a very critical audience. Grin

BiglyBadgers · 04/11/2017 17:58

Well done Witch! Star

I was hoping to hit the 10k today, but I am feeling really cold ridden and yuck. Writing is like wading through treacle and taking forever to get anywhere! Blurgh...

MrsFionaCharming · 04/11/2017 18:25

Nice job Witch!

I’m hoping to hit 10,000 tonight. I spent all day at work day dreaming up new scene ideas.

JosBoys · 04/11/2017 18:27

I was at a writing workshop today which was fab but I didn't write anything towards my novel.
Countess that's interesting to know about Scrivener being better for later drafts and that there are deals at the end of NaNoWriMo. I've read lots of conflicting reviews about Scrivener. Is it not as difficult to use as some suggest?

annandale · 04/11/2017 18:47

Up at 6,900 words, enjoying myself.

TheCountessofFitzdotterel · 04/11/2017 19:03

I don't find Scrivener difficult but it's not completely intuitive and you do have to do a bit of work to get to know how it works.

BiglyBadgers · 04/11/2017 19:18

Yay! I made it to 10k. Phew... Grin

Jomaco · 04/11/2017 20:38

I'm only at 4000, been shattered after work. I've got a quieter week next week though so hoping I can do some catching up. I normally start of strong before struggling in the middle and rushing the end, so this isn't a great start for me.
Well done everyone else you're all doing great.

SmilingButClueless · 04/11/2017 23:10

First year of trying to do this, and already feeling a bit intimidated by the amount that other people seem to have written! I'm only on about 4,000 words, as there have been a couple of days when I haven't had time to write. Hoping to get back on track over the next couple of days.

annandale · 04/11/2017 23:31

I'm still only typing up past stuff smiling and it's taking quite a while anyway. But all the stuff I am typing up came from quite a long period when I was writing 200 words a day. I am not sure how much it is - at least 10000 words. Point is if you are writing every day then even if it's a small amount and it takes a long time, you will get there.

RavenWings · 04/11/2017 23:46

It's a marathon, not a sprint Smiling - I see people on the nano forums with 20k plus, and I have just over 8k. But my life might be very different to theirs, they might have spent much longer planning in their book (or maybe they just have a much quicker writing pace).

Doesn't really matter in the end, all that matters is you are writing an amount that suits you!

Witchend · 05/11/2017 00:02

Smiling I work Monday to Thursday so know I will get very little time to work over those days, so I knew if I'm going to get it done then I need to be ahead at this point.