I’ve gone and done something silly. I signed up for NaNoWriMo. I’m going to attempt to write 50,000 words in 30 days. Well, I spent the first three days deliberating over whether I should sign up or not, and figuring out some kind of plot, genre, characters. Yesterday, on the 4th I wrote 1200 words. So only have to write, um, 2000 or so words a day for the rest of the month?! Not sure where I will squeeze in the spare time for this one, but I must say I’m really enjoying it so far. The last time I wrote so many words was over ten years ago. I had a co-author and we wrote for an interactive “choose your own adventure” style learning simulation about debt collection. Since then, blogging has been helpful to practice writing, along with collaborative blogging and writing projects like the Age of Conversation II.
I like the idea of this unpredictable, kamikaze approach to writing 50,000 words of fiction – the aim is quantity not quality, ignoring the inner editor – the very antithesis of my usual style. I decided that I wanted to have FUN doing it. So I’m writing a story in a fantasy genre, or perhaps a bit sci-fi, a bit of an adventure – set in the not too distant future. Girl meets boy. Girl saves the world. Or something like that.
image originally uploaded by Caramelody on Flickr
It’s fun just letting the words spill out, creating a whole new landscape, characters and conversations. It’s a bit like life drawing, with words. So I’m giving myself an hour here or there to just type out whatever comes to mind, loosely wrapped around a plot. It would be nice to think I could finish the whole novel. I’ll be happy if I manage to write half. Either way, I think the creative process is doing me some good.
What kind of creative challenge do you enjoy? Do you join in with collaborative creative projects?
I think the emphasis on fun, getting past the inner critic, getting it written is what makes NaNoWriMo such a success. I’m fascinated to read all the posts about the progress but more importantly about the learning along the way.
Hope you keep having fun!
This has been great for me to just sit down and let the words come out, and worry about editing/revising later. I’m falling a little behind today, but intend to bust the 7,000 word mark tonight! Tomorrow’s going to be a real challenge, but I am determined. Maybe I work well under pressure, or with deadlines looming
Best of luck!
Despite the lovely things that people say about my blog writing, I’m just not a creative in the sense of coming up with something compelling for NaNoWriMo. I’m constantly impressed by those that do have the spark. Good luck – I know that your work will be fantastic.
hi Joanna. Yes I’m trying not to take the writing itself too seriously, otherwise it just won’t happen.
Digital Dame thanks for taking the time to comment. 7,000 words..fantastic. I know what you mean about working well under pressure/deadlines. The more I have on, the more I seem to be able to do!
Hey Andy – I’m sure you could write something creative – just look at your photography and your SL avatar. Next year I hope you have a go. It’s for fun, like Joanna said!