So, I wrote this epic post the other week about why I'm not doing NaNo, and all that jazz. And I'm still not. Not really.
I mean, I'm not OFFICIALLY doing it, not on the site or anything, because it doesn't work for me and I know I can write a draft and I don't want this to be a draft I cast aside. But.... I am working on something new. So I am unofficially doing my own version of NaNo. If I write at least 500 words of this day I will be happy. I am still editing another story, and I just unearthed another half finished draft I really want to finish, so I don't know if I'll prioritise this new project yet. The plot is still a little muddled too! But hopefully it'll begin to make sense soon.
BUT so far it is going well. And it's good to be writing something new, even if I am still working out many of the details.
I've slowed down in the last few days, but picking it up again now, and it's going well again.
How is NaNo going for everyone? Are you all still plugging away with it?
Showing posts with label NaNoWriMo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NaNoWriMo. Show all posts
Tuesday, 11 November 2014
Friday, 24 October 2014
Why NaNo is great... but why I'm not doing it.
I wrote last year about the many reasons why I wasn't doing NaNo then and why it didn't work for me anymore. Those points still stand for this year. But as it's once again October and everyone starts talking about it again, I thought that I would expand on that post slightly, and write again about why I'm not NaNoing, but why I think it's a very useful exercise to do.
The thing about NaNo is that it is great for both getting first drafts down (and first drafts only), first time writers, and people who just want to write something once a year. It is a great motivation - I find that the deadline fear pushes me on, and it is a great tool to get you writing every day. After doing NaNo for seven years, the routine and feeling that you must write something every day (not necessarily 1667 words but something) has stuck with me and proved to be an important part of motivating me. I like to write something every day, and thanks to NaNo I do.
The other great thing about NaNo is that it proves to you that you CAN do it. That it is possible to write a draft of a novel. It is a great way to finish something and realise that you can do it. Rather than just starting things all the time and never finishing. I remember when I first did it, when I was seventeen (I think?), the realisation that I could finish something that was a story, a complete story, "a novel" and not a fanfic story (because I made a rule to myself never to write fanfic for NaNo) was a revelation. I didn't have to keep thinking one day, because it happened, and it was marvellous. I am always thankful to one of my school friends for telling me about NaNo - it changed the way I thought about writing!
However, I'm working on so many different things at the moment that I don't see the point of committing, and I do not think that I have ever seriously gone back to a NaNo project and edited it. And for that reason it seems like a futile exercise.
Reasons NaNo IS a good thing to do:
1. for first time writers,
2. for getting words down on the page,
3. for getting into a routine,
4. FOR FINISHING something,
5. and for knowing that YOU can do it.
Things to remember about NaNo:
1. It produces a first draft. Not a novel. It doesn't have to be perfect. It won't be perfect.
2. Don't send your draft to agents/publishers, it will need a lot of work.
3. Put it away after it's over for a while.
4. Don't worry about perfection or plans or what you're writing. Just write because you want to and you love the story.
5. It doesn't work for everyone.
6. Enjoy it!
Who's doing NaNo this year? Any thoughts/tips to add?
The thing about NaNo is that it is great for both getting first drafts down (and first drafts only), first time writers, and people who just want to write something once a year. It is a great motivation - I find that the deadline fear pushes me on, and it is a great tool to get you writing every day. After doing NaNo for seven years, the routine and feeling that you must write something every day (not necessarily 1667 words but something) has stuck with me and proved to be an important part of motivating me. I like to write something every day, and thanks to NaNo I do.
The other great thing about NaNo is that it proves to you that you CAN do it. That it is possible to write a draft of a novel. It is a great way to finish something and realise that you can do it. Rather than just starting things all the time and never finishing. I remember when I first did it, when I was seventeen (I think?), the realisation that I could finish something that was a story, a complete story, "a novel" and not a fanfic story (because I made a rule to myself never to write fanfic for NaNo) was a revelation. I didn't have to keep thinking one day, because it happened, and it was marvellous. I am always thankful to one of my school friends for telling me about NaNo - it changed the way I thought about writing!
However, I'm working on so many different things at the moment that I don't see the point of committing, and I do not think that I have ever seriously gone back to a NaNo project and edited it. And for that reason it seems like a futile exercise.
Reasons NaNo IS a good thing to do:
1. for first time writers,
2. for getting words down on the page,
3. for getting into a routine,
4. FOR FINISHING something,
5. and for knowing that YOU can do it.
Things to remember about NaNo:
1. It produces a first draft. Not a novel. It doesn't have to be perfect. It won't be perfect.
2. Don't send your draft to agents/publishers, it will need a lot of work.
3. Put it away after it's over for a while.
4. Don't worry about perfection or plans or what you're writing. Just write because you want to and you love the story.
5. It doesn't work for everyone.
6. Enjoy it!
Who's doing NaNo this year? Any thoughts/tips to add?
Friday, 1 November 2013
On Not Doing NaNoWriMo
Hey, so for the first time in eight years November isn't all about doing NaNo. And weirdly, it doesn't feel strange. All the talk about it on twitter and facebook is kinda strange, but I haven't felt any sort of twinge of regret at not doing it. I am so entrenched in other projects and with so much else on, I haven't even had a chance to think about it. September and October are normally full of it, but I haven't even visited the website. What is this? What has happened to me?
It's strange. Like a release from something I was obliged (?) to do before. But this year I'm doing it in my own way. I'm half way through one project, so I'm going to try and finish that, and then I might start something new. And this is better for me. I won't be racing to hit 50,000 words, but I will be writing. And this is the best way for me. There's all the excitement, the huge integrated network of people joining together just to WRITE (which is amazing. I love it). And I can still have the fun of that - I even did care packages with one of my good friends, because that's what we always do. So not much has changed. And it's a bit of a relief really. If there had been something I was itching to write and I had finished my current project, I might have gone for it, but no.
It's still weird though. It doesn't really feel like November yet. But at the same time, I don't feel like I'm missing out. Not yet anyway. I'm still writing anyway. And I've done this thing seven times!
NaNo, I am so over you. (I'll be back next year probably).
Everyone who IS doing NaNo this year GOOD LUCK!
It's strange. Like a release from something I was obliged (?) to do before. But this year I'm doing it in my own way. I'm half way through one project, so I'm going to try and finish that, and then I might start something new. And this is better for me. I won't be racing to hit 50,000 words, but I will be writing. And this is the best way for me. There's all the excitement, the huge integrated network of people joining together just to WRITE (which is amazing. I love it). And I can still have the fun of that - I even did care packages with one of my good friends, because that's what we always do. So not much has changed. And it's a bit of a relief really. If there had been something I was itching to write and I had finished my current project, I might have gone for it, but no.
It's still weird though. It doesn't really feel like November yet. But at the same time, I don't feel like I'm missing out. Not yet anyway. I'm still writing anyway. And I've done this thing seven times!
NaNo, I am so over you. (I'll be back next year probably).
Everyone who IS doing NaNo this year GOOD LUCK!
Thursday, 10 October 2013
Why I will not be taking part in NaNoWriMo this year
It's that time of year. If you know me, you will know that I have taken part in NaNo for the last seven years (yes I had to check that, just to make sure, because wow - really?!). THe emails are being sent out, everywhere around hte interwebs there are people announcing what they are writing, and whether they are winging it or planning it. But this year I am not going to take part.
Why?
I'm not entirely sure, but I'll try to explain. I mean, I have done this for SEVEN years. I owe a lot to NaNo and I think it's FANTASTIC. I still think it's fantastic. Without it, I probably would still be writing fanfic or starting projects that I never finish. True, I probably would have eventually got round to writing a novel and finishing it., but probably not so soon - I wouldn't have proved to myself that I could do it. I could write that many words. It taught me a lot - about plotting and the need for a routine and writing everyday, and just getting the words down - and about first drafts and the way that anything goes. Editing comes later - the important thing is to get the words down. And I write all of my fiction like that. Get the words down and then go back to edit. It taught me a lot. It's been important to me - it's magical. The challenge and the community and just the writing that 1667 words every day has always thrilled me. I've met lovely people too through it and I have many fond memories of NaNo and the forums and the community. The thrill of those first 2,000 words, breaking through the second week barrier, and updating word counts, hitting half way, and then finally clicking validate novel at the end with hours or days to spare.
So I owe a lot to NaNo. It's something that draws me back every year- last year I didn't even mean to do it, but come mid October with all my friends prepping for it, I did it.
Yet, it doesn't feel right this year. I mean I'm editing one novel, and am half way through other projects that I want to focus on, and I don't want to drop it all to write something else that, I'll be honest, I won't edit and won't do anything with. I haven't really done anything with the projects I've written in the last few years - I've had good intentions to do so, but I've always focused on other projects throughout the rest of the year and not gone back to them. Which just seems a waste. I mean, if I had some burning ideas to write and nothing else on the go, I probably would do it. But I'm always so fed up with the story at the end, and it just doesn't seem worth it so much anymore. So I'm taking a break from it this year.
(Of course I may be retracting this statement on the 31st October at 11.58pm or something).
Also - I just saw a post about 'PiBoIdMo' - Picture Book Idea Month.... I might try this out instead as something different! Find out more here.
Why?
I'm not entirely sure, but I'll try to explain. I mean, I have done this for SEVEN years. I owe a lot to NaNo and I think it's FANTASTIC. I still think it's fantastic. Without it, I probably would still be writing fanfic or starting projects that I never finish. True, I probably would have eventually got round to writing a novel and finishing it., but probably not so soon - I wouldn't have proved to myself that I could do it. I could write that many words. It taught me a lot - about plotting and the need for a routine and writing everyday, and just getting the words down - and about first drafts and the way that anything goes. Editing comes later - the important thing is to get the words down. And I write all of my fiction like that. Get the words down and then go back to edit. It taught me a lot. It's been important to me - it's magical. The challenge and the community and just the writing that 1667 words every day has always thrilled me. I've met lovely people too through it and I have many fond memories of NaNo and the forums and the community. The thrill of those first 2,000 words, breaking through the second week barrier, and updating word counts, hitting half way, and then finally clicking validate novel at the end with hours or days to spare.
So I owe a lot to NaNo. It's something that draws me back every year- last year I didn't even mean to do it, but come mid October with all my friends prepping for it, I did it.
Yet, it doesn't feel right this year. I mean I'm editing one novel, and am half way through other projects that I want to focus on, and I don't want to drop it all to write something else that, I'll be honest, I won't edit and won't do anything with. I haven't really done anything with the projects I've written in the last few years - I've had good intentions to do so, but I've always focused on other projects throughout the rest of the year and not gone back to them. Which just seems a waste. I mean, if I had some burning ideas to write and nothing else on the go, I probably would do it. But I'm always so fed up with the story at the end, and it just doesn't seem worth it so much anymore. So I'm taking a break from it this year.
(Of course I may be retracting this statement on the 31st October at 11.58pm or something).
Also - I just saw a post about 'PiBoIdMo' - Picture Book Idea Month.... I might try this out instead as something different! Find out more here.
Tuesday, 27 November 2012
Post NaNo: Other Projects and Editing
Post NaNo now, and glad but also sad to be away from that story. I mean it's weird not to have it open all the time anymore and I do feel like I suddenly have tonnes more time on my hands. Which means I'm back to the story I was working on before and have been editing for ages now, on and off. Even started redrafting query letters today, something I started a few months ago, before NaNo etc happened. That's kind of terrifying in itself. Feeling my way through that one.
Looking over the story (my children's story, and the one I'm back to focusing the most on now that NaNo is over) again, and at that point where I think if I read these chapters and these words again, I might... well, I'm at that point where I can't see anything wrong with it anymore, although I know there is much that is still wrong.Argh. So frustrating. Guess I need to try and find someone to have a look for me sometime!
The familiar panic is rising though - what do I work on? I want to work on this, but I can't spend all my time doing it, and then there's the other project I typed up before NaNo and am eager to get editing - although I'm making myself wait until at least December. I dont' want to burn out. Too much. And so I keep skipping around, looking at one thing and then another, unable to settle. Typical!
In other news, Christmas is coming! I made mince pies with a friend on Sunday which was very exciting, and today we settled down to Love Actually and The Holiday, which made us even more festive.
Looking over the story (my children's story, and the one I'm back to focusing the most on now that NaNo is over) again, and at that point where I think if I read these chapters and these words again, I might... well, I'm at that point where I can't see anything wrong with it anymore, although I know there is much that is still wrong.Argh. So frustrating. Guess I need to try and find someone to have a look for me sometime!
The familiar panic is rising though - what do I work on? I want to work on this, but I can't spend all my time doing it, and then there's the other project I typed up before NaNo and am eager to get editing - although I'm making myself wait until at least December. I dont' want to burn out. Too much. And so I keep skipping around, looking at one thing and then another, unable to settle. Typical!
In other news, Christmas is coming! I made mince pies with a friend on Sunday which was very exciting, and today we settled down to Love Actually and The Holiday, which made us even more festive.
Monday, 26 November 2012
The end of November approaches...
Hit 60k yesterday with my NaNo novel which I am elated with. My 70k goal disappeared a little while ago, because somehow I seem to have run out of story and I physically can't type much more - my hands keep hurting and I think this is a sign to have a rest! 60k is more than I have ever done on a NaNo novel before in November so I am very happy with that and relieved to have got there - and early too. I am very surprised at myself!
As always coming to the end of NaNo is both sad and a relief. I love the experience and everything, and just writing a story every day, but this year in particular, I have realised there are other things I want to be working on/editing, and lots of poetry to do that it is has been a little tough and I think my hands are screaming out to me. Or maybe that's just the cold and rain. That's what I'm telling myself, haha! It has been a good experience though to aim for more words and I am glad I did, because it shows me I can, but I am looking forward to leaving this story be, and get on with some editing of another project I am really excited about and can't wait to work on. In a few days.... I'll take a few days off, focus on some poetry (or at least I'll try, I'm not very good at leaving things be) but I do have poetry stuff to do.
On another note I would like to say that we've posted the first writing prompt over on the Shine forums which I would love for you all to get involved in! Go check it out here.
Under a month until Christmas too - that is a scary thought. So much to do before then! And under three weeks until the end of this term, how did it go so quickly?
How is the end of NaNo looking for everyone this year?
As always coming to the end of NaNo is both sad and a relief. I love the experience and everything, and just writing a story every day, but this year in particular, I have realised there are other things I want to be working on/editing, and lots of poetry to do that it is has been a little tough and I think my hands are screaming out to me. Or maybe that's just the cold and rain. That's what I'm telling myself, haha! It has been a good experience though to aim for more words and I am glad I did, because it shows me I can, but I am looking forward to leaving this story be, and get on with some editing of another project I am really excited about and can't wait to work on. In a few days.... I'll take a few days off, focus on some poetry (or at least I'll try, I'm not very good at leaving things be) but I do have poetry stuff to do.
On another note I would like to say that we've posted the first writing prompt over on the Shine forums which I would love for you all to get involved in! Go check it out here.
Under a month until Christmas too - that is a scary thought. So much to do before then! And under three weeks until the end of this term, how did it go so quickly?
How is the end of NaNo looking for everyone this year?
Wednesday, 21 November 2012
50k!
I hit 50k the other day, yay! Very happy with that, but also kind of stunned. I don't think I ever hit it this early before. I'm still ploughing on, although I think I may be going for more like 60k now rather than 70k, but it will still be more than my usual giving up about one hundred words after 50k, so that's good right? I still have chapters planned so I want to get them done.
Hope NaNo is going well for everyone else still.
In other news we've started a blog over at Shine, go check it out!
I also wanted to post a link to this, which I saw on twitter the other day. It's really cool to see how another writer uses their notebook, and I love Lani Taylor and Daughter of Smoke and Bone, so I really enjoyed reading that, and found her tips really interesting. So go check it out and get inspired.
Hope NaNo is going well for everyone else still.
In other news we've started a blog over at Shine, go check it out!
I also wanted to post a link to this, which I saw on twitter the other day. It's really cool to see how another writer uses their notebook, and I love Lani Taylor and Daughter of Smoke and Bone, so I really enjoyed reading that, and found her tips really interesting. So go check it out and get inspired.
Sunday, 18 November 2012
NaNo Update
NaNo is going well. On 46k, so nearly at 50k! Earliest I think that I've ever got there (not that I've got there yet). I guess that's because I'm aiming for more, and I will keep on going until the end of the month and see where I get to. It's all rather exciting. Although my chapter plan is letting me down a bit and I keep getting frustrated with it. You know how you plan stuff out and think it will be enough to fill the chapter and realise that it's really not, so you start well, blabbing... and my goodness, really you have nothing to say and you're let by your planning which you think is so thorough. Yeah, so I've been dealing with that and trying to fill words and it's been up and down. But hopefully it's on the up now.
Last weekend I was kinda low, which was horrible and I couldn't really do anything except sit and be sad and cry and watch Gilmore Girls (which I'm now addicted to) and eat lots of biscuits. Monday morning I suddenly had tonnes of energy, which was very scary and lots of creative energy, so this week has been full of ideas and productivity (sort of) and it's been good. Hopefully I'll stay on this high, because that would be nice. I hate the lows, especially ones like that. It was scary.
Anyway, off to do some writing, hopefully get to 50k, write some poetry, do some reading, some other writing and planning and art and exciting things. I hope. In reality it'll probably be youtube videos and scrolling through tumblr but I may surprise myself....
Hope NaNo is going well for everyone else!
Last weekend I was kinda low, which was horrible and I couldn't really do anything except sit and be sad and cry and watch Gilmore Girls (which I'm now addicted to) and eat lots of biscuits. Monday morning I suddenly had tonnes of energy, which was very scary and lots of creative energy, so this week has been full of ideas and productivity (sort of) and it's been good. Hopefully I'll stay on this high, because that would be nice. I hate the lows, especially ones like that. It was scary.
Anyway, off to do some writing, hopefully get to 50k, write some poetry, do some reading, some other writing and planning and art and exciting things. I hope. In reality it'll probably be youtube videos and scrolling through tumblr but I may surprise myself....
Hope NaNo is going well for everyone else!
Friday, 9 November 2012
NaNo Blues
I seem to be charting my NaNo experience in poetry this year:
NaNo Blues
Struggling to find words
To put to paper.
Nothing comes to mind,
And I stare at blank
Pages, my hands hesitating
Above the keys, dirty
With crumbs from the biscuits
I have consumed in the attempt
To find some words
To put to the page
And I’m still sat there,
With nothing to say,
Wondering why the elaborate
Chapter plan I made has let me
Down only eleven days in.
Although I did hit 30k somehow earlier, so am chuffed with that. Just disheartened with my story at the moment.
Although I did hit 30k somehow earlier, so am chuffed with that. Just disheartened with my story at the moment.
Sunday, 4 November 2012
NaNoing along...
NaNo's going well so far! Hit 10k yesterday, and haven't really done any today becuase I've had other stuff to get done and a proposal/essay to finish, which I'm a bit worried about because I have no idea if I've done the right sort of thing, and my portfolio for the end of term sounds a bit wishy washy. But anyway.
I wrote this the other day, on the first day of NaNo while I was brainstorming some poem ideas, and thought I'd post it as I just typed it up. Thought you guys might find it slightly entertaining. Maybe.Who knows. Indulge me.
Hope everyone's NaNoing is going well!
I wrote this the other day, on the first day of NaNo while I was brainstorming some poem ideas, and thought I'd post it as I just typed it up. Thought you guys might find it slightly entertaining. Maybe.Who knows. Indulge me.
November First
Furiously tying 1,000
Words before nine am -
That’s what NaNo does
To you. Immediate feeling
Of satisfaction, something
Already done, and plenty
Of time to go.
That eager anticipation
As the days countdown –
November is around
The corner and you know
What that means.
Over the world the
Same madness reigns,
Writers furiously scribbling
Desperate to reach
Their daily word count
And I am wasting time
By writing this poem
Instead of topping up
My word count.
Hope everyone's NaNoing is going well!
Wednesday, 31 October 2012
It all kicks off tomorrow!
Happy Halloween everyone! I don't ever do anything for Halloween, as I don't really like it and to be honest it always used to scare me. But tonight we're watching Harry Potter so I'm looking forward to that.
And tomorrow, NaNo starts!
I am incredibly excited. I really am.
I can't wait to get started. I've been editing my outline this afternoon and just making it better, and hopefully easier to stick to. I've also decided (I decided a while ago but I'm going to say it here so hopefully I'll stick to it) to go for a higher word count, becuase otherwise I get to 50,000 and I decide the story is finished, so for the first time I'm going for 70,000. Or at least 60,000. I hope. It is my seventh NaNo, so I guess it's time to do something a little bit different. Hold me to it guys!
I'm also, probably more when NaNo is over, but I'll stick it up here now, looking for a critique partner, so if anybody is interested let me know :)
I've been working on my poetry proposal this afternoon, and some more poetry, so better get back to that now!
Good luck everyone NaNoing tomorrow! Here we go again!
And tomorrow, NaNo starts!
I am incredibly excited. I really am.
I can't wait to get started. I've been editing my outline this afternoon and just making it better, and hopefully easier to stick to. I've also decided (I decided a while ago but I'm going to say it here so hopefully I'll stick to it) to go for a higher word count, becuase otherwise I get to 50,000 and I decide the story is finished, so for the first time I'm going for 70,000. Or at least 60,000. I hope. It is my seventh NaNo, so I guess it's time to do something a little bit different. Hold me to it guys!
I'm also, probably more when NaNo is over, but I'll stick it up here now, looking for a critique partner, so if anybody is interested let me know :)
I've been working on my poetry proposal this afternoon, and some more poetry, so better get back to that now!
Good luck everyone NaNoing tomorrow! Here we go again!
Wednesday, 24 October 2012
It's that time of year.
I haven't been feeling well the last few days: stupid sore throat, and now a blocked nose, which just makes me feel so tired and useless. I hate those days when you don't feel 100% and you can't get everything done that you want to.
Frustrating isn't it?
I guess it's that time of year.
But it's also that time of year where I, and hundreds of other people, are beginning to gear up for NaNoWriMo. Knowing that I am most definitely a plotter, I have been planning away and getting excited, meeting lots of new people - and I even went to a KO meeting. I know right! My housemates might even be doing it this year... NaNo house?!
Poetry is in full swing as well. We have to put together a portfolio to hand in after Christmas, so I have begun to think about that and am putting some ideas together. My housemate and myself have been persuaded into reading some poetry at an open mic thing which is TOMORROW. TOMORROW. Oh my goodness. Being ill is making me sort of forget about that, so maybe that's good?! I'll let you know how it goes. If I survive it. (I will). I hope.
P.S. I am formulating crazy (expensive) ideas for next summer. Trying to be brave and do exciting things, that scare me (that includes this reading because that's terrifying) and wondering whether to do exciting things next summer. Maybe.
Frustrating isn't it?
I guess it's that time of year.
But it's also that time of year where I, and hundreds of other people, are beginning to gear up for NaNoWriMo. Knowing that I am most definitely a plotter, I have been planning away and getting excited, meeting lots of new people - and I even went to a KO meeting. I know right! My housemates might even be doing it this year... NaNo house?!
Poetry is in full swing as well. We have to put together a portfolio to hand in after Christmas, so I have begun to think about that and am putting some ideas together. My housemate and myself have been persuaded into reading some poetry at an open mic thing which is TOMORROW. TOMORROW. Oh my goodness. Being ill is making me sort of forget about that, so maybe that's good?! I'll let you know how it goes. If I survive it. (I will). I hope.
P.S. I am formulating crazy (expensive) ideas for next summer. Trying to be brave and do exciting things, that scare me (that includes this reading because that's terrifying) and wondering whether to do exciting things next summer. Maybe.
Friday, 12 October 2012
Writing, planning, typing....
I came across a blog which has inspired me to be drastic and change the beginning of the children's novel I have been editing recently. Or was over the summer. I have just finished typing up something that I wrote over the summer, which was great to get typed up - especially before NaNo begins.
It isn't as long as I anticipated, but I know there are so many places I can add to, and things that need to change. So I'm glad to know those things. I've got lots of things jotted down, and changes to make, but I'm going to let it rest and stew in my mind for a bit while I focus on other things. It's a good feeling just to get a draft typed onto the computer!
Anyway, back to the poetry for now - seem to have started a series of poems about the smokers I see in the car park we overlook, by mistake. Oh well. Also getting very arty and creative - pictures coming soon!
It isn't as long as I anticipated, but I know there are so many places I can add to, and things that need to change. So I'm glad to know those things. I've got lots of things jotted down, and changes to make, but I'm going to let it rest and stew in my mind for a bit while I focus on other things. It's a good feeling just to get a draft typed onto the computer!
Anyway, back to the poetry for now - seem to have started a series of poems about the smokers I see in the car park we overlook, by mistake. Oh well. Also getting very arty and creative - pictures coming soon!
Sunday, 30 September 2012
NaNoWriMo time again! (Nearly...)
Gearing up for NaNoWriMo as I always do this time of year. I have the idea, I have vaguely started plotting, although I'm leaving that until nearer the time. If I do it too soon I'll want to start writing next week! I have something else I want to try and finish typing up first before I embark on the next NaNo challenge.
Although I'm wondering, should I be doing this? I'm meant to be focusing on poetry right now. I've done NaNo six times (I think... that seems a lot, but it must be... seven if you count camp Nano this year) and I'm beginning to wonder if I should still be doing it. What do I get out of it? It has been great at getting me to focus on writing a draft, and writing every day and I have learnt so much from it. Those drafts have all been fantastic experiences and pratice, and I'm so glad that I've done it. But I have this automatic response now at this time to year to begin planning my next NaNo novel and I vaguely wonder why.
But then, the draft I did last year has formed the back story/future story of a character I am now writing a children's series about. I wouldn't be writing this series if I hadn't written that draft.
But should I be moving on from it? I don't know. I like doing it. It's become a part of my year that I just accept now.
And I know tomorrow I will be re signing up on the website.
EDIT: What did I tell you guys? Re signed up for this NaNo. I think I was just moaning. Here's my profile http://nanowrimo.org/en/participants/sophie xx
Although I'm wondering, should I be doing this? I'm meant to be focusing on poetry right now. I've done NaNo six times (I think... that seems a lot, but it must be... seven if you count camp Nano this year) and I'm beginning to wonder if I should still be doing it. What do I get out of it? It has been great at getting me to focus on writing a draft, and writing every day and I have learnt so much from it. Those drafts have all been fantastic experiences and pratice, and I'm so glad that I've done it. But I have this automatic response now at this time to year to begin planning my next NaNo novel and I vaguely wonder why.
But then, the draft I did last year has formed the back story/future story of a character I am now writing a children's series about. I wouldn't be writing this series if I hadn't written that draft.
But should I be moving on from it? I don't know. I like doing it. It's become a part of my year that I just accept now.
And I know tomorrow I will be re signing up on the website.
EDIT: What did I tell you guys? Re signed up for this NaNo. I think I was just moaning. Here's my profile http://nanowrimo.org/en/participants/sophie xx
Wednesday, 9 May 2012
deadlines and freedom.
It's strange not having any academic deadlines coming up. I don't think I've adjusted yet to having no academic work to do, and having all this 'free' time ahead of me is very strange. It's always the way that when you have loads of other stuff you have to be doing, you dream of a time when you can have the free time to do what you want - in my case read loads of books, write, and drink lots of coffee. And I have been doing that. But once you're able to, the feeling is never quite the same.
Anyway, so that is what I've been doing. Lots of writing and reading, and catching up with freidns, and drinking coffee. And a wonderful new cafe from home opened down here this week, which made me very excited! While I don't have any academic deadlines coming up, as I mentioned, I still feel like I have loads to do. In a way I do, partly becasue I impose so many deadlines on myself and things to do - like, I must write this, or do that.... and I guess that's why I feel like I haven't really stopped yet. I have so many different things I want to do doing though, that I can't really settle to one... which is kinda annoying. So many projects I want to finish, ones I want to carry on, or start, and editing... eurgh. So I find myself darting from one to the other, not being quite happy with what I've doing. It's always going to be the way isn't it? And now I have all this time, I seem to waste so much doing.... I don't really know. I've got stuff done this morning - I made some research notes on something for one of my stories (very exciting, I don't often have something I need to research so much!) and so I'm feeling productive. This is one reason why I'm considering doing camp nano, nano always gets me writing loads without worrying, but then I have loads I should finish first.... hmmm. tricky.
I suppose I just have to get into a new routine which I will, because without writing where would I be? I need it. And I got a huge stack of books out the library and its like, I can read these without feeling guilty. Oh yes! Like I said, I'm still getting used to all this time ahead of me, and wondering how to make the most of it....
Right now, I'm waiting for the rain to stop a little so I can go out and get coffee as I've run out, and if I don't have any in the morning I won't be happy! Also a chance to go outside and clear my head is always welcome. Best thinking and idea time! And I'm rewatching lots of Starkid videos, which is great becasue I know the musicals so well, I can have them in the background and still be productive, because they tend to inspire me. Yay, go Starkid. Although the end of AVPS did make me really emotional. Oh well....
And tomorrow I'm off to see some friends in Bristol. Yay! It will be nice to go and do something a bit different as I always appreciate coming back so much! Anyway, just a quick hi for now.
Just by writing this blog has inspired me to go do creative things and be happy and write. Yay. Sorry for this ramble!
p.s. its a week since I handed everything in.... and it still hasn't sunk in?!
Anyway, so that is what I've been doing. Lots of writing and reading, and catching up with freidns, and drinking coffee. And a wonderful new cafe from home opened down here this week, which made me very excited! While I don't have any academic deadlines coming up, as I mentioned, I still feel like I have loads to do. In a way I do, partly becasue I impose so many deadlines on myself and things to do - like, I must write this, or do that.... and I guess that's why I feel like I haven't really stopped yet. I have so many different things I want to do doing though, that I can't really settle to one... which is kinda annoying. So many projects I want to finish, ones I want to carry on, or start, and editing... eurgh. So I find myself darting from one to the other, not being quite happy with what I've doing. It's always going to be the way isn't it? And now I have all this time, I seem to waste so much doing.... I don't really know. I've got stuff done this morning - I made some research notes on something for one of my stories (very exciting, I don't often have something I need to research so much!) and so I'm feeling productive. This is one reason why I'm considering doing camp nano, nano always gets me writing loads without worrying, but then I have loads I should finish first.... hmmm. tricky.
I suppose I just have to get into a new routine which I will, because without writing where would I be? I need it. And I got a huge stack of books out the library and its like, I can read these without feeling guilty. Oh yes! Like I said, I'm still getting used to all this time ahead of me, and wondering how to make the most of it....
Right now, I'm waiting for the rain to stop a little so I can go out and get coffee as I've run out, and if I don't have any in the morning I won't be happy! Also a chance to go outside and clear my head is always welcome. Best thinking and idea time! And I'm rewatching lots of Starkid videos, which is great becasue I know the musicals so well, I can have them in the background and still be productive, because they tend to inspire me. Yay, go Starkid. Although the end of AVPS did make me really emotional. Oh well....
And tomorrow I'm off to see some friends in Bristol. Yay! It will be nice to go and do something a bit different as I always appreciate coming back so much! Anyway, just a quick hi for now.
Just by writing this blog has inspired me to go do creative things and be happy and write. Yay. Sorry for this ramble!
p.s. its a week since I handed everything in.... and it still hasn't sunk in?!
Friday, 17 February 2012
online vs real life
This has been sitting in my drafts for a few days (well part of it has anyway) and I thought it was about time I finished rambling and posted, because a) it's Friday and b) I have a presentation this afternoon.
A few years ago, I had a very close group of friends I met online. We're not so close anymore, but at the time they meant so much to me, and they are all wonderful, wonderful people. I don't think they know how much they meant to me.
But it meant that I had that whole online - real life divide, which kinda merged over time, to become very confused and less clear. Although, of course, this is a little different, it feels a little bit of the same. For some reason, not even known to me, I haven't told any of my real life friends about this blog. I've had blogs before, which have sort of petered out, and I didn't want that to happen to this one. So I didn't tell anyone. And I managed to keep posting, because I knew no one was reading. And then I began to connect, via NaNoWriMo with other writers from my area and I gave out my blog details - finally people who understood were reading and following me, and I could follow them in return and connect with other people. And then came this writer's platform building campaign, and I thought great, another chance to get to know some great writers. And so it is happening again, this strange online vs offline divide - made even stranger by the fact that I have another online life, with tumblr and twitter and all of that, and people I know in real life follow me on there - I'm just about used to that. I don't know if I've made myself particuarly clear, but there we go.
Maybe one day I'll let my real life friends know about this blog.
Have a good Friday everyone; I need to go prepare for this presentation now (the one mentioned before about Ballet Shoes, I Capture the Castle, and Autumn Term. It should be fun. At least I love the books).
A few years ago, I had a very close group of friends I met online. We're not so close anymore, but at the time they meant so much to me, and they are all wonderful, wonderful people. I don't think they know how much they meant to me.
But it meant that I had that whole online - real life divide, which kinda merged over time, to become very confused and less clear. Although, of course, this is a little different, it feels a little bit of the same. For some reason, not even known to me, I haven't told any of my real life friends about this blog. I've had blogs before, which have sort of petered out, and I didn't want that to happen to this one. So I didn't tell anyone. And I managed to keep posting, because I knew no one was reading. And then I began to connect, via NaNoWriMo with other writers from my area and I gave out my blog details - finally people who understood were reading and following me, and I could follow them in return and connect with other people. And then came this writer's platform building campaign, and I thought great, another chance to get to know some great writers. And so it is happening again, this strange online vs offline divide - made even stranger by the fact that I have another online life, with tumblr and twitter and all of that, and people I know in real life follow me on there - I'm just about used to that. I don't know if I've made myself particuarly clear, but there we go.
Maybe one day I'll let my real life friends know about this blog.
Have a good Friday everyone; I need to go prepare for this presentation now (the one mentioned before about Ballet Shoes, I Capture the Castle, and Autumn Term. It should be fun. At least I love the books).
Friday, 3 February 2012
winter blues
I've been a bit stressed out this week, feeling like I have tonnes of stuff to do (which I do, but it's probably not all doom and gloom like my brain is telling me) and have been feeling under the weather, exhausted and to top it all a cold has started... just what I need. But there we go. I don't mean to whine (sorry) but that seems to be exactly what I'm doing.... AND IT'S SO COLD!! I hate being cold. That probably hasn't helped at all.
Anyway, despite all that I seem to have begun to got into a regular writing/editing routine, which I love; which means that in the last few days I have managed to get at least an hour in in the evenings (if not more... I've had a lot on) and been able to get on with some editing. So far I have managed to go through my NaNo novel once, writing some notes and beginning to make some critical changes. It's hard being harsh sometimes, and the depth/way in which I do it definitely alters with my mood, but I'm getting somewhere - I hope. Also, as is so often the way, in other moments I have come up with tonnes of ideas for different stories, and they seem so tempting and wonderful and pretty..., but I have been determined to do what I can to these other stories. There's no point just starting loads of things... and ideas have to grow and become something, and I find it's definitely best to let them rest for a while. Having 'finished' an inital edit/read through/note making session for that, I'm going to go back to my other story and hope that now I like it again. I think I will, I've been thinking about it again.
But not tonight. I'm so exhausted, I'm going to get an early night and read my book, curled up with my hot water bottle, and hopefully feel better for the weekend.
p.s. happy February everyone!
Anyway, despite all that I seem to have begun to got into a regular writing/editing routine, which I love; which means that in the last few days I have managed to get at least an hour in in the evenings (if not more... I've had a lot on) and been able to get on with some editing. So far I have managed to go through my NaNo novel once, writing some notes and beginning to make some critical changes. It's hard being harsh sometimes, and the depth/way in which I do it definitely alters with my mood, but I'm getting somewhere - I hope. Also, as is so often the way, in other moments I have come up with tonnes of ideas for different stories, and they seem so tempting and wonderful and pretty..., but I have been determined to do what I can to these other stories. There's no point just starting loads of things... and ideas have to grow and become something, and I find it's definitely best to let them rest for a while. Having 'finished' an inital edit/read through/note making session for that, I'm going to go back to my other story and hope that now I like it again. I think I will, I've been thinking about it again.
But not tonight. I'm so exhausted, I'm going to get an early night and read my book, curled up with my hot water bottle, and hopefully feel better for the weekend.
p.s. happy February everyone!
Saturday, 28 January 2012
back again.
Nearly a whole week has passed since my last post. That seems insane. This week has absolutely flown by, partly because I spent half of it at home and since arriving back today have been trying to sort out things and get everything back together. It's always strange to suddenly be flung home again, especially after only a few weeks, and as I rarely go home during term time anyway it is always a bit of an odd experience. Anyway, I'm back now and trying to get back to normal again.
I have done tonnes of reading in the last few days, but not so much writing, partly because of all the chaos that has been the last few days, but also because I've been separated from my laptop, which meant I couldn't really get on with doing any proper editing. I have however, been doing lots of thinking which has to be a good thing, and I have been considering ideas, old and new, and coming up with things I want to add or take away from certain stories. So that's all good. Nice to have some time to think and consider things really. Anyway, this is just a short post to say hi and I'm still here, and trying to get back to things!
Also, just a quick added note, going through my NaNo, I have realised that I severely overuse the word 'enthusiastic' - partly because it's always spelt wrong so I notice it more, but seriously this girl seems to be enthusiastic about absolutely everything!
I have done tonnes of reading in the last few days, but not so much writing, partly because of all the chaos that has been the last few days, but also because I've been separated from my laptop, which meant I couldn't really get on with doing any proper editing. I have however, been doing lots of thinking which has to be a good thing, and I have been considering ideas, old and new, and coming up with things I want to add or take away from certain stories. So that's all good. Nice to have some time to think and consider things really. Anyway, this is just a short post to say hi and I'm still here, and trying to get back to things!
Also, just a quick added note, going through my NaNo, I have realised that I severely overuse the word 'enthusiastic' - partly because it's always spelt wrong so I notice it more, but seriously this girl seems to be enthusiastic about absolutely everything!
Thursday, 19 January 2012
ups and downs.
So I'm a bit stuck.
I don't like my story.
Well, I do. I really do.
The thing is I have three WIPs technically. And all three of them are at the editing stage.
I have plenty of new ideas in the works, but I really want to, as I said before, commit to finishing and editing and polishing things.
These three different things are at different stages. One of them I typed up over the summer, and finished off but wrote the year before (I have a feeling I'm repeating myself here, but bear with me.. I'm sorry. Trying to get my head back into things...). Another I wrote during the summer, and am now seriously trying to edit. The other is my NaNo novel. That one I'm still happy with. I still like that story, and I'm at very early editing stages so I haven't had time to become dissatisfied with it.
It's the middle one, the other one that is causing me trouble at the moment. I love the story. I love the idea. I love it. But reading it and trying to critically make it better, because of course I want it to be the best that it can be, is difficult. I'm starting to not like it, and think that the whole thing is ridiculous. A crisis of faith in it I suppose. I guess that writing is full of ups and downs; there are always going to be times when you don't like what you've written: I've experienced that before. It's just frustrating. It's just hard to know what to do. For now I'm working on my NaNo novel, and hoping a break will do me good in regards to the other one. Maybe I'll start liking it again. I suppose sometime soon I'll have to find some poor willing person to read stuff. That might reassure me (or not) or at least tell me where I'm going wrong/what to do.
But for now, I have to go and try and write a really awkward email to my tutor. Although I might just rock up tomorrow and hope she's around. But I really need to see her, so if she doesn't happen to be there, I'll be stuck till Monday.. dilemmas.
I don't like my story.
Well, I do. I really do.
The thing is I have three WIPs technically. And all three of them are at the editing stage.
I have plenty of new ideas in the works, but I really want to, as I said before, commit to finishing and editing and polishing things.
These three different things are at different stages. One of them I typed up over the summer, and finished off but wrote the year before (I have a feeling I'm repeating myself here, but bear with me.. I'm sorry. Trying to get my head back into things...). Another I wrote during the summer, and am now seriously trying to edit. The other is my NaNo novel. That one I'm still happy with. I still like that story, and I'm at very early editing stages so I haven't had time to become dissatisfied with it.
It's the middle one, the other one that is causing me trouble at the moment. I love the story. I love the idea. I love it. But reading it and trying to critically make it better, because of course I want it to be the best that it can be, is difficult. I'm starting to not like it, and think that the whole thing is ridiculous. A crisis of faith in it I suppose. I guess that writing is full of ups and downs; there are always going to be times when you don't like what you've written: I've experienced that before. It's just frustrating. It's just hard to know what to do. For now I'm working on my NaNo novel, and hoping a break will do me good in regards to the other one. Maybe I'll start liking it again. I suppose sometime soon I'll have to find some poor willing person to read stuff. That might reassure me (or not) or at least tell me where I'm going wrong/what to do.
But for now, I have to go and try and write a really awkward email to my tutor. Although I might just rock up tomorrow and hope she's around. But I really need to see her, so if she doesn't happen to be there, I'll be stuck till Monday.. dilemmas.
Monday, 16 January 2012
Revisiting NaNoWriMo 2011
So I just finished a very rushed reread through of my NaNo - really a read through for spelling and grammer and all those little things you overlook when you're writing in a rush.
The last bit, where I did it very quickly became very sloppy, and there are parts where I didn't know what to call a character and it just says WHOEVER and when I didn't know what food they would be eating and I told myself to add in something yummy later. That's all to be expected.
But on the whole it's not as horrid as I expected it to be. Which makes me very happy. So now I think I am going to do some work on it and not abandon it. I have too many first drafts sitting around, and nothing ever happening to them. This is now going to change. It does help that I like what I write now. So many years of going wrong I suppose, it's what practice is for. The thing about editing as well, is that in the past I've been like 'Oh, I wrote that, that's done.' But of course, now I've learnt, quite wonderfully, that it is only a first draft. It needs work. It needs editing and rewriting. The other thing that I've always thought as well I think is that editing doesn't feel like writing. I've always wanted to be 'actively' writing something, writing something new and fresh, because I've got too bored. Liking what I'm writing now means that I stick with it and try to make it better, improve it. I used to feel bad that I wasn't really doing any writing, that I was just messing around and that this wasn't good enough! I've read tonnes of interviews and articles with writers who say that they prefer the editing because they have something then. Oddly that's something I've always said about writing essays, but not about writing. But now I'm beginning to see, that it is writing. I am doing something productive. It's all part of the process. And to be able to remain attached to one idea for a longer time can only be a good thing.
Well, those are some very confused thoughts on writing and editing...
The last bit, where I did it very quickly became very sloppy, and there are parts where I didn't know what to call a character and it just says WHOEVER and when I didn't know what food they would be eating and I told myself to add in something yummy later. That's all to be expected.
But on the whole it's not as horrid as I expected it to be. Which makes me very happy. So now I think I am going to do some work on it and not abandon it. I have too many first drafts sitting around, and nothing ever happening to them. This is now going to change. It does help that I like what I write now. So many years of going wrong I suppose, it's what practice is for. The thing about editing as well, is that in the past I've been like 'Oh, I wrote that, that's done.' But of course, now I've learnt, quite wonderfully, that it is only a first draft. It needs work. It needs editing and rewriting. The other thing that I've always thought as well I think is that editing doesn't feel like writing. I've always wanted to be 'actively' writing something, writing something new and fresh, because I've got too bored. Liking what I'm writing now means that I stick with it and try to make it better, improve it. I used to feel bad that I wasn't really doing any writing, that I was just messing around and that this wasn't good enough! I've read tonnes of interviews and articles with writers who say that they prefer the editing because they have something then. Oddly that's something I've always said about writing essays, but not about writing. But now I'm beginning to see, that it is writing. I am doing something productive. It's all part of the process. And to be able to remain attached to one idea for a longer time can only be a good thing.
Well, those are some very confused thoughts on writing and editing...
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