This month I took the plunge and registered for NaNoWriMo. Having written little more than 1000 words a day in the past, 1600-2000 a day is going to be an achievement in itself, let alone keeping it going for 30 days. As it’s my first go, I’m trying to not get too bogged down with the idea of failing. Any substantial amount of writing during this time will be a bonus, and if I end up with 25-30k– I’ll be happy enough.
I’ve developed a plan where by I write around 500-1000 words by longhand and then transfer to word processor. That way, it’s easier on the eyes and the shoulders. Also, I can usually get a feel for the piece before it goes digital, and I can type it quickly– therefore avoiding staring at the screen, procrastinating. Of course this plan is not tried and tested; my hand might seize up, my pen will run out of ink and my husband will definitely steal my writing pad and use it for something other than fiction!
Oh, the trials of being a writer, eh!!!
I’ve done the usual preparation for NaNo including reading on-line tips and planning the novel. The internet is packed with writers offering their views and past experiences.
It seems everyone, including the seasoned writer, is in the same boat.
Indeed, much of the writing social network will be turned on its head for the duration of November to achieve the word count. Some will blog. Some like me will shut themselves away and do little in the way of networking (apart from this one-off post).
At the end of the month I will realise that I have no friends or social life beyond the characters in my story. I’ll be talking to myself and freaking the dog out. As for the cleaning, well, my home will resemble a Hammer House Of Horror complete with dust, cobwebs and strange creatures lurking in the corners (my poor unloved and unfed family).
There is a positive side to this of course: I won’t need to decorate the house with tinsel for Christmas. I’ll just stick a few fairy lights up behind the cobwebs and have an instant frosted forest. Job done!
Are you mad enough to attempt NaNoWriMo this year? If so – whether it be a tried and tested approach, or just a long drink at the end of the day – do you have a NaNo survival plan in place?
My NaNoWriMo page :-http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/participants/fullwoodsforge
Narrative Space 
I’ve yet to attempt NaNoWriMo, but it sounds so exciting. Once I’m through with my series I think I will finally give it a try. I laughed so hard at your description of your housekeeping at present, sounds just like my house as I’m editing to get my third book out! Good luck with it though!
To be honest, my housekeeping is usually like that. What can I say–creative people eh! Glad it made you laugh. Good luck with your editing. 🙂
It’s like keeping yourself prisoner right? Ahaha. I hope you meet your goal! 🙂
Ha ha, definitely! Good luck with yours too 🙂
I love writing in longhand, but I can’t do it during NaNoWriMo since my time is limited. Good luck to you, I have no doubt you will reach your goal. Any number of words written is better than zero! 🙂
I agree, and whatever needs finishing at the end of November will be done by January. Then it’s edit, edit, edit! Good luck with your writing!
I write by hand too and then transfer to computer. That transfer gives me a first pass at editing. Then I do deeper editing when the novel is finished. 🙂 Good luck finishing!
Yes you’re right, the transfer does act as a form of editing. It also helps to get the creative juices flowing. Thanks and good luck to you! 🙂