I can’t believe I am actually typing this. I can’t believe I actually did it. I can’t believe I think it’s even possible. I do believe I may have finally lost all of my marbles. Yes, you read correctly, I just signed up for the madness that is NaNoWriMo. And if you haven’t heard of NaNo before (which means you have probably been living under a brick) it is National Novel Writing Month.
The idea being that you write 50,000 words in the 30 days that are November. There’s no editing as you go along, that internal mean voiced editor has to be switched off. It’s a big push to get that idea out of your head and down onto the screen. We know that a novel isn’t as short as 50,000 words, but if you sit down and you write, then what you get is the first half of a rough draft and hopefully something you can work with once NaNo has finished.
I’m a massive procrastinator. There’s always something else I can be doing, or more importantly, or more likely, something else I can not be doing. We all know by now that I like to just collapse into a heap when I get home from work. But remember the last blog post where I mention that I’ve found I can actually be quite productive from my bed, well there you go! Have laptop, will travel.
There are multiple naysayers out there about the idea that people think they can write a novel in 30 days. This is my first year doing it, and I know an actual real, ready for the world novel is not going to be produced, but I also know that I’m going to have a hell of a lot more words out of my head and down on my computer simply because I joined in a huge collection of people who think it will be fun to do this all at the same time. So why not?
There is a slight problem though. The original novel I’m currently revising and editing, I was hoping to have completed for the 31st October, but if I want to have it at its polished best before sending it back out on submission, I am going to need maybe an extra week. So, NaNo and editing, not forgetting the full time job, the house, oh yes, I have kids in there as well don’t I…..
Here’s to a busy month. If you’re doing NaNoWriMo, please look me up on the website, though I’m not sure I’ll have the time to be particularly active over there.
If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, you may want to mute the word #NaNoWriMo if you’re not interested, because it may drive you to the edge of insanity.
As for the blog. I hope to keep to two blog posts a week, but if really pushed, it will only be one post a week during November. I will then see you on the other side.
Here’s to crazy. Who’s with me?!
Rebecca – Good on you! I’m so happy you’ve decided to take on this challenge! Here’s to busy and to chaos indeed, but I hope you’ll have a really creative month. Also I hope you’ll update us on how you’re doing.
Thanks Margot. I’m sure I’ll be on here moaning about what I ridiculous task I set myself!
You can do it!
I participated in 2010 – that’s when I wrote CassaFire. I’m a very slow typist, so if I can do it, I know you can do it.
If you kids are old enough, not only can they forage for themselves but they can keep the house clean!
Thanks Alex! I didn’t realise you wrote CassaFire during NaNo. I think it’s a great month, because you really aren’t writing alone. It has so much energy and support and I hope some of that energy rubs off on me. Well, enough to get me to the finish line anyway.
The kids will cope, though the youngest will probably miss me!
Brilliant news! I’ll definitely be around for some (and in need of) moral support 🙂 I’m signed up as The Real Annalisa, if you want to buddy up.
Me too with the moral support need and giving scenario Annalisa. I’ve buddied you 🙂
Great idea, Rebecca – well done you. I think you’re right – it will be great to be part of a group heading towards the same deadline. Very best of luck with it xx
Thanks Elle. It will be a hectic month!
This is great that you’ve signed up! I signed up for my first NaNo this year too, I am JulieAF there is you want to buddy me. I will look for you as well. I’m excited about giving this craziness a try. Good luck!! 🙂
I will look you up Julie!
Best of luck Rebecca! I know you will do amazingly well. I hope you enjoy the experience. I will not be participating, but I will be around to visit your blog and give some much needed support.
Thank you Murees, you visits and support will be much appreciated and I’m sure much needed, specifically at some points during that month!
I’ve signed up too, third year in a row I have! This year I might even start lol!!
Honestly have no idea what my sign up name is of the top of my head, I hazard a guess it might be YasminSelena?! Good luck Rebecca x
I’ll look you up. Good luck Yasmin!
Wow, go you Rebecca!!!!! 🙂
Good luck!
Add me to your buddy list so I can see how you’re doing – angelchildvikki
Xx
I will Vikki! I’ll see you there! Terrifying!
But exciting too 🙂
Xx
I too have joined up to the madness which is NaNoWriMo for the first time. I thought this may at last push me into getting a little further than the first chapter. Plotting the storyline I’m finding very hard as it seems to take on a life of its own and keeps going off at tangents. Not sure if I’ll be able to do the whole 50,000 but I’ll have a damn good go. I’ve signed up as Willowwarbler.
I will look you up Elaine. I think having a go is what it’s all about. There are so many of us doing it, I think it helps push each other forward. I’m hoping so 🙂
You can do it, Rebecca. Look me up on the site at MZMackay and we can be writing buddies. I’ll cheer you on!
I will. I’ll see you over there 🙂