Yes, you’ve guessed it. I’ve signed up yet again, to another writing challenge that started on 1st January this year. I know I failed miserably at NaNoWriMo, but bear with me while I explain. I do feel a little differently this time around and while I may not eek out a whole 100,000 words, I may actually, if I stick to plan, manage to drag out of myself the first draft of my second novel.
Ok, stop laughing all those of you who know how fickle I am! I obviously have some staying power, after all I wrote a full novel the first time round, and stuck around to edit it several times. I just think it’s the mad dash to do it, that may be the hurdle too high for me.
Anyway, this 100,000 words in 100 days is the brainchild of Sally Quilford. It’s a new year new start challenge and doesn’t even have strict rules. Blog posts can count to daily word counts. The point is to get everyone writing daily and to increase our count and get us into a routine and start our year. You can find Sally and the group on Facebook here.
For me, I am approaching this more at a steady organised pace than I did at NaNo where I just panicked and fled. I’m Less panicked. More ready. Blog posts are going up and notes are being made in preparation for novel two. Everything is going absolutely to plan so far. I am obviously behind with the word count, but it’s not worrying me, and the reason it’s not worrying me, is because I actually feel relaxed and happy with this plan. I know what I’m doing and I am doing it and at some point, when I’ve finished faffing with plotting, my word count may well catch up.
Considering we are only 11 days into the challenge and blog posts and notes do count, it’s worth having a look at if you’re interested.
Look at me, writing a post filled with optimism and plans! – that haven’t yet fallen apart!
Margot Kinberg says
Rebecca – I think it’s a great idea. It gives up a push and a new impetus, and I’ll bet you get some good stuff out of it. I’ll be interested to see how you do. And I for one really like the optimism in your post.
Rebecca Bradley says
Thanks Margot. I’m actually enjoying this new way of working – I normally just sit down and type. I feel enthusiastic and that can only be a good thing!
Mel Sherratt says
Go for it, chick – I’m right here with you! Keep the faith.
Rebecca Bradley says
You always are and you know how much I appreciate that! x
Annalisa Crawford says
I saw this challenge, counted up on my fingers for a bit, then decided it wasn’t for me!! Good luck 🙂
Rebecca Bradley says
Haha! I think a lot of it has to do with timing Annalisa. For me NaNo just wasn’t the right time and I had to prioritise novel one. Now is a great time for me. I love the finger counting though 🙂
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
You can do it! Even if you don’t quite make the mark, you’ll still be productive. And a thousand a day is easier than NaNo’s pace.
Rebecca Bradley says
Exactly my thoughts! NaNo was that little bit too far for me.
yasminselena says
Go for it! You can do it : ) x
Rebecca Bradley says
I’m certainly going to try this time! 🙂 x
Jane Isaac says
Sounds like an interesting challenge to focus the mind. Your enthusiasm is quite infectious! I wish you all the best :))
Rebecca Bradley says
Thanks Jane. New year, a whole new bundle of enthusiasm 🙂
Linda says
We’re definitely on the same page, Rebecca!
Rebecca Bradley says
I hope it’s going well for you Linda. We do what we can. I’m taking it in my stride and it’s going quite well this month. – so far.
Misha Gericke (@MishaMFB) says
Sounds like an intriguing idea, but generally speaking, I’m not remotely close to being a regular writer, so I’d rather not push myself into insanity. 😉
Good luck to you, though.
Rebecca Bradley says
Thanks Misha. I find this one a bit easier than NaNo as it includes all sorts of writing, not just focussing on the one thing. It’s aim is to kick start the year. It seems to be working for me pretty well at the minute. Still some way to go though!
crimethrillergirl says
This sounds like a fab idea. I’ve just started worked on a thriller, and this could be just the thing to help me along. I’ll go and check out the facebook page. Thanks for the tip 🙂
Rebecca Bradley says
Did you sign up for it? It’s still going pretty well for me. I sat handwriting notes out last night.
crimethrillergirl says
Excellent 🙂 I’ve signed up on the Facebook page. How I just have to write some words! Here goes …
Rebecca Bradley says
Good luck! Don’t forget, all the notes you make count to your daily word count as well. I spent all last night making notes. I’m still prepping but I feel really positive 🙂
Vikki (The View Outside) says
Good luck honey! 🙂
Xx
Rebecca Bradley says
Thanks Vikki. It’s going well so far 🙂
Vikki (The View Outside) says
Brilliant! 🙂
Xx
Julie Flanders says
Sounds like a great challenge! Good luck to you, you can do it! 🙂
It’s funny, I totally loved NaNo and was in a real writing groove all through November, but now I haven’t been able to focus on writing since! I really need something to get me back on track.
Rebecca Bradley says
It’s going well for me at the minute. Maybe you can hop onto this Julie? Get you back into it. It’s not as rigid as NaNo.