I wondered whether any of you have tried NaNoWriMo and, if so how you got on? Did you manage to write 50,000 words? Was it worth the effort?
I ask because I've been playing with a novel idea for a while. (The working title is Brothers at War and it centres on two brothers and a young Jewish woman in Vichy France.) I've got an outline plot and a few characterisations and I've done a bit of reading. But I keep telling myself the project is too difficult and I should abandon it and do something easier. It occurs to me to sign myself up for NaNoWri Mo and just dash something off in November.
Thanks everybody!
I did NaNoWriMo a couple of years ago and did hit the 50,000 word target. I also blogged about it on this site. However, once done, I didn't look at what I'd written for a few months and, when I did, while the story was good, it felt rushed and needed a bit of work. I've just now finished the final edit on it and am pleased with the finished MS, but it's not a quick process by any means. However, if you have an idea on the go, it's a great way to get it off the ground - just make sure you have your notes and research ready, so you can spend your time actually writing.
If you're not sure about doing the full November NaNo, you can do Camp NaNo, which runs in April and July. I did both this year - you can set your own word target, and join a 'cabin' with other writers, which is nice for encouragement and keeping each other going. In April I did 30,000 words, and another 20,000 in July, fleshing out another book idea. As a bonus for 'winning', I received 50% off Scrivener, along with a few other 'winner goodies.'
Hope that helps and, if you decide to go with it in November, good luck!
Hi Sylvia,
I tried the idea behind NaNoWriMo and attempted to write 1,500 words every day for a week to see if I could get into the swing of it. I had a general outline, but found writing a certain amount of words each day too much pressure - it took the fun out of writing for me!
While it might not be for everyone, there's no harm in giving it a go! Your story sounds very intriguing - best of luck with it! :)