Last year I signed up for nanowrimo. And finished in 21 days.
It is an interesting concept. Basically it is a dare. You dare yourself to write 50,000 words towards a novel, hopefully including a beginning a middle and an end – in one month. The month of November. No-one but me reads it. No-one even particularly cares if you get the 50,000 words, except you. Me. And when you load your novelette at the end of the month and the machine counts it and you have enough words, there is the sound of many hands clapping and you get a cyber sticker. But they will never know me. The challenge of nanowrimo is a personal challenge. I challenge myself. The BEST kind of challenge.
But I wrote very fast last year which is not unusual for some people we know – I love Bills writing – especially his poetry ( I have linked you to his new photography blog because I love that too and he gave me my Camera House – so it seems just as appropriate) but pretty unusual for me. I am not usually a fast writer – I blame Bill for that too. He taught me to type with my eyes closed.
So this time I have started 10 days late to up the ante somewhat. There are 30 days in November. So I have 20 days to write 50,000 coherent words.
It was rainy yesterday then it snowed. Not a good day for drying winter hay but a great day for writing.
I love a challenge. Don’t you love a challenge?
I do write, every day, of course. The big work is progressing. But nanowrimo is like a wee holiday because it is writing without pressure. It is just words. 50, 000 gorgeous words.
This story has a working title of The Thoroughly Modern Witch. It is about a mother and her teenage daughter. Though set in an inclement, volatile future with a supporting cast of beautiful old retainers in a deeply gorgeous crumbling estate falling slowly into the sea. There are cows of course – sheep, and dogs and a black cat. And an island. Enchantment. Banishment, and English teachers. But mostly it is about a girls awakening to her mother’s power. And a mother who will take on a lion to save her daughter then a daughters discovery of a fierce will to save her family. And that daughters need for her father and as the mother and daughter finally join forces the enchantment lifts and they seek him together.
So I may be a wee bit absent in the coming weeks, but deeply present all at once.
And oh yes, I will still be here with you every day. The farmy must go on you know. Just a few less words on the blog pages and a little less editing!!
Have a lovely day
your friend, celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
78 responses to “nanowrimo without the capitals”
Hey, bravo! I’m here to support you right down to your warm, fluffy socks. You go girl. 🙂
you are so busy this year I am not surprised you are not doing it again! Thank you for the metaphorical fluffy socks, it is cold! c
I was wondering whether you’d do it again this year! I am *not* doing it again this year, so I’ve started a wee blog challenge as a sort of booby prize. Happy writing!
Oh, Celi, have you ever put me in my place! I signed on for NaNo but I was going to cheat from the start–work on something I’d already begun. I got about 8000 words in and decided I probably need to toss the whole approach and start over. Same idea, different way to go about it. So I’ve been procrastinating. No words for a few days. But if you can start NOW–maybe there’s hope for me! I should just dive in and write the scenes I know–or I think I know–are possible, and worry about where they fit later. Thanks for the inspiration. (Side note: I still can’t get over Boo and Marmalade. I smile/get teary every time I see them together.)
I also write scenes as they come to mind, especially if i have gone slow on something.. then (on a few editing mornings) I will cut and paste them into order again. The story develops its own pace too and there comes a time whe it pushes itself along. But you know all that stuff.. ok back to writing for us!! I am having a big push today! c
not cheating – it’s called being a rebel – there are lots of us up there – standing proud – we even have our own forum – go check it out:) I was half way yhrough mine when I begun this year:)
I love the idea of being a rebel, i could write a collection of short stories! c
I love the storyline! My cuppa! I can’t wait to read it! I would love to try something like this!
Marmalade has toys!!!! So cute!!! Oh Boo you are such a sweetie!!!! At first I didn’t realize what the huge bundle was! LOL
Love your bedroom view! WINDOWS!!!!!! And I’ll bet you miss sitting out on your screened porch as I miss sitting out in my sun parlor…sigh…now it is way too cold….brrrr….have to get that stove out there! So many things to do!
You inspire me Celi! This is why I love to hang out here with you! You are my favorite!!! Lots of energy and interests just like me!
My puppy will be born in a couple of days!!! Will send you photos when I can!
Have a great day and enjoy the writing! (((hugs)))
yes the screened porch is now just for looking at longingly, ah well summer will come again!.. c
This seems a story that needs to be written, and then taken further. The challenge acts as a good spur – but then don’t waste it! That is a good writing rate.
I know!! The don’t waste it bit is actually the pressure.. the writing is the fun bit.. c
Oh me too, me too, Celia! But I’m not nearly as successful as you. I only hit the 50,000 mark one year out of six and barely get 1000 words the rest of the time. This year, I haven’t hit 2000 words yet, even though this year the story actually has a genuine, interesting plot. My daughter told me about ywriter, free software online. It didn’t take long to figure out and now I’m working on a book outline. I’m hoping to put in a lot of typing the next two weeks.
Your premise sounds great! You’re such an excellent writer that I’ll bet you could easily find a publisher. Even if you don’t get it all banged out by the end of the month, please consider finishing it for publication. It sounds like such a fun read. I would buy it!
Morning julia, I would like to learn more about that software.. I bought one once and it was USELESS, I was more confused than i had been before.. the reason I love nano is that i have NO outline, i just have characters and a place, after that anything can happen.. c
When you are done upload it to Amazon and let us purchase it as an ebook!!
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com
Ok, down from the ladder for a break 🙂 I have been wondering why, when one does a room makeover (basically at floor level,right?) you spend so much time up a ladder? I was hoping we would read last years nano book sometime and now I definitely want to read the current one 🙂 Laura
writing the basic story is a long way from writing a real novel, at least that is how i see it. the wonderful thing is getting the story somewhat told so i can go back and edit. i always mean to begin editing on january 1st.. I might be able to this year as no travel and no milking this winter.. c
Good luck – bt that you need it!
NOT that you need it – but you knew what I meant!
oh but I do, so i will take your luck and say thank you.. c
like the sound of your story line – think you would get an audience for it:) like the ‘no pressure’ – agree it’s the rewrites/edits/ pub thats the presure – the writing is the joy – all the best with a 20 day challenge – I began on the 1st but am a rebel working on WIP which I really would like to finish this year:)
It is an excellent set up for finishing a piece of work. good for you.. i think when i do the editing i am going to set up a graph just for myself.. it really makes a difference seeing your goals in a different format.. I am very visual.. c
Nanowrimo must be spreading like wildfire because I never heard of it, yet this is the 3rd WP blog post that’s mentioned it. It sounds like a terrific challenge. Have fun with it
Good luck with the challenge! I’ll have to think about that some time. I often wonder if I started a novel, how far I’d get.
as far as you want to! that’s for sure.. there are no rules.. c
Boo and Marmelade’s photos are amazing and endearing. He’s the kitty’s mom! love the photos of all; best wishes for your nano rimo
Where will you find the time? Your days are already so busy. But I hope you do it. I’ve never contemplated it, because while I love to write, it’s real life that has me interested, and I can’t come up with a plot for a novel… Looking forward to the results…
every time i sit down to the computer i have to write one thousand words before I am allowed into my social media.. works like a charm! now back i go! c