Personal Writing

Nanowrimo Week 3

Again I’m a few days late with an update for my progress. I’d love to look back on all this and reminisce on all the angst I feel. See, I still love the story I’m writing. But I’m struggling this year. Once again I can’t tell if it’s just me or something out of my control. Either way, let’s take a closer look at Nanowrimo week 3.

Add new characters
When all else fails, add a new character. It’s exciting to create a person from scratch and put them into the world that’s been created for one’s own pleasure. I’ve got magic in this world and I’m still trying to define the rules. My newest creation will help guild the way and I’m looking forward to adding in new world rules… and breaking them!

To do list
When I sit down to write I’ve got to make a to do list. This is the first year I’ve had to do this and I’m upset with myself. It’s interesting to think I can picture where I want the story to go. But then I sit down to write and it all goes out the window. So this year I’ve made a to do list to help me keep focus. It’s been a lot easier to handle my workload though. Maybe it’s a sign I’m getting old and I need to get it together!

Don’t worry about pacing
Honestly, I’ve given up on keeping a good pace. I’m doing my best to just hit the points above and move on to the next goal. The first stage of writing is to get all the words and ideas down on paper. I know I won’t return to this story again so it helps me kill that voice nagging me to edit. Nanowrimo is all about running a marathon without stopping to fix the mistakes. It takes a while to get there though, it’s taken me years to get to this point!

Addressing the issues
I spent more time listening to audiobooks than listening to music. This might be a huge factor in why I feel like I’m struggling. In the past I would have an entire year to think about a story. I could put music to it, view it like a movie in my head… Do everything to envision my tale without it down. This year I’ve jumped head first into reading without pause. Sure, most of my books this year have been children books. But I think the simple fact is, I didn’t have time to realize my story before I sat down to write it. I didn’t have too many issues last year because I didn’t commit myself to reading. However that story didn’t have a proper ending. I hit the 50k mark well before the end. And I haven’t gone back since.

Next step goals
I still have a week to finish this story but I don’t want a repeat of this year. I think next year I’ll read more books on writing and not pressure myself to do a book a week. I’ve fallen behind in that as well! I’ll listen to more music and give myself time to be bored. Being bored is a great way to get that imagination engine running! Nanowrimo week 3 is the part leading up to the final stretch of this challenge. This year has been difficult for me but I can’t say I haven’t learned anything! I’m looking forward to wrapping up another year and pushing through my mistakes.

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