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 |   A month-long novel-planning challenge with prizes galore. |
I know there are a few assignments to g, and a few days left, but it is only 3 days from November and the start of the actual writing. What does this involve? I could be flippant and say your pan is the skeleton, and what you now add is the meat to the bones in the words, sentences, paragraphs, scenes... But many of you will be looking at that plan and looking at November and thinking: I can't do this! First, you are not alone. Many look at the task of 50k words in a month and think it is too daunting. It is common to have the nerves about now, a few days out from the beginning. But if you're a planner, you've done the hard work - you've built a scaffold on which your story will be constructed. It is well within your grasp. Second, it's not 50k words in a month. It is 1667 words a day. Do not look at the end goal and panic; look at the daily goal, and know that if you fall behind on it today, you can make up those missing words tomorrow. Smaller goals, easier to achieve and to make up for. Third, does it matter if you don't get 50k words? Okay, yes, you don't get that badge here on WdC, you don't get that accolade on the NaNo site, sure. But does it matter? If you've written 30k words, that is 30k more words than you had before. That is 30k words of a story, a story that is well under way. And so many say they're going to write a story, but never do - you have started a long one. So, even if you don't "win", you are a winner because you have written. Fourth, you do not have to complete the story. You are merely required to write 50k words of a story, not a whole novel. If you write 50k words, but the novel is not finished, just because November ends does not mean the writing ends. Keep going. There is nothing that says you end on November 30. Finally, do not compare yourself to anyone else. Just to you and how you feel. Last year I wrote more than 150k words in November; no-one expects you to do that! I have no life and nothing else to do - I am an anomaly. If you do not match my writing speed and output... so what? Comparisons are no good for anyone. Just write for you. We are only a few days out. The writing process is almost upon us. Prepare yourself mentally and physically. Set aside a place to write, maybe even a set time. Make sure those who know you know what you are doing, so they can support you. And if you feel overwhelmed, there are so many of us here at WdC who can come to your aid. Writing is a solo activity, but you do not have to go through this alone. And good luck! |
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