Preparing for NaNoWriMo #1
Each year, I participate in National Novel Writing Month. Over the years, I’ve collected some incomplete and completed drafts of novels and short stories on the back burner.
Getting over the revision hump is hard when you think you know what you’re doing, but you don’t. I became more aware of this — almost too late — after many months of frustration. Why was I still rewriting my novel and becoming less clear on the story?
Although I’m fine approaching writing slowly, I wasn’t productive at all.
One particular novel I started on my phone while grocery shopping. It morphed into a completed short story, and then it was rewritten into a novel. That was three years ago, and today, I’m still trying to get the story the way it needs to be said. Several half-done revisions featuring different paths for my main character was a red flag that I’d lost my direction and purpose for the novel.
If my goal is to publish, this pattern needs to stop.
To accomplish my goal, I need to reconsider my strategy. I need someone to hold my hand as early in the process as possible. Thankfully, I’ve found a possible solution.
In gearing up for NaNoWriMo 2017, I’m having an editor do an outline critique. Instead of waiting till after the first draft, I want to try getting feedback pre-writing.
A few days ago, I came across an article regarding practicing writing for improvement in the craft. The author, Sue Weems, calls it focused writing practice. It’s being aware of your strengths and weaknesses and targeting your flaws for improved writing. She lists ways to help discover what you need to work on, but also tips on how to get better through structured, meaningful practice. I know plot structure and character development are two items I need to practice improving. So my goal is to be mindful of my weaknesses and focus getting better through practice. Although I’m having an outline critique, which isn’t the same as a full manuscript evaluation or development edit, it should mitigate a few problems I’ve had in the past.
I almost gave up doing NaNoWriMo because of my frustration. I know something is wrong, but I need help with getting it straight — what’s wrong? How do I fix it? Despite my previous feelings, I will take on the annual November challenge with renewed hope and passion. It’s what you need when things get tough, and it seems like nothing will go right. Knowing the problem I face this year, I feel better prepared and optimistic.
Instead of cranking out 50,000 words as quickly as possible, I will focus on a smoother writing workflow. If I don’t beat the challenge this year (I haven’t “lost” yet), I’ll be okay with it. Hopefully.
