Writing in public

During November, writers are out in full force.  Between official write-ins and free time to write, it's likely that coffee houses and bookstores are home to "WriMos" every day.

Whether you decide to go to any of Orlando's write-ins or just go somewhere and write on your own, there are  a few things you need to keep in mind before you set up your laptop (or open your notebook) and boost your word count.

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November 12

Dear NaNoWriMo,
Why am I so addicted?
I love you. Love, Me.

For those at home and overseas...

...for those serving, those who have served, and those who gave their lives in service, I thank you.

And for those who love those who serve, thank you

I know (first-hand) that soldiers aren't the only ones who serve.

Keeping track of projects

Every writer needs a filing system.  Between research, queries, samples, and archives, it helps to have a system to keep track of everything.

And just as important as keeping track of the things you've written is keeping track of the things you are writing. That's why every writer should also have a system to keep track of active projects.  Not only will it help you to know what you're working on and what you need to work on, but it will help you to keep your clients updated on your progress.


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November 11

Yesterday's hurdle
has been overcome today.
New hurdle today.

10 on Tuesday: things that can wait until December

1. your other project
2. your reading list
3. cleaning your closet
4. catching up on TiVo (or Hulu)
5. your blood elf priest
6. updating your Facebook status
7. sending out Christmas cards
8. dusting
9. Tweeting
10. everything else!

November 10

My M. C. is stuck.
My plot is in a corner.
Should I start over?

How to pad your NaNoWriMo word count

The first week of National Novel Writing Month is over, and the second week has begun!

If you are keeping up with your minimum word count, you should have 13,336 words written by the end of the day today. If you have been excited about your story and had some time to write this weekend, your word count may even be higher than that.


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This Week's Task List

Monday:

• Write at least 2,000 words for NaNoWriMo
• Continue addressing Christmas cards for PWT
• Continue working on set of articles for client

Tuesday:

• Write at least 2,000 words for NaNoWriMo
• Continue addressing Christmas cards for PWT
• Finish up set of articles for client

Wednesday:

• Write at least 2,000 words for NaNoWriMo
• Finish addressing Christmas cards for PWT
• Begin stamping Christmas cards for PWT
• Set of articles due to client
• Begin next set of articles for client

Thursday:

• Write at least 2,000 words for NaNoWriMo
• Continue/finish stamping Christmas cards for PWT
• Work on set of articles for client

Friday:

• Write at least 2,000 words for NaNoWriMo
• Work on set of articles for client

Saturday:

• Write at least 2,000 words for NaNoWriMo
• Work on set of articles for client

Sunday:

• Write at least 2,000 words for NaNoWriMo

November 9

I sat down to write.
And now the sun has come up.
What day is it now?

November 8

Beautiful Sunday.
Fallen leaves adorn sidewalks...
on your screensaver.

November 7

Today, write all day.
A great boost to your word count.
Don't forget to eat!

November 6

It's the first Friday!
Will you stay up late tonight?
Try to push yourself.

November 5

I can't find my pen!
How can I write without it?
It's only the fifth?!

All writers should read this

YA writer Natalie Whipple has a post up on her blog about self-esteem.  Read it.

Then bookmark it, and refer to it often.

Seriously.  Go read it now.

November 4

"Hump day" means nothing.
WriMos must write every day.
Keep plugging along.

Silencing your Inner Editor

The goal during National Novel Writing Month is to write 50,000 words in 30 days. To do this, writers have to set aside their habits of writing well and simply get words down on the page.

It's a difficult thing to do, but once you're able to set aside your need to reread your work as you write it, it's a skill you can carry to your freelance career, as well.


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November 3

Are you writing fast?
This is NaNo honeymoon.
Take advantage now.

10 on Tuesday: ways to boost your word count

I'm sure you'll use these techniques more as it gets closer to November 30th and your word count needs padding a little, but I'm offering it now just in case.

Good luck!

1. Don't use contractions.  Instead, write them out ("do not," "I will," etc.).  It gives you one extra word each time you would normally use a contraction.
2. Separate compound words ("some thing," "any way," "night stand," etc.).
3. Use full names of things and places rather than shortening or abbreviating.  This is especially useful for things that would normally be named using an acronym.
4. Omit hyphens.  Use spaces instead.  ("Mother in law" instead of "mother-in-law")
5. Use more "formal" writing to add words.  For example, instead of saying "She wrote formally so she could pad her word count," say "She wrote formally in order that she could pad her word count."
6. Go into as much detail as you can.
7. If you're writing third-person limited or first-person, let your prose have a little of a stream-of-consciousness vibe to it.  Let your characters ramble (internally and externally) for a while.
8. Introduce a new character, and describe him or her while employing #6 and #7.
9. Take your characters to a new place and employ #6 and #7.
10. Add flashbacks.

NaNo NaNo Rah Rah Rah!

I hope not, because I haven't got a mop (or a mop dog) to shake for ye.  But I'm here to cheer for all you NaNo sufferers participants!

Remember: you can do this.  You will do this.  You'll doubt you can do it, at some point, but doubt doesn't mean you won't cross the finish line on November 30th waving a fistful of fifty thousand words.  You will.  And then you'll need treatment for all the muscles pulled by your disbelieving grin of total success.

If you need some words o' wisdom, here they are:

1.  Keep energy drinks to hand.  Lots and lots of energy drinks.

2.  Eat good food.  Fifty thousand words require plenty o' fuel.

3.  Never give up, never surrender.

I'll see you along the route.  I'll be the one in the Goth Cheerleader outfit.  And I'll be there to greet you at the finish line.

Here's to a fantastic Week One!