Help!
What else is there to say, really, but help! I’m on day 2 of NaNoWriMo. I’ve never done it before, but I needed a jump start to the novel that’s been kicking around in my head since the summer and this seemed liked the way to do that. But 1600+ words a day?! The gods must be crazy! Actually, I’ve been able to pull it off for two days, but I’m already down too much sleep this week and it’s only Tuesday.
So what’s a girl to do? How does one stoke their passion for writing while still being a productive member of society, holding a job, raising kids, worrying about the environment? Work smarter, not harder the pundits might say, but what of it? Working smarter still doesn’t teach me the art of bending time, eh? Also, who thought it was a good idea to join the Insecure Writers Support Group (IWSG) and do NaNoWriMo all at the same time? Well, me I guess.
In the end, it will be fine. My dreams have already taken on the shape of the novel and in the mornings I’m lying half awake while my brain spins out a symphony in sentences. How to get those words to the paper without losing my stream of consciousness is anyone’s guess since that employs two different parts of the brain. If I can just get out of my own way and make room for the download that seems to be coming from somewhere beyond the astral plane, then all will be well and I may even have something that resembles a first draft by November 30th. But only if I can keep my inner critic in line, a tough thing to do for most all writers.
Which brings me to the IWSG question of the month:
November 2 Question: What is your favorite aspect of being a writer?
I’d have to say it’s lying in bed in the morning while the download percolates, then starts pouring out in sentences, paragraphs, sometimes a whole page. It’s exhilarating, really, and makes me feel like I’m in some kind of sacred union with the divine. I don’t know where the words are coming from. I just know that they are flowing in whole and complete sentences, one after another, all interconnected and cohesive. Getting them onto the paper is an entirely different set of teeth, but for those moments while I’m in full download, a conduit for the story, it’s freaking amazing.
11.2.16 plazos
Green Life Blue Water 
Thanks for the pep talk on my blog! I am so curious as to what you could be writing. Add me as a buddy if you’re interested in chatting. I’m particularly interested to know if your nano project is eco fiction in one or other sense of the meaning. I’m Raimey Gallant on nano.
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Thanks, Raimey! I will look you up (as soon as I can figure out how!). My name is plazas on NaNo. Looking forward to watching your progress!
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Sorry I’m late, but welcome to the IWSG!
It it a lot words a day. Just give it your best shot. You’ll still write more this month that you would otherwise and that’s still great.
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Totally agree and that’s why I’m in! I’m actually ahead of the curve right now although it’s only day 5 so who knows? Thanks for the push! Good luck to you, too, Alex!
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I wish I could be of more help but I have never attempted NaNo due to the pressures of word count. Deadlines do help me though so I understand that. I wish you much luck and it seems like you have the fire to get these words out on your own and will get it done. 🙂
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Thanks, Erika. I’m just happy for the excuse to get started! So many things sidetrack us. This gives me a goal. Good luck to you as well!
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Welcome to the IWSG, PJ! I, too, feel exhilarated when words start flowing from somewhere mysterious. It’s my favorite aspect of writing! Good luck with NaNoWriMo ~ something that was impossible for me to take on this year (or ever, so far).
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Thanks and thanks again. I have never done either IWSG or NaNo so it’s new experiences all around. I look forward to the challenge and to meeting new writing friends. So hello, new friend!
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Lol! NaNo and the IWSG are both great, but I hear you! Once you get into a groove with NaNo, 1600 words doesn’t seem like that much anymore. But there are some days I probably won’t get there. I do find though that brainstorming the day ahead or the scene ahead does help me when I sit down to write it! ☺️ Good luck!
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Yes, I agree, Kelsie. I use my walk from the train to and from work to puzzle out what I’m going to do when I get home or even on the train going home and it goes so much more smoothly that way. Good luck to you, too!
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I love that creative daydream to paper moment, too! Best wishes with NaNo!
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Back at you, Tyrean!
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My favorite part of being a writer is the filter it gives me for interacting with real life. The “writer’s eye” and ear. I feel as if it makes every moment more meaningful.
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Totally agree. It does make you look at life with more intensity than the average person. I also find that descriptions about things sometimes present themselves in third person even while right in the middle of an experience. I think it’s hilarious.
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