What Counts in the Word Count http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313 Dragonchilde <strong>Please note: This thread IS NOT for for general rules questions. It's JUST for "can I count XXX in my official word count" questions. Off-topic questions will be removed. You can start a new thread for other questions, or ask on an existing thread. Be sure and read the <a href="/faq" rel="nofollow">FAQs</a> and at least the first page of threads here in the Rules forum before starting a new thread. The odds are good that your question has already been asked, and answered.</strong> Everything you type into your file you call "novel" in November counts. This means: <strong>Includable</strong> Title Epilogues Prologues Dedications Introductions Forewords Afterwords Epigraphs Prefaces Author's Notes Endnotes Footnotes Appendices Glossaries Chapter titles The actual prose <strong>Things you probably shouldn't count:</strong> Headers Footers Page Numbers In-line notes that aren't a part of your final work <strong>Things you can't count</strong> Anything that isn't a word... graphics, charts, graphs, markup. Text only. Anything written by you outside of November Blurbs About the Author If you are quoting other works (such as lyrics, poems, movies, plays, books, etc.) you MAY count them towards your final word count goal. (Whether or not the items are copyright and you're allowed to<em>publish</em> your book with such excerpts is an entirely different matter.) Opinions differ on whether or not this is ethical, so in the end, only count what you absolutely feel you have to. I don't see why the author's name wouldn't count, but I'm leaving that up to you. It's important to note that this is not a "write 50k" challenge... it's a "write a novel" challenge. If it's not something that you would consider a part of a novel, then it's best to leave it out. After all, in the end, your real prize is your novel... and if you don't have a real novel, then you won't feel very accomplished at all! (If you want to know anything and everything about the technical aspects of word counting, your excerpt posting and your profile page, check the <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/forum/162" rel="nofollow">Tech Help forum</a>. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:41:48 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_391133 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_391133 AshCat13 I posted this in another thread before I saw this thread, but I hope it can be answered here. This is my first time doing NaNo, but my mother has done it in the past, and she tells me that you can simply cross out sections that were made obsolete by a later development or that you decided to replace rather than simply deleting them, thereby reducing your word count. So, my question is, can you simply cross out stuff you aren't using anymore, or do you have to delete it? Thu, 03 Nov 2011 20:54:49 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_437524 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_437524 cassileith So i started my book a ten months ago and have 23,300 words already. Should i include them in the word count or just the words i type this month? I am still shooting for 50,000 additional words, but my total would be around 75,000. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 22:16:51 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_440351 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_440351 AshCat13 Not that I am staff or anything, I would suggest just storing them in two separate documents and only counting and logging the story that is actually typed in November. That way it is more of a "strive for 50k" thing than a "strive to expand" sort of thing. Also, if you start your word count from 0 rather than 25k, it is easier to track your progress and to make use of the many available tracking features available on NaNo. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 22:35:35 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_441019 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_441019 Dragonchilde [quote=AshCat13] I posted this in another thread before I saw this thread, but I hope it can be answered here. This is my first time doing NaNo, but my mother has done it in the past, and she tells me that you can simply cross out sections that were made obsolete by a later development or that you decided to replace rather than simply deleting them, thereby reducing your word count. So, my question is, can you simply cross out stuff you aren't using anymore, or do you have to delete it? [/quote] Deletion is strongly discouraged, and it's totally fine to include things you plan to remove later. Another method is to change the text color to white, so you can't see it, but it still counts. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 01:14:50 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_446039 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_446039 Dragonchilde [quote=cassileith] So i started my book a ten months ago and have 23,300 words already. Should i include them in the word count or just the words i type this month? I am still shooting for 50,000 additional words, but my total would be around 75,000. [/quote] Works in progress do not count in your word count. Our rules state that you must start from scratch. See this thread for more information: <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/21744" rel="nofollow">http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/21744</a>. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 01:16:58 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_446102 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_446102 Erica Cash i have a question that's been nagging at me, "can we include a poem of saying by another person before our actual work in the word count used as a prologue or something?" Fri, 04 Nov 2011 01:46:47 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_447017 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_447017 Dragonchilde [quote=Erica Cash] i have a question that's been nagging at me, "can we include a poem of saying by another person before our actual work in the word count used as a prologue or something?" [/quote] From the first post: [quote]If you are quoting other works (such as lyrics, poems, movies, plays, books, etc.) you MAY count them towards your final word count goal. (Whether or not the items are copyright and you're allowed topublish your book with such excerpts is an entirely different matter.) Opinions differ on whether or not this is ethical, so in the end, only count what you absolutely feel you have to. [/quote] Does this answer your question? Fri, 04 Nov 2011 02:26:41 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_448220 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_448220 Erica Cash yes it does, this makes much better sense then the FAQ. thank you :) Fri, 04 Nov 2011 02:36:23 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_448514 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_448514 AshCat13 One more thing: I hate to have extraneous stuff cluttering up my workspace (in this case, my story), so I often cut and paste it out only a different page, but still within the same document and therefore included in the word count as well. Is this okay too? Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:18:50 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_456685 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_456685 Dragonchilde [quote=AshCat13] One more thing: I hate to have extraneous stuff cluttering up my workspace (in this case, my story), so I often cut and paste it out only a different page, but still within the same document and therefore included in the word count as well. Is this okay too? [/quote] Certainly! I do it all the time. I actually use either Scrivener or Liquid story binder, and I will cut things I want to remove and place them in a separate chapter that will still get compiled with the rest of my novel, but is out of the way. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:15:17 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_462679 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_462679 Cassandra432 Does an outline count toward the word count if it was started on Nov 1st? Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:30:48 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_463037 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_463037 AshCat13 Thanks so much. The extra "deleted" stuff was boosting my word count, but I wanted to make sure it was okay. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 19:34:42 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_467451 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_467451 Dragonchilde [quote=Cassandra432] Does an outline count toward the word count if it was started on Nov 1st? [/quote] Probably not. Outlines are not intended to be in the actual novel itself. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 20:46:06 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_469436 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_469436 bevellen I'm a first timer here at NaNo. After reading a few forum comments I'm feeling confused about what 'winning' entails. My novel's story feels huge to me at this time and will most likely take much more than 50k before I can write, "the end". In sketchy outlines I've divided it up into book sections - book 1, book 2 kind of thing. Would those be considered a complete novel? Or is it all about the final count of words written, or....? Sun, 06 Nov 2011 01:40:06 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_507294 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_507294 Dragonchilde [quote=bevellen] I'm a first timer here at NaNo. After reading a few forum comments I'm feeling confused about what 'winning' entails. My novel's story feels huge to me at this time and will most likely take much more than 50k before I can write, "the end". In sketchy outlines I've divided it up into book sections - book 1, book 2 kind of thing. Would those be considered a complete novel? Or is it all about the final count of words written, or....? [/quote] Many people do indeed write books in that fashion! I think in this case, it would be much like other books I've read, that are a single, huge novel, but are broken up in sortof superchapters, with book 1 added to them. It's all a cohesive work, but broken up, you know? I think that it would probably count. In your mind, do you see it as a single novel? If so, then it's fine. :) Remember that 50k is just a threshold for winning... not a limit! Sun, 06 Nov 2011 01:59:01 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_507867 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_507867 urbadave Back when I was writing short stories and sending them to be published, they paid by the word (probably still do). There was a formula for figuring word count for something written in standard manuscript format. This is sort of how it went. 1: Find a block paragraph with at least 5 complete lines. Count the number of characters and spaces in those lines, and divide by 25. That gives you the average number of words per line. 2: Count the number of lines in the story and multiply by average words per line. That's your word count. The idea was to measure how much space it would take in the magazine or book, not the number of actual words. Is this how NaNoWriMo does it, or is it just counting the number of words (which is what most word processors to)? You come up with radically different number counts this way. Word processor word count: 9280. Standard Manuscript count: 13125. Any idea what the verifier does? Sun, 06 Nov 2011 02:55:23 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_509472 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_509472 Gryphon-kl The verifier counts actual words. More accurately, it counts the spaces, so it's going to be closer to the word processor count but might be a bit different from it. Sun, 06 Nov 2011 03:13:25 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_509977 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_509977 urbadave Thanks. I've been using the simpler, word-processor method, so I should be fine. Sun, 06 Nov 2011 04:14:38 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_511724 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_511724 Rowan-in-ruins Can a table of contents be counted? How about an index? Mon, 07 Nov 2011 01:40:04 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_536967 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_536967 Dragonchilde [quote=Rowan-in-ruins] Can a table of contents be counted? How about an index? [/quote] I'd say yes to both, although most fiction novels do not include an index. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 02:01:43 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_537550 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_537550 Schadeboy I am new to this as well, so please forgive the naivete of my question. So the rule is we have to start a brand new book? Or can we count the words from a book we are working on, so long as we only count those words that were written in November? I'm down with the latter part if that's the case. I have a novel I'm working on that's nearly 20,000 words long and while I have other ideas for stories, I'd rather not get involved in writing another novel while I'm in the middle of this first one. I'm not certain I'd actually finish this novel by the end of November anyway. But still, I wouldn't mind taking part in all of this with my current work. -Brian Schade Mon, 07 Nov 2011 17:01:51 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_550717 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_550717 Dragonchilde [quote=Schadeboy] I am new to this as well, so please forgive the naivete of my question. So the rule is we have to start a brand new book? Or can we count the words from a book we are working on, so long as we only count those words that were written in November? I'm down with the latter part if that's the case. I have a novel I'm working on that's nearly 20,000 words long and while I have other ideas for stories, I'd rather not get involved in writing another novel while I'm in the middle of this first one. I'm not certain I'd actually finish this novel by the end of November anyway. But still, I wouldn't mind taking part in all of this with my current work. -Brian Schade [/quote] This thread is for asking "what counts in the word count" questions. You'll find the answer to your question in <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/21744" rel="nofollow">this thread</a> and in the <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/faq/rules#startfromscratch" rel="nofollow">FAQs</a>. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 17:14:24 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_550954 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_550954 Elyndra It's not really important I'm just curious. I started in Dutch, but decided that it really wasn't working and switched back to English. Now I just can't help but translate the first part to English, that's just who I am. I know I could just leave it and do it after November, but that doesn't feel right. I've been doing this after reaching my word count for the day so it doesn't really matter, but someone mentioned that I should count the translating to the word count too since they are still words I wrote. I'm not planning on doing this, but it did get me curious whether or not this was allowed to be counted. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:06:35 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_554611 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_554611 Dragonchilde [quote=Elyndra] It's not really important I'm just curious. I started in Dutch, but decided that it really wasn't working and switched back to English. Now I just can't help but translate the first part to English, that's just who I am. I know I could just leave it and do it after November, but that doesn't feel right. I've been doing this after reaching my word count for the day so it doesn't really matter, but someone mentioned that I should count the translating to the word count too since they are still words I wrote. I'm not planning on doing this, but it did get me curious whether or not this was allowed to be counted. [/quote] I would say you would have to count either translation, but not both. They're not actually different words, it's the same text, retranslated. :) It would be like me writing by hand, then typing it in, but counting each set twice isn't really writing new text. :) I would suggest counting whichever translation gives you the most words, but only that one. :) Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:17:20 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_554880 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_554880 Elyndra That was the plan, but thank you for answering, it's always good to know. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:23:46 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_555046 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_555046 Tamisin Flame Does a * symbol count or not? Tue, 08 Nov 2011 01:33:22 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_562662 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_562662 Dragonchilde [quote=Tamisin Flame] Does a * symbol count or not? [/quote] Sure. :) The word counter is illiterate, and does not know the difference between letters and symbols. If it belongs in your novel, it counts. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 01:55:04 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_563199 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_563199 Tamisin Flame Ok, thanks! Tue, 08 Nov 2011 03:30:01 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_565716 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_565716 saiki So I should not include notes for revision in the word count? For example: Chapter Seven should happen earlier in the story. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 04:48:07 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_591086 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_591086 bruadair Does it have to be exactly 50,000 words or can it be over? (Not that I am anywhere near the golden number right now!) Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:23:43 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_598433 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_598433 Dragonchilde [quote=bruadair] Does it have to be exactly 50,000 words or can it be over? (Not that I am anywhere near the golden number right now!) [/quote] Hi bruadair. This thread isn't for rules questions, Please see <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/faq/rules" rel="nofollow">the FAQs</a> for your answer. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:52:36 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_598895 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_598895 Jim Miller A friend of mine got to 12k and then decided it wasn't working and started over. She's only gotten 4k done now. Does she just forget the first batch of words? I thought that as long as the second wasn't a re-write that it all counts in a first draft. After all, when it's done, there may be a place in the novel for that first batch. Comment? Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:29:41 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_599569 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_599569 Dragonchilde [quote=Jim Miller] A friend of mine got to 12k and then decided it wasn't working and started over. She's only gotten 4k done now. Does she just forget the first batch of words? I thought that as long as the second wasn't a re-write that it all counts in a first draft. After all, when it's done, there may be a place in the novel for that first batch. Comment? [/quote] If it's all on the same novel, and all written in November, it doesn't matter what order she writes it in. She can count it. :) Wed, 09 Nov 2011 18:13:53 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_600376 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_600376 IvoryJaied I'm not sure if this is where I should ask, but it seems appropriate. If not, then I apologize. I'm just wondering if hyphenated words are counted as one, or two? Like, if I were to write, "half-way down the street", would "half-way" be counted as two words, or one? Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:48:32 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_616855 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_616855 Halite In my experience, Microsoft Word counts hyphenated words as one word. The NaNo counter counts spaces, so it'll be counted as one word there also. In both situations, it'll be counted as one word. I usually type that specific phrase without a hyphen anyways. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:18:55 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_617737 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_617737 Lousy Writer 13 Hyphenated words are, typically,. one word... "twenty-three" is one word, for example. If it is not supposed to be a single word, I'd suggest keeping the hyphen out so that the two words get counted separately. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:24:44 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_617811 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_617811 firefly_dream Hi, just to make sure: if we write our novel in a language other than English it still qualifies, isn't it? I am writing in Romanian because it is my mother tongue and my novel it's mostly fiction but partially autobiographic and I want my family to be able to read it! Just please tell me that's okay. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:48:54 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_619803 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_619803 Lousy Writer 13 You may write in whatever language is comfortable for you or appropriate for your novel. Good luck! Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:13:32 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_620210 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_620210 pegleg kitty I restart almost every time because something is so badly broken that continuing is insane. I don't mean block saving parts and reusing them. I mean redoing the whole flippin' thing, from scratch. That's fair game. Nothing in the rules says that the month's labor has to be a perfect, publishable book by midnight Dec. 1. In fact, writing boldly, even badly, is the stated point of NaNo. Sometimes that oddball idea winds up being the good idea that normal people - or even abnormal writers - would cast aside if it was not for the voracious appetite of the word-count thingy that is gobbling our time this month. Look at it this way: If you can't start over, you can't afford to take risks on that wild idea that may or may not work. With such a mentality, many writers would opt for dull but safe, just to get word count. It's a first draft. It's damaged. It's going to have parts x'd out if you're planning to rewrite and publish because THAT'S THE POINT of a first draft. Starting over is the same thing as having a scene that doesn't work, only that scene is at the beginning. If anything, we should encourage people to start over - as long as they're not block-saving old stuff and counting the same passages twice. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:17:33 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_621241 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_621241 misslynx I've found that using Scrivener makes it easy to get confused about what should go in the word count and what shouldn't. It allows you to create and keep so much information about your story - character and setting sketches, research notes, chapter and scene synopses, etc. - that it's easy to spend a ton of time writing stuff that isn't actually part of the manuscript per se. The default setting is to count only documents marked to include in the final compile, which I guess is the appropriate setting for NaNo word counts - but it can be a real eye-opener to uncheck that box once in a while, and see how much I've REALLY written so far this month! (As of this moment: 8620 words that will be included in compile, but 17,157 is the actual total without that restriction! If this trend continues, by the time I've written 50,000 words officially, I'll have written more like 100,000 unofficially. Yikes!) Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:09:27 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_627858 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_627858 ArcticOokami Every time I switch a scene, I use "-----" and then go to the next scene. Microsoft Word seems to count that, does the validator count it? D: Fri, 11 Nov 2011 04:28:00 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_632426 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_632426 Dragonchilde [quote=ArcticOokami] Every time I switch a scene, I use "-----" and then go to the next scene. Microsoft Word seems to count that, does the validator count it? D: [/quote] Yes, it does. The validator doesn't know the difference between letters and symbols. I think it's fine to count it; there probably wouldn't be that many, and well... it belongs in your novel! Fri, 11 Nov 2011 04:35:01 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_632566 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_632566 ArcticOokami Actually, there are already plenty of them... xD (I switch scenes a lot) But thanks for answering! :D Fri, 11 Nov 2011 04:36:15 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_632592 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_632592 DogRoseiko Hey, Sorry if this is already covered somewhere - I checked the FAQs and didn't find this topic. So I just noticed that Word and Open Office (which I use) count words differently. Open Office is more generous in its definition of a word, so my NaNo file is actually 500 words shorter in Word. I've gathered from this thread that Word and the NaNo validator might produce somewhat similar frequencies - however, I'm beginning to fear that I will have to write a lot more than 50k in Open Office! If Open Office counts more words in my file than the NaNo validator will do, what can I do to have a more realistic view of my word count? I can't switch to Word at this point, having exceeded 16k ...or can I? Actually, should I?? It would drop the word count by some hundreds of words at least. I'm looking for some peace of mind, so please advise! Fri, 11 Nov 2011 07:41:23 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_634846 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_634846 DogRoseiko Okay, I did some more digging, and discovered that Open Office users should be prepared for this. I think I'm going to switch to Word now and lick my wounds! Fri, 11 Nov 2011 07:45:23 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_634893 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_634893 Chevalier Don't know if this was answered somewhere else but what exactly constitutes an in-line note? I have some notes written down to include a new character in the novel and some information about said character, would that be able to be added to my word count? Fri, 11 Nov 2011 08:10:40 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_635140 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_635140 Dragonchilde [quote=DogRoseiko] Hey, Sorry if this is already covered somewhere - I checked the FAQs and didn't find this topic. So I just noticed that Word and Open Office (which I use) count words differently. Open Office is more generous in its definition of a word, so my NaNo file is actually 500 words shorter in Word. I've gathered from this thread that Word and the NaNo validator might produce somewhat similar frequencies - however, I'm beginning to fear that I will have to write a lot more than 50k in Open Office! If Open Office counts more words in my file than the NaNo validator will do, what can I do to have a more realistic view of my word count? I can't switch to Word at this point, having exceeded 16k ...or can I? Actually, should I?? It would drop the word count by some hundreds of words at least. I'm looking for some peace of mind, so please advise! [/quote] This thread is just for "what counts in the word count" questions; this is a program specific question, so you'll need to head over to NaNo Technology for the Open Office thread. (There is a way to fix it, you'll just need to check over there for details. :)) Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:56:34 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_639917 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_639917 Dragonchilde [quote=Chevalier] Don't know if this was answered somewhere else but what exactly constitutes an in-line note? I have some notes written down to include a new character in the novel and some information about said character, would that be able to be added to my word count? [/quote] I've always considered inline notes to be plot/character specific notes where you write things like [INSERT REALLY AWESOME DESCRIPTION OF A HORSE HERE]. They're notes to yourself made in the actual text. What you're describing sounds more like planning to me, and probably wouldn't count. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:59:11 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_639955 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_639955 DogRoseiko OK, gotcha! Sorry about the cluelessness :) Fri, 11 Nov 2011 21:07:09 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_644179 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_644179 NYBookworm I tend to automatically make two spaces between sentences. Will that artificially inflate my word count? Do I need to go back, sentence by sentence to correct it? Sat, 12 Nov 2011 15:00:02 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_656797 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_656797 Dragonchilde [quote=NYBookworm] I tend to automatically make two spaces between sentences. Will that artificially inflate my word count? Do I need to go back, sentence by sentence to correct it? [/quote] No, it won't. It just counts the spaces between words. Not the size of those spaces. :) Two spaces should count the same as one. (I believe. Someone may like to test this. A way to test: Put your novel into the validator with two spaces in the first sentence. Validate it. Paste your novel again into the validator, but this time, remove one space. If the count stays the same, you'll know it's fine. :) Sat, 12 Nov 2011 15:37:22 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_657188 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_657188 NYBookworm Awesome. I tried it both ways. There was no difference in word count. Thanks. Sun, 13 Nov 2011 00:22:18 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_665346 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_665346 roxysound Is it allowed to use old letters from my aunt in my novel? thanks Sun, 13 Nov 2011 20:45:16 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_677952 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_677952 Dragonchilde [quote=roxysound] Is it allowed to use old letters from my aunt in my novel? thanks [/quote] As noted in the first post of this thread, you may quote other works if you feel it's necessary to your novel. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:01:26 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_681284 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_681284 ryuryan2409 I have a question. The magic system in my novel is a little complicated, and I was wondering, can I make an appendix to explain it? It's just my novel makes so much more sense when the magic system has been explained. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:45:06 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_696465 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_696465 Dragonchilde [quote=ryuryan2409] I have a question. The magic system in my novel is a little complicated, and I was wondering, can I make an appendix to explain it? It's just my novel makes so much more sense when the magic system has been explained. [/quote] Certainly. It's listed in the first post of things you can include. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 01:33:44 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_700097 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_700097 anzoey I hope this is the correct place for my question! So I initially started with a story that I liked, but wasn't passionate about, because I was afraid to write--and mess up--the one I *really* wanted. I wrote about 2k before I lost motivation and since then have decided to switch to the aforementioned story. So am I back to zero or can I count the words of the other story since I wrote it in November? Tue, 15 Nov 2011 03:22:23 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_701922 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_701922 Dragonchilde [quote=anzoey] I hope this is the correct place for my question! So I initially started with a story that I liked, but wasn't passionate about, because I was afraid to write--and mess up--the one I *really* wanted. I wrote about 2k before I lost motivation and since then have decided to switch to the aforementioned story. So am I back to zero or can I count the words of the other story since I wrote it in November? [/quote] Unfortunately, it needs to be on one story; you can't combine works to reach 50k. Maybe try to figure out how to fit the 2k into your story? I lost about a thousand words myself when I restarted. :) Tue, 15 Nov 2011 03:58:11 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_702488 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_702488 anzoey Haha, the two stories are totally different, one is chick lit, the other is sci-fi. Oh well, I had a feeling I wouldn't be able to count it! Now at this late hour, I really have to get bustlin'. 3k a day? *cracks knuckles* Here I go! Tue, 15 Nov 2011 04:03:27 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_702584 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_702584 Kirin Choco Is there a reason the NaNo counter says I have over 1,300 words fewer than my word processor's word counter? Tue, 15 Nov 2011 06:30:00 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_704666 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_704666 Kataja At least Open Office is known to have an issue of counting starting quotes as separate words if you use "smartquotes". Either take the discrepancy into account or turn the smartquotes off (you need also to change all the quotes you already have back to normal ones). (I'm using OO, not having "smart quotes" - which do not belong to correct Finnish typography, anyway - and when I tested, I got a bit <strong>more</strong> words for Nano counter than OO: probably Nano counter counted N-dashes (wich I did not join the words preceding or following) as words and OO did not) Tue, 15 Nov 2011 09:32:29 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_705848 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_705848 Dragonchilde [quote=Kirin Choco] Is there a reason the NaNo counter says I have over 1,300 words fewer than my word processor's word counter? [/quote] Since this is a technical help question, you should probably ask this in the Tech Help forum. This thread is just for questions about what you can count in the word count. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:08:07 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_707556 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_707556 ivorybyrd I am not sure if this has been answered, sorry if it has, i skimmed through all the questions and answers. I started out the month with one idea, i got 5k in and gave up because the story wasnt going anywhere. a few days later I picked back up with a new idea and i have already reached the word count quota for today with the new story alone.. I was suggested by others to include the prior story as well since it was started this month as well into my word count.. I dont wanna cheat out Nano. I plan on continuing to do the 50K+ on the new story but i wanted to know for not only mine, but other's if this is eligible for word count.. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:32:49 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_725245 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_725245 ivorybyrd Please ignore, I just saw a post that answered my question ^_^ thanks Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:34:30 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_725270 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_725270 whitedove So, in the Nanowrimo Ate My Soul Forum, there is a thread going about starting over. Someone posted that you should keep all of your old words so long as you wrote them in November. From what I've gathered on this thread, that's okay if it is the same story, but is NOT if you started a new story, something that would be in a separate volume were they ever published. Is this right? Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:01:51 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_738697 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_738697 Dragonchilde [quote=whitedove] So, in the Nanowrimo Ate My Soul Forum, there is a thread going about starting over. Someone posted that you should keep all of your old words so long as you wrote them in November. From what I've gathered on this thread, that's okay if it is the same story, but is NOT if you started a new story, something that would be in a separate volume were they ever published. Is this right? [/quote] That is right. The goal is to write 50k on one novel... not just 50k words of random unrelated things. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:55:41 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_739583 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_739583 FirecrackerX I was working on descriptions of a couple of characters. I didn't go simply age:, eye color:, etc. They are like introductory descriptive scenes of the characters in prose form that I didn't include directly in the novel for stylistic purposes. My question is, do those words count for the novel? One of them is almost 2k, it's such a shame if they don't count! &gt;_&lt; Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:49:40 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_797691 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_797691 Dragonchilde [quote=FirecrackerX] I was working on descriptions of a couple of characters. I didn't go simply age:, eye color:, etc. They are like introductory descriptive scenes of the characters in prose form that I didn't include directly in the novel for stylistic purposes. My question is, do those words count for the novel? One of them is almost 2k, it's such a shame if they don't count! &gt;_&lt; [/quote] Do they belong in your novel? If they're not something you would include when you hand your manuscript to someone else to read, then you probably shouldn't count them. However, if you feel they belong, then they should count. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 22:31:04 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_808586 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_808586 runsailwrite I have not seen a link to the validator, to check it out and see if I can operate it before I miss some validator deadline after reaching my word count. I am closing in on 50k. I am using MS Word and assume to be close enough in word count that I will finish. Now I lay awake thinking about hitting enter over and over and getting a "sorry, you blew it for not validating on time." Is there a place to check it out? IDK if this is the right forum to ask, but it has to do with validating the word count. Thanks Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:29:31 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_813825 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_813825 Dragonchilde [quote=runsailwrite] I have not seen a link to the validator, to check it out and see if I can operate it before I miss some validator deadline after reaching my word count. I am closing in on 50k. I am using MS Word and assume to be close enough in word count that I will finish. Now I lay awake thinking about hitting enter over and over and getting a "sorry, you blew it for not validating on time." Is there a place to check it out? IDK if this is the right forum to ask, but it has to do with validating the word count. Thanks [/quote] Not quite the right forum to ask. :) That's tech help, next door. The question is answered <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/tech-help-site-bug-reports/threads/39379?display=flat" rel="nofollow">here</a> Wed, 23 Nov 2011 06:48:27 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_814720 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_814720 briseis09 Hi, this is my second year in Nano. I have a burning question as I'm trying a new technique out in writing this year. I think I should have asked at the beginning, but, I wasn't quite sure how to use the site effectively. If it wasn't for The Write-Ins; I still don't think I would have known how to get around on here. So, all my thanks goes to The SurDel Write-In Group on Thursday Nights! Lots of Love to you all! Thank you for helping out an Old Fashioned Mind. LOL! :O) My questions are: 1. I have used a bit of excerpt from last year's Nano, all written by me (not a lot; but, the part where I wanted to extend the storyline more as it really hit a chord in me to write more about it. But, it was written in November last year, during Nano) and I wanted to use it as a *Flashback, Memory, Dream* sequence in My Novel for this Nano. Are we allowed to do that and would that count as word count for Nano? 2. That same excerpt (scene from last Nano) I have repeated a few times in My Novel as my goal is to do a *Flashback, Memory, Dream* sequence in My Novel. It is so hard to describe exactly what I'm trying to do, but, I am really liking My Novel with these *Flashbacks, Memory, Dream* sequence in it. But, the question is: Are we allowed to copy &amp; paste the same scene / sequence numerous times throughout the novel and would that count as word count? Please help me out; I just want to make sure what I'm doing is legit. I hate cheating and I hope I'm not cheating. I just am trying some crazy idea that I got into my head at the beginning of the writing process and I want to see if this actually works with the writing process. I know how this is all going to tie up at the end; I have an ending, but, I just want to make sure what I'm doing actually counts or if I should just disqualify myself. Thank you so much. Help would be appreciated. Much Loves, Briseis09 (Arlene) Thu, 24 Nov 2011 16:51:44 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_830639 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_830639 Dragonchilde [quote=briseis09] My questions are: 1. I have used a bit of excerpt from last year's Nano, all written by me (not a lot; but, the part where I wanted to extend the storyline more as it really hit a chord in me to write more about it. But, it was written in November last year, during Nano) and I wanted to use it as a *Flashback, Memory, Dream* sequence in My Novel for this Nano. Are we allowed to do that and would that count as word count for Nano? 2. That same excerpt (scene from last Nano) I have repeated a few times in My Novel as my goal is to do a *Flashback, Memory, Dream* sequence in My Novel. It is so hard to describe exactly what I'm trying to do, but, I am really liking My Novel with these *Flashbacks, Memory, Dream* sequence in it. But, the question is: Are we allowed to copy &amp; paste the same scene / sequence numerous times throughout the novel and would that count as word count? Please help me out; I just want to make sure what I'm doing is legit. I hate cheating and I hope I'm not cheating. I just am trying some crazy idea that I got into my head at the beginning of the writing process and I want to see if this actually works with the writing process. I know how this is all going to tie up at the end; I have an ending, but, I just want to make sure what I'm doing actually counts or if I should just disqualify myself. Thank you so much. Help would be appreciated. Much Loves, Briseis09 (Arlene) [/quote] It doesn't sound like something that would count in your word count. You wrote the piece outside of November, correct? According to the rules, to claim a legitimate win, you need to start from word 0 on November 1. Including any work you wrote before then is against the rules. By copying and pasting the same piece multiple times, you would also be claiming you wrote those words independently, when you didn't. The goal is to write at least 50k on your novel during November... not copy and paste work from previous months to hit your goal. What you COULD do was make an in-line note, like so: [Insert cool dream sequence here] and keep on moving. Add it back in later, and don't count these pieces towards your count. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 18:54:33 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_831623 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_831623 briseis09 [quote=Dragonchilde] [quote=briseis09] My questions are: 1. I have used a bit of excerpt from last year's Nano, all written by me (not a lot; but, the part where I wanted to extend the storyline more as it really hit a chord in me to write more about it. But, it was written in November last year, during Nano) and I wanted to use it as a *Flashback, Memory, Dream* sequence in My Novel for this Nano. Are we allowed to do that and would that count as word count for Nano? 2. That same excerpt (scene from last Nano) I have repeated a few times in My Novel as my goal is to do a *Flashback, Memory, Dream* sequence in My Novel. It is so hard to describe exactly what I'm trying to do, but, I am really liking My Novel with these *Flashbacks, Memory, Dream* sequence in it. But, the question is: Are we allowed to copy &amp; paste the same scene / sequence numerous times throughout the novel and would that count as word count? Please help me out; I just want to make sure what I'm doing is legit. I hate cheating and I hope I'm not cheating. I just am trying some crazy idea that I got into my head at the beginning of the writing process and I want to see if this actually works with the writing process. I know how this is all going to tie up at the end; I have an ending, but, I just want to make sure what I'm doing actually counts or if I should just disqualify myself. Thank you so much. Help would be appreciated. Much Loves, Briseis09 (Arlene) [/quote] It doesn't sound like something that would count in your word count. You wrote the piece outside of November, correct? According to the rules, to claim a legitimate win, you need to start from word 0 on November 1. Including any work you wrote before then is against the rules. By copying and pasting the same piece multiple times, you would also be claiming you wrote those words independently, when you didn't. The goal is to write at least 50k on your novel during November... not copy and paste work from previous months to hit your goal. What you COULD do was make an in-line note, like so: [Insert cool dream sequence here] and keep on moving. Add it back in later, and don't count these pieces towards your count. [/quote] I did write it in November, but, it was from last year's Nano 2010. But, that is cool. I understand. Thank you for clarifying that for me. Much Loves, Briseis09 (Arlene) Fri, 25 Nov 2011 02:02:53 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_835144 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_835144 g.cook2013 Thanks for this! I have page numbers in my novel, and they do affect the word count, so I'll make sure to remove those before I validate :) Fri, 25 Nov 2011 18:07:47 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_841321 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=1#forum_thread_comment_841321 Dragonchilde [quote=briseis09] I did write it in November, but, it was from last year's Nano 2010. But, that is cool. I understand. Thank you for clarifying that for me. Much Loves, Briseis09 (Arlene) [/quote] You have to write it during this event. ;) Even if it was written for a previous event, it was written outside of <em>this</em> November! Fri, 25 Nov 2011 23:19:01 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_844389 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_844389 briseis09 Have gone and made the changes. Thank you for helping me with my questions. Lost 5K Words, but, it's worth it. Was at about 23K and have gone down to 18K, but, that doesn't include the new chapter I started last night yet. I should be around 20K with the bit I did yesterday; but, I don't update until the chapter is done. My Chapters are 5 pages long. I'm only on page 2 for the new chapter. Thank you for helping; I feel much better now. Much Loves, Briseis09 (Arlene) Sat, 26 Nov 2011 02:19:59 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_846101 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_846101 Chloe Ayrshire Hi! On the topic of word counts... I want to check my MW wordcount against the NaNo counter, but I'm not ready to submit my novel. I'm at about 43K words, but I wanted to know if I actually have 7,000 words left, or a few more. So, my question: "validate" sounds very permanent. Am I able to check my word count with the site's counter before I'm through with my novel? Sorry if this is in the wrong place. Thank you in advance. :) Sun, 27 Nov 2011 01:31:47 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_856651 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_856651 Dragonchilde [quote=Chloe Ayrshire] Hi! On the topic of word counts... I want to check my MW wordcount against the NaNo counter, but I'm not ready to submit my novel. I'm at about 43K words, but I wanted to know if I actually have 7,000 words left, or a few more. So, my question: "validate" sounds very permanent. Am I able to check my word count with the site's counter before I'm through with my novel? Sorry if this is in the wrong place. Thank you in advance. :) [/quote] <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/43674" rel="nofollow">This thread</a> answers your question. This thread is just for what you can count in your word count. :) Sun, 27 Nov 2011 17:20:15 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_862947 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_862947 Chloe Ayrshire [quote=Dragonchilde] [quote=Chloe Ayrshire] Hi! On the topic of word counts... I want to check my MW wordcount against the NaNo counter, but I'm not ready to submit my novel. I'm at about 43K words, but I wanted to know if I actually have 7,000 words left, or a few more. So, my question: "validate" sounds very permanent. Am I able to check my word count with the site's counter before I'm through with my novel? Sorry if this is in the wrong place. Thank you in advance. :) [/quote] <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/43674" rel="nofollow">This thread</a> answers your question. This thread is just for what you can count in your word count. :) [/quote] Thank you vey much! Sun, 27 Nov 2011 18:07:12 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_863355 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_863355 Misssam Can someone clarify what falls under "In-line notes that aren't a part of your final work." I have brief inline notes meant to remind me where I want a scene to go next (I'm writing my scenes out of order). Do this not count towards the final word count? I'm writing sans outline/November plotting so I've been considering it all a part of the novel writing process. Now I'm nervous it doesn't count... Mon, 28 Nov 2011 07:53:59 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_872436 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_872436 Dragonchilde [quote=Misssam] Can someone clarify what falls under "In-line notes that aren't a part of your final work." I have brief inline notes meant to remind me where I want a scene to go next (I'm writing my scenes out of order). Do this not count towards the final word count? I'm writing sans outline/November plotting so I've been considering it all a part of the novel writing process. Now I'm nervous it doesn't count... [/quote] I'd say it counts. I think of inline notes as outside research, that sort of thing, that aren't actually related, and if it's notes in place of something you're adding later, or moving, I don't see why it wouldn't count. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:55:48 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_874706 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_874706 Misssam Ohhhh got it! That makes me feel better :) thanks for easing my mind haha Mon, 28 Nov 2011 23:59:56 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_879726 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_879726 helltank I'm a NNWM first timer... Can I count totally unrelated random blurted phrases as part of my word count? Even if they're dares? EXAMPLE:I plan to do a dare to have my character lose the Game during the climax. Does that count? Because it's not part of the story, just a random sideline. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:32:27 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1104931 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1104931 Dragonchilde [quote=helltank] I'm a NNWM first timer... Can I count totally unrelated random blurted phrases as part of my word count? Even if they're dares? EXAMPLE:I plan to do a dare to have my character lose the Game during the climax. Does that count? Because it's not part of the story, just a random sideline. [/quote] It's entirely up to you. Many people do, and we think it's fine; We don't care what is going to be done with the novel, so it doesn't matter if you'd edit it out later. It should probably be a part of the story in that you're not just adding unrelated words to make the word count (The goal is to write a novel, not just 50k) but if it's just dares and silliness you're making a part of the story but not the main plot, that's just fine! Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:39:33 +0000 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1106311 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/rules-regulations-and-other-minutiae/threads/20313?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1106311