Anyone else sick to his/her stomach when thinking of writing this novel?
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Hi guys,
I usually love to write, and I write short stories regularly, but this is my first attempt at both a novel, a novel in a month, and a topic so different from what I usually write. I'm more-less o.k. with the word count, a little behind, but I'm not happy writing it. What's wrong with me? Help?
Sometimes it sucks to get started on a novel. I know my first two or three chapters make me want to punch myself in the face while writing them. It totally gets easier--just keep going with it. The human mind has a remarkable ability to get used to anything, even NaNo.
If it helps, try not to think of it as A NOVEL and think of it more like, "the 1,667 words I promised myself I'd write today". It's just part of your day, like brushing your teeth or making dinner.
You might wander from your topic a bit to get the words done, but that's ok. Everyone, even writers doing novels the traditional way, rambles a bit and gets sidetracked. Sometimes, in retrospect, those rambles and sidetracks contain jewels, that you don't find till you're editing.
So my advice, if the thought of sitting down and writing on your novel makes you feel ill (common!), is to forget about it being a novel. Just sit down to write your words, about whatever scene (out of order is ok) you feel like splashing about in that day.
It will add up quickly. And you will have a lot to play with and build on in edits, plus the confidence winning NaNo gives you.
Thanks a lot! That is very helpful!
Just like thinking about a large dissertation as 10 papers, think about your novel in short chunks. I divided mine into part 1, part 2, part 3; that way I reach 3 goals and have 3 celebrations, not just 1 at the end of november.
Thanks! :-)
I think the thing that worries me most is keeping up with the word count (as you can see I haven't been doing very well!). Like you, I've done much shorter fiction & poetry, so this is a new step for me, but I like thinking of it in chunks, too. I've even broken it down into much smaller chapters (3 or 4 pages) so I can keep track of smaller chunks of plot. That way I don't wander off, and I'll be able to write a chapter at a time (and that helps me to prevent repeating myself OR contradicting myself!).
Just keep plugging along. You will get an end of the month second wind and it will be easier to get across the finish line if you keep adding to your word count each day even if you don't make your daily goal.