Okay, guys, here it is. Week two. The dreaded WEEK TWO. Week two is, historically, the worst week for us WriMos. The initial excitement of plunging headfirst into our stories has worn off and all the little things we put aside at the start of the month (video games, social outings, personal hygiene, sleeping, eating) are starting to look a lot better than the barely there novel in front of us.
Whether you're ahead, behind or right where you need to be, week two is hard for a lot of people. It's also when that phrase "Don't get it right, get it written" comes heavily into play. Remember, this is a first draft and we're not aiming for perfection. You can save the tearing your hair out for the editing process.
In the meantime, try not to let week two bring you down and ABSOLUTELY DO NOT let it knock you out. The reward for hanging in there through week two is emerging into week three, where things just get easier.
A few tips for making it through week two:
1) Write your ten words. (see last week's pep talk by Naomi Novik. If you can write ten words, odds are good you'll end up writing more.)
2) Take a day off. Not a day where you sneak around, avoiding your novel and then feel guilty about it later, but a scheduled day to not write at all. It is okay; one day won't kill you or your word count and you'll have all of week three to make up for it. Resolve to relax a bit and (in theory) your novel will creep into your brain anyway and you'll be even more pumped about writing the next day. (But never take two days off in a row. That'll just murder your motivation and thin the connection between you and your novel.)
3) Use the forums. Your MLs and fellow WriMos are here to support you when you're down. Take advantage of that. If you need a particular brand of motivation (flying guilt monkeys, extreme cheerleading, bribes) let us know. It's what we're here for.
Good luck this week!
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____________________
Jenny, co-ML for Memphis, TN
51,273 / 50,000
Nov 8, 2007 - 15 03
Thanks Jenny
----------That well placed encouragement was just what the doctor ordered, for me at least.
This novel writing thing is just like riding a literary 'Wild Mouse' - quite jery, slow then quick, full of dips and dives almost throwing you from the track.
I find its rather addicting!
I'm sold that when this ride is over, I'll be racing back next year to do it all over again...cp
u don't know what u don't know
50,364 / 50,000
Nov 8, 2007 - 15 16
I feel better. My story found a plot and my characters are bonding. Last time I looked they were doing karoke with Elvis movie hits and eating pinnapple pizza. My actual writing is flowing (although my word count is low). Thanks for the pep talk it helped.
52,556 / 50,000
Nov 8, 2007 - 15 21
Huff... I feel so depressed about my novel today. But the pep talk helps.
----------91,273 / 50,000
Nov 8, 2007 - 15 46
OOOOooooooooooooooooooOOOOOoooo A Pep talk!!!!!!
I feel energized... I must... write!
Seriously I'm doing pretty good. Since I'm not trying to edit so much any more as I write (I can't totally not edit... it's just not in my blood) and the fact I'm loving my characters even when delving into their deep sides, it's flying out from my brain meats to my fingers (keyboard)
Having you guys around helps a lot. WHoot for week 2 and many wonderful words!
WRITE ON!
=&_&=
----------52,556 / 50,000
Nov 11, 2007 - 15 18
I gotta say... Week Two almost killed me. However, today is the beginning of week 3, and wouldn't you know it, my novel is picking up. Yay!!!
----------50,112 / 50,000
Nov 11, 2007 - 15 48
Is this the start of week 3? I was thinking that day 15 would be the start, but I don't know how it's figured.