While the idea of writing 50K in 30 days may seem intimidating if you haven't done it before, or if you tried and life got in the way, it is possible.
I'm under enormous deadline pressure this month (October), one of the most frenetic I've ever had.
To keep up with paid, contracted deadlines, I'm writing between 5,000-7,000 words per day. Right hand raised, promise it's true. I was kind of shocked when I totalled up the past couple of weeks' daily tallies, but that's what it's come down to, and that's the pace I need to keep all month to get things done.
By contrast, to keep pace with Nano, you only have to write 1666 words/day.
In all three of my previous Nanos, my personal goal was 2500 words/day because Thanksgiving is a huge deal in our family -- at least 60 people for dinner -- so I like to be done before Thanksgiving and not fret.
But if you're overscheduled, 1666 words/day isn't much -- it's just over six pages.
Whether you pre-plot or not, if you trust your characters, you'll be able to fly.
Good luck everyone!
----------
Devon
Ink in My Coffee -- http://devonellington.wordpress.com
www.devonellingtonwork.com
www.fearlessink.com
54,090 / 50,000
Oct 7, 2008 - 11 37
Sheesh! Good luck making it through October. I do not envy you but definitely appreciate the words of encouragement. Doesn't seem so tough now in comparison. Thanks!!
----------58,947 / 50,000
Oct 8, 2008 - 10 26
The very first year I did Nano, I was uneasy about the prospect of completion.
Although year two was, in some ways tougher, each year becomes easier, like an athlete training for a marathon. Each year, I've learned techniques that I can carry over into the rest of the year to help my writing.
And I learn as much from what doesn't work as from what does! ;)
----------Devon
Ink in My Coffee -- http://devonellington.wordpress.com
www.devonellingtonwork.com
www.fearlessink.com