Q: Anna, last year you wrote three novels simultaneously during NaNoWriMo! Were you successful? Did the ambition of yesteryear change your approach to NaNo '08 at all?
A: I was triumphant, reaching over 50 K on each, and realizing what’s possible during those thirty days. For my first NaNo in 2006, I hit over 100K, and the next year had a feeling another strong November could be on the horizon. No ideas for 2007 hit until August, then they came fast and furious. By the end of October, I had a trio of stories, and couldn’t say "No" to any of them. Completing the hat trick was really satisfying, but a lot of work. I wrote in blocks; morning, after lunch, then in the evening, each tale getting its own time slot. Not much else was accomplished during that time, but I actually finished two of the three novels in November, for a total word count of just over 183,000. (The last wrapped up in early December 2007, when I became reacquainted with my stove, dishwasher, and mounds of laundry.)
For 2008, I had been planning on again writing multiple stories, but am only working on one. Moving house, renovations, and proofreading my 2006 NaNo manuscript for publication have usurped some of my time. Knowing it’s possible makes me wistful that perhaps in 2009, I might again go for more than one story. (I did ponder it for about half a minute, but wrapping teapots and hauling furniture quickly snapped me back into reality.)
Some of the benefits of writing more than one NaNoNovel? When writer’s block hit, it was great to consider another project. I didn’t have to cook much last November, with Thanksgiving taking place at my sister’s house. Having just moved back to California, I went to write-ins and met some lovely folks (the South Bay NaNo community was a great support, as they are once again this year).
Even though 2008 has been full of other projects, I’ve been able to spread the NaNo-word to the chaps sorting our electrical and kitchen repair. (Not to mention gathering future novel fodder about the home remodeling business!)
NaNoWriMo has been such fun. Maybe three in one month sounds crazy, but with a patient spouse and kids, fantastic MLs, and more than a few cups of Yorkshire Tea, the words do emerge! If you’re feeling like 50 K needs an extra kick, let your imagination take over. You never know what’s in the back of your brain, waiting to escape.
Anna Scott Graham is a California native and NaNo enthusiast, having participated since 2006. With two of her three children off to college, writing has kept her somewhat busy and fairly sane. She loves a strong cup of English tea and her first novel, NaNo 2006’s Drop the Gauntlet, will be published by FEP International around Christmas.
