Young Adult Forum

Well half way through the month, but only have 8,000 words. This is my first time, and I really want to succeed, any suggestions?

drwilma

Well, don't think... I know that sounds stupid.. But don't think: just write
crazy ideas that might help:
1. Choose a random object in the room and revolve the next part around that object
2. Pick 10 words from a dictionary and use them in the text.
3.Look up some sentance starters online
4. Put an unexpected twist on it: New romance, an adventure, odd horror twist...
Just have fun with it! It'll come!
Good luck
Good job
Emmie

Emmie

drwilma;

You are not alone in being behind. (And it's my first time as well.)
I haven't half of the words you have. I only started a couple of days ago and haven't managed the 1,666 daily output yet.
But ... I AM doing better than last year - when I only heard about NaNoWriMo in December!

Rather than not starting again this year - because I was 12 days behind - I figured to see if I could manage to claw my way into the game. I read something great yesterday about what to do BEFORE November - the suggested outline writing was fantastic! (But of course I didn't save it and I can't find it today.)

Are your character(s) nagging at you? I went out for groceries earlier today, and my semi-main character was at the back of my mind saying "You are not going to be able to use the trip of going to the grocery store as a part of your writing. So go without the food."

He was lying to me.
I've just looked at a video about increasing word counts (Was it in the procrastination station? I can't remember. The upper right side of the main page - where there was a lady and small toy being interviewed in an office.) Among other things, she said that flash-backs by a character increases the word count - as well as fleshing out the character more fully. And I can do that.

Does that help you?

EDITED to add: It was Weekend Writing Tips that I saw the video. There was another tip given besides the one above. Have your character run into a nemesis from their past - a former rival, etc.

HTH.

I'm still in the 8,000 word range, and I've just started writing for the website this year. Last year, I wrote a novel for NaNoWriMo, but I didn't have an account. So this is my first year with an account. There are times when I think I won't finish, but then I remember that just because I started writing this for NaNoWriMo, doesn't mean I have to stop my novel when November is over. Like my teacher always says, it's not the word count that matters, it's if you like what you're writing. I've had experience with writing, and I read a lot, and I know that if I try hard enough, I'll always finish, but I won't always finish when I expect to. Right now I'm stuck on this part, because I can't find a state to use as it's setting.

drwilma,
The only suggestion I can give is to keep writing. Let the writing take you with it. You are on a journey with the writing and because we aren't editing much, you can just write. Start from where you left off and say What if? Think of the craziest What if ? and then let your fingers go crazy too. Also keep distractions to the minimum. Tell everyone around you that you are writing and not to talk to you. It's hard, but you have to stick to it. Or else write when no one is around. I have to do that and that's why I'm here so late. I just sat down and wrote about 2,000 words. I wanted to be at 30,000 by now, but I'll take where I am now.

Good luck and hope you keep writing. You still have 10 days! Another thing is to go and find a group that is doing writing challenges. That helped me last year to keep going and I won last year. If you won and you weren't on the website, then you will do it again as a registered NaNo member.

Happy writing,
Barbara
http://barbaraehrentreu.blogspot.com/
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