So, I've noticed that there are a slew of new people, and a bunch of folks from 04-05. For those of you that are new, I definitely recommend Baty's book "No Plot, No Problem" I got it about this time last year, and it's a great motivational-slash-how to get through the hard times of writing book.
Also, to throw out there: what do you folks do to prepare for the event? I usually try to come up with a title and write a first sentence--in my head. So that way I can dive in on the first. Just thought I'ld post a note to see where you're inspiration all comes from.
Last year I did this with a friend, and she was *instrumental* in getting me to make the final push on the last day. (I think I finished with about 30 minutes to spare.) So, for those of you who are going 'solo': use those networking skills, even if only electronically!
~Scott
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Oct 10, 2009 - 20 49
No Plot? No Problem! is a MUST for me! :D I like to reread it around now too, it always gets me excited.
I'm like you, I like to get a title and first sentence, too. I also plan out what needs to happen in the first few scenes, so I have somewhere to begin. I also like making banners and covers for my story idea.
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Oct 29, 2009 - 17 37
This is my first NanoWriMo, but when trying to come up with ideas I like to start with thinking of characters before plot - its just my style.
To do that I sit somewhere public and watch people until somebody catches my eye for some reason and then I try to imagine stuff about them. Sometimes I try to imagine them interacting with other people I have seen. Pieces of stories just start to enter my head after that.
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Oct 30, 2009 - 19 21
I'm a character person, as well; though this year is a bit different.
As I'm writing a bit of a skewed semi-fictional, semi-fact piece this time around, I started off by letting off my jitters regarding writing about real people with a parody of a disclaimer.
Another thing that helps me, silly as this may sound, is to set my page layout to 6"x9". It's a more realistic novel size (without being obnoxiously paperback-small), and it makes me feel like a novel isn't quite so impossible after all.
So, I have a title-page and a disclaimer to work from. I'll let you know how it goes.