What are you doing to prepare for Nano?

Freaking out.

No, I'm kidding. I'm busy with too much to freak out. Trying to plan cool write ins, plus trying to outline my YA. I know my character, I know the blurb, but the plot's being elusive.

That's okay - I have a couple more weeks to figure it out.

2002 - Finding Home - WINNER!
2005 - Surviving Thirteen (YA/MG) - WINNER!
2006 - The Montegris Experiment (YA) - WINNER!
2007 - Don't Touch Me! (YA) - WINNER!
2008 - In Character (YA) - WINNER!
2009 - Senior Year Single (YA Romance)

I usually write down an idea first, then try to figure out major plot points based on the very basic idea of the main characters I have. I then do a little character work and then do an outline on 3x5 cards, but it's never really strict.

So much changes when you're under a tight deadline and you force your muse into such strict guidelines. My muse seems to pop up with the weirdest ideas under such tight confines.

I also create a little nook in the house just for me, coffee and writing. I create a little alcove, make it nice and chilly (I LOVE writing in the cold) and put up pictures that inspire the story I am writing. I have my own little writing talismans (socks that my mom made me and usually an overlarge shirt or sweater) and I make sure I have tons of inspiring quotes as well.

What about you?

Rebecca Galardo - I have written several novels, screenplays and have published short stories and poetry. This is my fourth NaNoWriMo.
I am a proud 'How to Think Sideways' Graduate.
I am currently a VIP member taking the 'How to Revise Your Novel' Cour

I have every intention of writing down character sketches (I haven't me them yet! If you see them tell them I'd LOVE to meet for coffee!) and working out the story line. However, as a full time student and waitress, I'm a bit bogged down. I'm hoping to finish this year. My roommate is moving out Nov. 7 so I'll have a room to write in that is TV free so that should be very conducive. Last year didn't work out because of the whole Fracture-your-pelvic-bone-then-get-super-depressed thing. THIS YEAR WILL BE SUCCESS!

-Debby Jensen
2009 - Title Unknown
2008 - The Travel Agency - No Winnar for me

I've been getting into the habit of writing everyday, and I've been trying to squeeze in more time for reading as well. I took advantage of the cool weather this weekend and spent a lot of time at the park writing for my website. I hope we get some more cool weather throughout November because I LOVE to write outside. Kinda obsessing over the fact that I have NO idea what I'm writing about, but hey, I guess I'll figure it out.

Nothing. I wrote down a little of my plot and thought about who my characters are and their personalities and such, but aside from that, I'm just winging it. If I do a whole outline with complete scenes and all that crap, it limits me and I have to stay in this little box my scenes make me stay in, so I'm just gonna chill and let whatever flows, flow.

I buy every year the Nano KIT Mr. Baty put out there and used that. It's really awesome and has brought me luck to date.
Awesome luck to ALL.

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Remember EVERY WORD COUNTS, always.
Be Well and Get WRITING.
Ang

I write all the time so I haven't prepared anything different.

I've plotted (loosely) the story I'm going to be working on starting today.

Let me get off the forums so I can put in some serious word count. My evenings after the day job this week are going to be very busy so I'd like to get extra words in on the weekends in case I need them.

Elaine
http://www.ashleyladd.blogspot.com

Ashley Ladd
chinara@aol.com
www.ashleyladd.com