Yes this is my first NaNoWrimo, and not wanting to jinx myself with an immediate case of writers block, I started tabula rasa. Further reflection on this first day of writing showed me to have made an error in not doing some preplanning for my novel. Live and learn applies here, I have made a slow start but ideas have come to me, my muse has been kind, and I have things to write, a story to tell. Time will tell if my story telling will pick up momentum as the days near the thirtieth, as I feel confident it will but will it be enough to make the mark? Fifty thousand words by the end of November, the pressure is on and the writing machine is slowly chugging up the tracks and, hopefully, picking up steam.
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Robyn M
13,139 / 50,000
Nov 2, 2009 - 11 45
Actually that's not so bad. I did the same on my first NaNo and discovered things I never would've otherwise and won. Last year I planned to the nth and got stuck. This year (I think) I'm somewhere between.
----------Camarec - Fantasy is the only truth.
23,463 / 50,000
Nov 2, 2009 - 11 46
I know how you're feeling. My first Nano I had a somewhat idea of what I was writing and I did manage the 50k...but barely at the last minute. Last year I moved in October and did no planning and with trying to get settled ended up failing miserably. I did my planning this year...a single subject notebooks worth. I'm so happy I did because the story is coming easily so far...of course it's only day two...too many to count before the month is over!
Good luck to everyone!
----------~*~Jenn~*~
25,042 / 50,000
Nov 3, 2009 - 00 11
I go into NaNo knowing as little about my novel as possible. This is difficult, as I tend to analyse the characters and their backstory and the setting a lot, but I find that approaching the month with a problem to solve over the next thirty days has given me enough space to do what I need to to get it written, and also enough of a structure to refer back to if I get stuck or lost.
If you aren't familiar with it, I suggest trying Write or Die (http://writeordie.drwicked.com/). It takes the magic of a deadline and compresses it into useful bite-sized chunks. Three sessions of twenty minutes gets me a day's quota done, and it's amazing what a bit of pressure drags from your brain in terms of ideas and creativity.
I also find physical activity helps. Taking a walk, working out, going swimming, doing yardwork -- vacuuming, window-washing, anything that involves work but not too much thinking.
Anyway, welcome to the crazy club, and I hope that you enjoy yourself thoroughly this month. If you weren't looking for help, I apologise for my unnecessary suggestions. :)
52,486 / 50,000
Nov 3, 2009 - 09 03
Charlie, in case you need some of that physical activity, you're welcome to come over to my place. The foliage has gotten quite out of hand over the summer! ;-)
----------Junglemonkey
Santa Cruz Co-ML
Nanowrimo Winner '03, '04, '05, '06, '07, '08
Future Winner 2009
Wearer of the Eyebrow Dots of Power
25,042 / 50,000
Nov 3, 2009 - 10 37
It's a tempting offer, to be sure, but I know my yardwork limits, and they don't leave my backyard. ;)
...Unless it involves bonfires.