Here we go for the final week of NaNo and I just wanted to leave a note to everyone out there who hasn't given up yet - you all can feel free to post some mutual encouragement here too.
Anyway, I've been really impressed by the diligence that a lot of you guys have shown, especially the first time writers. If you're in the 30,000s, I'm really excited to see you bear down and crank out that last 10+ because it's such a thrill to have the goal in sight, even if you're behind, and just sprint with your last bit of energy to finish before the deadline. If/when you make it, save a bit of energy for the TGIO party that traditionally happens in the first week of December (we're looking at the 1st, which is next Saturday) and we can all celebrate success in your reaching the 50K mark. If, on the other hand, you miss the mark by a bit, or by a LOT, I encourage you to join us at the TGIO with your head held high because you gave it a good, solid shot and that totally counts for something. Your contributed lines in the 'last sentence' thread will live in in perpetuity, if nothing else ;)
I think the hardest part of this last week for me last year, which was my first time, was itching to reach that 50K and writing complete and utter drivel with no polish, no panache, and not a lot of plausibility to boot - but whatever, it's quantity and not quality, don't forget. If it sounds terrible, who cares? Move that plot along by whatever means necessary and leave the making sense part for December's editing. Don't give up, people, and go read those much better-written Pep Talk emails!
So keep up the good writing everyone and marshal your fellow NaNo-ers on to victory with as much encouragement as you can muster! Go Londoners! :)
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50,187 / 50,000
Nov 27, 2007 - 22 55
Whew! I can't believe it - crossed the finish line!
This was my first year, and I actually found out about the contest the day before it started. So, having jumped in on a whim, I can't express how happy I am to have made good on the challenge!
I would have loved to drop by Central Library for a get-together or two, but the big target kept me feeling like I should crank words in the solitude of my own home. Maybe next year :)
To all of you shooting for the finish line, here's to you!
50,096 / 50,000
Nov 27, 2007 - 23 23
I am having a *lot* more trouble this year than last year. For whatever reason, my novel keeps trying to turn serious on me, and serious novels are way more work. The rampant stupidity in my novel last year (which looked like I did it on purpose) was, in retrospect, one of the keys to my success :)
It looks like I'm going to just barely scrape by this year, but I think I can make it... I just have to not get sick or have to work late any time this week.
54,106 / 50,000
Nov 28, 2007 - 05 29
Grats to to the winners so far! And those in the 40,000s - you can do it :) We're rooting for you!
17,827 / 50,000
Nov 29, 2007 - 04 23
So basically the only way I'll finish is if I don't sleep tonight and work through the entirety of tomorrow. But I'm trying!
Apparently what I really needed to get me off my butt and out of my slump was the realisation that, oh, there's two days left. And oh, I'm working most of the one, so it's really like a day and a half, or a quarter if I go to the meet up tonight, and crap, there's that thing I have to go to Friday afternoon that'll take up an hour or so too. Bah.
So I spent last night madly typing out utter crap that I'm sure would make no sense if I went back and read it. Which I refuse to do.
I'd like to finish, for once. But even if I don't, I've made it farther than I ever have. Considering how bad I am at finishing things, it's an accomplishment that I kept going after the first week. XD
Congrats to all the winners so far, in any case. :)
52,106 / 50,000
Nov 29, 2007 - 05 50
Yahoooo! I did it! I did it! - I am so excited. This was my first year and I made my goal. Not to sound stupid but this is life-changing for me. I've broken out of a writing slump that dates back to 2002. I've found the key to my writing, the time that works in my crazy life and the inspiration to go on to the next novel because NaNoWriMo has shown me I can do it. I hope that experience - not the word count, but the experience has been as positive for everyone else.
Take heart it can be done, just push through. Good luck to everyone and congratulations to everyone who even showed up at the desk for the challenge.
Yahoooo!
50,265 / 50,000
Nov 29, 2007 - 21 09
I stopped writing on Nov 17 and barely wrote anything for almost a week. A good thing that I was already over 45k.
Today, though, I returned to the grind and finished (I had a hare/tortise moment but still finished).
50,107 / 50,000
Nov 29, 2007 - 23 54
I am so freakin' STOKED right now. It only took me four years to finally win this beast of a contest but I've finally done it. And frankly, I couldn't be happier! ^__^ Now the fun part... the editing. .___.;; Thank God for friends who are English Majors. xD!
54,106 / 50,000
Nov 30, 2007 - 01 13
Look at all of the winners, go people! Last day means write as much drivel as you can for as long as you can and don't forget to VALIDATE your word count if you make the 50K - that means people with green word count bars need to go scramble up their novels and input them into the Word Count Validator on the Edit Profile page in order to get to the spoils of victory.
And while you're here, please stop by the TGIO thread and let us know if you can make it tomorrow for the celebration of the adventure that is NaNoWriMo. Good luck and way to go! :)