11.04.2011

Writers write, right?

Do you guys remember those promises I made that I wasn't sure I could keep? About NaBloPoMo. And posts about Satan's Cat and my new Winter Car Phobia. I think I've kept all of those promises pretty well, don't you think? More or less, right?

Well, I also kind of broke a reverse-promise. Or a negative promise. Or something. Anyway. I told you all that I would NOT be doing NaNoWriMo this year. Because I didn't think I would be able to keep up with the blog AND the book. But then I got to thinking: I'm unemployed; I'm single; I'm childless; I'm kind of bored of television. If there were any time in my life that I would be able to write a book, it would be now. Which is kind of a kick in the pants. And also kind of daunting, because if I DON'T do it for some reason, does that mean I NEVER WILL? And if I do it now, will I be able to again? And what happens if I fail so publicly? Burning questions all.

But Sister said I was making excuses not to start. So she helped me flesh out a couple characters that have been wandering around in my head for YEARS, begging to be put on paper. We came up with a trajectory and path for their love story. I have no idea what the rest of the book will be about. Like, you know, all the things they're doing and accomplishing WHILE falling for each other. You know, a plot? But it's a start. I want this book to be ABOUT something, not just a common love story. I want people to remember it long after they put it down. I don't know how to accomplish this, but I'm going to try.

And so, with much fear and trepidation, I joined NaNoWriMo last night.

And so, with much coffee and instrumental music, I started writing today.

It's going well so far. But the beginning is always easy for me. The endings are usually decently nice to me as well. It's all the STUFF in the MIDDLE that I struggle with. You know, plot? But I've been told again and again just to start writing and see where it takes me. I'm hoping my characters will tell me where they need to go and what they want to do. Because no one else is going to tell me. And if, at the end of 50,000 words, it's a pile of crap... Well, that's not something I care to think about right now, but I figure I won't have DIED or anything even remotely close, so it will all be okay. Right?

With all of this in mind and an eye toward accountability, I'm going to figure out how to install a tiny widget on the sidebar to track my word count. I am neither techy nor can I find someone else who has ALREADY BEEN techy on behalf of all NaNoWriMo-ers, so it may take a few days. Until I find a widget, I'll post each day's word count and the month's total at the bottom of each post. I'm also going to try to tweet my word count every day.

I know I can sound incredibly self-deprecating or self-defeating sometimes (it's part of my charm), but I really do hope that I succeed at this. For once in my life, I would like to FINISH something. And what's a month, really? Maybe I get a job in the middle of this, maybe I don't. But come December, it's over. For better or worse. And then the weeping and moaning and gnashing of teeth can begin. I wonder where I can find some sack-cloth and ashes... (See what I did here, with the self-deprecation? Charming, right?)

I may need some support from you guys through this process, but I see no problem in getting it. You guys were awesome when I was being all secretive and cagey about the mess at my job (which is coming back to bite me and that's all I can really say right now, but just know that things may be grumpy around here from time to time). You guys are awesome! Thank you for all the wonderful comments and e-mails and love. Keep them coming!

And for those of you a little averse to fiction on a personal blog, don't worry! I won't be posting anything fiction here. I'm way too chicken (I think all those other bloggers who do it are incredibly brave). So it will be the same old drivel and obnoxion here, regardless of my book. If any of you want to join me with (or are already doing) NaNoWriMo, let me know via comment or e-mail and we'll meet up in the forums over there. And if anyone wants to be a proofreader at the end of all of this (Who is also NOT RELATED to me. Because I'm a big fat chicken, that's why, Mom. Strangers make better proofers), let me know and I'll send you my pile of crap (is it still charming?).

And now I'm off to write. Or put on pants and do something productive. It's like Russian Roulette over here.

Until tomorrow,
Elise




Today's Word Count: 3327
Monthly Total: 3327

8 comments:

  1. I think it is a great idea. All you really want is a rough draft at the end of the month, right? A large part of me wants to do this, too, but I have three tiny children and... well... no ideas. (Oops.)

    (If, at the end of the month or whenever you feel finished enough, you are still serious about random strangers proof-reading your novel, remind us and I will totally volunteer. I love doing stuff like that. )

    ReplyDelete
  2. You can do it!
    It doesn't take much to catch up, so you'll do wonderfully.
    It's my first time and going a -lot- better than I thought it would be. If I can do it, anyone can.
    Anyway, I have faith in you and wish you the best of luck! Happy writing!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sarah Pearson11/5/11, 5:19 AM

    Good for you Elise. There's never a perfect time, there's only now. Go for it!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks! I'm going, going, going!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I will totally mention it again and I will probably take you up on it. Strangers make the best proofers, because they're freer to be more honest. And I won't be hurt as much by the criticism, because it's not like you know me and are hitting sensitive places on purpose. You're just doing your job. I love this idea!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Find me on NaNoWriMo and we can be buddies! My user name is NotBagels.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hey! I commented the day you posted this, but it looks like it didn't come thru on my phone...
    It was full of happy, positive thoughts. You can do it!
    The hardest part of writing is writing. But starting is awesome.
    I'm pulling for you!

    ReplyDelete