Well, already I've achieved what I set out to do - getting into the good habit of writing some of my novel each day. It definitely works best for me if I get started as soon as I've had my shower. I take my breakfast through to the computer and eat it while having a quick look at emails (because I can't wait to see who has contacted me) but don't read the forums and blogs until after writing. I'd discovered this before, of course, but had got into bad habits!
As a complete panster, I just start writing and hope my subconscious thoughts about the novel come together in some way to produce enough words to move it on. I almost came to a halt this morning but ended up with another 1,150 words. Hopefully, I'll do some more before the day is out or else I won't make the target (I've written 3728 words so far), although I'm not so worried about the word count as long as I get most of the way through the novel. And it all depends what else I have on each day, or how long I'm out - today is one of the few days I'm staying in. Might even get that huge pile of ironing done at some point.
I'm curious - do any of you manage to write for more than an hour or two at a time on the one piece? I don't seem to be able to sustain any more than that before needing to do something else and I suspect that's why I find novel length more taxing than short pieces.
Onwards and upwards!
Rosemary
15 comments:
Hi Rosemary, It is difficult sometimes isn't it? if you are anything like me, I find it hard to ignore the washing up and the many other tasks that need attending to, but if you keep going your nvoel will grow little by little. I am trying to keep at it at the moment, so the very best of luck. I know how hard it is.
Well done, Rosemary. I'm managing to stick to my few hundred words per day and hope I shall start liking my novel soon. At the moment it feels a bit small and sad and unformed. But I don't plot either, so I suppose I can't expect much of it yet. I'm growing into it a bit more each day, but keep thinking I would have already moved onto something new by now if it were a short story!
I can't usually work on the same piece for long at a time, although the other day, I was writing one story from nine until four! My youngest daughter came in from school and I thought it was lunchtime!
I just popped over to see how you were getting on - and it seems like you are doing great! It probrably isn't healthy to work for more than two hour stints on the laptop/computer at a time but I must admit I often do. Keep going Rosemary!
I don't manage to go for more than an hour, but then I am trying not to worry about word counts, and am pacing myself. At the end of this month I want to have a book in progress that I want to go through thoroughly and edit to bits.
Hi Kim - yes, consistent writing is definitely the best way to go and this is getting me back into it!
Joanna - you were obviously well into that story that kept you writing so long! I think I've done thet before with a short story but not, alas, with a novel. Glad you're keeping up your word count.
Rosemary, well done, and keep going! I can't write for long periods without a break, either. I need to clear my head every so often, and do something else (like this...)
Janice - you're right, it's not healthy anyway sitting at the computer too long!
Hi Cathy - that's kind of how I'm approaching it too. Good luck with yours.
A few days into NaNo and you're still alive - that's good to hear. :-)
When I have to churn out a lot of words, or when there is a scene I have trouble starting, I sometimes use 'Write or Die'. It's a useful little tool and I can imagine it could do wonders when NaNo-ing.
I got the desktop edition, but there's an online version on the website.
Hi, K.C. - haven't heard of that. Thanks, will check it out! I'm glad I decided to do this, as it's definitely helping me focus. Not worried about the end word count.
You're doing well, Rosemary. Keep it up!
Well done with your word count. I have to admit that I'm missing taking part in NaNo this year, but I really need to concentrate on other things. I did enjoy it last year and the year before and hope to take part next year too.
If I'm not interrupted I can write for hours, but it sometimes takes me a bit of time to get going.
Your words probably make more sense than mine,Rosemary! And there seem to be a lot of chraracters trying to elbow their way in.
Not to mention that I decided to do a bit on my blog every day -that I may not manage!
Rosemary,
When I start writing and get immersed in my story, I can write for hours as long as life does not intrude. This morning (Day 7 NaNo) I am planning a three hour stint and will only leave my laptop for coffee (...and of course the perils of procrastination are always there.. the blogging, checking twitter and facebook!)
I wrote a blog entry on that only yesterday.
I get up at 5.30am and clear my email. Quick breakfast and whip around the house and sit down about 8am when my husband leaves for the day. I thought it was great that you tweeted me.. my current WIP is set in Scotland!
Have a good writing day!
Hi Debs - good to hear you'e taken part before. I think this will be the first of many for me!
Myra - I wouldn't bet on the sense bit! I love when new characters just walk on stage - that's the way I like to write. Keep going!
Hello Annie - great to see you here and thanks for following! I'm impressed at how focused you remain. I must say this is certainly getting me back into good habits! Good luck with yours.
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