Thursday 3 November 2011

Third Day of NaNoWriMo

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:

Novelist in the Making said...

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.

Joanna said...

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!

Janice said...

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!

Cathy said...

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.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

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.

Frances Garrood said...

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...)

Rosemary Gemmell said...

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.

K.C. Woolf said...

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.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

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.

Joan Fleming said...

You're doing well, Rosemary. Keep it up!

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

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.

myra duffy said...

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!

The Smiths said...

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!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

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!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

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.