Yes, Virginia, there is life after NaNoWriMo. I proved in 2005, 2006, and 2007 that I could write a 50,000-word novel in one month. I'm very proud that I completed the challenge in those years. This year, however, I had broken several of my previous rules -- I told people that I was doing NaNoWriMo and even what my story was about, I didn't wear a silly hat, and I let the goal overtake the fun of the writing -- and that spelled disaster.
Am I sad that I didn't reach 50,000 words? You betcha. But, I am glad that I reached 22,093 words. That told me a great deal about what I was missing in the process. I was missing a central situation that was compelling enough to carry me through to the target word count. I was missing a sketch of the story to help carry me along. A mere line or two would have helped.
By mid-month, I knew I was in trouble. Then, when it became clear that I wasn't willing to give up my entire life to make the target, I gave up the challenge and I forgave myself.
That's a good thing.
But, I'm not going to give up. I'm reading Stephen King's "On Writing," searching out online resources about revising a manuscript (www.hollylisle.com has some interesting things to say on the subject), and getting energy up for restarting the fiction-writing habit, especially with the upcoming holiday.
When you get thrown from a horse, it's good to get back up and start riding again.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
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