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October 04, 2003
for the last four years
I have looked at the National Novel Writing Month with interest. I love the idea...being able to write 50,000 words in one month. I've never signed up though--me, the world's greatest procrastinator, sign up to write a whole book in a month?! When I can't even manage to get past 3-4 chapters on any full-length project?
I've always stuck to poetry. Why? Because it's short. I can finish it. It doesn't get started and stopped--well, not that often. I can see the beginning and the end. I can revise quickly. It's nothing like a novel.
And so, I've done it--Like others, I've signed up with NaNoWriMo. I think this is crazy, but I've done it.
It's crazy for several reasons.
1. I fully expect to have a fulltime job again come November.
2. I'm in the midst of my practicum class, which is a massive research project that prepares me for my thesis course.
3. I'm in the midst of another class, for which I'm developing the Plum Ruby Review, and that is a massive endeavor in itself, even with my dear friend Greg helping me.
4. Several evenings in November are going to be devoted to entertaining. Forget Thanksgiving...I'm talking about Joe showing off his amazing cooking (he's developing (including illustrating and MAKING) a really wild cookbook for one of his class projects) to friends.
5. Joe and I have one of those extra-amazing relationships where we miss each other terribly if we spend too much time away from each other (yes, you can go ahead and gag now)...and this will require a LOT of my time spent writing.
And so, I am throwing myself into the novel writing anyway. But I always find that when I'm most overwhelmed with things, I tend to be the most productive. I create more, I make more time for friends, I am generally better to be around. I don't do a lot of relaxing, but life tends to take on an amazing quality of its own and so that's okay.
I'm just tired of starting novels and never going anywhere with them. I have three in that state right now and I hate that I haven't moved past the first few chapters. I want to tell these stories. I have the beginning and end to one novel now and so I just need to fill in the middle.
Sooo this month is going to be spent in heavy research and development for my classes, while at the same time, building the worlds and taking massive notes for the novel--word 1 comes in November, but I can plan all I want before then. Who knows if I can manage this...but I want to at least try.
Posted by crystallyn at October 4, 2003 11:07 AM
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Comments
I've signed up, as well, so don't think you're the only crazy person out there!
Posted by: Ancarett at October 4, 2003 12:11 PM
The two of you are crazier than I am. I can't wait to see the results though!!!
I would love to get a copy of the cookbook too, so when he's ready to sell, Let It Be Known that I'll be first in line for a signed copy.
You two don't make me gag. I thought you were so fetching last year.
Posted by: Shanna at October 4, 2003 04:50 PM
Good luck, I'm sure you can do it!
I mentioned it to my friend Brad and he's signed on as well, so you've got one more crazy person in the ranks.
Posted by: Chris VR at October 5, 2003 01:48 PM
I'm crazy three, I mean too!
Posted by: Resurgere at October 5, 2003 10:17 PM
I guess i would be cR@zY 4.0
Posted by: sean at October 5, 2003 11:40 PM