Not the End

So it looks like I stalled. The biggest problem with NaNoWriMo for me was having to not care about what I was writing. The object is to get the words out and worry about the whole mess later. Going with an idea that I had been sitting on was a mistake. If anything, WriMo got me started. I'm pretty pleased with what I've wrote and plan on continuing. Thanks to everyone who cheered me on. And I'll be sure to share the final product with whoever wants to see it.

Days 16 and 17

Check out my NaNoWriMo profile page for a brand new excerpt.

Almost to 10K. If I can surpass that tomorrow and double up by the end of the weekend I might just finish this on time.


Total word count: 9,424

Days 12, 13, 14, 15

The hardest part about writing without much plot is moving forward when you have no idea what to write. It sounds silly, but what works best for me is to just let the characters take control. Have them talk and interact with each other. The opening chapter aside, a majority of what I've written has resulted from doing just that. I'm coming up on my next plotted section and happy that I've been able to put off getting there unitl now.

I'm still way off pace, but I feel myself reaching that point where the thing is really going to start writing itself.

Total word count: 8,475

Day 11

I wrote a "sex" scene today. These are tough. I try not get too graphic when I'm writing these and try my best to have them not come off like a step by step guide either. The scene also invloved very little dialogue (which for me is still quite a bunch) and the words came quickly.

Total word count: 7,026

Day 10

Pretty good night. I had a clear idea of what I wanted to write and although once again it is mostly dialogue, I am happy with it.

I'm starting to think about the theme more. I started out envisioning this novel as an exploration of what success and failure mean to different people, and how age has an impact. Is success at a young age a bad thing? And at what age do dreamers finally give up their dream and admit defeat?

But I guess theme aside most people will just read this and hopefully be entertained by the story of an ex-rock star's homecoming.

Total word count: 6,179

Day 9

Another unexpected scene. This one allowed me to reveal a little bit more of my main's backstory. Still taking my time and trying my hardest to prevent the story from getting ahead of itself.

Total word count: 5,063

Day 8

Nothing incredibly substantial, but at least I got back into things. Is it possible to have too much dialogue in a novel? I hope not, because that seems like that is the bulk of every scene that I've written.

Total word count: 4,142

Also, check out my NaNoWriMo profile page for a quick excerpt from the novel.

Day 5, 6, 7

Very bad three days. I had the most free time since I've started and I barely did any writing. I am now way off pace and need to really get going.

Total word count: 3,719

Day 4

Total word count: 3,339

Day 3

Throw the character in a bath tub and let him flash back...

The scene I wrote today was one of those ones that I dind't even think about prior to sitting down. It was another dialogue driven scene and I was able to reveal a bit more of my main charcter's past.

Total word count: 3,017

Day 2

Lots to do today between work, bowling and finding time to vote. I finally sat down to write at around 9:15 and ventured on. Still taking my time and letting the characters breathe a little bit. Lots of exposition, but I did write a nice section with dialogue that I am pretty happy with.

Total word count: 2,389.

Day 1

The opening scene that I had planned on writing developed into my first chapter. And even though I previously said that I was planning on writing out of sequence, until I hit a wall I am going to keep moving forward in a linear fashion. The words are coming rather quickly (well at least for me) and the story is unfolding nicely.

One thing that I am very aware of thus far has been pacing. In the past I've rushed to get to the end. All through the writing process this evening I have been reminding myself that there is no hurry. I'm letting the characters breathe a little bit, and that's a good thing.

Total word count: 1,481.