I would LOVE to be able to crank out a novel in a month. Heck, these days, I would be glad to crank out a novella in a month. A short story even would be nice.
Given that my tank of creativity has been sitting on empty since March, even a flash fiction piece would be just dandy right now.
I love the concept of being able to push yourself to ge a novel done, just get it done, in a month. I love the idea of other writers providing support and guidance.
The most I have ever written in a month was 12K and I was about whipped out by the end of it. Then again, I am happy writing short stories, so that was three seperate worlds I had tapped in to. Worldbuilding, character development, dialog, and all ... three times over. I felt emotionally drained, but man, what a feeling.
So I can certainly see the draw of just opening the flood gates of creativity and seeing what comes rushing out.
I'd love to see a reciprical concept for short story writers. Maybe a NaShWriWk. : ) Maybe that would give my muse a kick in the ass that she needs.
Now my husband, he could easily do a NaNoWriMo. In fact, that's just the way he writes, in great big floods. I've gone to classes and come home hours later to find him sitting in his chair watching TV like the great brain dead, with a goofy smile on his face. His welcome to me is "I wrote 10,000 words". The next day, more of the same. A few days later, it happens again.
Maybe a week later, again. He is one lucky son of a bitch like that. But I love him.
And really, I couldn't handle writing like that. I like my brain to be functioning in the evenings.
So I will stick with my current mode of writing as the mood strikes me, but I sure wish my muse wasn't such a fickle bitch. I swear, she is musing around ... cause I haven't gotten any since March!
Michelle - 10,000 words? I can't imagine typing that much in one sitting.
ReplyDeleteEvery year, I hit a three month block where I can't write. Sometimes it starts in February. Sometimes it waits until May. I used to panic that I'd never get the urge to write again. Now I accept it as my natural rhythm. Hopefully I won't hit that window on November 1st.
Kathleen -- My longest sitting was 4 hours and I cranked out 6K. I got frustrated the first few times he hit between 7 and 10K in a day, but since he will plot in his head for weeks if not months before he ever sits down to start writing, I can understand it. Plus he doesn't write near that much all the time. He will just hit a roll sometimes and just go with it. Now if we can just get his writings edited and submitted to a publisher. Fantasy fic is such a niche market. Gah! I am dreading helping with the synopsis.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I have had such a long spell. Normally, I got a couple months, not half a year. But then again, with student teaching I don't know that I could handle story ideas just running amok in my head during the day. I would get anxious and want to write. LOL
Every time someone says amok, I flash back to Sarah Jessica Parker jumping up and down saying "amok, amok, amok" and Bette Midler smacking her.
ReplyDeleteHello, Michelle,
ReplyDeleteI think "fickle muse" is a tautology...
Every writer has a different style and rhythm. You just need to find and adapt to your own.
I would imagine that living with another writer, it would be tough not to compare or compete.
Hang in there. Sooner or later your muse will slink back, tail between her legs, asking your forgiveness...!
Warmly,
Lisabet
Michelle,
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic idea! I've been grappling with participating in NaNoWriMo this coming month, just to take advantage of the peer pressure. (I mean encouragement of course!)
If I'm really honest with myself, though, if I were to have written 50K during the course of November, I would be happiest with it if it were all (or mostly) shorts. So what do you say? November can be BOTH, can't they?
Hi Michelle,
ReplyDeleteNaShoWriWk sounds as catchy as NaNoWRiMo. That also gets my vote.
Ash