Irregular Times Diaries: Unfit Discussion
In a time of the spring, old paths are obscured and new growth begins.
Irregular Times Diaries: Unfit DiscussionIn a time of the spring, old paths are obscured and new growth begins.
As I wrote earlier, I have failed in my first attempt to write a novel during National Novel Writing Month. The goal was to write 50,000 words during the month of November. I burned out on the task on just the third day, finding it to be un-fun and feeling the need to accomplish other tasks.
I’m not going to jump back on the NaNoWriMo bandwagon for this year. But I have been thinking about why I fizzled. I think the answer is that I didn’t structure the attempt enough. I just had an idea in my head and jumped right in, flailing around for a few days and getting really tired in the process. I’m not ashamed to say I failed, big time. OK, maybe a bit ashamed. I’d like to do better.
So I’m going to start again at the beginning of next month, but I’m going to do things differently. December will be Figure Out the Parameters of How I’m Going to Structure My Novel Month. January will be Compose the Particulars of the Structure for My Novel Month, and the rest of the year will by my Novel Writing Year. It’s a longer period of time for a long project. I think this is more realistic, less rushed and panicky than National Novel Writing Month, and so I think I’m more likely to succeed. I will try again, at a less manic pace.
Wish me luck! I would appreciate any advice anyone might have to offer.
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November 11th, 2007 at 10:42 am
I think there’s a good lesson in this. Writing just to write doesn’t make sense. Writing with a purpose gives a sense of direction for writer and reader both.
November 11th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
Jim,
I applaud your effort and determination. I wish I could just sit down and write just to write but my crazy brain needs inspiration!
November 20th, 2007 at 8:22 pm
As an experienced novel writer, let me say this to all:
WRITE.
Don’t get bogged down in structure and all that. My plot outlines for an entire book are usually about half a page. I end chapters when they get too long. Trust the creative process. It will get you through.
A first draft generally takes me about six months. I average about four pages a day, which takes about two to three hours.
RED DAVE
April 5th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
Hey Jim, what’s the latest on the novel-writing wagon? Care to share?