Over the past several years, I’ve been reading about NaNoWriMo – National Novel Writing Month – which takes place in November. The idea is you have 30 days to write 50,000 words. This is my first time attempting this feat.
I’ve been reading various blogs from NaNoWriMo veterans, Chuck Wendig’s run-down of 25 Things You Should Know About NaNoWriMo (warning, the language is a bit saucy) is as good a place as any to put the task into sharp focus. The Plot Whisperer Martha Alderson‘s YouTube series on plotting has also been helpful. She does a great job of breaking plot elements down and is so cheerful in her delivery that it’s hard not to want to take the NaNoWriMo plunge.
But I have to say, I’m a little nervous about ignoring my family, dogs, and house in my pursuit of churning out 1,666 words a day. I’m hopeful the past year’s worth of cooking lessons I’ve given my oldest child will pay off. He and his brother might be eating nothing but pasta and grilled cheese for their dinners, but I’m confident he’ll vary the menu with some buttered toast every now and again. Heck, he might even remember how to fry an egg. I can hope. Perhaps I should stock up on PopTarts just in case. And I’m sure after I withhold Minecraft privileges from my younger son in exchange for tidying up, he’ll comply. Hey, I’ve got to write, right? Strong-arm tactics are necessary.
So for the month of October, my plan is to outline my story. I’ve got my setting sorted out, my main character is formed, the supporting characters are mostly formed, the antagonist is looming large, and I’ve worked out the plotlines in my head. I’ve got my playlist loaded and running. My book bible is ready, all shiny and new, with fancy binder tabs that I had to hide from my kids when we were organizing their back-to-school stuff. I think I am ready to start outlining this puppy.
I can do this. I’m pretty sure. Well, I’m gonna try.
Any others out there taking the NaNoWriMo plunge for the first time? What are you doing to prepare?
