For some reason, I have the OVERWHELMING urge to write a novel in 30 days. Apparently, I am not alone. Today, November 1, is the official start date of the worldwide National Novel Writing Month, NaNoWriMo. Let me break this down for you: 50,000 words in 30 days. That averages out to 1,600 words per day.
Why? I have no desire to run pavement with hordes of people like someone else I know, all vying for one clear goal, as they cheer each other on to the finish line. However, the idea of cranking out thousands of words each day, not yet knowing what kinds of dilemmas and challenges may come to hit me in the face to throw me off-course. Then, there is that aspect of living with the uncertainty of not really knowing, yet, whether I will make it across the finish line on November 30 at midnight. This makes my blood start pumping.
The odds are tough. Last year, there were 120,000 NaNoWriMo participants. Of those, only 20,000 crossed the 50k finish line. The entire journey, with all its drama and intensity, is fodder enough for a subplot within itself. (As if I need any more excitement in my life.) More importantly, I’m motivated by the fact that I’m so curious to know what will happen at the end of my novel!
Yet, I have no plot.
Apparently, that’s no problem. Today, I just picked up my copy of the book: The No Plot? No Problem! Novel-Writing Kit: A Low-Stress, High-Velocity Guide to Writing a Novel in 30 Days.
That title pretty much sums everything up.
Other than the plot thing, the only other foreseeable challenge I need to overcome is the fact that my kid’s school doesn’t believe in giving the kids a full 5-day week of school. I think they’ve had a total of two 5-day weeks since school started back in August. So, we’ll see.
They say, “all you really need to write a novel is a deadline.” So, I’m all set. I’ll check in and let you know how it’s going. Besides… it’s only for 30 days, and then I can take the whole month of December off!
A few months ago this title would have led me to believe you were writing about a garden plot. 🙂
So true! That cracks me up… maybe I’ll have to have that “plot” in my story!
What a coincidence – my daughter seems to have been bitten by that same urge. She too seems to find no problem with the words, but is struggling with the plot. I guess you both will just have to plot on!
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