50,454 words completed in 30 days (well, more like 28).
It’s a bit after NaNoWriMo actually completed- but better late than never, right? (I would like to find an example of something where being late IS worse than never)
Anyway, I finished my 50k in the wee hours of the morning on November 30th after writing through the night on the 29th, and decided to just drop that sucker in the word counter and not worry about it anymore! I thought I might write more later, but of course that didn’t happen since the pressure was off. I’m kinda proud of myself, even though I figured I would have an easier time at it with my full-time-joblessness and knack for writing long things.
What did I learn?
– Writing is possible without loving the story.
– Pushing through writer’s block didn’t actually kill my creativity or desire to write. Rather the opposite, once I got the words flowing.
– I actually can keep a semi-decent schedule without someone holding consequences over my head (like grades), but I write more in fits and starts, getting a lot of words out at some times and taking more breaks in others.
– I write in the weirdest places. Like in the middle of making cheese, in those breaks where I’m letting it set. Or suddenly at 2 in the morning. Or in the middle of a busy mall.
Beyond that, I’m curious how well I’ve written. I’ve gotten this large mass of text out, but that doesn’t mean much if it’s all crap. Yes, doing this was still an accomplishment and good for learning about myself as a writer. There is always value in that. But now to the part of whether or not the words are useable . . .
In other news, I’m excited to be returning to my other novel. I’ve started some hard core editing and – what do you know! – it needs a lot. I’ve been focusing on filler words and character voice lately, and sheesh, does this beginning need work. Fortunately I’m finding it really enjoyable to hone it down and make it pretty.
[…] it a few twists to make things more interesting. Writing from a male perspective, for example. I learned several things about myself as a writer. But now I’m nervous that I was able to do what I did because it […]