Less than a week to go until National Novel Writing Month kicks off and I’m still excited for it. What makes this any different from just writing a story? I don’t know. I think it’s a mix of the hype surrounding it and the fact that so many other people are taking part in it. It’s also the chance to create something. Let’s face it…this story could be totally awesome, or totally horrible, and you really don’t know until you get to the end. Of course, even if it’s totally horrible, there could be potential, and potential is a huge aspect when it comes to writing.
Last year’s project was a fluffy romance. This year I’m going to attempt a mystery of sorts. I’ve admitted to my writer’s group that I feel overwhelmed at the prospect of writing a mystery, so for me to attempt it is going to be interesting. It’s going to be a mystery/supernatural/romance about a security firm owned and ran by vampires in a world where vampires are just another part of society. The main story involves the head of V-Sec Industries acting as bodyguard to a local heiress who’s been leading a double life to escape her family’s expectations. She starts receiving threatening letters, so her father hires V-Sec to keep her safe.
That’s the general outline, anyway. I have a few aspects figured out in my head but the story will most likely take its own shape as I write it. I was inspired not only by basic vampire lore, but by aspects of the Southern Vampire/True Blood world. My biggest inspiration as far as the mystery/action part of the plot comes from Suzanne Brockman’s Troubleshooter series. I’ve only read two of them, but they are fabulous. I’m not even trying to reach her level of talent, I just want to see if I can do something fun with my muses.
This past weekend, I came close to changing my concept. I was watching a documentary about “Deep Throat” (the film) and had a spark of an idea for a new story. However, I’ve decided to let that one simmer for a little while and revisit it if it keeps nagging at me.
If anyone else is doing NaNoWriMo, you can add me as a friend if you’d like. I’m “mystressmanda.” If you’re not sure but want to check it out, you can go here and poke around or sign up. The point is to write 50,000 words in a month. Think of it as a month long free writing exercise with the potential to turn into something fantastic.
I may be posting my story on this blog, but I’ll be sure to title it with “NaNoWriMo” or something of the like so you can skip if you want. Constructive criticism on what will essentially be a rough draft is always welcome.
Showing posts with label NaNoWriMo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NaNoWriMo. Show all posts
Monday, October 26, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
NaNoWriMo
I love NaNoWriMo.
NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month. The point is for any would be author to take one month to write a novel of 30,000 words or more. If you do it, you win, simple as that. No one critiques or proofs your work. If you want to go back and proof and submit, you can since it’s still your work. The point is to write freely and see what happens.
I’ve done this for two years. Last year I worked on a story set in Sault Ste. Marie that I had an absolute blast with. Of course it’s been shelved for a year, waiting for proofing and a re-write, but I still remember enjoying the writing process of it, and I think I’ll even like it when I go back and review. To be honest, I don’t remember what I wrote in 2006 and I’m not sure why I missed 2007.
I have my concept picked out for this year’s NaNo. The challenge is going to be to NOT start until the first of November, but to let the ideas simmer. It’s actually an idea I started awhile back and then gave up on. I’m sticking with the idea but changing the basic outline. I will be jumping (back) on the vampire bandwagon for this one (even though I failed to ever revisit my college vampire stories), and I will also be attempting a mystery of sorts.
I think we have a group here in Manhattan, KS, but I’m trying to get a few people I know and work with to join up too. To sign up, go here (even if you don’t live in Manhattan, KS) and give it a shot. Okay, I know not everyone likes to write, but it’s still kind of fun, it’s only one month out of the year, and it makes for an interesting challenge.
NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month. The point is for any would be author to take one month to write a novel of 30,000 words or more. If you do it, you win, simple as that. No one critiques or proofs your work. If you want to go back and proof and submit, you can since it’s still your work. The point is to write freely and see what happens.
I’ve done this for two years. Last year I worked on a story set in Sault Ste. Marie that I had an absolute blast with. Of course it’s been shelved for a year, waiting for proofing and a re-write, but I still remember enjoying the writing process of it, and I think I’ll even like it when I go back and review. To be honest, I don’t remember what I wrote in 2006 and I’m not sure why I missed 2007.
I have my concept picked out for this year’s NaNo. The challenge is going to be to NOT start until the first of November, but to let the ideas simmer. It’s actually an idea I started awhile back and then gave up on. I’m sticking with the idea but changing the basic outline. I will be jumping (back) on the vampire bandwagon for this one (even though I failed to ever revisit my college vampire stories), and I will also be attempting a mystery of sorts.
I think we have a group here in Manhattan, KS, but I’m trying to get a few people I know and work with to join up too. To sign up, go here (even if you don’t live in Manhattan, KS) and give it a shot. Okay, I know not everyone likes to write, but it’s still kind of fun, it’s only one month out of the year, and it makes for an interesting challenge.
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