Ficly

National Novel Writing Month Again (H.S. Wift)

I first blogged for ficly just over a year ago, after sending THX a note suggesting that we have a blog about the upcoming writing challenge that would be consuming my November. He replied, agreeing that there should be a blog, and asked me if I would write it. Gladly, I accepted. Basically, I took it upon myself to be the herald of the apocalypse that is the National Novel Writing Month challenge.

Elsha briefly mentioned “Nano” in the last blog post, and for most of you avid Ficlers out there, I’m sure that’s enough to reignite the sparkplugs in your brain that make you write obscenely large numbers of words each day. But I have noticed the small army of new blood that’s entered our brain trusts over the last year, and it’s for you that I write this blog post, to tell you what it’s all about.

Right, NaNoWriMo. It is a pretty big challenge for you to try your hand at. Starting on the 1st of November, and ending on the 30th, you will have to write a 50,000 word novella. 30 days, 50000 words, that’s about 1700 words each day. Make sure you have a good story, because while I am yet to achieve this distinctive honour myself, I am led to believe that any pioneer of awesomeness will receive a bound copy of your book, just as it will appear when you get it published for the world to see, should you decide the world needs to see it.

I think that’s just about it. Feel free to post your NaNo URLs for buddying down below. Anyone who wants to take a look at what I said the last time can find the original post at http://ficly.com/blog/nanowrimo, and be sure to check out THX’s footnote regarding online publishing. We’ll have a summary post at the end of November where everyone can post links if they’ve published their works online, or can simply comment on their own NaNo experience, and how they found the challenge. The nanowrimo website is at http://www.nanowrimo.org, where you’ll find information, sign up, the countdown clock for the kick-off, links to facebook and twitter pages, and much more.

And so, I shall leave you with a few parting words. Enjoy yourself, because what is the point of arduous commitments to writing if you can’t have fun with it. Also, don’t forget to be awesome. And lastly, when you all become famous writers, I expect signed copies of each of your books.

HS out.

Comments

  • Abby (LoA)

    How have I not heard of this before???? I actually can’t believe it! – hence the multiple question marks. Regrettably, A-levels are going to make this a challenge for me but I’ll give it a damn good go. And once again, how have I not heard of this in the last three years? Shock!!!
    Abby x

  • THX 0477

    I am so in this year, probably the only year I will be able to participate until 10 or 15 years from now. That’s honestly a little odd to realize, and even though I’m not in the best position to do this it’s as good as it’s going to get.

    Best of luck to everyone else attempting this year!

  • ipe

    I was hoping to this year, but didn’t get it in place in time. So, going to focus on getting some short stories published this year. If I am feeling really ambitious I might try and get a manuscript finished for the Willamette Writers conference next year.

    Maybe next year!

  • ElshaHawk (LoA)

    I’m in! I will be uploading my wordcounts in burst on weekends, rather than daily, but I’m going to try! Friend me! http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/participants/elshaapril
    @ipe, I did it with 3 short stories I wanted to finish last year. cheating or not, it was still 50,000 words in November, still 2,000 words a day, and still in the practice of writing every day, which is a good one to have. :)

  • Abby (LoA)

    and friend meeeee too! http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/participants/abby-wall

  • ipe

    Oh yeah, I had meant to pass on a great series of posts by Larry Brooks at http://www.storyfix.com . He wrote 31 posts over the last 31 days of October all focused on NaNoWriMo. The site a bit clunky, but the posts are in there if you start with the October Archives.

    Elsha; I am hoping/intending to put some considerable effort into writing 2 or 3 short stories. At least use the month wisely. :)

  • H.S. Wift

    http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/participants/mikeyb95. There you go. Fingers crossed I finish this year…

  • THX 0477

    If anyone wants to add me as a writing buddy.

    http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/participants/thx0477

  • madiloveszombies

    First time I’ll try to complete the goal.. Nervous and excited too! :)

  • The Fantastic Mister Fish

    http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/participants/mr-fish1/
    I’m going to do it this year. I even got a head start with like 3500 words today alone. That’s like, an entire day and a half. I can do it. I KNOW I CAN.

  • H.S. Wift

    Actually Mr. Fish, the competition requires an average of 1700 words per day, so you’ve done just over 2 days worth.

  • smdasilva {LoA}

    I have sent buddy request to every one who posted their profile link but here is mine if anyone else wants to add me.

    http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/participants/smdasilva

  • K25fF

    I miiiiiight get round to it now I’vefewer things to do…

  • neil kant

    I started up and tried, but I don’t have the time this year. But I feel as if I’m working on enough projects and improving such that next year I will sign up with gusto! Yes, gusto.

  • ElshaHawk (LoA)

    The hardest part is the middle, where you lose some of the initial excitement, start worrying, desiring to edit, and then realize your plot has major holes. But keep at it! I am advising myself to keep going, because the last 10,000 words have felt like word vomit on the page just to move past the scenes, build up some areas, and set things up for the climactic battle (be it of wills or of armies). I’m going to keep going. You can too. Just keep writing!

  • ALRO613 (LoA)

    Couldn’t participate this year, unfortunately. Between trying to adopt a child, my band, band practices with two bands, hockey for my kid.. and his hockey practices, adoption courses and homework associated with that, and holding down a job – i just don’t have the time this year.. but i’m hoping next year .. i’ll be able to repeat my 2008 success!!!!

    Good luck to all who are participating this year… you’re now in the HARDEST part of the month… where you simply have to PUSH through and forget about all the editing… that’s what December is for!!! :)