I’ve lost count of how many NaNoWriMo Novembers have passed me by. Last year, I made a half-hearted attempt and wrote 2200 words. As most of you know, the goal is 50,000. Came in ju-u-ust a little bit short. I started my first real novel ever last year and was still slugging through the first draft into June and July this year. I decided that maybe contemporary romance wasn’t really my genre. I was struggling too hard.
Oh, I understand writing is a struggle. I just wasn’t “feelin'” the romance aspect of it. I LOVE romance novels, but if I took a count, I think I leaned towards mysteries with a touch of humor. So, why wasn’t I writing in that genre for my first attempt? I decided it was time to set the romance aside and prepare in October for starting the new book in November — and that’s just what I did.
I could have planned more in depth, but I also wanted to lighten up on that and try to let the muse be my guide instead of trying to have everything PERFECT before I begin. So far, it seems to be working, and of course, the story is taking on a life of its own. I think that’s what NaNoWriMo is for. Letting yourself write quickly and freely so the story takes on its own flow. I have designated signposts but how I get from one to the next isn’t mapped out in detail.
I’m still learning. I need to try different methods to see what really works for me and what my process should be. I’m considering this an experiment and letting myself relax. The main goal is to write every day and hit the 50K mark. With all those words, I’ll be well on my way to that first, first draft. I’ll keep you posted on my success.
Happy writing…
