So, I did Nano.
The month of November has been declared
National Novel Writing Month. Sometimes called Nanowrimo…sometimes called Nano.
I have never done Nano before. I have many
years done what I call Shadow Nano…where I try to up my own production in
November in harmony with Nano. But this year, for whatever reason, I signed up.
I know people like form groups, egg each other
on…but Mary the Troubled Loner did not do this.
Maybe next year.
But I did have a very productive month. The
first week I was really steaming along. Maybe…12,000 words the first week. And
I’m jazzed. 12,000 a month, that’s 48,000 with a goal of 50K and the two extra
days November gives (four weeks is, after all, only 28 days!) I was going to
make it.
But then, like some kind of gravitational pull,
I dropped back to my usual 1000 words a day.
In the end I wrote 37,924 words in November.
That’s pretty good. I write 1000 words a day but I miss days. I always take a
few days off and I don’t regret that. It’s a baked into my goal. But for Nano, I
didn’t miss a single day in November. I wrote 30 days in a row.
So that alone made Nano worth it. I’m working
on a 75,000 word book and I had a few thousand words written before Nano
started so that book is currently at 43,461. I need 30k to finish and hopefully
I’ll be done with the book around January 1st. It’s Due February 1st.
So everything is good!
Was Nano worth it? Should Mary the Troubled
Loner have joined with others?
Have you ever done it? Does anyone here have
Nano experience?
Is there a way to get more out of it?
I think I’ll do it again. It was relatively
painless. And I did write more than usual…a bit.
So share your experience, or your curiosity.
Leave a comment to get your name in the drawing
for a Mary Connealy book of your choice…from those I have on hand. I may choose
multiple winners, cuz I’m in a giving mood.
Whoever I draw can consult with me.
And a second winner gets a $20.20 Amazon Gift
Card.
Congrats on your successful writing month!
ReplyDeleteThanks Heidi
DeleteGreat work, Mary! Writing for 30 days straight is a feat. I tried NanoWrimo in 2018, and all I can say is it was a learning experience. I'm just not sure it's for me. However, I've made a point to read a few books that came out of NanoWrimo (Water for Elephants for example), and I'm impressed with what people are capable of!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that was a thing, Rachel. Is there a way to look up books that came out of Nano?
DeleteMy book came out of Nano 2005. :)
DeleteMary, here's one list I found: https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/1072-24-books-that-won-nanowrimo
DeleteMichelle, that's great! What's the title of yours?
Eldala. It's a fantasy with romance. You can find it on Amazon. Thank you for asking.
DeleteGood for you, Mary. I'm always impressed when an established writer tries new things. I've done novellas for NAAO but never a full book. But for the novellas that's start to finish, outlining, writing and revisions, so I guess it counts. I've also done revisions in November with an eye to finishing the rewrite in four weeks. But never a full novel. Maybe next year when things settle down a little...Please enter me in the drawing, with a New England winter and more COVID on the horizon I need all the books I can get.
ReplyDeleteKathy Bailey
Your Kaybee
Trying to boost productivity in New Hampshire
kaybee don't you have to write 50,000 words? Because if you don't, I might set my goal lower and thus, succeed. But I thought they (Nano, I mean, the all powerful THEY) set it at 50,000.
DeleteWay to step out and try something new! I've tried NaNo a few times and never seem to reach the 50,000 words. This year I even planned everything out in October and thought this was the year I would reach my goal. Nope. Personal things happened and caused me to lose the motivation to even write. But I was able to get over that first hump in my story that first week so the words have been coming easier.
ReplyDeleteYou're the second one who's talked about trying something new. I didn't think of it like that, but you're right? It's not exactly scuba diving or sky diving, or running with the bulls, but it is something new isn't it!!!???
DeleteCongratulations, Mary. Sounds like it was productive even if you didn't quite reach your goal. I think it's OK to do it without joining a group. That can just be more pressure. I have never thought to try Nano. November is just not a month I would even consider it. My niece did it when she was 14. That was the first time I had ever heard of it. After she finished, her dad published the book for her, so that was kind of cool. Please enter me in the drawing for a book or the Amazon card!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sandy. I've always thought November was an odd month for it. Thanksgiving alone can take four days out. But it didn't for me. Not much stops me from my 1000 words a day. But on nights I was tired, I do know that Nano and their "You've written seven days in a row..." emails/badges whatever. did make me open that document up thinking, okay I'm going to write a paragraph just to not miss a day. And then that old reflex for 1000 words a day would kick in and I'm off. So Nano was right for that.
DeleteI have done NaNo off and on since 2009. Since 2016 I've won twice, but most often get to about 15k and hate my project :) I knew I wouldn't finish this year. I stopped writing about Nov 10 and gave myself the rest of the year off. When I first started back in 2009, I had a large group of writer friends that made it really fun. Those online friends have sort of drifted, so now it sort of feels less like a community for me and more like a chore. Winning feels good and I always need some sort of outside goal/deadline to make myself work and NaNo often does that for me. Glad to hear you tried it!
ReplyDeleteGlynis, speaking as someone new to this...what do you win? Like...a nano badge? The satisfaction of knowing I succeeded? Or $10,000? Because I can promise you only ONE of those three possible prizes will motivate me!
DeleteI knew at least two people who were doing it. I didn't join in. I don't know why...I just shied away from it.
DeleteShy-ed? How do you spell that?
No cash prizes, just the satisfaction of doing it. And for someone who never finishes projects, that's pretty good. You get a certificate. But after I did it once there wasn't much motivation to get another. Cash would be great, though :)
DeleteMaybe next year we need to have Seekers meet somewhere in a forum during the month to encourage each other. Like I said when I first started a group would meet and chat when we weren't writing and it was really good. It felt like we were doing it together. Plus their old website used to show the progress your buddies were making on one page, which they don't anymore. That really helped me want to keep up--especially when I knew Amy and Dalyn were always ahead of me :)
Mary, I'm seriously impressed!
ReplyDeleteI've tried NaNo a few times, and I did Speedbo every year we had it here at Seekerville, but never with success. In fact, for me it's anti-success. It's like throwing a bucket of water on a campfire. My word count goes way down for some reason - entirely me working against myself.
But the success you had of writing every day! That's awesome! I think I'll make that my January goal!
And I can't wait to read the new book. :-)
Jan it's like that gravitational pull I fell dragging me back to 1000 words a day. Yes, I did up my production, but no huge REVELATION of blitz type work. So I'll take the success but it was no 30 day wonder.
DeleteIn the past four years I’ve done it three years and succeeded each time and even gone over. I use October to plan so I’m ready to just write in November. I love it and the first year taught me what I could do.
ReplyDeleteDalyn, way to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DeleteAnd one point ... you're right about being ready. This just lined up right for me. I was just ready to start a new book. A proposal that sold so I knew I was going to spend November writing. So Nano was right for me.
Mary, congratulations! You did great! I've never officially done Nano. It's just not a format that works well for me. Of course, I shouldn't say that if I haven't tried it yet! :)
ReplyDeleteI should add, though, that I have done some Book-in-a-month challenges in FHL in past years. I had some success with those. I do like the encouragement that a small group can have while cheering each other on.
DeleteSo they're not judging you, Missy???
DeleteI did actually go so far as to create an account and sign up one time! But I failed the challenge. Hope YOU won't judge me, Mary. :)
DeleteThis sounds like you learned something about yourself. This is always good. I tried joining a quilting bee at one time. They really pushed themselves to either get something done or learn something new. Sigh. I am just not a pusher and I love to finish projects and learn new things at my own pace. Thinking I may try a different quilting bee in the future. Hmmm I know that our main church has one that meets once a month. Maybe when all this hullabaloo is over I will give it a try. It will all be christian ladies getting together. Hmmm the more I write this the more it sounds like a lot of fun. quilting dash lady at comcast dot net
ReplyDeleteQuilting, wow, I so admire that. I've just never been good at sewing and I don't know why. I can crochet and knit. But for some reason sewing a straight line was just too much for me. And a whole quilt? How cool.
DeleteMary, you're the best! HOW do you do it; your books are so great, and you are an inspiration to all. My Kindle died, but daughter is bringing a new one this week (hub/I mostly shelter in) so I can't wait to download some of your books....I am an avid reader!
ReplyDeleteBlessings on you and your family at this Holiday time!
Hi, Jackie. This is so nice!!!!!
DeleteAnd I'm sorry your Kindle died. I've written 64 books. So you can entertain yourself for the whole shut-in Covid winter if you like them.
Mary, I'm still impressed with that 12K in one week. You go, girl!
ReplyDeleteMe, too! I wish I could have sustained it!
DeleteWelcome to the Nano club! Good for you on writing so many words, and writing every day.
ReplyDeleteI won (reached 50K words) for Nano 2005, and ended up with a book to self-publish. I try almost every year. To me, there's something creatively magical about so many people around the world all working towards the same goal. The last 2 years, I've signed up just to keep myself writing. You can pick a writing project any time of the year for yourself, set any goal, and keep track of word counts, etc.
Michelle! WAY! TO! GO!!!!!
DeleteCreatively magical...I like that.
So do you team up with other authors? Does that help?
The first couple of times, one of my friends was also writing, so we connected and did some word wars to spur each other on and get a lot of words in. Although the Nano site gives you the opportunity to find "buddies" and join groups, I haven't done that lately. I already have a couple of friends (writing and non-writing) who encourage me and pray for me.
DeleteI was talking about you with Sharee Stover recently...about how I thought you wrote 1000 words a day and somehow released so many books into the world. I didn't see how that was possible! lol But you do it and it is amazing. I've done NaNo a few times, but have only won once. I wrote 30,ooo words two years ago during NaNo that I finally finished and published last month...His to Keep. I wanted to participate this year, but I was in the middle of publishing and knew I couldn't devote the time to write. I used November to dream up my next book instead. :)
ReplyDeleteQuick question: How long does it take you to write 1000 words a day?
Sherrinda you won? Was there a cash prize? (I'm seeking motivation for next year)
DeleteSometimes the 1000 goes so fast it's shocking. Other times I really have to grind it out. Usually if I am revising, which I do many times before I finish the book, the 1000 comes slow.
But a new scene? That just rolls.
Ummm, I "won" by writing the required 50,000 words, but all you get is a little image to post on your website. :) I am the slowest writer ever and I want so much to be faster. I am hoping this next year will be the year I write TWO books instead of one.
DeleteCongratulations on being so productive. Merry Christmas 🎄
ReplyDeleteProductive! Yay me! :) Thanks Lucy.
DeleteGreat job on your productive month!
ReplyDeleteI know, right?
DeleteI'm one of these crazy people that Nano works for. I've done it and won ten times now. Three of my books have been published with two more coming out next year, all from Nano. And in the last few years, I've set a personal goal of closer to 65-75k words, and for the most part hit them. I'm not sure why it works for me, except I'm one of these people who always works better when I have a carrot dangling before my eyes, urging me on to win. Or I'm just competitive, even with myself. I don't know. I've only written about three stories so far not during Nanowrimo, and while I'm glad to know I can, I'm hoping I can continue to sign up and participate each year (although 2021 might be pushing it with a book due to release on 12/7).
ReplyDeleteAnyway, congrats on your ability to write 30 days in a row and add to your word count. That, in and of itself, is winning. And the point of Nano is to help you be more consistent. So, it sounds like you won. :-)
Wow TEN TIMES? You've written 50K in one month TEN TIMES!!!???
DeleteThat is seriously cool, Amy!
Thanks, Mary. I think so, too. ;-)
DeleteHi Mary:
ReplyDeleteI've done NaNo nine times. The first time I managed 16,000 words. I was thrilled. I felt that was a victory.
The next few years I won with over 50,000 words each time. I had developed the habits needed to write over 1750 words a day. But there was a disappointment. 50K was not a novel. Often it was not even a half a novel. I 'won' even though I still had about 30k to 40k more to write. It's not 'Write Half a Novel' in a month, is it?
One year I wrote over 60K and it was just less than half a novel. So the next year I decided to write the second half of that book. It worked. I did over 50K words and 'won' NaNo again. The finished novel was now about 138,000 words.
But here is the 'ugly' truth: my NaNo books are about 80% dialogue. The editing required is massive. I think this is typical of many NaNo winners.
One year I decided not to do NaNo but I got the urge to go again and started on the 9th of November…and I still finished it.
Oh, yea, I always pantser my NaNo books so I really don't know what is coming up next. This is like having someone reading to me. I'm actually being entertained. It's not work. It is fun. But editing is hell.
There is a big difference between writing a first draft and writing a novel. Real published writers love to edit. I spent years as a copy editor and I never did like it. I like writing my own copy.
In the end, I have over 10 first drafts of novels. Maybe one day I'll feel like editing them. Didn't you once post that you had 20 novels written before one was published?
As long as there is life, there's hope. And now, after all these years, I feel I may know enough to do a good editing job with a work of fiction.
Please place me in the drawing for one of your books. I really like the cover of "Aiming for Love". (I like the image of aiming for love much better than love being something you fall into.)
Vince
Vince!!!! Where are these books! You should be publishing them.
DeleteYes, I had 20 finished books on my computer when I sold my first one. And now, with maybe...one? Exception they are all published.
Hi Mary:
DeleteWOW2 I bet you had a good answer for the publisher who asked if you had anything else written when your first book was accepted. "Yes, I've got 20 more at home." I bet the publisher never got an answer like that!
I do believe that at a given point on the learning curve you have learned enough to know how to get a book in publishable form. Once you are at that level you can whip those old tries into shape. Until you lean how to do this, your rewrite efforts are really hit or miss with mostly misses. For the last two years I have been trying to learn all I can about editing. I may be ready!
My first publisher, Barbour did indeed ask, 'what else do you have?' They published four titles a year from me for well, up to 19 books. I was seriously ready when they asked!!!
DeleteCongrats, Mary, on your NANO success. I haven't officially taken part, but I have written a book in a month...because of a looming deadline. Perhaps that counts! :)
ReplyDeleteAh, deadlines. That's a much bigger motivation than a Nano badge!!!
DeleteThat's great, Mary! I'm impressed with your book output. You have to be quite disciplined to write 1000 words each day. I'm not a writer, so I've never done Nano, but I know a lot of writers who have managed it. I tend to stress when I have deadlines, and then I don't get anything done, so I'm not sure it would be a good idea for me. LOL You're awesome, sweet friend. I can't wait for your next book!
ReplyDeleteWinnie, thank you. My next book comes in March and I have an entire 3 book series releasing in 2021!!!
DeleteWow! Lots of great reading for me coming up next year! I'm looking forward to reading them!
DeleteCongratulations Mary Your books are amazing! I am not a writer so I don't do Nano but it sounds amazing from what i have read in your post!
ReplyDeleteWell, I guess, big pictures, I liked it. Now I'm wondering if I could ever make the 5ok next November. I'll have to see if I'm in a good place to start writing.
DeleteGood job, Mary! I want to try it next year.
ReplyDeletePlease enter me in the drawing!
Lynne Lanning
Hi Lynne! You're in! Go for it. Nano seems to be permanent. One thing NOT cancelled by covid!!!
DeleteI joined for the first time this year, had a bunch of buddies but not once did I figure out how the whole buddy system worked. Lol so I felt very much alone. It was a crazy idea to sign up during book launch but I still managed to write 15000+ while doing everything else for launch.
ReplyDeleteI'll likely do it again next year.
That's amazing you wrote as much as you did!
Lee-Ann the whole buddy think, I don't quite get.
DeleteBut I probably should've done it.
15000 during the month you're launching a book sounds great!
I tried once.
ReplyDeleteEpic fail.... I'm comfortable and productive at my 1-2K/day and I like the time in between my writing sessions to kind of think through what's going to happen next.... And when I have time, doing 3K/day is very realistic but with a big family, it's less possible. Remote learning for my two fifth graders makes it a non-entity, but I'm having crazy fun with them and wouldn't change that for anything... but I have nothing but admiration for folks who can pound out words.... That's like WOW.
Kudos to all of you!
Wow, Ruthy Baby. 3000 words a day. If only!
DeleteI tried it once, years ago. This was when I was in a pressure-cooker-job working 60-70 hours a week in November with an additional 5 hours driving time and a pre-teen and teen. It's laughable the goal I set for myself, but I did it, writing 100 (yes, ONE HUNDRED, not THOUSAND) words a day during NANO. I remember going somewhere with the family and writing my 100 words in the back seat of the car.
ReplyDeleteEven at 100 words a day for 30 days, it's was hardly worth the paper (computer gigs?) and time I allotted to it.
I think it's great that people can do it, though, and have a great rough draft to start editing. Maybe someday I'll try again, but my pace/method and outside life just doesn't seem to jive with NANO in November.
Btw, I redeemed myself over the 100 words a day during NANO escapade. I wrote about 5000 words during a 5 day cruise with my mom about 5 years ago. Amazing what a looming deadline will do to motivate someone.
One of those author things. If it works for you it works and if it doesn't, no harm done.
DeleteOnce or twice a group of us met at the library and wrote for two hours. I think that was in November... maybe. The librarian set it up so maybe it was part of NANO. Now that was pretty cool. But I was on a deadline, so had a project to work on.
ReplyDeleteHow could you keep from talking?
Delete.
ReplyDeleteMy Biggest Take from Doing NaNo
After acing a few NaNos, writing 50,000 words became a non-issue. The real problem is writing 50,000 words someone else would pay to read.
LOL TRUTH!!!!
DeleteI'm proud of you, Mary! You have your own methods and rhythms as you write, and you tried NaNo, but you went back to what works so very well for you! :)
ReplyDeleteErica this is an extremely good take on the situation. I'm claiming it!
ReplyDelete