I can’t believe I have to start NaNoWriMo in three days. This whole thing seemed like a great project when it was still a month away, but as the dread grows and the inevitable failure closes in, I’m realizing what a silly, silly idea this was.
In order to ready myself for this, I have:
- Written a brief outline – I have the first couple of chapters mapped out fairly well, to get started, and then I just have a set of key scenes and a rough ending I’d like to work towards. I’m not tying myself down too tightly, but I do want some basic milestones to aim at.
- Grown a beard – It’s very Hemingway.
- Cleaned my apartment – Nothing quite distracts me like a messy apartment, so I scrubbed it top and bottom. You could eat off my toilet. I probably wouldn’t recommend it, but your chances of dying have been greatly reduced.
- Created a playlist of instrumental and vocal-light music – It’s a good mix of songs, to create a mood for whatever scene I happen to be writing.
- Stocked up on instant noodles and take-out menus – A man’s got to eat.
- Made sure I didn’t have a girlfriend to distract me – This sure was a tough one…
- Started reading No Plot? No Problem! – I’ve read up until the week by week guide, which I will start Wednesday night. The book’s been light on any real information, but it’s a nice read to build enthusiasm for the event.
I still don’t really have any interesting characters, or any idea what will happen in the middle of the plot, so maybe I’ll have a go at some more planning tomorrow night.
I keep waiting for an amazing idea to pop into my head. I’ve done some planning, and know some of the things that will happen, but I don’t know the big hook.
I did come up with a pretty funny opening paragraph last night and wrote it out so I don’t forget it (shh, don’t tell anyone). That makes me happy.
My entire plot was derived from, what I think, is a pretty funny opening line, so that can be a good start.
(I wrote mine out too. The shame!)
Seems like you’re well on your way to an awesome journey. Go and affiliate yourself with BC::Elsewhere so that I can send you uplifting emails when I send them to everyone else.
You can take Mike off my hands, if you want. I could probably get more writing done if he wasn’t peering over my shoulder. ;) I kid! I’m so psyched. Are you going to start writing @ midnight tomorrow? ‘Cause I’ll meet you on MSN!
Oh, Rob, you sicken me, sicken sicken! Sicken I tell you! You know what I’ve done to prepare for November? Huh? Dug a trench in the backyard. So I won’t be tempted to dig it while I’m writing. Or something. I think there was logic in there, but it’s hard to remember. What with all the NOT PLANNING I’ve been busy doing. 48 more hours! Hoo haw.
I’ll add myself to BC:Elsewhere tonight, Manda. And I’ll be on MSN tomorrow at midnight. Planning to write for thirty minutes or so before I head to bed.
48 hours is plenty, mb! You’ll be fine. I think digging yourself into a hole, and getting that out of the way before the writing starts, is an excellent idea. I shall have to find a shovel.
Drop me an email if you want details about the apartment we are going to rent in Tokyo – plus info on what it’s actually like when we get there :)
(I can’t find your email addy!)
Thanks Natalie, just sent it!
I’ll add a contact page eventually…