Momentum of the Muse

1. The experience so far …

When I told my man and my friend AT that the novel was essentially the worst novel of all time, they tried to disagree, saying “No, you’re a great writer. I’m sure it’s good.”

Well, no, it really is a terrible novel. But, the funny thing about this NaNo business is that isn’t disheartening. They tell you to expect it to be bad. Expect it to be very, very bad. But don’t let that get you down, and whatever you do, don’t stop. Fostering that type of mentality for writing is incredibly healthy, IMHO. This whole process has been exhilarating. At the end, I’ll be able to say that I’ve written a novel – that I’m a novelist. Nobody needs to know that it’s the worst novel ever written.

I’m so pleased that I decided to do it.

2. My current plan of attack and how I’m executing it…

And by executions, I mean any semblance of respectable literature.

My tactic was to develop a character and then let the story evolve through that main character. No outline. Having never written a novel before, this was a lofty ambition, but having succumbed to the idea that it’s a blasphemy to all novels ever written before and after, I’m moving along merrily. I might even try doing Chapter Two in the second person. Why not, right? The first few thousand words are solid, prosaic and poetically written, but they’re kind of dramatic in a way that’s like, who are you kidding? I think at this point I was still under the notion that I’d be able to write a bestseller in a month, on my first try. Once I tried dialog my word count exploded in a very encouraging way. Since then, the novel’s read a little more like one of my scripts. So, I’ll use the second person in Chapter Two to steer away from my fast forming addiction to rapid-fire dialog and also to have some fun. Another thing I’ve been thinking of trying: a peppering of shorter chapters, filled with lists, letters, maybe even a poem or a flash back into the past type of scene. Right now I’m dragging out the set-up and I need things to move a little more quickly, less plodding.

Any suggestions? I’m exceptionally green and open to anything.

3. Word count …

Dividing the required word of 50 000 words by the number of days suggests 1666 words per day. If misery loves company, then I suspect any NaNo participants who are also behind the suggested word count will be happy once they read my current word count. They’ll go “Oh, thank God, someone worse off than me! Phew, I feel better.” Well, that’s what I’d do if someone had less words than me.

November 1 = 2 words written (”Chapter One” Oh yeah. I’m that good.)

November 2 = 1, 284 words written

November 3 = 2, 620 words written

November 4 = 0 (Can’t even remember what I did instead, strangely.)

November 5 = 0 (Went shopping instead. Found fab shoes, totally worth it.)

November 6 = 1, 577 words written

November 7 = 1, 886 words written

Bringing the total word count up to 7, 369

If the suggested word count for each day is 1, 666, then I am behind by 4, 293 words. But, I’m not worried. I am going to catch up over the remaining days and I will prevail. I feel very confident, and almost giddy. This has reminded me how important it is to put time aside to focus on fiction. So much time goes into other writing endeavors that are less risky, more certain to be profitable. But NaNoWriMo has reminded me why I love writing in the first place.

So, I must reiterate; any suggestions or words of encouragement for a very green novelist?