I’ve participated in NaNoWriMo a couple of times (failed once, succeeded twice) and the end result has always been one giant mess. I guess that’s the purpose of the whole exercise though isn’t it? Just get the words written down!
To be perfectly honest, I have not finished any of my NaNoWriMo projects. I start with a rough outline and let the characters determine how they wish to get there. Last year’s efforts, although incomplete, has been the best so far when it comes to re-writes (so I might just be getting better). Only a few short months ago I went over it and can see the potential in it, so that is one I will keep working on.
Recently, I began working on the re-writes of one of my other NaNoWriMo projects, however as I began working, I soon discovered it was in dire need of an overhaul. The more I looked into it, the more questions arose. I wanted to know more about my characters backgrounds, which in turn made the project bigger than it was before. The more research I undertook, the more possibilities opened for both plot and character development. Overwhelmed, I decided to begin by writing a short story for one of my major characters. I felt the need to take a small step backwards in order to move forward.
This year, although I won’t be participating in NaNoWriMo, I will be working on one of my previous efforts. I have a bit of a backlog to finish and tidy up before it comes around again next year. Participating has certainly been worth it; even though I have been left with a bit of a mess, I at least have something to work with and know what my limitations are.
If you’re participating in NaNoWriMo this year, I wish you the very best of luck!
Do you finish your NaNoWriMo projects? Will you be participating this year? Do you have a back-log of projects to complete? What have you learned about yourself as a writer after doing NaNoWriMo?
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Image courtesy of Pixabay
I hear you. I’ve decided to focus on rewrites this month instead of trying to hit a word count goal. Good luck with your rewrites 🙂
Thanks Ronel! Rather than participate again, I figured I might as well get stuck into the re-writes; otherwise those incomplete NaNoWriMo projects will just keep piling up. Best of luck to you too! 🙂
Good luck on cleaning up the previous years’ work! I admire anyone who can finish this unbelievable challenge and you have done it more than once!! Wahoo!
Thanks K.J! I surprised myself with making it to the end both times, only now I’m left with a big mess. 😉
Is that Jayne Cobb? The hero of Canton?
I haven’t finished any of my NaNoWriMo projects, either. I’m currently working on changing that, but it’ll take a while.
Best of luck to you!
Hi M.J. Yes, that is indeed the man they call Jayne. 😉 Such a great character! I know what you mean about finishing the NaNoWriMo projects. I don’t even want to look over my earlier efforts (maybe just start from scratch). I’m glad last year’s effort was much better. Best of luck to you too!
Of course, you’re getting better as a writer. I don’t see how anyone could write hundreds of thousands of words and not get better. Thank you for the post, and happy writing to you. Have a great, NaNo free November. Perhaps you’ll be ready to play again in time for the April Camp. 🙂
Thanks Kathy! I’ve never done the April Camp before, but have heard good things about it. Might be worth considering. 😉
Love the Gifs. He’s such a nut. hehehe
Good luck with the backlog. I have some of that going on too but I’ve just covered mine with a blanket. Then I slid it closer to the elephant I keep in the corner. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
Thanks Anna! Yes, Jayne is a nut, but we wouldn’t have him any other way. 😉 My earlier efforts I haven’t even looked at and I think I’ll just be starting them over again from scratch, they’re so bad. At least I have something to work with, I suppose. Best of luck with your WIP!
Glad that one is shaping up to be a good story, even if it’s almost overwhelming.
And bonus points for the Jayne gifs!
LOL. Thanks Alex! 🙂
I don’t think NaNo is helpful for everyone, especially when you already have a backlog of work you want to do on other projects. But maybe a daily or weekly goal might help? That’s what NaNo is all about anyway, right?
I wish you the best of luck in accomplishing your writing goals this month Debbie!
Thanks aandj8804! I agree with you that NaNoWriMo is not for everyone. I’m more comfortable writing short stories, but I’ve used NaNoWriMo to push myself for longer works. I’ve learned a few different things from the experience though; especially discovering that I’m definitely a plotter and that I get more written down using a timer. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂