I Think I Can

The hardest part of any project truly is starting. My mind creates so many doubts before I can even begin my writing. Earlier when I sat down to write I thought, "I can't do this." From there I kept worrying about how unprepared I was for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and how I didn't know what I was going to write on day one. Then something changed. I stopped procrastinating on the internet took my planning one step at a time. Quickly, my thoughts changed to, "I can do this." It seems simple, but how many times do I put off valuable projects simply because I fear the unknown? The answer is too many times to count!

Does it really matter if I fail? Maybe. However, I'd like to think that my effort means something even if I don't reach 50,000 words. I am trying my best and learning something from this. And you know what? I actually feel prepared to tackle NaNoWriMo on Saturday after further preparing tonight. I also recognize that I cannot be completely prepared for a novel sized writing project, and I have to be okay with that. I may not know all of what is coming my way, but isn't that part of the adventure?


To follow the NaNoWriMo journey from day one please visit National Novel Writing Month or continue the journey with Starting the Race.

The Day Approaches

I have four days until National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). As the official start date draws near, I have been scribbling details of my fantasy world. A tool I have been using as I jot down my ideas is a binder. It is an organized binder with tabs for blank paper, an outline, notes, how to (articles on such topics as worldbuilding), maps, images, and of course a tab for the manuscript. Despite my organization and my production of ideas the past couple of days, I feel unprepared. I know little to nothing about my fiction world. Okay, okay...I know more than I let on, but there are so many details missing. I'm not sure how I am going to pound away at the keyboard in a few days when I haven't adequately created my world.

I know I can't let doubt get in the way. I will do this somehow, I'm just not sure how yet! I will start from the reworked opening of my story and let my fingers do the talking. If I overthink too much as I type, the magic won't happen. For now, off to the planning!

 

The water may be icy, but it's time to dive in!

 

 

To follow the NaNoWriMo journey from day one please visit National Novel Writing Month or continue to follow the journey with I Think I Can.

National Novel Writing Month

In the month of November I will begin my journey of writing a novel in thirty days. The goal is to reach 50,000 words by the end of the month. Yes, this is a short goal for a novel. However, the point is to throw words on the page non-stop. The recommendation is to write like crazy with no editing. After the end of the November, I can go back and slice out what I don't need or add more substance where required. This is indeed going to be a crazy month. I need to do this so I know that I can!

I'll try not to be disappointed if I don't reach 50,000 words. However, having that goal is a good to keep me going. Making a habit of writing daily and producing a workable product is what is most important. I am sure I will have a lot to learn from National Novel Writing Month.

Since mid October I have attempted to prepare for this marathon by writing down a basic outline and details of the fantasy world I will be creating. My first novel took me three years to complete with no pre-planning. I don't have that luxury this time around. It's time to go crazy now. Let the creativity begin!


To continue the NaNoWriMo journey please visit The Day Approaches.

If you are interested in participating in National Novel Writing month, check out the official website:
http://nanowrimo.org/