I have truly amazed me this year. Last year I wrote 76 thousand words in thirty days during NaNoWriMo. However, while the word count was fairly impressive and I was very pleased with that, the novel itself, the story, was not finished at said 76K. It took me another seven months to write just 16 thousand words and wrap the novel up at 92K. I was happy with the entire effort, and pleased that I was able to both meet the challenge of actually writing an honest-to-goodness novel-length story, not to mention the fact that I FINISHED it(!) (and we all know what a big fan I am of finishing things!!!), but it was a lengthy process, one which sucked up my creative writing energies for pretty much every other project that might have possibly come my way.
This year my goal was to not only write the 50 thousand words in 30 days, but to actually complete an entire novel, from “It was a dark and stormy night” to “and they all lived somewhat happily together ever after except when they had to decide who was going to pay for pizza or whose turn it was to take out the trash” by the end of the month.
I am extremely happy to say that, despite starting with nothing more than the idea of “this guy is looking for a job, and he meets this other guy” I slogged and scraped and sprinted my way through the month of November to wind up with an entire rough draft of a novel from first word to last by 9:22pm Eastern Time this evening. I even have an entire day left! Hah!
I am currently basking in the glow of accomplishment, celebrating by listening to some music and drinking a little water (yeah, I live big)…and wondering about The Next Big Challenge: turning this thing into a polished finished draft. Stay tuned, kids. It could get messy…or neater and more coherent, perhaps!
Congratulations my friend. You have earned that water!
Check. You. OUT!
I really love your blog. It makes me realize that I don’t spend enough time or energy into creative efforts. My blogs are sporadic, and that’s about the only current creative outlet I have. I’d like to make time to get into more, and I’m going to see if I can hunt down a copy of The Artist’s Way. Keep blogging – I love reading about it all, and you have great ideas!
Heather,
Many thanks! It was very good water, I must say.
Melissa,
As a fellow WriMo, your comment means a truckload. *gives appreciative and knowing nod* I know you would have been with us again this year had this whole wedding thing not been taking up a bit of your time.
Sheryl,
Thanks! So glad you like the blog. I like that when you blog about a problem, you also write about possible solutions. That’s the good stuff! I was wondering if I wasn’t going to hear of some fiction writing efforts from you after the get-together you attended earlier in the year. And if you are looking for was to make time for this sort of thing, be forewarned that The Artist’s Way will *really* help make that happen! I got mine new, but someone told me that there a lots of copies at used bookstores. Any questions, and you can shoot me an email with the little form at the right.
Late congratulations! Have you decided on the next big adventure yet?
Well, I was talking to a guy the other day about wanting to go over 200mph on the Bonneville salt flats in a car.
Then there’s the desire to build a TRULY bitchin’ straight-axle, gasser-style ’55 Chevy.
I think I might like to record an album of my own music.
I’d like to build that gigantic rolling ball sculpture that goes through every room of my house.
I’d like to build a large rolling ball sculpture that sits out in the front yard for people to play with.
I’d like to get this novel rewritten.
I’d like to learn how to play guitar passably well so that I can accompany the band on stage.
I’d like to learn how to use Photoshop Elements in a somewhat accomplished level.
I’d like to visit friends in Alabama, Georgia, and New Orleans, and I think I’d like to accomplish that on my motorcycle.
The short answer I guess is “no.” I have no clue what exactly I want to do NEXT, although there are a number of things I’d like to do!