Plot-Planning For Memoirists
One week till National Novel Writing Month–regretting your participation yet?
I don’t, despite the insanity, because it’s the one time a year when I get any real work accomplished [or so it seems]. But this year differs because I’ve gone the rebellious route–in lieu of a novel, my 2010 project will link several short memoir pieces under a common theme: Side Effects. It will represent the ripples created throughout my life and how they shape who I’ve become, where I’m headed, etc.
Preparation is hailed as the most important factor in achieving NaNoWriMo success. Not the biggest problem for folks venturing a fictitious realm, but what of us memoir rebels? Memoir is [based on] fact. Tales of a person’s life, told as truthfully as memory allows. Preparation, then, is an effortless task. It’s all stored in the mind for easy access and has limited possibilities.
Wrong.
Preparation for memoir, I find, requires more time than fiction. Fiction opens opportunity to go somewhere unexpected with the story. Non-fiction has its foundation in reality, yet anyone could easily write on forever without a guide. That’s the goal of free-association. But each of my stories should have a purpose. A direction and theme toward which they must drive. That deems it necessary to plan what to include.
So when I sat down [yesterday] to begin my preparation, my first step was relevancy. Would I like to write about how I had a blast getting lost at Blizzard Beach? Of course! So much potential. Is it relevant to my ‘ripples’ theme? Maaaybe if I stretched it far and wide. With 30 days to answer to, I’d rather not waste my time cherishing something that is sure to get cut by the next draft.
The brilliant thing about memoir, though, is if there are tiny bits here and there that fit the larger theme, the Judgment of Creativity law states a writer can merge those ideas into one. Did I have many people throughout my childhood actively supporting my writer-career decision?
…actually, no. 
We’re all equally poor. 
But if I did, I could merge those names into one character, et voilà! Magical miracle: a montage-esque memoir.
Another benefit of the creativity license is changing names, switching traits for certain characters. Simple ways to avoid that always-dreadful comment from rellies–you know, the one that resembles “This is how you think I am?!” and is unfortunately harder to avoid answering excuse in memoir v. fiction.
It’s important to stay true to a story and not fixate on how readers will take it. Some will love it, others resent it. As with everything else in the world.
If you’re like me, you’ll milk creativity dry. It’s memoir, not biography. It’s my POV, no one else’s. I can refer to my characters however I want because it’s my story to tell.
BUT, for sanity’s sake, names will stay as is until after November. No use making a list of changes from [my] reality now, after all. November is challenging enough!
On that note, guess what: We’ve made it! One year of [almost] consistent blogging and still alive. A milestone worthy of celebration, especially given how difficult it is to maintain a routine writing schedule. But where to go from here? With so many ways to handle a blog, I’m only starting to get a feel for what works on my end. One thing I have planned is more analysis-type posts. They’re enjoyable, interactive, and essentially required when studying the craft of writing (regardless of genre).
Send along your ideas, too–what “new” blogging stuff should I venture now that I’ve mastered the art of discipline?
Priorities
Exhaustion over-powers my mind and body. Going on three months of early mornings, recently added [yet another] job to my chaotic schedule, which leaves me with three-to-four hours of “free time” in the evenings. Use for winding down, and writing.
Supposedly.
The past few weeks remind me why it’s best to leave the genie alone and not request a “normal, busy” lifestyle. For a hypersensitive, needing space to relax and be alone is a necessity. Denied that, the soul grows weak. Brain function fails. Eyes droop and drool dribbles down to the desk from which I’m currently typing.
Despite my mood, the moment I get back from work, the one and only thing on my mind is urgency. Not mere desire, but obligation to write/revise at least a few hundred words of “Weekend Funeral” before crashing. No questions, nothing else matters. The day is incomplete without that quota.
Then I wonder:
October awakens and the National Novel Writing Month‘s boards reset for another year. Excitement builds, writer families start their month-long reunions.
Does my sudden motivation steam from the atmosphere? Perhaps. On some level, though, I believe the answer is exhaustion itself. Everyone must work; it’s how bills get paid. True writers get their extra, unpaid work accomplished in the bits of spare time picked up around day jobs. Down time, social lives–wait, what’s that mean?–typically crucial elements of life get put on hold for the sake of revising last week’s chapter, or crossing the 20k line. We all do it as we race against the clock. Sleep waits till December because hell, we have a deadline that MUST be met.
I’m not a slacker. What I seek out, I achieve. I played the quitter card as a child, but I’m over that. Excuses are juvenile in the face of reality. People make time for the things they need. I need writing. Creativity. They’re my blood. The energy that pumps through my veins, fuelling my life.
Is sleep deprivation, then, the secret to NaNoWriMo success? Should it be channelled into a regular routine outside the month of November? At what cost?
Weighing the Value of Advanced Degrees
Screen-writing. A relatively new pursuit for me, and yet an obvious one given my tendency to think visually. The idea (nothing more than that till six months ago) has penetrated my soul and tangled deep roots around my Muse’s heart.
Writing tends to be a solitary activity, at least until revisions and marketing appear. Even then, most choices remain at the discretion of the writer. Screen-writing provides more opportunity–nay, more necessity for collaboration and teamwork. Visual writers must consider at all times how something will look on the screen, whether scenes are physically/financially possible to create. Scripts rely on actors, direction, music, costumes, and special effects to culminate with writing to deliver a product to audiences.
A cooperative-dependent burden, larger than providing words to encourage a reader’s individual imagination.
I’ve spent a lot of time pondering possible graduate school options, but appealing as most subjects are, writing is my main career objective. One thought often crossed my mind as I sat through my English classes: why study something that can be learnt alone? dedicate time and finances on a subject that ripens through practice and subtle improvements? Why sit in a classroom writing and analysing when the same can be done on a comfortable couch? Sure, attaching “creative writing” to an educational degree is a golden opportunity for undergraduate circumstances. Higher education + time to work on craft = understandable. But graduation formally presents students to the adult world, where labour occurs, bills must be paid, and for most of us, independent life essentially begins. The sensible step next step is an active role in your field, continuing your craft through experience and relentless pursuits of payable gigs.
So how do you justify graduate school for writers? Jael McHenry advises that the question isn’t “Do you need one [an MFA]?” but “Can you benefit from one?”
If you’d asked me last summer, my answer would probably be no. I’ve been a writer my entire life and I’ve grown accustomed to doing things myself, learning through experience and branching out my networks.
But like I said, screen-writing only became a concrete option six months ago. Since then, I’ve already learnt a lot through solo screen studies. I have a rough draft script that feels further along in the process than most of my novels from the past several years. The best part is that working with screen-writing has solidified a connexion to the rest of my creative processes.
The heightened collaboration for screen-writing over novel-writing argues for the benefit graduate school offers. My innate desires for travel, meeting new people and erudition suggest I follow this idea for graduate studies. Any advice on what schools to consider?
For the Love of Art
Let’s face it: when you answer the “What do you want to do with your life?” question with something arts-y, people roll their eyes. They tell you to get your head out of the clouds. Only “really lucky” people manage to get anywhere in such fields. They ask what your back-up plan is.
o.O Back-up plan? What’s that?
I am what I am, and that won’t change to fit anyone else’s standards. I hold no unrealistic expectations about life as a writer. It’s a tough path that takes a lot of time and energy to pave into a gentle road. Most of us encounter road-blocks, but those who appreciate such challenges tread onward. Not because we enjoy rejections and failures, but because the expressive freedom art presents is too appealing to ignore. Those “failures” are stepping stones whence to learn and grow.
My exasperations arise when people ridicule my art, albeit unintentionally. Try to convince me it’s “not enough,” and I therefore must have something else in mind for a career.
Hello? I’m 23!
Sixteen years in academia doesn’t automatically mean I know exactly where I’m going and how I’ll get there. It means I’m equipped and ready to handle the journey as I seek my place in it. I don’t know what I want to do, except write. Something. Anything. Doesn’t matter what because it’s the creative process that excites me. Yet I know too many people who argue writing isn’t “useful” enough.
Useful? Writing is one of the most useful things in our society! Few do it well, which makes it a rare treasure.
I’m a dreamer. I have goals. Ambitions. A bucket list that stretches kilometres. Granted, they’ve evolved since I was eight-years-old, as they’re wont to do. That doesn’t justify I stop the chase. “Own Your Ambition” highlights this point with elegance. We all hold different values. Definitions for success and ambitions are as diverse as people. And some of us are determined enough to do whatever it takes for the love of art. It’s just another way to collect ideas/experiences along the way.
Bruce Lee says: “A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often simply serves as something to aim at.” Goals give us purpose. Guides, steering us through the journey of life in an educational and [hopefully] enjoyable way. Large or small matters not. It’s about balance. Serenity. Owning who we are.
What do I want to do with my life? Enjoy it!
Did I Listen?
There’s a reason for the wide-known saying “Be careful what you wish for.” Pity I didn’t listen.
I’ve wished for many things over my life. One item on that list is a busy-ish lifestyle to keep my mind happy and occupied from ennui. A friend texted me today, asking exactly how many different occupations I currently hold. Well, there’s the twice-a-week intern-ship, the once-a-week cafe job, my regular artistic vocation of novel-writing, neglected online freelance, assisting online non-profits and my new perma job. Eyes rolling yet? I’m still looking for more work to save towards The Burbank Fund.
And those are just professional-oriented occupations! Factor in the extracurriculars–dojang, knitting, enjoying the beautiful warm weather, hanging out with friends–and required tasks like laundry or cooking… It makes me wonder how anyone can balance such chaotic lifestyles.
I find myself growing mad and feeling guilty when I’m too tired, too frustrated to think about my writing, which doesn’t make facing it any easier. After all, how can I focus on a scene where my main character and her Aussie warden are shopping at the mall chatting about guys when my mind’s fixated on how it’s almost time to begin the Never-Ending Monthly Burden of College Loan Repayment. I’m tweaking my budget every chance I get. That eats a lot of time, especially given its extreme importance.
Being the reserved individual I am, I get frustrated when I’m not allowed time to vegetate in isolation, free to geek-out alone with my knitting and a good film. But again, the guilt rises up. I shouldn’t be knitting; I should be writing. The novel won’t get finished if I don’t get through the second and third drafts. Knitting requires little thought, though, so it’s more alluring when I want to be productive without worsening that tension headache.
Just when I think I have things figured out, I remember how much needs to get done, how much I want to do and how little time I have for it all. Is it a curse for having too many and too diverse interests?
I take pride in the little tasks that get accomplished. Keep my centre on short-term responsibilities while setting deadlines and making lists. Never imagined how helpful lists could be till my cognitive psych professor taught us the benefits of prioritising. Keep life as organised as possible to make room for the baggage of chaos.
My schedule continues to fill, but that only challenges me to a new level of balance. As long as I’m enjoying life regardless what gets done today or put off till the weekend, it’s still a good day.
Never Say ‘Never’
All it takes to achieve the impossible is determination and a positive attitude.
Here ends this week’s dose of expert advice, brought to you by the proud survivor of Script Frenzy 2010. That’s right, with four short hours to spare, I crossed the finish line and got to sleep early. 
There are still several scenes that need to be added before revisions start, but I’m taking a [short] vacation from PRODIGY to get back to a few projects that were placed on hold for April. The end result is a proud one, though, because this story has found its rightful place in Script after several failed attempts to write it as both Novel and Short Story. It really is more of a visual story anyway, and the musical elements make it a better match where aural elements can be expressed.
Confession: Screnzy was a stressful and difficult pursuit. The beautiful weather made me choose my Bantam bicycle loop over sitting inside in front of a computer. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, of course. Sunny skies just always trump rotting inside. The problem is when said decisions hinder the progress of a writer.
It did cross my mind to give up on the venture, fail to achieve a goal set as a way to keep myself out of Lazy-ville and make sure I write every day, as a writer should. Anyhoot, only crazy people attempt to write a 100-page script in 30 days! …though that makes stronger the argument to quit; a way to prove my sanity?
Nah. I enjoy the crazy life too much! Bettina‘s influence and nagging reminded me of my desire to delve further into screenwriting. She also reminded me several times that failing Screnzy after two consecutive NaNo wins was absolutely unacceptable. Once you raise the stakes and succeed, it’s very difficult to take a step back, even temporarily.
But that’s what gives me the motivational push to continue and exceed what I’ve already achieved. Each step is a lesson. A reminder that it is possible to balance life with my source of oxygen (i.e. writing). It’s a reminder we all need when faced with the stress life delivers while attempting a career as a writer.
Next challenge: surviving Screnzy withdrawal. It’s as strong and demanding as NaNo withdrawal, but I’m sure I can channel it into Weekend Funeral and these poem tweaks.
Crash/Burn…And All That Jazz
Avoid cliches like the plague.
Those who construct language (aka writers such as myself) heed this warning well. After all, cliches are unoriginal. Overused. Exaggerated at times. There are occasions, however, when I agree with Mrs. Who that quoting the wisdom of others is the best way to express something otherwise “too difficult to verbalise” myself.
The weekend presented me with many rejections. Opportunities that I’ve patiently waited weeks to hear back from, only to crash-and-burn when follow-up conversations brought sour news. Why do I continuously set myself up for such disappointment? I’ve grown used to the concept over my life (it’s been my middle name for so long). Why not accept failure now while hope has been kicked to the ground? Take the “easy street” and accept as my home the pathetic pit whence there’s no escape.
Perseverence. Indomitability. Big words to describe a simple state of stubbornness. The inability to give up because allowing failure to define the self contradicts the personality lingering inside. I like to see it as martial arts invading my life, enriching it by dissuading defeat.
Regardless of the determination that’s developed in me over the years, I can’t help but cave to momentary bouts of discouragement from this Dense Fog. Many people offer kind words. Few actually add fuel to the fire (unintentional cliche usage). Neither aids my emotions during these times, which often reflects poorly on my attitude, pulling me deeper into the shadows.
Thankfully the years have also taught me how to rise up from the flames. Several methods cause that brief loss of hope to drain from my blood: quotes from people I admire, sparring/exercise, forcing productivity.
The best way to drag myself out of a slump is to work through that slump. Okay, so I’ve been rejected. I give myself a moment to cry, then tackle the fifteen other applications on my list. I’m still frustrated by the lack of visible progress, but look! the frustration made the pile of others disappear.
I’m behind the rest, but I’m still in the game. Still fighting for survival and waiting for that fight to pay off.
While all manner of quotes continue to lift my spirits, I rely on one specifically these days: “People told me, when I was coming through the ranks, that a mark of a great [actor] is one who deals with the period of unemployment as well as they deal with the period of employment.” (Claudia Black) Wisdomous words! Though they speak of actors, I see it as a reflective statement for all artists, including writers.
Why waste time being negative? There’s always that lapse, that bout of pity that rushes through the veins, but it’s in the act of returning to my feet with my head held high that proves I’m the worthy victor.
Rather than moping around, I choose to take advantage of not having a career (for the moment). Lots of free time and plenty to do. Staying busy keeps me focused on my goals.
Writing is a time-consuming process. If I wish to succeed, I must wake up every day with the intention of getting something accomplished. One word, one sentence, one paragraph. Doesn’t matter as long as it’s something. Writing cover letters for jobs, e-mails to friends, forum messages, status updates. Doesn’t matter, as long as my fingers type and words appear. Brain spins, mind turns.
Exercise. As a martial artist, getting in shape and staying in shape is crucial to performance. It’s also one of my 2010 goals to maintain a healthier lifestyle. I’ve done well so far, especially since ditching my biggest vice.
Occupation. Volunteer-work, internships, part-time jobs. Experience and pocket cash trump pessimism in my opinion. I have goals, I’m just taking baby steps to get to those goals. Until then, I’m learning what I can and saving what I can while doing what I can to speed the process.
Don’t Be Afraid To Get Your Hands Dirty
The other day, a thought came to me as I cleaned Jay’s cage: to get any job done, you must be willing to get your hands dirty. It’s unavoidable. Things don’t happen unless action takes place. You can’t find employment by sitting around doing nothing all day.
You have to get out there, fill in applications, call to check up on said applications. You have to work to get work. It’s more than just that, though. You need knowledge, experience. How do you get that? By being active. Doing something. Anything. Take action, jump at any opportunity to gain skills.
For this reason, I’m glad I’ve always had a thirst for learning. I love to keep my mind occupied with fresh ideas and new challenges. It’s through this aspect of my personality that I find myself constantly motivated to trudge on, even when things look dim.
Novels don’t get read unless their author writes down words. Any words. All words. Their quality shouldn’t matter in the rough draft (it’s called ‘draft’ for a reason, after all). It’s a process. We take ideas and we etch them out. Transfer them from mind to screen (or paper) to uncage them. From there, anything’s possible. A foundation is set and the next step is making sense of it.
Truthfully, there is no “easy street” for dreamers. Things don’t happen unless you make them happen. The world’s a confusing place unless you make the effort to survive one day at a time. Often, that means baby-steps in the mud. What’s wrong with that, though? It may be galling, it may not be what you want from life. But if you work through the challenges, you’ll come out better and stronger than the person who sailed over the mud. You’ll know what you’re capable of doing under the worst conditions, with the worst stress.
There’s a level of risk in everything, but unless we take that risk, we’ll gain nothing. The only risk we shouldn’t take is that of not taking a risk. O.o
Why Is It Bad To Do What You Love?
Given my status as a recent graduate, it’s only fitting to write about seeking a career. The ultimate task that will direct my path into adulthood. Should be easy, right? I’m a writer; it’s what I do, how I think, how I interact with the world. My lens. And once I stop being lazy and get my work published, I’ll get paid for doing what I love. Bonus!
But wait–there’s more:
“If you tell yourself that your job has to be something you’d do even if you didn’t get paid, you’ll be looking for a long time. Maybe forever. So why set that standard? The reward for doing a job is contributing to something larger than you are, participating in society, and being valued in the form of money.”
That quote comes from a post I found at Brazen Careerist. The title, “Bad career advice: Do what you love,” is what pulled me into the article. I wondered what was so wrong about wanting a happy, enjoyable career. Thankfully, I read on, discovering an interesting take on the subject. Due to the complexity of humans (we’re “like onions,” full of layers), it’s impossible to love any one thing. Just look at my myriad hobbies and interests; they’re weeds that grow every day. I haven’t time to tame them all, though as a writer, it’s easy to think of ways in which to incorporate several, if not all.
Even then, life as a writer is challenging. It’s not guaranteed money, at least not in my subfield (fiction). The thought always lingers in the back of my mind. After my freshman year at uni, I decided to move writing to the back-burner. That presented a new problem: what else could I focus my life on? What could possibly motivate me enough to wake up day after day and think: “Yeah, this is what I do. This is who I am.” Long story short, I found myself back where I started. Instead of returning to an English major, however, I signed up for liberal studies. Concentrated on three subjects, and yet here I am again. Still appetent to write, still trying to find my place.
I think the “problem” started with my first job. At orientation, one of the managers told us: “If a job stops being fun for you, move on.” It makes sense, so I adopted it as a mantra. After all, who wants a job that leads no where and stimulates nothing more than agonising boredom?
The problem, however, remains. If all I know is what I’m good at, what interests me, and what I see myself doing every day for the rest of my life (writing), how then do I find a job that fits? Penelope Trunk says: “Do not what you love; do what you are.” Okay… so what am I? A long, never-ending philosophical question for sure. I don’t think any job will ever fully answer that for me. I may find work and I hope I enjoy that work. At the end of the day, though, “what am I?” will still be answered: “An artist.” It’s unavoidable. It’s how I define myself and how I view the world. No job will change that.
Regardless, we all need a regular income. As Trunk advises: “Take a job. Any job… Just do something that caters to your strengths. Do anything.” The heart of career advice. In that respect, “what am I?” can easily be applied. As an artist–and through all of my interests–my ultimate goal is the constant quest for knowledge, improvement. Learning never ends; that’s something I’ve always cherished and relied on. I love learning new things, and I love deepening what I already know.
That’s my guide, my motivation. What I am is a strong-willed, open-minded, creative individual who can take any challenge placed before me and thrive.
Rewind, Hold Up! Start Again?
Learning never ends. A concept I’ve grown fond of over the years. Regardless, my career in an academic setting is finally at an end (unless I pursue graduate school). So much time and money invested in a collegiate education, yet it’s only now as graduation looms that I catch a glimpse of where I want to go.
Is that right?
Idealistically, the “Big Revelation” should’ve happened when I was a freshman. In need of a clear head and eager to pursue classes suited to my needs.
Too late, time’s up, trod on.
As freshmen, my peers and I had a “welcome to college” class requirement. One assignment asked for a self-description of our lives in X-years. Even though I didn’t have specifics, there were vague ideas that had developed over the years. College was my ticket to the world, the step between branch and sky. A home, a job, and hopefully a family. Realistic enough, I suppose. Except four years later, I sit in a fog denser than I ever imagined.
What happened to my childhood certainty of being a veterinarian? Doing something I loved by working with animals. (okay: that dream left when I realised I’m too emotionally sensitive for such a field)
In Disney’s The Kid, Bruce Willis’s character holds a conversation with Jean Smart’s about childhood dreams. They talk about how people grow up and dreams evolve into a more realistic sense of what must get done in order to make a living. The astronaut, the prima ballerina–they get stuffed in a closet to collect dust and be forgotten. But why should dreams suffer for the sake of an income?
Chase it! Make it work!
That’s how you evaluate success. Fight for what matters, and enjoy the journey. It’ll be rough–depressing at times. But it beats falling into a routine and rotting with dissatisfaction.
Before college, I was full of certainty. Now I don’t even know where I’ll be in a couple of weeks. I don’t know what’s in store for my future, but I’m open to whatever comes my way. Ideas stampede toward me, and I continue writing.
Always writing.
Positive Compulsion
Last night was the ‘Thank God It’s Over’ (TGIO) party for my NaNoWriMo region.
2009 has been the most inspirational year out of the three I’ve participated in thus far. There’s a liveliness and camaraderie I missed before. For the first time probably in my life, I’m with a group of like-minded individuals and I genuinely feel accepted, embraced for all my quirkiness (in this case, the norm).
Our regional leader gave a brief speech that reassures my goals as a writer. She reminded us that the events of November are a fun activity for anyone, but added that those who want to pursue the art of writing need to make a full commitment. Be compulsive! Write every day, regardless of the quality. Make sure thoughts get put on paper (or screen).
Typical pep-talk heard within most writing communities (at least the ones I’ve been around). A mantra that drives me as I grow in my skills and realise it’s the only way to achieve success.
Quality has hindered my progress in the past. For sure, it’s the reason I don’t already have a lot of finished projects. I have NaNo to thank for pulling me out of the quality quicksand. Three years later, I have the confidence to pull ahead and get the words out, leaving the tweaks and revision for later. It’s refreshing to be conscious of progress, though I know there’s still miles of work ahead for me. Despite all that, I look forward to off-season revision meet-ups with my regional mates.
Next year starts my journey into novel publication. It’s something I should’ve started years ago, but life always insists I stay on the opposite shore.
(funny how life enjoys doing that)
No more! say I. It’s time to get my foot in the door and attempt to survive in the world the only way I know how: through my imagination.
Goodbye November, Hello Stress
2009 has been a fantastic year, especially for NaNoWriMo: I passed last year’s count by 10k! With all the pressure of a 30-day deadline, juggling school and writing, losing sleep for the extra time needed to handle everything, I’m not sad to see November hand over its baton.
Alas, with December comes even more stress.
(Is that even possible?)
Homework. Bills. Job hunt. All put on hold for the sake of writing only to return with frightening speeds. Two weeks left of school! That’s it. Then I’m done. Finished forever. Tossed out on the street to see if my skills are strong enough to help me make it on my own.
…okay, so I won’t be on the streets quite yet.
I actually realised on the drive home today that my life resembles that of the MC in my latest novel draft. Dani’s story begins and ends in an airport. In my case, my current story ends with living in this house again. Not my top option (really the only option), but when you’re broke and out of work, you take what you can get.
My goal for December is to survive finals keep up with my writing. This comes up every year, resulting in epic failure. But the rough drafts keep piling on my flash-drive, awaiting revision. It needs to get done so I can get myself out there.
(watch Twitter for updates about that, by the way)
If I dig up something fun, I’ll post an excerpt here. Till then, I’m off to hibernate beneath the collected layers of homework–my only shelter from the impending cold.
Next week should be better. Less work, more sleep.
Cage That Editor!
National Novel Writing Month. A nation-wide global event that encourages writers (novice, expert, published or not) to complete a novel draft within thirty days.
Alas, I discovered it at the end of November, 2006 but that didn’t deter my enthusiasm. I spent the next year reading up on it. Two years later, I’ve written about 65,000 words for NaNoWriMo, but Bettina still interferes across the other 335 days of the year.
The energy of November is contagious. Everyone taps away at their keyboards, excited to cross the victory line. Each immersed in worlds away from reality. Bills, jobs, non-writely friends disappear (despite their thinking we’ve gone AWOL). Nothing exists but the words on the page, and even those are trivial in meaning. The point is to stash your editor in a dungeon (that’s right–why think small when it’s your imagination?) for a month and focus on quantity rather than quality.
That’s how rough drafts are formed.
Most true writing evolves from re-writing, yet many writers find themselves bogged down by the stress of making everything perfect on the first go.
Bad approach.
Creative freedom only lends itself when the mastermind allows. Let nonsense flow from your fingertips. Let an unrelated scene pour onto your pages. Chances are it won’t make the final cut, but it’s an exploration. That’s how we learn about ourselves. Your novel is the same, learning about itself by testing different possibilities until it finds the one that glues it together.
But how to evade the presence of typical writing problems? Chapter-chronology hasn’t worked, and outlines eat your only free time. So what can you do to ward off the voices until you’re ready for their help?
A different approach birthed for me before midnight struck. A new tactic: The Last Chapter, first.
My golden ticket!
Defeat over writer’s block lies within your method of writing.
I changed it up and now my fingers run on jet fuel. Can I maintain this pace another 27 days? What will happen at December’s sunrise? I want to continue working on my novels because it’s not enough to have ideas floating inside. They must be released to the world–or at least the inside of my filing cabinet–so I can move on and discover new stories.
So how can you fuel this magnitude of progress once November passes its baton?
By keeping NaNoWriMo’s energy in mind. Forget about the quality of initial drafts until you’ve worked through an entire novel. Reward yourself for small victories (every few hundred words, every five pages, every chapter end, etc.) and allow yourself a huuuge prize for the larger victories (laundry and a good night sleep, perhaps?) At the end of a draft, take a week’s holiday–you’ve earned it! Find a peer group–huge help! A buddy-system to keep your discipline in check and assure everyone’s accountable for lack of writing.
Remember: writing is work, like any other job. But it always helps to have a little fun.
