Today marks the end of the first full week of NaNoWriMo, and I can think of one word to describe my experience so far: painful.
It’s day seven, and my current word count stands at 13,444 (the par for the day is 11,666, so I am a little bit ahead of schedule). I’ve made it my personal goal to go a little above the expected 1,667 words per day and shoot for 2,000 instead, which has been working well for me so far.
However, I feel my creativity is running out: I only have 556 words left to write for today, but I’m using any excuse I can find to avoid writing. I’ve already thought about quitting a few too many times, but so far I am still pushing through. But those 2,000 words are feeling like more and more every day, and where it took me only about an hour to finish for the first couple of days, it now takes me significantly longer.
Obviously, it isn’t an issue of the writing itself, because here I am, probably writing more words than I need for the rest of the day in this blog post. But as far as my story goes, I feel like it is a constant and difficult effort to keep the story on track while also keeping it from becoming boring. 2,000 words isn’t a lot, but it’s starting to feel like it when paired with my lack of inspiration.
That being said, I have no plans to give up. I will be writing those last 556 words for today, and another 2,000 tomorrow and for the rest of November. The idea is daunting and I’m trying not to think about it, but I’m grateful to have this blog to keep me on track and accountable for my progress.
As you may know, this is my first year participating in NaNoWriMo, so I don’t exactly know what to expect from here. Will it get better? (Hopefully!) Will it get worse? (Hopefully not!) Regardless, I feel that the only way to really give this experiment with novel writing the chance it deserves is to see this through until the end, no matter how painful that may be.
As far as my actual story goes, I’m liking this one much more than my previous failed attempt. In my past story, I was writing about things I hardly knew anything about, but with this new story I feel much closer to the plot (the main character is a reader and an amateur writer, much like I am). It’s not perfect, it’s not even good, but I see potential in this story that I didn’t see during my first attempt. With a whole lot of editing, it might even get to the point where I could share it with other humans! (Though I doubt it.)
I should probably get back to writing now (as much as I really don’t want to). I’d love to hear how your project is going, and if you have any advice for a new novelist like myself!
Happy writing!
Pretty in Print 
You’re doing well, Bailey!
This is my second proper NaNoWriMo attempt – the first time I barely got past 10k words before I sadly gave up. This time I am more determined and like you have set a 2k daily target. So far I have written 14k words but there is an awful long way to go.
That first draft is always the most difficult and I always had the temptation to go back and rewrite. The trouble is you’ll never finish it if you give in to it. I know for a fact a lot of what I’ve written I will change. Some I’ll keep, but some I’ll take out. I’ll even have a few ideas to add as I go along. The main thing is to keep focused on finishing the draft. Without a first draft, there is no revision process and no final finished work!
Like you, I have an affinity with the main character which helps in the way I develop him as the plot progresses. There are one or two other interesting characters I am hoping to develop in not only the draft but also in the revision process.
This is my first fiction work. Previously I have written and self-pulished a couple of memoirs and a short non-fiction title.
Just keep focused and I am sure you will finish the job you have started!
Good luck!
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I hope this year works out better for you than last year! I agree completely about the first draft, I’ll feel much better when it’s finished and I can start turning it into something I’m proud of! Good luck on your writing!
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I think pushing yourself is good but you should cut yourself some slack!! cause 2000 words a day is really good and you cant expect to always feel inspired. Take brakes by doing things you enjoy! watch a movie that is close to your novel’s theme, listen to some good music, read a book that can inspire you and don’t forget to eat well and get as much rest as you can!! hope you reach your days goal!!!
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Thank you for the advice! My heart’s still in this, I just need a break to get my head back on track so I don’t end up giving up. Good luck on your writing!
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Exactly! Don’t burn yourself out. Thank you!!
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It’s easier to stop the thought of ‘writing the story’ and find a point within the story (I use the 1st plot point, mid point and 2nd plot point) to stop and re-structure what happens from that point. Personally, I like to use a Chain of Events (what happens next, and who/how do they/it respond to ‘it’?). It helps keep the flow moving and not the concern about ‘writing’. I also leave out a lot of ‘description’ and ‘setting’ because I can always fill them in later.
Oh, and the best exercise of all: interview the character and ask what they think should be going on at this point in the story – I’m sure they’ll tell you.
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That’s great advice! I definitely cut myself a break when it comes to specific descriptions because I know it’s not worth wasting time over when writing the first draft. I’ll have to try asking my characters what they think 🙂 Good luck on your writing!
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Sounds like you’re doing great! It does get better. (Then it gets worse. Then awful. But then it’s great. That’s been my experience. It’s worth it!) enjoy!
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Well that’s reassuring, at least it got better somewhere in there! Thank you and good luck! 🙂
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Like everyone else here, I think you’re doing great Bailey. I’ve had a couple setbacks with my own writing but it’s mostly healthwise. So I try to write as much as I can any one day so if I do need days off in between it won’t hurt the ‘average’ as a whole. Keep up the good job, that you like this plot line and characters is a good thing.
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Thank you for the support and I hope your writing continues to go well!
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Go you!
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It’s neat to see that someone else is going for the 2000 a day personal goal, and for their first time! You’re doing great, keep it up!
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Thank you so much and good luck to you!
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Oh my, do we have a lot in common! I’m reading this and agreeing with it all. Exactly the way I feel. (Except for the 2000 words a day. I’m envious of that.) I type a bunch and tell myself don’t check the word count! Don’t check! Then I check. Oy vey! But I am encouraged that someone else is in this boat with me. And we will not sink!
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It’s good to know I’m not the only one! I’ll be cheering you on, good luck!
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2,000 words a day is a great pace for a first time NaNoWriMo participant, even if you don’t quite reach that every day.
And very few writers can truly write a good first draft. Most are terrible even. As long as you’re enjoying the writing process, knowing that it needs some improving in the future, that’s what matters. Good luck with the rest of the month..
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Thank you and you too!
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Keep it going Bailey. We can do it 🙂
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Thanks and you too!
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Hi Bailey and fellow Nanowrimer. I love that you are doing this, despite the stress it induces. Way to go! I admit that I am writing a really stinky first draft, and I have discovered I don’t care because somewhere in that first draft are things I can use. No one else is ever going to see this mess except me. I’m letting myself play and be silly with my creativity for a whole month, and that alone is worth the time I am spending with this draft. Letting out all my wild horses, as Natalie Goldberg calls it, is such a good feeling that I can’t not do it. For me, inspiration comes out of my silliness. My really stinky first draft is straw, and the inspiration is gold. I will bet you anything there is gold in that first draft you are creating.
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Thank you so much for the advice! I really love that about the first draft, I think if it more as a very detailed outline so I can be forgiving of myself if something isn’t perfect. Thank you again and good luck!
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Go you! 2k-a-day is a wonderful goal, and echoing the sentiments above, the first draft is just that – a draft. Revision puts far fewer words on the page, and that’s outside the writing goal of NaNoWriMo. I’m leaving all that self doubt for Draft-Revision December. =) Keep it up! You’re doing wonderful!
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Thank you and you too!
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Bailey you are way ahead of me on the word-count. That’s fantastic. Just keep going. You can do this!
Sometimes I search for images related to my story… maybe some detail of the setting. Just type that in a Google image search. Pick an image and start writing. You might end up deleting it when you edit the novel, or you might get something fantastic.
Hugs!
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That’s a really good idea! I’ll have to try that next time I’m stuck, thank you so much and good luck writing!
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It’s also my first time participating and I’ve been stuck at 7K words for a while! It’s still been really fun though and hopefully some inspiration will start coming through the next time I sit down and write! Good luck on your novel and I hope it gets better soon for you!!
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Good luck to you too and I hope you find some inspiration soon! Thank you!
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I had a few moments where I had to force the words last week too. My issue is I push myself too hard. I’m ahead of my goals but I can’t seem to give myself a break. I think taking it easy and not stressing too much is important to keep the words flowing, so next week I’m taking it easier.
Last year for me it got easier after the half way mark 🙂
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I’m exactly the same way! I’m at the point where I could take a few days off and still be on track, but I still have to meet my goal every day because otherwise I feel like I’ll get lazy and want to stop completely. I hope you’re successful in taking it easy, there’s nothing wrong with taking a break! Good luck!
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Hi Bailey! Thank you for liking my NaNo post. I am here to cheer you on! I have done NaNoWriMo five times. I have met the goal each time, but it can be so hard. When you think about that word count, it’s hard to be creative when you are just trying to maintain your pace. Have you tried any character sketches? Another thing that has helped me in the past is to write letters either between you and your main character, or between your characters themselves. Sometimes those letters can become part of the narrative! Just some thoughts! Good luck to you! What is your book about?
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Thank you for the advice at the encouragement! My story is about a writer, so it’s been easy for me to stay on track and creative with the story. I have not tried character sketches, but that and the letters sound like great ideas! Thanks again and good luck!
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This was an awesome start from my perspective. I’m currently regarding the remaining four days with an urge to tear out my hair…(wry grin)
By the way, what’s your NaNoWriMo handle/name?
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You can do it, don’t give up now! My username is baileylsims, feel free to add me as a buddy!
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