Wednesday, November 4, 2009

But seriously, I have no idea what I'm doing.


So after a lovely 4K-word start, I only wrote 52 words yesterday. But as I mentioned earlier, and as Justine Larbalestier wisely notes today, word count is not everything. I had some mulling to do over where my story is going. I still have some mulling to do.

And, I think I might use some tricks to help me keep my characters more firmly in my mind... yesterday they were a little too elusive. I think I'll try to figure out their character mottos and maybe also do some internet casting. Maybe I'll try to get some inspiration from a favorite novel.

Maybe I'll log off the dang internet and write.

There's a special NaNoWriMo podcast episode of I Should Be Writing available now... go give it a listen, while I try to finish up the show notes!

Tomorrow: I have some thoughts about the writing class I went to yesterday, and I think I'm going to put out some tough love about critiquing...


ETA:
Sonuvabitch. WTF, Maine? My characters and I are not pleased.

15 comments:

  1. Ooh--cannot wait!

    Justine's right--word count isn't everything. Even 52 words counts as writing. I'm sure they were brilliant!

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  2. Thanks for all the great links, the character motto post helped me out a lot. It will certainly drive the story.

    Praying your story unfolds better for you today!

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  3. 52 words of heartbreaking genius are better than 0 words of nothing. i totally agree. :)

    jeannie
    The Character Therapist

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  4. Well, Carrie, at least you wrote something. I'm with you in a way--I probably should do some mulling. I've been writing and the story has been shaping up more as I go. But I think I need to do some detailing on the characters, find good answers to the questions I raised in my set up, and figure out a good ending. Let's keep on truckin' as they used to say.

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  5. I agree--word count isn't everything. It can take a lot of time cutting plot that went the wrong way and trying to redirect a story. Good for you that you're doing NaNoWriMo. I haven't tried it, but I know there have been lots of really cool success stories. I hope you and your manuscript become another one!

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  6. The picture is cracking me up! Don't worry--the story will come to you! Keep going!

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  7. I have that same virus! I think it's going around. LOL...

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  8. To take Jeanne's comment one step farther 52 words of crap is better than no words at all! At least you are progressing, and 5000 words is a GREAT start. Happy writing!

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  9. Hey, 52 words are better than 0! How did it go today?

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  10. well 52 words is ok. coulda been 51.

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  11. The important thing (as I'm sure you know) is to just KEEP GOING. All of those words add up. I always got so far behind I would give up, and then literally not write another word FOR A YEAR.

    I can't believe I have written 7,000 words. I fully expect to get the swine flu or get hit by a bus. I'm cynical enough to know it can't keep going this well.

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  12. Sorry you got into a rut! Hope you're able to pile on some conflict and get things hopping again soon!

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  13. Have you tried some witless, physical work? Works for me -- takes me out of my head enough to hear my sub-conscience.

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  14. My daughter is trying to do NaNoWriMo. I don't do well under pressure.

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