Well, we’re a bit over halfway through NaNoWriMo and I figured I should give an update. It’s going amazingly well and I’m feeling really good about this book overall. I’m excited!
Once again, I decided to participate in Beautiful Books 2016 (which is hosted by Paper Fury and Further Up and Further In) and I’m answering their update questions here!
For an introduction to my novel and to find out what it’s about, click here to read my first NaNo post.
Overall, how is your mental state, and how is your novel going?
Really good! Right now I’m at 32,138 words, which is over where I need to be to stay on track.
Last NaNo, I was getting my word count, but I didn’t feel like my novel was going anywhere. (At least not anywhere particularly good.) And while I loved writing, it felt like a bit of a losing battle because I knew that at 50,000 words I was only going to have half a book. This time, I had a much clearer outline going in and I feel like I’m heading toward something close to a full book (which will, of course, need some pretty major editing).
What’s your first sentence (or paragraph)?
“Look out below!” Keeley called as she grasped the long, sinewy willow branch and launched herself from the top of the swing set, her mass of blond curls streaming out behind her. Owen cheered Keeley on with glee as I scrambled to the left three steps to make sure I was completely out of Keeley’s path. I knew that once Keeley had announced her descent there was no stopping her. You either got out of the way or got clobbered.
Who’s your current favourite character in your novel?
I actually think it’s Piper (the girl who moves in next door to Annalaine), even though she hasn’t even had a huge role in the book yet. She’s certainly the most defined and the easiest to write.
What do you love about your novel so far?
The fantasy world of The Meeting Spot is so fun to write!! Plus, I could spend hours on Pinterest, just looking at fantastical pictures for inspiration (you can find my Pinterest board here).
Have you made any hilarious typos or other mistakes?
Not that I can think of. A few silly typos, but nothing funny enough for me to remember.
What is your favourite to write: beginning, middle, or end — and why?
Well, I’ve never written an ending, so I’m going to go with that. When I get to the end, I’m going to feel a huge sense of accomplishment!
What are your writing habits? Is there a specific snack you eat? Do you listen to music? What time of day do you write best? Feel free to show us a picture of your writing space!
The writing habits are extremely haphazard since I’m usually writing at random times in between (or while) homeschooling my kids. I’m usually writing on the couch in the family room, but I occasionally go up to my room and write in my bed so I can close the door. I’ve also written in the back of my minivan at co-op while the kids are in a class, at the library, at Starbucks, at CLC while my son is in his Japanese class, and on the couch in the office while the kids are taking a test or working independently on schoolwork.
How private are you about your novel while you’re writing? Do you need a cheer squad or do you work alone (like, ahem, Batman)?
I’m on a FB group where we cheer each other on and report our words each day (thanks, Steph, for inviting me!). I find it extra motivating to report there. But as far as actually showing anyone my writing? That little excerpt up there is the first that anyone’s seen any of it. (And it’s very scary putting the excerpt up there!)
What keeps you writing even when it’s hard?
The daily word goal is very motivating for me. In order to get NaNo done on time, I have to write 1667 words per day. There was only one day I came short of that goal (when I had very little time to write—I made up for it by going over on many other days). One day I submitted and found that I had 1666 words. I couldn’t let it stand. I HAD to go add at least one more word!! (I ended up adding 101 more, actually.)
What are your top 3 pieces of writing advice?
Oh, gosh, I don’t think I’m at the point of giving advice right now. All I can say is don’t stop writing!!
If you’re participating in NaNoWriMo as well, feel free to add me as a writing buddy! My username is nmhewitt.
Are you participating in NaNo this year? How’s it going? I want to know!
Oh sounds like things are going so well!!! Love the beginning you shared. Keep up the good work!
Thanks! It’s funny how nerve-wracking it is to share even just a little bit of the book. 🙂
This is terrific! It sounds like you are doing really well and getting a lot out of the experience. “You either got out of the way or got clobbered” is such a great character clue, with “clobbered” being such a fun word. I hope to someday get to read this book!
Thanks, Wendy! That’s actually really encouraging because even just sharing this little tiny piece of the book is tough! 🙂
I’m glad it’s going so well! That’s awesome. It can be difficult to share your writing, but it’s inevitable I suppose. haha It sounds like it’s coming along well though and I’m glad you feel like your writing has more of a story arc/substance this time around.
Yeah, I suppose if I’m wanting people to eventually read it I have to be willing to share it, right? At this point, I know it still needs lots of TLC, but I’m getting a solid rough draft!
Congrats on your word count! I did NaNo last year, and I remember having a really hard time keeping my word count goals near the end. You’re almost there! ^.^
So far, so good! I hope I can keep it up!
Just finished the ol’ word count for today. No worries, you are still a solid 1K ahead of me, even as I pull my hair out 😉 But in seriousness, you are doing such an amazing job!! I am so proud! It has been a REALLY hard month to do this, yes? I mean, seriously, props to any and all who are even still trying, I feel, because it has been so painful to do ANYTHING “normal” in the wake of the election.
ALSO- the third picture on your Pinterest board makes me want to read your book. I don’t know if they’ll stay in the same order but it is the “East of Reykjavik” one, HOLY GOALS. Like I need that place and now your book in my life 😉 It all sounds so.. whimsical and lovely!
Keep up the great work- and congrats on a job well done so far!
Isn’t it AMAZING!! At first I was looking for fantasy landscapes, but then I kept finding places in the real world that are way cooler and more fantastical than anything I could imagine. It seriously blows my mind!
And I agree that writing has been hard this month, but for some reason, it was the only thing I COULD do. Even when I had a whole week where I couldn’t really read or even listen to my audiobook, I was somehow able to write. I guess that’s a good sign, right?
I’m really curious about your nameless books. I SO want to know what they are.
I’m glad you are enjoying the process. Hang in there, and thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the encouragement!
How fun that you shared you progress! I always think I might participate, but then I don’t. Maybe next time. I have something kind of laid out and started, but life is just too damn busy right now. You have inspired me though. I mean, if you could find time, I should probably stop making excuses.
I definitely know that it can seem daunting when you have a lot of other things going on. I’m glad I took the leap, but it can definitely be crazy!
Yay! I’m glad to see things are going well for you! And I’m also glad you’re participating in the FB group too. We do it every year and it’s extra motivation to always know there’s a place you can check in. I love how you’re cruising along and you’re making it happen! 🙂
Hey! “Don’t Stop Writing” is great advice, indeed. 🙂 Being a writer obviously isn’t easy, and remembering to stick to it and keep going even when it gets really tough is advice worth remembering. 🙂
Ahh I love the name Annalaine! And your story sounds like so much fun! I know what you mean about an ending, my NaNo will be the longest book I’ve ever written (my others clocking in at abt 50k and 15k, plus some in the middle) and the first one that’s going to get edited within an inch of its life and (hopefully) beta-read! So accomplishment… *crossing fingers* I can’t wait to hear more about yours! Good luck in these last ten days! 😉
Katie
(and thanks for visiting Bookwise! Comments seriously make my day and I’m so smiley right now!)
Congratulations!! It sounds like you are doing so great with your book. I can imagine it will feel awesome when you have a finished book. And I thought the opening paragraph was great. Definitely intrigues me enough to want to read more. 🙂 Good luck with finishing it!
I am so proud of you Nicole! You are doing a great job. I know you are going to be able to not only meet your goal, but finish your book. Now, if you’d only let me read it! 🙂 Mom
Good luck with your goal, Nicole!
Yay, I’m so happy that this Nano is going so much better for you! And I love that first paragraph! I hope the rest of the time went just as smoothly for you. ?