Well, thank goodness November is over. I just entered my final word count for the month: 61,552 words, about 3/4 of my first draft.
Am I happy? I think so. My brain is numb.
As a newbie to the NaNoWriMo adventure, I didn’t know what to expect. I approached it like I tackle most things in life…jump in with both feet, paddle like mad, and discover I’ve learned to swim by not drowning. I’m panting on the muddy bank after reaching the shore.
What I learned:
1. On the whole, this is an exhausting great experience, and I wouldn’t have written a fraction of these words without the challenge.
2. Preparing the family is key. I think I vacuumed once, did laundry once, and made scrambled eggs for breakfast…once.
3. Love up the spouse/partner – you’re going to owe him or her big-time at the end.
4. Let personal hygiene go. There’s no time for anything beyond brushing one’s teeth.
5. Install a pet door. The critters can walk themselves.
6. Cancel all outside commitments. Invite yourself to someone else’s house for Thanksgiving. Offer to bring cranberry sauce.
7. Give up on all television except The Walking Dead.
8. Prepare and preschedule blog posts, apologize in advance for your absence, thank everyone in the end for still being there.
9. Get the flu. It relieves you of every single remaining responsibility you weren’t able to shirk in good conscience. You get to write in bed all day and everyone feels sorry for you and brings you tea. (Note flu onset 11/14 on graph).
What else I learned:
1. I am a slow slow edit-as-I-go writer (ave. 250 wph). I didn’t enjoy feeling rushed, and writing for me has always been a luxurious experience. If I dedicate another crazy November to Nanowrimo, I don’t think I’ll pay much attention to word count. Why?
2. Because dedicating time to writing, prioritizing creativity and engaging in what we love to do is the point.
3. Participating and writing one word more than we would have otherwise constitutes a true win in my universe. Congrats to all the participants regardless how much you wrote. You are all winners!
Thank you for hanging in there with me.
Aaaah. Back to blogging.
Myths of the Mirror 
Reblogged this on Kate McClelland.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your lists Diana, made me crack a smile!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. I try to laugh at myself since the alternative is not as much fun 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations! What an achievement. This is the first year in 3 I didn’t do it, but I’m going to rectify that next year 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure I’ll do it again, Tara. Especially now that I haven’t written much in a week. The kick in the a** is missing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agree about the time pressure and word count. Cant believe how well you smashed it! That is a CRAZY good achievement. Well done. This made me giggle in a massive way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Sacha. I haven’t written much in a week, which I guess shows how these types of challenges really help us prioritize! Glad I gave you a giggle 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my goodness! I have read a few posts about this experience but this one was the Most Real of them!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha. Keeping it real and gotta laugh too. Thanks for the visit.
LikeLike
Congratulations once again, Diana. Nano is a real learning curve one way or another. I haven’t caught up with the housework yet but a little dirt never hurt anyone! Thanks again for buddying up. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t caught up on housework either…and I haven’t written a word in two days…hopefully tomorrow. It’s a busy time of year 🙂 Happy to buddy up and we can do it again next year! Ha ha.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hopefully, it doesn’t take until then to recover. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now I’m glad I didn’t make this my first Na No year. Your tips will help me prepare for next year. Congratulations!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Try it JoAnna! But seriously prepare if you want to reach that word count. It’s a great community and wonderful to make writing a priority for a whole month! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
YEA You! Planning, being realistic, and persistence. Well done
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I’m glad I did it and glad it’s over. Now…onto the December madness. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bravo, bravo! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, thank you! 😀 😀
LikeLike
Even had I the inclination, there was no possible way such a thing would have happened in November, since I had my whirlwind move to a new home!
Glad your “break” was the same time as my “break”! That means I didn’t miss too much. 🙂
Diana, even in your writing about writing, I’m struck with the fact that you don’t just “write.” You ARE a writer, to the core of your being. I love it.
And, just like so many hosts after Thanksgiving meal is done who say, “It’s peanut butter and jelly next time” or “I think we’ll just buy a prepared meal from the supermarket next year” … they’ll be right back in that kitchen loving it come next November, and YOU’LL be writing.
Because it’s who you are.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That sounds like a challenge, Erik! Ha ha. I will probably do it again, but to be honest, I really won’t stress about the word count. That’s good practice for me as a human – honoring my own pace and maintaining balance. I tend to push myself until my body says “enough” and I get sick, usually for weeks. So another life lesson that I am trying hard to learn. Hold me to that next year, my friend. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
All things in balance. Absolutely!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Love the take-aways. This sounds daunting.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Some people do it year after year and love it. Lot’s of good energy and productivity. I don’t want to discourage anyone, Jacqui. Just sharing my adventure 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats. Your write about your experiences is LOL funny. I don’t think I am up to that yet. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Susan. It certain is something you have to prepare for, but a good experience over all. Glad I made you laugh. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Too funny, Diana!! Wow…incredible! So proud of you and that great list! Congratulations!!!!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks, Patrick. I’m sort of still going, trying to get this draft done. Then I’ll take a big breath. Glad you enjoyed the humor. Gotta laugh at our writers’ life.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That is for sure!!! The list was great! Have a great week, Diana!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha! That was fun reading! Congratulations Diana, I am glad you have written soooo much in a month!!
Taking up such a challenge is in itself a GREAT effort. I always avoid such challenges or prompts because I like to write at leisure and when I push myself I end up against a wall.
The strategies you have mentioned are fabulous…I loved them.
Thanks for sharing your hard moments in such a light-hearted manner.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for the visit, Balroop. Yes, we don’t know if we don’t try, right? And despite my misery, it was a good experience and I may do it again with a little less pressure on myself 🙂
LikeLike
I LOVE-LOVE-LOVE this list!!!! Made me laugh, but it’s absolutely true. (The flu really does help—and you have the graph to prove it.) You’ve got an exquisite sense of humor, and I’ll be back for more 🙂
Thanks for coming over to Damyanti’s blog for my guest post… Lovely comment, much appreciated.
Guilie @ Quiet Laughter
LikeLiked by 3 people
It sounds like you’re a nano participant! Glad you got a laugh out of my pitiful suffering hehe. 🙂 I’ll be over to poke around and say hi.
LikeLike
Woot! I considered doing it this year, then all my imaginary friends abandoned me. Hard to write when your characters won’t speak to you !
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ha ha. Those darn characters! Go for it next year, Riley. I don’t regret trying it a bit. Just prepare because it’s pretty intense. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I just might. Depends on how my characters treat me. Hopefully the wife won’t beat me for trying it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, the wife is even more important than those characters, Riley. Must be very kind and loving toward the wife or you may not get through it!
LikeLike
It’s emphasized even more, because she’s my editor.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Musings on Life & Experience and commented:
Wise and humorous words.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for the reblog, Suzanne. I’m glad I made you smile 🙂
LikeLike
Awesome work! I’m a seasoned vet when it comes to NaNoWriMo. I’ve done it every year from 2009 – 2014. I even lead the charge for the entire region that I live in working as an ML. This year was the first year I skipped the program.
I can honestly say that I got a lot of great things from that NaNoWriMo experience. It taught me that I can actually write a novel because I originally had doubts about reaching that sort of length. Then it taught me to embrace ideas and run with them and that I can discipline my mind to focus on one story and to write pretty much daily no matter what is going on in my life. One year I changed jobs (in retail), moved house, worked as an ML and worked on a masters degree all at the same time. The year was a horror story. I wrote words but nothing workable that year.
Over all I’ve concluded that Nano is good in doses. The program pushes you and can teach you a lot of things but some times that push is too much. My muses were bulking at the idea of Nano and I knew another year of it would not do me any favors so I opted out and decided to write what I could as I so wished and I got a fair bit done. Not to mention I feel my muses thanked me for the vacation as I stumbled upon an idea for another novel that if I were doing Nano I doubt I would have discovered.
Over all I think over all NaNo is from some and not for others and you always have to write and do what is best for you and your writing. That being said I think National Novel Writing Month is a worthy experience that many should take up at least once in their life. So congrats again on getting so much written and on your fist ever NaNo win!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much, Misheal, for the comment and for your support of writers in NaNoWriMo as an ML. If there’s one thing I can say about the team of people cheerleading the event, it’s that they are enthusiastic! You sound like a writing Wonderwoman 🙂
I’m a disciplined writer as it is, and over the years, I’ve settled into a rhythm that works well for me. I’m not at all sorry about participating but won’t know whether the word count push was worth it until I revisit my draft. If it needs massive revisions then it’s probably better for me to return to my careful pace.
That said, Nano will still work for me in the future if I relax on the word count. It’s a great community and I enjoyed buddying with other writers to cheer them on. And it definitely pushed me to set aside more HOURS for writing, which was great. That’s where I struggle, creating the time, and Nano was excellent at giving me that. Thanks again for the comment and the great experience…despite the flu 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow over 61,000 words, congrats!! I started nanowrimo this year, but didn’t make it past day one! I felt too much stress about HAVING to write that I couldn’t think of anything… maybe next year!
LikeLiked by 2 people
There is a lot of pressure, although I put most of the pressure on myself. Being really prepared helped, but still… If I do it again next year, I won’t worry about the word count or posting every day or anything – just enjoy the opportunity to write. We’ll have to start an informal group of no-pressure writers 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
LOL your advice list made me laugh. I wish I could just put my life on pause. My household would collapse lol. For me, I write/type very quickly, as I started learning at 9 years old. I type and think simultaneously (most of the time) so writing quickly is easy. It’s the editing that takes forever and bogs me down. So I prefer to sit and write for at least an hour to two hours and it’s difficult if I have to pause but…such is life. I’ve gotten used to short burst writing recently.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s awesome that you are so fast! I have no idea how some people do this with kids and jobs. That’s just mind-boggling to me. I washed tons of laundry today, changed sheets. Tomorrow… vacuum and floors. Or bathrooms. Ugh. Lots to catch up on!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Haha, yes! I actually prefer not to write at home because I worry WAY too much about chores and other stuff.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely what I learned too! Congrats! 😉
LikeLiked by 2 people
And congrats to you, Michelle. You wrote a lot. I can’t wait to read your book 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks D! I’m tired of my book at the moment… I don’t think I’m picking it back up until next year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m going to plug away at the first draft and then give it a rest. And next year isn’t far away!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, we both need a rest! This was a huge undertaking and I think trying to do so much in one month, forces you to lose the “heart of the book” so to speak… I figure looking at it with fresh eyes come January will help improve it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent way to put it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Big congratulations for making it through and being so successful! I love your list it sounds very consuming! I had to laugh!!
LikeLiked by 3 people
I’m glad I made you laugh, Lynz! It was really a crazy month, but I can’t do anything half way, I guess. Yes, all consuming 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha yes it sounds all consuming. That is my trait as well full power haha
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations! And now on to the fun part… the edit and revision. 🙂 A great accomplishment.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks, Steven. I have to finish the first draft and then let it simmer a bit while I work on Book I. Lots to do this winter 🙂 All good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats, Diana! At least now you know what doesn’t work for you. For me, the combination of vomiting the first draft out and forced writing every day works. I need a habit boost this time of year, so I can get back into the habit of writing every day. I slack during the summer due to garden tending, but dammit, I’m going to do a smaller garden next year. Still slogging through my first deep revision, but things are picking up. I think after I get through the middle muddle, it’s easier. And boo on the flu. Got my shot a couple months ago and crossing my fingers that it works.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thanks, Julie. You did great as well, though I sensed some tension between you and your muse there in the middle! I tend to write every day anyway, but the kick in the pants was helpful. I’ll get the first draft done in January, and that wouldn’t have happened without the challenge! 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree, getting it down quick and messy is very helpful to me. Even in paragraph outline form. It helps immensely if I know where the story is going. Then I can sit on it, and come back and fill in later with (hopefully) decent writing lol
LikeLiked by 3 people
I love how everyone finds their own style and rhythm. I usually edit as I go, so my progress is very slow. This no-edit pace will probably require an additional draft beyond my normal method. But it’s all good. All a learning experience. 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think you’re right. It’s important to find your own style. What works for you doesn’t work for other people. The problem was, for years and years, I would edit as I go and I would never end up finishing anything. I probably started a half dozen good stories between 15 and 25 yrs of age. But after doing some research and joining a few great writing advice groups, I noticed that a lot of people recommend just getting a first draft out and down on paper so that you can go back later make it work. But I think as I become a better writer, and actually make it a profession, I will probably do more editing as I go just so I don’t have to deal with so many drafts. Yes, I have an average of 6 drafts per project. Mind you they’re not all ‘complete’ beginning to end drafts…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Even I recommend getting that first draft down before editing! I did that for my books in the beginning and it was important. Gradually, with some experience and a bit more skill, I have changed my approach. So you are right, not only do we all have different ways of writing, we change over time. I love this stuff. What a fun thing to do 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wait, you brushed your teeth during NaNo? For shame! And I thought you were focused!
Oh, and a big congrats to you!
LikeLiked by 4 people
I know… such a slacker! I just can’t deal with teeth-crud, Mike. We all have to make sacrifices. Hope your author-endeavors went well and Thanksgiving was eventful 😀
LikeLike
I had a lovely Thanksgiving. I hope yours was wonderful, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Actually, I’m in awe of anyone who can pull a story out of their imagination – regardless of the word count. I simply can’t imagine!
Congratulations – you obviously found a creative wave and rode it long and hard. I bow to you 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I had my outline done, Joanne, so it was just the marathon of getting the story down. Usually I like to wallow and simmer more than sprint. It will be an interesting second draft. Thanks so much for visiting and commenting 🙂
LikeLike
I’m more familiar with wallowing and whining. Your version sounds more productive 😉
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ha ha. Oh, I whine my share 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m always willing to share a w(h)ine 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations! Very impressive outcome. And to think you had the flu during it. How miserable. Maybe you were able to channel that sickness into one of your characters. An illness to go toward his or her characterization. 😉
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ha ha. That happens too, doesn’t it? I’ll have to check if my characters are all yawning or stressed out and serious. Cracks me up. The flu wasn’t fun, but it was productive!
LikeLiked by 1 person
WOW!! 🎉 Congratulations Diana – time to do a celebratory dance around the room. 😀That is a massive achievement, not only to reach 50,000 but to truly smash it. It must feel amazing to have completed so much of your first draft. Will you take a well-earned rest now or continue working at this pace to finish it quickly? You sum up the whole experience brilliantly, the highs, the lows, the creative v. number dilemma. Well done again and it is lovely to have you back doing regular blogging.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks, Annika. I’ll finish, of course, but at a more comfortable pace, probably in January when things slow down. All good. I’m glad I tried it and I’m glad it’s done! Ha ha. And so nice to be blogging without the pressure 😀
LikeLiked by 3 people
Congratulations, Diana. You hit the nail on the head with your lists, but phooey on the flu. That had to be awful. You deserve a break. A Facebook friend told me when I had finished that I could have Thanksgiving after all! LOL You can start all over when NaNo has Summer Camp. You pick your word count. (I think) Not me! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I can’t even think about Nano summer camp, Mary. Ack! Thanks for the cheers, though, and congrats to you as well. For now, I’m happy to be back to the normal routine…despite a bit of a house-keeping backlog. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can relate, but at first it was like, “What do I do now?” LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations on sticking with it and finishing, even through the flu days! 🙂 Hope you’re feeling much better.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for the well-wishes. Three decent nights sleep so far. Now I just have to gear up for the holiday marathon! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Dan. I’m glad to be back on the old routine. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like you had an amazing whirlwind of a journey and congratulations on finishing this NanoWrimo! 😀 Definitely an achievement, and thanks for sharing your great personal insights.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Lenora. In all seriousness, if I do it again, I’ll do it at my own pace. A good lesson for life in general. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well I’m pleased it taught you that 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats 😀 You did awesome! Though I didn’t make the word count goal, I’m still glad I gave it a chance. (Oh, and I liked your number 7 😉 That mid-season finale had me screaming at the T.V.)
LikeLiked by 3 people
#7 was for you and a couple other blog buds who are fans. 😀 You’re a WINNER anyway. I can’t imagine even attempting it with kids in the house! Yikes.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ha ha! Yes, my kids (as lovely as they can sometimes be) didn’t put their tattling and occasional yelling and hair-pulling aside for a month so Mommy could write in peace 🙂 ( And now we must wait till Feb. 14th for The Walking Dead to come back! Ugh! What am I going to do with my Sunday nights now! lol)
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL 🙂 Congratulations. 🙂 Hoping to join next year. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you 🙂 If you do join in next year. Do it for the love of writing and don’t succumb to the word-count pressure. That’s my only real recommendation here. Enjoy! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations, all that pressure sounds pretty tough! You need to spend some time basking in the glory of your accomplishment. .and maybe a nap too 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I took a nap yesterday! It was great. Exercised this morning and got on the blog. Lunch with the ladies today. Life’s back to normal. Phew!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds great 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You did good, but I think you could now do with a spa day.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Oh yeah! Ha ha.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did it last year, and the forced pace ruined a very good story. I managed 50K words and still cannot evaluate them. I agree one feels an accomplishment, but not really sure what of? Discipline ( but when I am on a role I can do that anyway) being part of a movement? Never really sought that or known how to enjoy it. I suppose I just sank back relieved it was over. But I congratulate you on doing it differently! And finding an additional reason for Thanksgiving!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Roll as well as role!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed, Philippa. Thanks for reading 🙂
LikeLike
One thing I realized is that my slow pace works for me. I feel like this story is going to require a much more difficult second draft, so I’m not sure I saved myself much time after all. Live and learn 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is very interesting. Exactly what I realised, and for me the first draft is usually the freshest and cleanest and most spontaneous.So obeying time’s restriction took all the bloom off the fruit, and I can hardly bear to start again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, true. I’ll start again though. I chalk it up to another learning experience and in that respect, it’s all good.
LikeLike
LOL! Sounds like more positives came from it than negatives, though!Guess you’ll find out soon enough how you feel about doing it again, when next November rolls around! Lord knows, it will be here before we know it! Happy December! xo
LikeLiked by 2 people
Don’t say that, Kelly. I’ll have to start my time-slowing tricks. I don’t know if I’ll do nano again. Besides wearing myself out. I also didn’t exercise for a month. That started that up again this morning! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, even if you don’t, you accomplished a huge goal – you stayed the course and that’s really inspirational. Not to mention how productive you were! I know what you mean about writing and exercise – it can be hazardous to one’s health if we don’t prioritize movement! Hope you have a lovely day 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well done on getting 3/4 of your draft written… now go and take a shower!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I know, right? Ha ha. At least I have fresh breath. 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
And you didn’t miss any Walking Dead… even if you may have finished the month smelling like them! 😉
LikeLiked by 2 people
Not one episode missed, Al, ever. I showered this morning. Smelling like soap 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Offer to bring cranberry sauce” – canned, I assume? 🙂
The things you’ve learned are the reason why I haven’t participated. I use writing to unwind, and forcing it seems plain wrong.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Actually, I home-made the cranberry sauce – my daughter would have been horrified if I showed up with a can! 😀 The event gave me “official permission” to carve out extra writing time and that was great, but I didn’t like pressure of a word count goal. If I do it again I’ll fail and win anyway.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Lol – I love the fail and win anyway bit 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person