It’s November, so it’s National Novel Writing Month, and signs of the event are popping up everywhere, especially on Twitter.
It’s an absolutely intoxicating idea, isn’t it? The challenge of writing a book in 30 days or less? Images of sci-fi author Ray Bradbury, racing up the stairs of UCLA’s library to double-check quotations, immediately come to mind. During the 1950s, he wrote Fahrenheit 451 in less than three weeks in the library’s basement and had to rent a typewriter to finish. Lovers of literature often note it’s Bradbury’s finest work.
More than likely, an average writer won’t compose an outstanding novel in 30 days or less. But you won’t know what you can do. Until you do it. Try it on for size; tell your friends you’re on a deadline to produce 50,000 coherent words by midnight November 30th. Some will applaud your efforts, others will downplay your desires, even others will be appalled.
It comes down to accountability: when you’re faced with a deadline, there’s a compulsion to meet it. The word-count goals might intimidate a few folks. Writers are encouraged to finish a 50,000-word novel, so that means writing at least 1,600 words each day. This grandiose effort equates to a 200-page novel, somewhat below the industry standard of 80,000 words. Add at least 1,000 words each day to meet that extra challenge.
What’s involved? Plan simply: imagine a beginning, middle, and end, keeping in mind the middle build is 50 percent of your manuscript. It’s something of a numbers game, and you have to play the game by both the reader’s and the publisher’s expectations. Create a few characters. Design an incident in each chapter that incites conflict. Give your MC (main character) a goal to accomplish. Write realistic dialogue. Resolve an issue. Or two. Probably more. Don’t worry about polishing it. You’ll re-draft your manuscript at least six times before you’re satisfied.
As for me, I’ve registered with NaNoWriMo, twice, and this time I’m seeing it to completion. I wrote my original manuscript utilizing a 100-Day-Novel program sponsored by the Write Practice. Those extra 30 days proved to be a godsend. After I typed the beginning words of The Phantom Wife, I no longer doubted I had a story to tell.
Whether you begin a new project or polish a WIP (work in progress), NaNo isn’t worried about the distinction. This non-profit organization, which started up in San Francisco in the late 90s, remains focused on encouraging the act of writing, desiring as many writers to participate as possible, even student writers.
Start today; there’s still time for we’re only four days into the month. It’s free to register. There’s lagniappe, too, like opportunities to connect with other creative people in your geographical area, on-line buddies to share the journey, and message boards where encouraging words are offered. Go to https://www.nanowrimo.org/ I’m Debwrite. See ‘ya there.
