Sunday, March 22, 2009

14 Week Novel - because I'm a glutton for punishment

That's right. Stephanie Ruble has challenged all of us to join her in completing a novel in 14 weeks.

Okay. I know that not long ago I posted that one of the things I learned in my first month of blogging was not to make public writing goals. Consider me a slow learner. I'm going to give this a try. This is not Nanowrimo. It's not 50,000 words in 30 days. We're in week 2, so I have about 90 days left. I have a plot. I've completed quite a bit of research, and I have 3500 words written.

For me, this is an exercise in silencing my sergeant of an inner editor. And so:

• I WILL NOT EDIT the 1st draft until it is finished (wimper)
• I have permission to write brief comments in the margins regarding changes, especially if Sergeant Inner Editor is in overdrive
• I can write chapters out of order. The manuscript will not spontaneously combust if I do.
• If Sergeant Inner Editor is starting to win, I will walk away from the computer and run a lap around the block, or work in my garden, or cook dinner for my family (they might appreciate this), or go to bed before midnight (late nights and early school days don’t mix)

I've got my Memorex in my purse and loaded with new batteries. It's much safer recording thoughts than trying to write notes while driving. Um.. not that I've tried that. My laptop is charged so I can write in the van while my daughter spends hours in gymnastics. My flash drive is on its lanyard (because I can't lose it when its around my neck).

I think I'm ready. Stephanie- I'm in!

8 comments:

Adrienne said...

Good luck with the challenge! Glad to hear you won't be taking notes while driving :D

Anonymous said...

You are brave and strong to do this! I have a 10 page a week goal and I'm barely able to fulfill it!

Michelle D. Argyle said...

Sounds like you are prepared! I won NaNo last year, and it was one of the hardest things I've ever done. So good luck! At least it's a bit more time than 30 days! Good luck. :)

C.R. Evers said...

You go girl! Best of luck to you! I know it'll feel awesome when you're done. I know I did after doing NaNo. I'm working on revising my NaNo project now, or else I might give this a try too.

Keep us updated! We'll cheer you on!

Christy

Kelly Polark said...

Good luck, Nora!!

Nora MacFarlane said...

Thanks, all! I'm already behind schedule. I'm choosing not to fret. really.

Bish Denham said...

You go girl! I've done NaNo so 14 weeks should give you plenty of time to do a first draft.

sruble said...

Sounds like you know what you're doing! (Although I totally get the not making public announcements thing.)

Can I link to this post as part of the notes today?

Thanks for joining in. I hope it helps to get your novel written!