My NaNoWriMo progress is slow this year. I know in the past I’m normally ahead of the 1667 words per day but this year I’m trailing at 2527 total at the end of day 3. Le sigh. It’s not the end of the world, I know that this early on it doesn’t create a huge deficit to catch up on later, but I’m feeling generally unmotivated this year for some reason. Part of me feels like there are normally more NaNo pep talks and things to spur you on by now, but perhaps I’m just making that up! I know I miss the word count bars on their forums, as well as the word count widgets for posting elsewhere. As small and seemingly unimportant as those were, they’re actually a really good push to make you write more – racing against writing buddies and other people who have word count widgets on their blogs, etc.
But, enough of that wallowing in self-unmotivation! (That’s totally a word)
I started NaNo thinking I would be writing the first book in a (so far) 2 book series that I have in mind, the first with a title choice of either Hellbound or Devil May Care – my favourite title seems to change as often as the weather so I’m hoping it’ll become more clear when it’s written. Except that all kind of went out the window when I sat down, opened up Scrivener, and started typing a more recent novel idea of mine for a book titled Pink Mist. It obviously wanted to be written first, so it’s wish is my command! This is possibly the first book I’ve written where I know the title but have no name for the protagonist. She just doesn’t want one! I suppose as she is an assassin that anonymity is probably better for her in the long run, but I think she’s going to get stuck with a nickname (or two) whether she likes it or not.
In between writing about no-name and her shenanigans, I’ve been working a bit more on this website with updates and also setting up my Facebook “Author Page” which I’m very excited about. Although I probably shouldn’t be as excited as I am, there’s no shoes involved after all. You can check it out via the link below (please do 🙂 ) and hopefully “like” it, or you can get there by clicking the Facebook button over there on the right. *points*->
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Natalie-Westgate/309459942413821
Hey Natalie,
Don’t let it worry you, the point is that you devote some time, not the word target. If you meet your own goal great, if not you’ve organised yourself.
I’m working on getting 5 childrens picture books done to a good enough standard to send out. I won’t get anywhere near 50k but thats my goal this month. So take it easy, have fun and just let it roll.
Very true, thanks 🙂
Are your children’s books going to be all part of one series? Or totally different?
Not sure at the moment as I’m writing one about Pie Rats. I also have a cat themed one in the background and one or two others. One features John and Tom (John’s Teddy) which is about the trip to Gran’s house.
There’s always scope for a series but I’m just writing what comes to mind at the moment and these have been in there for a while.
There’s always ebbs and flows to writing – maybe your story just needs to simmer a little longer, before it bursts out. I don’t think it’s a lack of motivation on your part.
Go easy on yourself, Natalie. It’s fun to “win” nano, but the spirit of it is about the love of writing. Stay true to that and you are a winner for sure!
*goth cheer with black pompoms* Ready? okay! Give me a N-A-T-H-A-L-I-E!!! Go Nathalie!!! You can do it!!!
Woo! Go goth cheer! 🙂
Hi Natalie,
Eight months on and I still have a major character in my WiP that’s called “Name”. I might have to hit one of those online random name generators soon…
I am glad you are excited about your Facebook page too. Just think about being able to make all those smug announcements on Facebook about how well Nano is going and there’s one more motivation. 😉
Seriously, I hope it goes well, so that you can look back and feel pleased with what you achieved, whether or not you hit the ‘official’ word total…
Hehe thanks. Glad to know that no-name isn’t alone, although technically you gave your character a name of Name, I just called her no-name! Poor girl hehe.
Now you have given her such a flawed sense of self, and deep seated insecurities due to lack of identity, she is now a perfect lead character for a novel… 😉