Because I have given myself such a title I have been known to whittle away hours writing online for pennies a day; I have been known to tell others I am in the midst of writing a book - one that honestly I never thought I would ever finish; I have been known to dabble in the written word in hope of entertaining and informing.
Today however, I took a step in a new direction. I have committed to a task that, I would be lying if I didn't say it, I am a little nervous about. I decided it is time to sit down and finish my book.
For those who know me, I am a Libra and I take the character traits of being a Libra pretty darn seriously. That means every time I make a decision, I weigh everything over and over again so I know when the time comes, I have made the best possible decision with no regrets. About a month ago, the topic of writing books came up in a group of writers I belong to. You see, November is National Novel Writing Month and during that time, you spend 30 days writing without abandon to see if you can hit 50,000 words or finish your novel. I was intrigued, but wasn't sure if I wanted to commit just yet.
Then yesterday as I was cleaning, I was sorting through the newspaper so I could get it off my counter and into the recycle bin. Naturally, I can't just throw it away, so I read the parts that were interesting and grabbed the coupons. This is when I saw my horoscope.
Now sure, I realize you shouldn't base your life off of what is said in your horoscope. However, I do still read my horoscope because I think they are interesting... more so than the actual news stories. This is the part that got me:
Similarly, publishing opportunities, along with opportunities to explore higher education, exist for you.
Really? How could I not take that as a sign? Do you see "publishing opportunities" flashing me right in the face? My first thoughts went to my book. And at the moment it was obvious to me what I had to do. I had to sign up for NaNoWriMo!
So what does this mean? This mean it is time to stop talking and time to start taking action. I have signed up and I am committed. I was a little nervous; I still am. But after looking at the site, I realize I don't actually have to finish the book by November 30, I just have to finish the story. I just need to write it out. The editing stage can come later. Which frankly was the part I was struggling with. I would write and then edit and rewrite. That is a never ending cycle where you will never get the story down. I just couldn't finish the story. And now I was presented with NaNoWriMo where I waswondered how do I complete an entire manuscript in just 30 days. Well, obviously it can and has been done before. Now, it is my turn!
Now this book has been sitting in the depths of my mind for many years. In fact, I started writing it 4 years ago. Sadly though, I took a break. I started changing things and then I realized I hated my characters. So, the book has been scraped. Not the idea, just all the work I put into it in the past. Those I will consider notes. And now since I have been actively thinking about writing this book again, I have also figured out how it is going to end and come up with new character names.
What can I say, I started off nervous and now I am just excited. So, if you are aspiring to write that book that has been floating around in your head, come join me. You can find me on my profile page on NaNoWriMo and we can help push each other through what I expect to be a fun month.
Oh gosh..I am so excited...and I can't wait to take this ride with you!
ReplyDeleteI am still a little nervous but honestly, the hardest part is trying not to actually write anything right now! I have had this book going in my head for awhile now! Now I just need to wait until the first of the month! :)
DeleteOk, you all have done it now and talked me into this and actually signed up last night. Not sure where this will lead me, but am willing to try, because I can't stop thinking about it. So now I need to look for you and everyone else on there to connect :) :)
ReplyDeleteYeah - I am so excited! After the overwhelming support with the blogging... having support with writing my book will probably be just what I need to get it done! :)
DeleteGlad I read your Post. I draw encouragement from what you say, "...have to finish the story. I just need to write it out. The editing stage can come later."
ReplyDeleteDisclaimer: I have never written a book but find myself stuck with a internal committment to do so, but I find heartening in this Post is that my 'best strategy' was to simply write it to the end. ....then worry about if it is any good or not, or whether it is editable or not, just have a beginning, middle and end.
Thanks for the lift.
I have learned that lesson the hard way. I think when I first started the book I was well - let's just say several words in. Then I went back and edited and my OCD got control of me. I couldn't take a character out and possibly finish the story. I would get confused. So I went back and did the big NO No... I edited.... and then I edited again. Needless to say, this is going to be the hard part. I am going to need to just sit down and write it. Worry about completing it after all is said and done. And that is going to be my motto from now on... editing will have to come later! :)
DeleteWow, Stacy! I am so happy for you! I said I'd do it, and today I will. I'll sign up for real and find you. NaNoWriMo, here we come!!
ReplyDeleteYeah - I am super excited and the more people that jump on the bandwagon the more excited I get. Let's do this!
DeleteGood luck with nanowrimo! I did it two years in a row (I have yet to finish those books - sigh). It's so much fun though and great to have support through the process. Commitment and determination are everything and it sounds like you have that (can I borrow a little?). :)
ReplyDeleteYou have already accomplished so much. To have done it 2 years in a row. That is great. Did you finish the stories and they are just sitting in editing phase? For me, I just have to do this. I want to add author to my resume! :) And if I have any commitment and determination left over after November, I will lend you some! :)
DeleteI am in awe of all of you who are doing nanowrimo and/or are attempting to write a novel. I guess I consider myself a non-fiction gal right now. I DID complete my memoir and am finishing up the proposal and then plan to approach agents. When I try to think of my next book idea and when I think, "hmm, maybe fiction..." I simply shut down. It's like my brain won't let me think that way. I'd LOVE to write a novel, but I'm not sure I have the imagination...:( Good luck Stacy and to the rest of you -- you can do it!!!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck on getting your memoir published. How cool though to be in that phase of the whole thing. I guess when it comes to fiction, the writing always stems somewhat from nonfiction though... after all, you write what you know. I can't wait to get started. I think this is going to be so much fun!
DeleteGreat, Stacy!
ReplyDeleteWill see on 1st November at NanoWriMo :)
Cheers to that!!
Yeah - See you there! :)
DeleteI can't wait to see what you get up to with the Nano Writing project! Exciting stuff - knowing that you're actually going to be doing it. I know how you feel - I played around with the idea two years ago, and now I'm GOING to do it. It's awesome that we're all writing books at the same time. It's going to be huge celebrations when we're all finished!
ReplyDeleteAlright! I am so amazing to have so many other writers jumping on this journey together. We can keep each other in check. And I can't wait for the finished celebrations! :)
DeleteI sincerely wish you the best of luck. I've been working on one (one and off) for over ten years. Over 500 pages of rewrites over and over and over. Rewriting it again to fit a new ending on it. Perhaps, one day it will be published. The 25th Century's not that far away......
ReplyDeleteI know the feeling all too well of constantly rewriting. I blame that on the reason I can't get passed the beginning. However, I finally figured out the ending so I have a feeling this time it will be a different story. Until then... I wait until the 25th Century! :)
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