NaNo is a pretty large monster of a word count to tackle. 50,o00 words in one month. I'm not even writing my actual book. I'm writing a book about my book. The back story and character sketches . . . if I get that far.
It helps me to break down those mongo-freaky numbers into smaller parts. Let's see . . .
There's 5 weeks in November. That = 10,000 words per week.
week 1 has 5 days = 2,000 words per day
Week 2-4 has 7 days =1428.57 words per day
Week 5 has 4 days = 2,500 words per day
OK. I think I can manage the daily word averages. All that will take is discipline to make useless time into writing time. (buh-bye facebook games)
This is what I need, though. I need to get back into a regular writing schedule. Dump my brain-numbing down time and make it productive again.
Let's see . . . what other numbers will this month of NaNo Wrimo hold?
at least . . . .
30+ cups of coffee
29 time of scolding myself for checking facebook
8 pens
7 pencils
26 sticky notes that I misplace
25 late nights
24 more times of scolding myself for checking facebook
3 scones
22 cups of tea
21 new songs on the i pod
10 crumpled pieces of loose leaf paper
50 times pushing my cat off my keyboard
and a partridge in a pear tree. . . . . (squawking at me for checking facebook)
But it's not really about the numbers . . . is it? It's about setting a goal and reaching it. It's about getting your backside nice and comfy in your seat of choice for the long-haul.
Even if you're not doing NaNo this month, what kind of goals do you have and how do you set yourself up to meet them?
The bigger the goal, the tiner the steps. That gets me started.
I like dicing the 50K into tiny chunks too! My writing pal and I were going to meet at the library starting today (why not?) but my oldest came down with a cold and fever. Argh! Good luck with your writing goal!
Good luck to you, Christy! I'm doing Nano for the first time, but changing it to fit my needs. :) I'm finishing a book that's about 1/4 done, so my goal is under 50K but still lofty!
Christy,
I've never done Nano, officially, but last January a friend and I made the same goal for ourselves. I didn't make it through the entire month, but even what I did do was huge in terms of daily word counts. And it had me thinking in numbers all month. I remember emailing my friend a list much like the one you posted. When you break life down into numbers it really is amazing how much can be done in a day.
I'm not doing NaNo this month because I'm deep into revisions. But my goal for the month is to actively revise every single day.
I think you're being very smart planning everything before you start your goal! Including the scones. Yum!
I'm working on a faux nano at the moment, trying to finish a novel draft in October and November. Wishing I had done a bit more prep (like telling people I would be slower answering emails!).
Mirka, ohhhh, I like that! :0)
Nandini, that's great that you have a NaNo buddy to meet with. So sorry your oldest came down with something. Here's hoping it's short lived and it doesn't get passed around!
Good Luck Kelly! I'll be cheering you on!
Hi Inluvwithwords! (not sure of your real name yet) Thanks for stopping by. Good luck with your revisions!
Anne, Good luck with your faux NaNo! :0) Thanks for stopping by.
I'm rooting for yo Christy!
Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse
I tried it one year but Thanksgiving, Christmas shopping and life somehow got in my way. I'm going to be popping by to cheer you on to the finish line. I'm sure you'll do better than I did :)
Thanks Angela and Kim! :0)
I hope you not only make it but also enjoy it! It sounds like a great way to spend more scheduled time with your characters.
My goal? To finish revisions on the last third of my current WIP.
Numbers intimidate me, but I do like the 22 cups of tea and the 21 new songs. My goals are usually focused on time with fingers on keyboard.
Good luck meeting your goals!
Thanks Angeala! Good luck with your WIP.
Thanks Cynthia! :0)
Wow, that's a lot of words in a day. I guess that's why I've never committed to NaNo. 1k is about my limit. Good luck, and most of all have fun with it!
Thanks MG!!! :0)