By 11:59 pm on November 30th, I had reached 46593 words- almost there but not quite. Could I have made it? Of course! I had many lazy days of under one thousand words, the amount that can be written in under half an hour. There was no reason for me not to have been able to make 50k- and early too- except that this particular story is difficult for me. I knew from the first time I started working on it in 2007 that it would be my biggest, most comprehensive work, that I probably wouldn't be able to write it properly for another ten years or so. It would be the most real, the most 'epic'. It takes place in my country and is 'close to home' in other ways, and I currently feel out of touch with my culture and country, and need some time there, some sensory reminders.
I did get something out of NaNo though of course, besides 46.6k more almost-but-not-quite-useless words. I got a clearer idea of where it would go, the kind of stories that would be told within, ideas regarding themes and form. Some real characters emerged. Events clamored for their voices to be heard, as raw as they happened.
Most of all, I learned to leave this particular project alone until I'm really feeling it! Inspiration will hit, I'm sure, but now is not the time to tell that story.
Perhaps it's because I have so many other projects that are making real progress and haven't been given a fair shot yet- I kind of felt that way going into NaNo: I didn't want to start a whole new project because there were several sitting around unfinished; I didn't want to get into the habit of not finishing my books again, hence why I decided to work on one of the older ones.
What this means is I hope to finish and have circulating among publishers/agents a minimum of two of these projects so that I don't feel like I keep starting and stopping before something is done only to move to another project to do the same. I have accepted that Project One (C) is probably a trunk novel, but Project Two (TPA) is almost ready but has been temporarily abandoned. Project Three (PoN) is still in its infancy stage, while Project Four (EoS) is the one I've been talking about all along. Project Five (BC) is being completed slowly but surely since I'm pulling out segments to submit as stand-alone short stories, speaking of which, the one I've submitted so far (CS) has received four rejections total. I am still waiting on three more responses, while currently revising it to be sent out again. I also have another story from that project almost ready (got bad reviews from beta reader regarding the ending), and yet another getting close to being ready. The novel is therefore being improved and revised, taking shape short story by short story.
As for the short story I adapted from the short film I wrote (TR), I will start submitting it soon- to those that accept submissions electronically so I don't waste paper on a story I feel I could still do a little bit more with. I'm still sending it out now because it's just sitting there all 'complete!' But I will probably work it a little bit more, then submit it seriously to better journals/magazines.
All in all, I'm still being somewhat productive and hope to increase my productivity- time is flying.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
NaNoWriMo 2009- Day 24
By this time, in my first and third NaNo years- 2006 and 2008- I was finished with my NaNoWriMo challenge, had passed 50k words.
Right now, I am more behind than I've ever been. The last time I was on track was on day nine at 15k words. I've fallen behind since; in fact, I am currently about a week behind- at a mere 30k. I'm pretty much out of ideas, my characters aren't moving, there is no real plot.
I have an idea of themes, things I want to address, lots of input from my personal life which is the problem and perhaps the solution. It began as a story of fiction- it's a novel-writing month after all. But with all my personal input, it's telling me it's a memoir and I have struggled against it, reluctantly accepting it.
I currently feel like I don't have enough to take me to 50k and am currently considering writing words for another work- pretty much repeating what I did in 2007 where I didn't make the 50k deadline, working on two different novels...or something. And now this year, I had decided to continue working on the one I hadn't done much work on then, and now, find myself in a similar position- on a losing track.
Of course I'm still at a point where I can save this year's NaNo- 6 more days after all, a little less than 20k more words. I would have to do something like 3300 words a day every day until 11:59pm, November 30th. I know that's not particularly difficult- can be done in under 3 hours. If I only knew what the hell to write! Every time I get a starting point now it dries up in under 300 words it seems.
Still, I won't say I'm doomed...yet.
Right now, I am more behind than I've ever been. The last time I was on track was on day nine at 15k words. I've fallen behind since; in fact, I am currently about a week behind- at a mere 30k. I'm pretty much out of ideas, my characters aren't moving, there is no real plot.
I have an idea of themes, things I want to address, lots of input from my personal life which is the problem and perhaps the solution. It began as a story of fiction- it's a novel-writing month after all. But with all my personal input, it's telling me it's a memoir and I have struggled against it, reluctantly accepting it.
I currently feel like I don't have enough to take me to 50k and am currently considering writing words for another work- pretty much repeating what I did in 2007 where I didn't make the 50k deadline, working on two different novels...or something. And now this year, I had decided to continue working on the one I hadn't done much work on then, and now, find myself in a similar position- on a losing track.
Of course I'm still at a point where I can save this year's NaNo- 6 more days after all, a little less than 20k more words. I would have to do something like 3300 words a day every day until 11:59pm, November 30th. I know that's not particularly difficult- can be done in under 3 hours. If I only knew what the hell to write! Every time I get a starting point now it dries up in under 300 words it seems.
Still, I won't say I'm doomed...yet.
Monday, November 2, 2009
NaNoWriMo 2009- Day 2
Ok so I managed to knock out some ideas last night, plotted some sections and overall have a better idea of where I'm going with this work.
Thankfully, I am currently right on schedule for the end of day 2 minimum with a little over 6 hours left in the day; in fact, I hope to make 5000 by the end of the day which would put me at a day ahead, and ten per cent done.
At this point, my goals are still quite do-able as the story comes together more bit by bit, piece by piece.
I want to maintain being ahead of the daily minimum, and that would entail being on top of outlining, brainstorming ideas- basically giving myself something to write about. Luckily, the magic that happens with writing still occurs- you start and a porthole opens and things you didn't even know were there crawl out. Your brain starts putting random shit together and makes sense of your bits and pieces.
Thankfully, I am currently right on schedule for the end of day 2 minimum with a little over 6 hours left in the day; in fact, I hope to make 5000 by the end of the day which would put me at a day ahead, and ten per cent done.
At this point, my goals are still quite do-able as the story comes together more bit by bit, piece by piece.
I want to maintain being ahead of the daily minimum, and that would entail being on top of outlining, brainstorming ideas- basically giving myself something to write about. Luckily, the magic that happens with writing still occurs- you start and a porthole opens and things you didn't even know were there crawl out. Your brain starts putting random shit together and makes sense of your bits and pieces.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
NaNoWriMo 2009 and Other News
So today is day one of NaNoWriMo and I'm in the worst position I've ever been in. I have been unable to come up with a new idea, so I've been planning on working on two older ideas- the two stories I worked on for NNWM 2007. Then, I was advised to concentrate on one and accepted this advice as best considering how things turned out in 2007 when I wasn't focused on one idea. However, I still haven't managed to plot much for the one I've chosen- and for me, that is the worst place I can be.
My successful years have been based on a solid general idea and good outlines/planning. I have neither this time around. So today, I will be working on solidifying an idea of where I'm going, and plotting/outlining- basically something I should have already done. Not a great way to start! Especially considering I usually get a headstart on day one by beginning writing around midnight or so and getting a good amount of it in before going to bed so that when I get up and it's still day one, most of the remainder of what I write is gravy.
This is going to be an interesting year.
In other news, I have gotten back one response so far from the seven submissions I made for my short story. Yup, you've guessed it (otherwise there would have been a separate entry about it)- my first rejection! I kind of figured the story wouldn't fit that particular publication though.
I am expecting more rejections but I know someone will pick it up- perhaps not in the first round of folks I submitted it to, but I will find its market.
I also have two more stories just about ready to be submitted so I should have updates regarding those shortly.
My successful years have been based on a solid general idea and good outlines/planning. I have neither this time around. So today, I will be working on solidifying an idea of where I'm going, and plotting/outlining- basically something I should have already done. Not a great way to start! Especially considering I usually get a headstart on day one by beginning writing around midnight or so and getting a good amount of it in before going to bed so that when I get up and it's still day one, most of the remainder of what I write is gravy.
This is going to be an interesting year.
In other news, I have gotten back one response so far from the seven submissions I made for my short story. Yup, you've guessed it (otherwise there would have been a separate entry about it)- my first rejection! I kind of figured the story wouldn't fit that particular publication though.
I am expecting more rejections but I know someone will pick it up- perhaps not in the first round of folks I submitted it to, but I will find its market.
I also have two more stories just about ready to be submitted so I should have updates regarding those shortly.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Submitting!
Wow- it took a while yet it happened so quickly: I have submitted one short story that I think is ready to several publications (who are all okay with sim-subs of course) and I feel such relief to have gotten something out there. The story that ended up at the finish line first is the one taken from last year's NaNoWriMo project- the collection of short stories. It was the strongest of the collection to me because it had much more emotional resonance than the others. Now I think I have to find what's missing in the rest.
I still think I'll submit a short story version of the short film I wrote- it just needs more cleaning up according to beta1. It's currently not as sensory as the submitted one. In fact, it's exactly the kind of 'flighty' story some publications specifically say not to submit. I thought it would have a chance because it's kind of experimental anyway but I won't be lazy about it; I'll work on it some more and make it fit more 'traditional' tastes.'
In the meantime, I'm so excited about the first one making its rounds! I should hear back from the journals/magazines by X-mas lol. That wasn't even a joke.
Anyway, I have the strong feeling I will be published soon- within two years. Then I can have something to say in my novel query letter! But even without that in mind, it really excites me to think someone could soon be writing me a check for my writing- what a thrill, what a day that will be. One of the happiest days of my life I'm sure.
I still think I'll submit a short story version of the short film I wrote- it just needs more cleaning up according to beta1. It's currently not as sensory as the submitted one. In fact, it's exactly the kind of 'flighty' story some publications specifically say not to submit. I thought it would have a chance because it's kind of experimental anyway but I won't be lazy about it; I'll work on it some more and make it fit more 'traditional' tastes.'
In the meantime, I'm so excited about the first one making its rounds! I should hear back from the journals/magazines by X-mas lol. That wasn't even a joke.
Anyway, I have the strong feeling I will be published soon- within two years. Then I can have something to say in my novel query letter! But even without that in mind, it really excites me to think someone could soon be writing me a check for my writing- what a thrill, what a day that will be. One of the happiest days of my life I'm sure.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
More Shorts
I recently realized what I need to do to help me sell my novel is to submit- and hopefully get accepted- short stories to magazines, journals and the like. To get some credits in the publishing world.
I'm almost surprised it took me this long to come to this conclusion- it only seems natural. Here I was, going straight for the lead role when I should be earning trust through bit parts, featured, supporting roles. Getting the powers that be to notice and realize I'm not as much a risk as a newbie. I should have been treating this like the television/film industry!
So in the past two weeks or so, I've been working on a few short stories- one gleaned from the first novel I wrote (trunk-novel, but some good parts), one based on the first short film I wrote, the third an excerpt from the last NaNoWriMo project which was a collection of short stories anyway (so I basically have more than the blueprint for several already). Now it's time to polish them and send them off.
Amazing how it seems the most natural thing to do now. Do the short stories. Submit. And don't forget: read, read, read.
I'm almost surprised it took me this long to come to this conclusion- it only seems natural. Here I was, going straight for the lead role when I should be earning trust through bit parts, featured, supporting roles. Getting the powers that be to notice and realize I'm not as much a risk as a newbie. I should have been treating this like the television/film industry!
So in the past two weeks or so, I've been working on a few short stories- one gleaned from the first novel I wrote (trunk-novel, but some good parts), one based on the first short film I wrote, the third an excerpt from the last NaNoWriMo project which was a collection of short stories anyway (so I basically have more than the blueprint for several already). Now it's time to polish them and send them off.
Amazing how it seems the most natural thing to do now. Do the short stories. Submit. And don't forget: read, read, read.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
One Down...?
I've been sort of working on TPA and somewhere inside, thought it would be my first completed work post-college (i.e., polished and ready for publishing/producing) since it's basically complete although in dire need of more revision. However, some kind of magic happened: an idea was born, and a few days later, in one day, I wrote my first short film. Working closely with a partner, a few more days later (two of which were days of heavy revising, plus some additional polishing from a veteran screenwriter), it was in ready-to-shoot form. Idea to completion: approximately 10 days.
Yum, short films. Or beginner's luck?
Actually, I wrote two short films in one day. The second one, however, was mainly a typing up I suppose- I had worked out the basics of it with...well, the co-writer. So these short films are my first real, collaborative works (post-college). And I'm not sure when I'll get back to the other short film as I'm still somewhat in the glow of the first.
Probably tomorrow actually.
Yum, short films. Or beginner's luck?
Actually, I wrote two short films in one day. The second one, however, was mainly a typing up I suppose- I had worked out the basics of it with...well, the co-writer. So these short films are my first real, collaborative works (post-college). And I'm not sure when I'll get back to the other short film as I'm still somewhat in the glow of the first.
Probably tomorrow actually.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
New Year's Resolutions?
After a successful NaNoWriMo and currently holding two books with publishing potential in my hands, I feel like it's time to really get serious. Not that I wasn't before, but I am a queen of procrastination.
With a new year coming up, it just feels like the time is coming where I need to put my foot on the gas; I'm not getting any younger, and I'm feeling less and less accomplished as the time goes by, and more and more like I'm just wasting my time here on earth.
Two desires struck me recently: the first, a few weeks ago, is to start volunteering. I have time, and a big heart and I feel like I should be sharing myself in a non-profit pursuit. I want to work with educating kids or in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program or something like that. I just want to help someone. The second desire: to read way more than I have been. I had challenged myself in 2006 to 100 books and that didn't quite work out as I had planned but I had still read a lot more books than I would have otherwise. I realize a problem is introduced when I make lists: I read more when I just pick up random books instead of making carefully planned out lists of worthy material. So I think I should approach this new task the same as before: go outside of my box and read books I normally wouldn't "waste my time" on. Just hit up books from all over. My elite tastes hamper me a bit.
So because this is December and New Year's Day is coming up soon, I suppose these desires will turn into cliched new year's resolutions. But that's not too much of a bad thing I guess. My list is shaping up to be pretty standard (when compared to the average list), but for me, in a lot of ways, necessary:
- Exercise more
- Eat healthier
- Volunteer
- Read at least 50 books
And oh yeah- keep writing.
With a new year coming up, it just feels like the time is coming where I need to put my foot on the gas; I'm not getting any younger, and I'm feeling less and less accomplished as the time goes by, and more and more like I'm just wasting my time here on earth.
Two desires struck me recently: the first, a few weeks ago, is to start volunteering. I have time, and a big heart and I feel like I should be sharing myself in a non-profit pursuit. I want to work with educating kids or in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program or something like that. I just want to help someone. The second desire: to read way more than I have been. I had challenged myself in 2006 to 100 books and that didn't quite work out as I had planned but I had still read a lot more books than I would have otherwise. I realize a problem is introduced when I make lists: I read more when I just pick up random books instead of making carefully planned out lists of worthy material. So I think I should approach this new task the same as before: go outside of my box and read books I normally wouldn't "waste my time" on. Just hit up books from all over. My elite tastes hamper me a bit.
So because this is December and New Year's Day is coming up soon, I suppose these desires will turn into cliched new year's resolutions. But that's not too much of a bad thing I guess. My list is shaping up to be pretty standard (when compared to the average list), but for me, in a lot of ways, necessary:
- Exercise more
- Eat healthier
- Volunteer
- Read at least 50 books
And oh yeah- keep writing.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
NaNoWriMo 2008- Day 23
Yay!! I made it! 11 p.m. on 11/23 I crossed the 50k finish line.
Feels good now that the pressure's off!
I still have some writing and rewriting and fixing to do since this is of course just the beginning but yay! I've got something to work with at least.
Feels good now that the pressure's off!
I still have some writing and rewriting and fixing to do since this is of course just the beginning but yay! I've got something to work with at least.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
NaNoWriMo 2008- Day 20
So there goes that whole prediction about finishing ten days early. Still, I don't doubt I'll make 50k in November; in fact, I've modified my goal to reaching 50k by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, the 23rd. Which still has me finishing earlier than my first (and successful) NaNo where I finished on the 24th.
Let's compare stats: as of right now, not having written anything for the day yet, I'm at over 41.1k. This time in 2006 I was at 40.3k. So yup, that puts me just about one day ahead of the 2006 pace.
I'm not feeling like writing much, but I should be putting in at least 500 words. Maybe I'll have a tiny goal of making 42k today and 45k before midnight on Friday. Or something.
Actually, I better write more today since I'll be working most of the day on Friday.
Ok, I'm off...
Let's compare stats: as of right now, not having written anything for the day yet, I'm at over 41.1k. This time in 2006 I was at 40.3k. So yup, that puts me just about one day ahead of the 2006 pace.
I'm not feeling like writing much, but I should be putting in at least 500 words. Maybe I'll have a tiny goal of making 42k today and 45k before midnight on Friday. Or something.
Actually, I better write more today since I'll be working most of the day on Friday.
Ok, I'm off...
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