I have just been declared a winner because I just finished certifying my novel for having written at least 50,000 words in November. I wonder about being a winner because it clearly is not a complete story yet. On the other hand it has enough words that it could easily turn into a novel if I stick with it. I have always thought that there is a novel in me and for a host of reasons I have never gotten this far before. It was a great experience and I plan to stick with this one and finish it up.
At the end of 30 days there is lots I have learned.
- My writing style is pantser. I am too analytical and if I plan my book I never get beyond planning the perfect novel.
- I am more flexible that I thought, because the critical conflict was not anything that was on my radar when I started writing.
- I can accomplish an ambitious goal without it taking over my life to the exclusion of other things I enjoy. I managed to make cards, teach a creative class, watch movies, read books, visit friends, x-c ski and other things important to me in the midst of this.
- Work will always impact your home life. I was on the road for work and did not write for several days, but it did not prevent me from accomplishing a personal goal. Don’t let work be an excuse for not accomplishing your personal goals.
- I like creative writing. It provides a place for all those voices in my head to find a outlet.
- Longer stories are much harder than short stories, blogs and other writing I have done.
- Being a writer made me a much more attentive reader.
- I like writing dialogue.
- My business writing skills, as good as they may be, are not sufficient alone to support creative writing.
- I will be looking to take some creative writing classes.
- I will be looking for a writer’s group to support and question me as I work through the editing process.
Thanks for those who were along for the ride. It is only the first time around the track and I can see that there is at least another lap or two to be made before I finish this race.
I love this poster and may have to just get one for myself. It captures so much of what goes on in a writer’s mind, or at least my mind this last month.
Congratulations! I am thankful someone chooses to write many words. I am still writing mere 17 words haiku.
So great you stuck with your goal. I know it was a tough month, not even including downtime over the holiday. Congratulations on being a winner. Hopefully that feeling motivates you to see this project through to the end.
Thanks. I am not sure I would be prepared to do so, but for some reason I reached a spot the last few days of the challenge where the story just came together and almost demands an end.
What an accomplishment, to make this commitment and stick to it! Good luck with the next stages!
Thank you so much.
That is wonderful news! Congratulations!
Congratulations on reaching the 50,00 words. That in itself is quite an accomplishment.
SO proud of you, Diana! I have difficulty writing to a deadline, one of my biggest weaknesses in writing, so I admire anyone who can participate in & complete the goal of this group!! I would love to read your book & help you informally with your editing if you need another set of eyes for it! Just so thrilled for you, because all who know you KNOW you are a “winner” indeed!
Thanks for the offers. Now I have to stick to it and really finish it. Just this am it took a turn I had not planned on, but now I feel it is ready for closure.
When work took me out of town, I almost threw in the towel. It would have been so easy at that moment. Now so glad I did not.