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.
