Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Life after NaNoWriMo

Well, it's the last day of the month. November has been completely crazy, but I loved it! I can't wait for next year. In fact, I'll probably have my own little NaNoWriMo events a few times next year before November. I will definately do the summer one, where I will set a more ambitious goal for myself.

One thing I really learned during NaNo was that it is possible to write almost every day. In fact, a strange thing happened as the month went on. I actually found myself wanting to sit down and write, and when it was time to stop each night, I wanted to keep going. I really got to know my story and my characters, so much that they seemed like real people to me before the middle of the month. By the end, I was so attached to them that I wasn't really sure I wanted to end their story! So it really showed me that I can be a writer, that I have the ability to really force myself to be creative even when I don't feel like it. (which actually wasn't that often, when I think about it!)

So here's the plan. I'm going to edit and flesh out the story in December and then send a query letter to my publisher of choice. Then in January, while I'm waiting for a response, I'm going to polish the story. I really, really, really hope I get a response!

But in December, I also want to start back on the first Deadlines book. That story wants to get out of my head too. It was last year's NaNo (that I never finished.) It's a good idea, but it needs a lot of work. I have to go back and outline it first because it's a murder/mystery and I didn't outline it before I started, so I have absolutely no idea who the killer is! lol

So anyway, there are exciting projects ahead. I have about five ideas I really want to develop, but I really feel the need to finish the ones I've started first, so I'm going to dive into them and see what happens. I can't wait to write some more! In fact, I'm going to go do it now!

1 comment:

  1. Thanks for the advice, Devon. I can use all the help I can get! This is brand new territory for me, after all, and I am navigating it without any help, so your suggestions are not only welcome, they are valued.

    I'm taking a class called "Storming the Walls of the Publishing Industry" starting in January. It's goal is to teach writers the best way to get a first project published. I'm looking forward to seeing what all they say about it.

    I will absolutely keep in touch throughout the year, and will enjoy cheering you on and receiving your encouragement as well. I can't tell you how much you've helped me this month, with all your advice and encouragement.

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