Monday, November 5, 2012

NaNo Update

I'm astounded at the number of words some of my NaNoWriMo writing buddies have accomplished this month.  Holy cow.  One person logged more than 19,000 words in three or four days.  I'm guessing she either has extreme self-discipline or no children at her heels.  I bet her house is a mess.  Mine is too, but I'm certain it would be worse if I had spent the weekend writing.

I've only completed 3,700 words and honestly only wrote 2 out of 4 days, but I'm really happy with the way my story is coming along.  If I only get a handful of really great chapters this month, it's a win for me.

My next chapter, the one I need to write as soon as I get the rest of my children off to school, is not clear.  I know what needs to happen, but it's a chapter of subtle details, and I don't have the details pinned down quite yet.  I might just leave a place-holder page with a quick summary and move on.  I'm definitely in the mood to write today, so I think I might just get caught up.  Maybe not - I should be at 8300-something words today.

What did I accomplish this weekend?  I cleaned a lot, and I went swimming and walking twice.  I gained a pound from the Halloween candy and probably will gain another - my daughter made tarts this weekend.  Even with the extra calories and pound(s), I feel great from the exercise.  I have a herniated disk, and the swimming is making an immediate difference. 

The unexpected benefit from exercise for me is it helps me sleep.  About an hour and a half after the exercise is over, it's like I took a sleeping pill.  So I'm well-rested today, but I napped when I should have been writing.

Sorry for all the me, me, me, my, my, my posts lately.  Maybe I'll do a post later about some of my research on coal mining towns. 

24 comments:

  1. If your story is coming together, that's all that matters.
    I remember when I was participating in NaNo 2010. One blogger buddy hit 50,000+ words in less than five days. I felt really, really slow next to her...
    But I didn't give up and hit 50,000 on the second to last day!

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    1. I mostly got caught up this morning, so I'm feeling optimistic for the week - I was hoping to get most of my writing done on weekdays anyway.

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  2. 3700 words is great - and beyond the word count, the fact that you're so happy with how the book is unfolding is even more important. That joy will show in the story!

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  3. You joined NaNoWriMo, which is one up on me. I know I don't have the discipline to keep writing throughout. I am amazed by everyone and their numbers.

    Sorry to hear about the herniated disk. Sounds painful. I'm glad swimming gives you a nice relief from the pain. And don't apologize for napping, take it when you can get it girl!

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    1. My back is much better - and could be worse - I didn't need surgery or anything. I definitely need to start swimming at night.

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  4. Ooh, 19000 in 3 or 4 days. Big deal. On a Saturday I can do like 14,000 if I have my druthers on.

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    1. "So what? Big deal." (Buckaroo Banzai quote.)

      I could probably do 14,001 words if I wanted to. But instead I had one of those weekends with my kids that we will remember forever. My daughter made tarts from scratch while my boys and I made pumpkin custard and then went swimming. I wouldn't trade this weekend for anything.

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  5. Good luck with NaNo. I know it can be hard to make yourself sit and commit to this project. I enjoyed it when I did Camp NaNo. I pumped out over 40 thousand and some words. Now, in the mornings I'm working on revisions and rewrites. Originally, I had it titled as Dear Mommy and have since changed it to White Trash and Pill Heads.

    And as for exercise, swimming is excellent for so many things.

    Hugs and chocolate,
    Shelly

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    1. Still, there's nothing worse than putting on a swimsuit and going outside with slightly damp hair when it's cold out. I think they have the AC on in the locker rooms.

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  6. Good luck w/ nano. Glad your story is coming along.

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  7. Exercise is great for helping with sleep. Keep those words coming.

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    1. More than one doctor has told me exercise before bed will cause insomnia. It works for me.

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  8. I think Nano is a great exercise whether or not you finish. The real win is if it gets you started on something exciting.

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  9. I'm so glad you're feeling better with the swimming!

    Don't worry about being behind--for only two days, you actually are ahead of schedule. Just need a couple days with some extra. Glad you like how your story is going so far! (and place holders are totally fair. When we have to write fast, you can't dwell on tough ones. Besides, a real book is normally longer than 50K anyway, so you can fill it in later.

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  10. I have to think that those really high word counts are nothing more than stream of consciousness word vomit. They aren't crafting story, just TELLING what will happen in a story. I suppose it's like a really detailed outline, but I can only assume they'll have to go back and spend ages trying to untangle the mess after November.

    Glad you are having some productive days!!

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  11. Any addition to your word count is awesome, and having perspective and a life is more important anyway.

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  12. Maybe Ms. 19,000 words wrote the same sentence over and over and over. Who knows? I'm happy for your progress.

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  13. Wow! Who needs 19,000 words? You're on a roll as it is! Good work! And I hear ya on the Halloween candy. That has been my downfall this week. In fact, I swear there's a miniature Reese's Cup over there, whispering my name.

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  14. Good luck with NaNo!
    50 000 words in one month? I'm too much of a snail to tackle the challenge...

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  15. You should be really pleased with your NaNo progress! That's great!

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  16. lol.... I'd say anyone who can whip out that many words has no kids.

    But you're doing great! Keep on keepin' on!

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  17. Everyone - Sorry, blogger is not responding quickly today. Will take all day to post reponses to all your comments. I'll do my best to get to everyone's posts later today.

    For the record, I think the person that did the 19K is a very focused writer - I didn't mean to disparage her at all, but I can tell you it would take me copying and pasting the same word 19,000 times to get that word count in.

    On Monday, my small one spilled milk on my laptop keyboard. I am happy to say it survived. I did cry over spilt milk. I kind of had a breakdown.

    On Tuesday, I had several things to do with my kids and didn't write a word. This morning, my small person decided he needs to have a day with me, so I'm taking another vacation day. His favorite blanket ripped, and he wants me to sew it. That might take me a week.

    I declare NaNoWriMo a fail on the word count, but I'm feeling like a good mom (for a change) so it's a win.

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