The problem with NaNoWriMo is not the challenge of writing the 50,000 words (what? I didn’t really say that); it’s what writing 50,000 words does to my other writing. For starters, it’s a different genre. I’m so long-winded it’s probably a good fit for me … but right now I’m hitting that wall that comes in the second week. Seasoned NaNoWriters say that getting past this hump is the hardest part, and then it’s smooth sailing.
Okay. Sure. Easier said than done.
Let me wallow in my little pity party a minute, and then I’ll get back to the novel. Because, you know, I’m gonna do it. I just thought I’d take a little break from it and use up some words on the ole blog – you know, where I got crazy and decided that I wasn’t going to die if I actually shared what I wrote every once in a while.
So the big challenge is the word count. Finding the words that count. Add up. Tell a story. Oh, you say, is that all?
Well, yes, that is all. That’s a lot. For writers, that’s what we have to work with, and most of us have this little love affair with words that maybe only we understand. But sometimes, there’s more than words – the stuff that’s abstract and floating around in our heads, our hearts, maybe our souls. Those are the things that we write about, but we need to find the words to articulate it first.
Sometimes, though, words are not enough. Or maybe, the right train of thought here is that words are not necessary. It’s okay to just feel it. Ha! And then, inevitably, write about it. But first we feel.
Let me tell you I’m feeling a lot right now. Scared is probably at the top of that list, followed by its best friend, insecure. I’m taking the GRE this Friday morning and applying for a doctoral program in English and Communications. This is just the beginning of the process, so I don’t have anything to add but a simple request for prayers. You decide what you want to pray about – I certainly don’t know.
Well, hold on. How about prayers that I remember the math I took THIRTY YEARS AGO. Sheesh, that’s a sobering number. Anyway, there you have it. You heard it here, first. Suddenly my little experiment with 50,000 words isn’t so daunting, even if I did just give away 411 words.
I’m not familiar with “nanowrimo” gotta look into this. btw, my prayers are with you for your success.
Go, you writer-woman, you!
Not that the future Dr. Johnson needs any advice from me, but as a friend who has gone back to school in the thrilling stage of mid-life, let first applaud the dream! (And I’ll back it up with my prayers and cheerleading.)
Can’t wait to see where God leads you next! And will pray for your exam when I am before the Blessed Sacrament on Friday.
my problem is, I’m writing a kids story and keep trying to use my big people words, which I can’t do for this level the story needs to be written at.which. I know, bad grammar. Sue me.
8-year old dialogue is hard enough. 50,000 words of it is killing me. The story is good, but I never realized how hard it would be to write for little people.
Maybe I need one to practice on.
Good luck. NaNo. May the force b with you.
BTW, YEARS AND YEARS ago, I took the GRE for a lark. The English part was a breeze. The math & thinking parts were hard for me. It quashed my dream.
You’re doing so much better than me in Nanowrimo. I think I have more excuses than you to not write.
I will be praying for you. Education is a great thing!
Thanks for the prayers, guys. It’s a crazy new adventure!
I think i may try this next year, providing I have the time. 🙂 BTW, thank you so much for getting me into blogging!
Wow! How have you been, Vic? And you’re a very gifted writer and all-around smart guy 🙂 you probably would have found blogging on your own.
In the spring there is going to be a screen writing contest — let’s give it a try!