An Introduction
Welcome to my first post! It’s gonna be a crazy ride… for me, not so much for you. The purpose of this blog is for me to document my first foray into the world of speed writing. What is speed writing? It’s what it sounds like (duh); more specifically, I am going to attempt to complete a novel in a month. Starting February 2, 2011 and ending on March 4, 2011 (because February is a bit shy on days, and I want to give myself a real month here) I intend to write at least 2,000 words per day towards the completion of a novel I am currently calling Chase Dream.
It’s easier to say I’m going to write a novel in 30 days, but the fine print is that I am going to write (at least) 60,000 words of a novel that I already have about 8,000 words of. This project is somewhat inspired by what they do over at NaNoWriMo every November, but it is not the same. There are two important differences: 1) NaNoWriMo has a no starting before the month rule, and I have already started my novel. I am very okay with this. As a serious writer, I don’t think I could attempt to write a novel in a month if I hadn’t already started it in some form. Which brings us to difference number 2) NaNoWriMo doesn’t care if you write badly – it’s all about word count. I care if I write badly. The level of badness will, of course, be judged only by me, but I’m a pretty harsh judge, so don’t worry, I’ll keep to this rule.
So, shouldn’t I be spending my writing time writing the novel, instead of on the internet (bane of all procrastinators)? Why am I bothering with a blog? Guilt and shame. I’m too forgiving of myself – I’d let days go by without a word, knitting, watching bad TV, and telling myself I’ll write tonight, or tomorrow. I need you (yes, you) to keep tabs on me, and make sure I’m doing my work. Please. I can let myself down, but if I know I’m letting you down, I’ll do better.
So please read and comment often! I won’t be long-winded (remember, I’m already writing quite a bit without the blog), but I have these rules:
WRITE at least 2,000 words every day* (starting February 2)
BLOG at least my word count every day*
*I have made a clause wherein I may skip a day ONLY if I have made up the word count beforehand.
Thanks for reading!
I happened to come across your blog, and noticed we have some things in common. I’m also a writer with a goal, but I’m simply planning on writing at least 500 words a day for a year (ending on January 20, 2012). I tried NaNoWriMo this past year, but failed miserably due to procrastination and my need to perfect every little thing. ;) I only write for fun, though, and I don’t plan on making it a profession.
Good luck with your goal; I know how easy it is to get burned out sometimes.
Thanks becomingelisabeth – and I’m so excited that my first comment is so soon, and by someone I don’t know!
I like your title…where do we get to see any of this novel?
Amrita – I may be posting excerpts throughout the month, and I’ll probably let some people read (some of) it when it is done… otherwise, I’ll let you know when I have a publishing date ;)
Wait a minute…wait a minute…You mean that we might only get to readsomething like: “Day 16, wrote 2002 words” on this page? I wanna see what you’re writing!
I can’t blog a whole novel – what if someone steals my brilliant brilliant writing? Don’t worry, I’ll put some of it up here. I’ll keep it interesting.
Terrific Emily. John told me about your blog. I’m so happy to see some of your writing at last and I can,t wait to see more. Bon voyage.
Ann
emily! i saw you today! i love you! and your writing! i’ll read your blog and you know what will happen if you let me down…i’ll steal your cat! watch out
Em, very impressive! I really like what I have read so far…….
Alright. I will set my phaser to Shame for now, let’s hope I don’t have to use, or worse; set it to Guilt.