This week's YA Highway Road Trip topic:
Are you doing NaNoWriMo, or have you ever? Does having a deadline inspire you?
First off, November? Who picked this month? Obviously not someone who might have out-of-town Thanksgiving guests. I vote for NaNo in January...no major holidays, and the weather is sketchy enough to keep us inside.
Then, though I have written rough drafts in six weeks, that was with some editing along the way...I'm not sure I could let go of that and just write. It would be interesting to find out.
Finally, as much as I wish it weren't so, stories inspire me more than deadlines. I can and have met deadlines before, but it's losing myself in the story that gets me there, not dates on the calender or word count goals.
What about you? Doing NaNo? Tried it before? Do deadlines inspire you?
January would be SO much better! In Canada we celebrate Thanksgiving in October, so I didn't even think about how inconvenient NaNo in November must be for my American friends. Yikes! I'm using the month to work on something I started last year in November. I like the motivation and accountability of others furiously writing too, you know? But seriously, I'd be all over a January NaNo. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree, November is such a tricky month! Although I definitely wouldn't get anything done in January in New Zealand - too much summer weather to enjoy (and we've already established I most definitely change with the seasons!)
ReplyDeleteIt's really nice to see that stories inspire you instead of deadlines though! that's a great way to be motivated
Sorry Samantha, I wasn't considering Southern Hemisphere writers with my January suggestion...I guess no month can be perfect for everybody.
ReplyDeleteNovember is always such a busy month for me too but I've finished before even when I've been busy. I just haven't find what I've finished very usable. I'm still on the fence.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with November being a somewhat crazy month in which to write 50,000. What about January (when we're fresh with resolutions) or March (when it's still indoors time)?
ReplyDeleteI've never done Nano, like you, a holiday month is a terrible time. I'm busy almost that entire week. But I don't find I need it. I could 50k words in one month, I'm not sure I want to. :)
ReplyDeleteMy self imposed deadlines and the love of a story are plenty enough motivation for me.
I am SO with you on November being the worst month EVER for this kind of undertaking. But maybe the guy who came up with it chose November to avoid the relatives? "Can't have Turkey today, Aunt Edna, gotta write 2000 words."
ReplyDeleteMaybe we should start a JaNo or something.
I'm doing NaNo for the first time. I'm stoked, but also a little worried about having a nervous breakdown. :)
Yes, I completely agree about November being a bad month! January sounds much better! And I'm with you - jealous spectator again.
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