Writing a book for Nanowrimo month
Writing
is a great way to be creative, expressive, and explore. Regardless of whether
you achieve your goal or not, the important part is you started. Getting started
isn’t easy, especially if you’re thinking of writing a quick novel in a short
time frame. At least you can plot out or get an idea before you start in
November or the summer writing camps.
The
first and main focus is the point of the story. What is it about? What do you
want to write about? It's easier to write a story about something that gets you
excited. I tend to write the same type that I read. Usually, if I’m reading a
book, there are always things I wish other authors had written differently. There’s
nothing wrong with the book, it is not my book and I would have written it differently.
It's why I love writing because I am in charge of my imagination and this is
when you get to put it out there.
Will
you be writing about magical creatures, vampires, werewolves, pixies, dragons,
warriors, kings, and queens? Possibly a poetry book, a themed one that follows
something throughout each poem. Possibly a memoir? Whatever you choose to
write, don’t pick the easy-to-write story, pick what you're passionate about. If
it’s something you're excited about, that makes it easier to stay motivated and
stick to your goals.
If
you're unclear about certain topics with the genre you chose, research it. There
are plenty of places on the internet to get information and of course, there
are always books out there on countless subjects to learn more about. I’ve had
people ask me if vampires can have bad breath. I usually tell them, their
vampires can have anything they want them to have. I would say yes. If I wake
up with bad breath, why not vampires? I’ve also been asked if it's okay to
write historical romance with fake characters. If it's fiction historical
romance, yes the characters are generally not real. The surroundings, social etiquette,
traditions, customs, dates, and events will truly help with the authenticity
however the characters living and experiencing their lives are not real people.
When the entire book is written about the life of someone who lived it, then it's
a memoir. How do I know so much about various genres, especially ones I don’t
write myself? Research and plenty of it. I don’t set out to write historical
fiction but I do enjoy including it in my stories. This may be something you
want to include in your writing or stay away from. It all depends on what you
have the desire to write.
So
far, figure out what you want to write about, research the genre you want to
write about, and other important things to work on. How are you physically
going to write it? Using a phone and an attachable keyboard, laptop, desktop
computer, or by hand? If by hand, do you have plenty of paper, pencils, pens,
erasers near you so you don’t need to hunt these things down when you start? Get
comfortable when you write. Sometimes I find myself sitting on the dog bed with
the dog writing on my laptop or squished on the corner of the couch with two
dogs and my son while they are watching television. I’ve tried writing at night
and still sometimes do but I realize I’m not going to get much sleep. Unfortunately,
if it’s the only time I get to write then it's worth it for me. I sit on my bed
writing when I can. Sometimes finding times to either write or edit takes
creativity. If I waited for the perfect time and place to write, it would never
happen. If you can go somewhere and write then by all means do it. Everyone needs
to find what works for them because life happens. There are always interruptions
and other countless things that go on that can affect when you write.
I
know many will say it's important to have an outline for a story. I never do. I
will use a spreadsheet to keep track of major and minor characters' names,
ages, birthdates, characteristics, habits, hobbies, catchphrases, bad habits,
how they relate to other characters. Mainly if I don’t know something or need
to remember, I can look up a character and all their information is there. If a
character is like an extra body in the room then I don’t bother keeping track
of them and generally, they don’t get a name unless it’s a personal setting but
again, not too worried about the less than minor characters.
Many
will swear by an outline. Determining what happens in the beginning, events in
the middle, and what leads up to the end of the story and possibly writing out how
the end finishes. I don’t do this because I never know what I’m writing or
where the storyline is going. I tend to find out along the way and many times
my character will take on a life of its own determining it doesn’t want
something to happen to change the entire scope of the story. I love being
flexible like this and being able to change. It doesn’t mean what you write in an
outline is set in stone. It can be changed but if you follow something straight
to the line it might be a little more difficult but not impossible.
One
of the best pieces of advice I was ever given came from my daughter. I never
realized I did this until she pointed it out and she let me know I needed to
learn, not to rush my endings. It's true. Take time with your ending. You may
choose a better ending or something you’re happier with than the first simply
to finish it. The ending is as important as the beginning of the story. Because
those last words are the words your reader is going to end on and will be stuck
in their minds. The beginning of a story needs a good hook to keep the reader
going. No book is nonstop action-packed, but you need to give a reader a reason
to read past the first few lines. That is the same with the ending of your
book.
Whatever
you choose to write for your nano project, remember not to be hard on yourself
and to have fun. Writing should be enjoyable, something you love, and not a
chore you need to squeeze in. I squeeze in my writing every second I get but it's
important not to think down about yourself. I know it's easier said than done. Wanting
to feel you accomplished something is difficult but in the long run, if you
pace yourself, take pride in what you write, you will have an amazing story you
can be proud of. Be proud of the fact you took the time to write, writing isn’t
easy but eventually, you will learn what works for you.
Good luck to everyone writing their stories!
