Hi guys, how are you? It’s been some hectic weeks with all of my travelling, but today I definitely want to talk about something. Because hm, look at the date…it’s almost APRIL. And this month for us writers, means that NaNoWriMo is coming back in its short, softest and less stressing version, where we can all huddle in cabins and motivate each other to write. And guys, I have news. It’s been a few weeks that I can feel it again. It’s coming back. The writing monster is tickling my fingers, and I don’t know what to do.
I haven’t been one of those people writing for my whole life. Well, kind of. When I was little, I used to write short stories and stuff. I wrote on a regular basis, and then, a few years ago, I just stopped, because I had not enough time. I did NaNoWriMo, I failed, and it made me mad. And then, I did it again, and I freaking made it, and I didn’t stop. I wrote a whole messed-up draft in a month –and a few days, and I’m so happy for it. Then what. THEN GUESS WHAT? My story is sleeping, with all of its plot holes and flaws, it is sleeping soundlessly on my computer since December 5th, 2015. WHY so cruel, you ask me? Because writing 1,5K a day is EXHAUSTING, and I literally had no brains left afterwards. Because I heard it’s GOOD to let it settle a bit, forget it, and get back to it with a fresh mind. IS THIS WHAT I AM GOING TO DO? I don’t know, friends, I don’t know. Lately, I’ve been thinking about my WIP, and how I enjoyed the story, and how I wanted to make it MORE. More raw emotions where I’m looking for them, more action where I want it to be, more three-dimensional characters. A bit more of everything, really, to make it a good story, and maybe someday, a great book. I know, I’m dreaming, but honestly, I had so much fun and I feel like it’s time to get back to this story I loved, now.
BUT. Yes, there’s a BUT, the cruel three-letters word that screws up with your mind, its right here. If you’re a huge reader and a bit of a writer, you must, like me, have tons of stories in your mind
, ideas, characters, or just feelings, themes you want to write about. I know I do. I definitely love travelling, and have so many places in mind to talk about, and I think they would make great settings for books. I love mystery, too, so, definitely something like that. I love coming of age, I love road-trips, I just feel like writing something in an Amy&Roger’s Epic Detour vibe. Obviously it will be very different, but there are so many things you can learn about yourself while travelling. And I love that. And I have so many ideas and everything is just going ALL OVER THE PLACE, to the point where I want to scream LET ME WRITE ALL OF THE THINGS.
With Camp NaNoWriMo, there’s no rules. NaNoWriMo is all about the huge 50K, but here, you can settle on your own goal, which is much less, LESS stressing. You can take that time to write a new story, or to revise something, too. So, what am I gonna do, you ask? For now, I have decided I will edit my WIP. If you feel like reading the beginning of it, feel free to, it’s right here! But well, ask me again in three days. Maybe I still have time to change my mind…or not.
Awesome! Good luck with your editing- I’m actually a weirdo that enjoys doing that 🙂 I can totally relate to what you’re talking about- I have this one story that I “finished” years ago, that I keep going back to and rewriting- in fact I’ve put my WIP on hold to do it again- cos I’m crazy that way and won’t stop till I’ve got it right :p
Thank you so much! 🙂 I’m really scared to start, because I have basically no idea how to edit, hahaha. Hopefully it’ll go well! 🙂 ohh that’s so awesome, such dedication, ahah, you’re making me want to read that WIP of yours 😛
You’re welcome! I’m sure it will- just use track changes- I’m obsessed with it :p haha well the WIP I’ve put on hold is in more of a fit state to be seen than the one that I’m currently editing (seriously, you know how I mentioned track changes? well the whole document is basically red from all the edits- it’s not even remotely legible), but thanks :p
I’ve been reading a bunch of articles about editing, to see how people do it, and decide how I will go with this. I think I’m going to do it like that, haha, the draft will be a mess, but that’s what editing is for, right? 😛
Hahaha, I can’t even imagine, but well, that just proves how dedicated you are 😛
Yeah exactly- that’s the only way to do it!
haha thanks! :p
Oh sheesh, I would have definitely participated if not for my finals, though I plan to participate in November hopefully. All the very best to you!
Aww, well I hope you’ll be able to do it in November! Or in June, there’s Camp NaNo again if I remember correctly 🙂 Thank you so much! <3
There is? I’m a total newbie to Camp NaNoWriMo, this would be my first time! I would definitely participate if things are in my favour! 🙂
Yes there is in June! I think it’s really great, if you’re starting, to do Camp first, because you can set your own goal, and this way you feel a bit less pressured. I really hope you will, let me know if you do! I’ll be there to support you! 😀
Definitely! Thanks! 😀
You’re welcome! 😀
I’m planning on taking part and will be writing the idea I’d planned to write for November. Good luck with your WIP!
Yay, that’s so great! What are you going to write about? I hope you’ll have a great time! Thank you so much, best of luck to you too, happy writing! 😀
Zombies! \o/ A post apocalyptic story basically. Not quite sure where I’ll be going with it because I’m still scrambling to do planning. Most I have is a synopsis. :’D I do have a vague notion of beginning and end so there’s that.
Oh wow that’s awesome! Well that’s already great, you have some clue of what you’re going to work on, ahah, some just don’t -sometimes, I don’t, hahaha. 😛
I had no idea you were planning on participating in CampNaNo … then again, we did talk about it … but it seemed so far away back then. I want to write too, I’ve had a new story nagging at the back of my mind. I WANT TO WRITE SO BAD, but my brain cells are so dead. I can barely keep up with the posting on the blog, how would I manage a (less stressful but still intense) month of NaNo in addition to that? I am so torn … I want to do so much, but I am seriously lacking energy …
Aw right, we did talk about it, but I think we talk way too much to keep track of everything 😛 (that’s good? I mean, I love it :P). I can certainly understand that, I’m having busy days, too, and I seriously have NO idea how I’m going to do this, but I want to SO badly. You can always wait and do it in June, maybe you’ll have more energy then! 🙂
I love it too! Talking to you is always the best <3
And yeah, good idea! I mean, I do want to write really badly, but at the same time, I think it might be best to wait until June. Maybe everything will be so much routine by then that it will be less exhausting.
Oh yes it is, I love it <3 Yes, maybe you'll feel even MORE motivated by then, you know, with all the waiting, and your fingers will just type like CRAZY in June to get this story out of your brain, finally 😛
Hahaha maybe! OR I will have even more stories piled up in my brain and I will go mad with all the possibilities.
Hahaha, maybe yes … well you’ll get to pick up the one which inspires you the most 😛
Yeah, probably. OR I will do a collection of short stories!
OH YES. That would be awesome, sign me up to read that right now 😛
Hahaha we’ll see. Some stories aren’t meant to be short.
Oh yes, definitely. I’m always frustrated when I read some book, and it’s WAY too short, and I need more and more and just, to KNOW MORE ahha 😛
Right? That’s sort of how I felt with Kindred Spirits for example. How did you like it by the way?
Oh yes, I felt the same way about that book. WAY too short. It was a great story, and really promising, too. I would have loved a little more time to get to know the characters, and see friendships develop, etc
Right? I think it was lovely, but I would have enjoyed seeing their worlds collide at school even more.
Yes, me too…I’ll be forever hoping she’ll continue that story someday! 🙂
Me too! It definitely has the potential to be a full length story!
Let’s hope it happens… someday, ahah 🙂
Keeping my fingers crossed!
I don’t know if I’ll associate it directly with Camp. I have been, and I’m putting down that story again and considering typing up a new one. This was one badasss post. Wow. Really liked it.
Oh really? Well that’s good to know I’m not the only one putting down stories, at times. Maybe they need some rest. I always have way too many ideas in my mind, it’s hard to pick one to write about.
Thank you so, so, so much Wesaun <3
❤❤❤
Ughhhh I’ve always wanted to write but I keep making excuses not to do it! It’s either I’m too busy, or too lazy, or should be doing something else, or have to go out, etc. etc. It’s horrible. 😛
Seeing you do it motivates me, though! I have a story idea playing in my head and hopefully, just hopefully, I can push through it and actually get it written down on paper (er, on screen). Good luck with your WIP! <3
Oh I get the feeling, I used to make excuses a lot, and now I have decided to try and write anyway, even if it’s bad, just to get all of those ideas out of my head, at least. I’m glad this motivates you, I hope you’ll start writing! I’ll be here to support you, coach you and bring you some chocolate and Friends episodes when it gets hard 😛 Thank you so much! <3
Ahhh it’s SO HARD for me to continue writing when I feel like what comes out is real bad, haha. How do you usually do it — do you do your outline first or just write free-form? 🙂
That’ll be good! We should totally have a literal camp one day where we just write and blog and watch Friends and eat chocolate. <3
Oh yes, I get it, really. sometimes when I feel like it’s way too bad, I stop, try and read a bit, think of something else etc. Sadly, with NaNo, there’s no time to think. But that’s also a good thing, because it makes you write no matter what, ahah.
I outline first, I really like having a whole thing planned out, it makes me motivated to write, and I know where I’m going, basically, even if sometimes when I write, I end up taking the characters and the story someplace else entirely.
OH YES please, that would be perfect <3
OMG! Good luck on this, Marie! I’m rooting for you! I’m sure your travel experiences are great inspirations for a novel. Maybe publish it in Wattpad or somewhere? I’d love to read it! 😀
Aw thank you so much!! It is, actually, I keep wanting to write about different places…there are way too many ideas in my head 😛 Ohh, well I’ll think about it, I’m happy you’d want to read it, that’s so sweet! <3
Oh gosh, Marie, I didn’t know there was an excerpt of your draft here!! I read it, and it’s really, not poetic, but it flows well, and it’s quite vivid! 😀
Also – I totally get having too many ideas xD I’ve been participating in Sophie @ Sailing through Books’s WIFSY meme, and I keep coming up with all these synopses (is that the plural…? xD ) that I want to write the stories for haha xD
Hm well yes, there is, I decided to share it in a crazy moment, ahah. Thank you so much, I’m really happy if you like it. I need to work on it, but thank you!! <3
Ohhh, I don't know that meme, what is it about really? I want to write ALL of the synopses (I don't know if that's plural, I guess we'll say it is :P) too! 😀
Ah, pretty much, you get the cover of a random book every week, and you are tasked to write a synopsis on it, and post it! It’s very fun…but the sideeffect is having too many writing ideas! XD
I’ve linked to it HERE
OHHH that sounds so great. And so not good for me. I will have billion new writing ideas. So, you know, I’m totally going to do this, hahaha. Thank you! <3
Haha, I can’t wait to see your first WIFSY post then!! 😀 Maybe…you’ll be inspired for NaNo in Nov? 😛
Ahah, yes maybe I will, November is far away, though, ahah…first I might need to focus on this NaNo, ahah 😛
HAHAH I KNOWWW :’)
I had a little lookie at NaNoWriMo and decided I probably couldn’t do it. Every time I consider actually writing anything, my brain just freezes and implodes and all the ideas I had for a possible novel just aren’t there anymore… I don’t think I have enough of a creative streak in order to write anything! I think I will stay safely on the other side of a book and be all judgy about it! 😛
Oh well who knows, maybe NaNo is what you need to get into writing! I found out that the daily goal really made me put my ideas on the paper -well, on Word, ahah-, and made me want to write even more. But I get that it’s not for everyone. If you have ideas, though, and things you want to write, DO IT! 😀 But yes, being on the other side of the books and being judgy about it is great, too… can’t complain about that 😛
Thank you so much! 😀
Maybe I should give it a try and see what happens!!
YES, you should! And you know you can count on me for support and coaching and cookies to give you strength to keep on writing 😛
I will check it out and see what happens 🙂
Awesome! 🙂
How exciting! I’ve never written a novel and I have exams in the next months so I’m not planning on Camp NaNo or even any NaNo. Good luck though; I’m sure you’ll do a wonderful job. 🙂
Thank you so, so much, Shar! And good luck for your exams! <3
I’ll be trying something different for camp and the planning for it is coming out really well! I hope that goes for the writing as well, lol.
Good luck!
Aww that’s awesome! I hope you’ll have a great time! Good luck to you as well, and happy writing 😀
Good luck again for Camp NaNoWriMo. I’m sure you’ll do great!
I know what you mean I always have tons of characters and stories and themes in my head. One day I’ll just have to sit down and write them all out! I think I’ll definitely have to take part in CampNaNo next time it comes around. It seems like it may be slightly easier than NaNoWriMo to set my own goal rather than the 50k goal in November, maybe I’ll even be able to stick to it this time around, plus I need to get back into writing again!
Thank you so, so much, I hope I will not lose my mind, haha!
Oh yes, well I can only advice NaNoWriMo, it’s so great, really, I mean, setting a goal and having a word count to reach every day motivated me to write, and not give up, like I usually do. It’s my first time for Camp NaNo -if I don’t count last year, I subscribed but I didn’t do it, haha- but I really feel like it will be less stressful indeed. NaNo made me write SO much every day, I really had nothing left in my mind afterwards, no place but for my story, and an unhealthy obsession about it. Let me know if you join in June, then, that would be great 😀
I imagine it could get a little stressful, but hopefully that’s what being a camp is for, and I can always help if you need it 🙂
I know what you mean, NaNoWriMo definitely motivates me to write and it does help me stick to and reach the goal, though sometimes toward the end I kind of lose motivation a bit. I’ve never tried to Camp NaNo, you’ll have to let me know how you find it, if you enjoy it then it’ll make me want to do the next one even more 🙂
Oh thank you so much, that means a lot <3
I understand, towards the end I just tend to feel SO tired, yet I'd feel really mad at myself if I just stopped without finishing what I started. I'll let you know for sure, maybe I'll do another post about it during the month…I have no idea how I'll keep being organized ahah.
That’s all right, I really do wish you luck for this but I’m sure you’ll have a lot of fun editing your novel 🙂
Thank you so much, I hope so! 🙂
Good luck with Camp Nanowrimo! Me and some of my close friends are in a cabin together and I am so excited, yet so worried that I won’t get done. 😀 I am doing one of my ideas from a linkup called “When I First Saw You” and it is going very well, even though I think my writing has some flaws in my opinion. 🙂
Thank you so much Maddie! 🙂 Ohh that’s so great, I bet together you’ll be able to keep each other motivated all month! Ohh, I like the title already! Glad to hear it’s going well. And don’t be too hard on yourself, we all have flaws in our writing, but you’re definitely going to improve this and make an amazing story! 😀
You’re welcome! Thanks for the motivation! 🙂
Aw, you’re so welcome! 🙂
I can’t believe I actually missed this post before but I hope the first day goes well for you! I’m doing Camp too, and I’m so excited to get started in a few short hours! I’ll definitely hang around twitter if you’re in need of motivation at any time 😉 I’m so glad the writing monster is coming back!
Thank you so, so much, Annika! Oh yes, well I’ll definitely need some support – and you can ask me, too! I’m really happy to find so many people doing this this month! 😀
NaNo support group, yay! Haha
Aww thanks! It’s great how many bloggers are doing it! So fun to see everyone excited about it as well 🙂
Oh yes it’s so great, I love it. I am excited but anxious as well, ahah. Happy writing! 😀
Good luck on Camp Nano! You’ve survived NaNo in November, you’ll rock this one 😀 I’m not participating; I had to hand in my last piece of schoolwork on April 1st and now I’m just too exhausted. I do hope that I’ll be able to write a bit this month though!
Thank you, I need it, ahah, I’m not really doing that well so far, but I am DOING it, ahah. 😛 Oh, well I really hope you’ll be able to write a bit, at least, and share it with us, I’d love to read it 😀
Yay at least you’re doing it! 🙂 And it’s only the fourth of April, you have plenty of time to kick Nano’s butt 😛 I don’t know if I’ll be able to share new writing, but I will share some old writing again soon 😛
Yes you’re right, let’s hope so, I guess I’ll see how that goes, and well;, maybe I’m just more of a NaNo kind of person, and Camp NaNo is harder -That would be SO weird though, but well, haha. OH yes, I can’t wait!! 😀