Comments on: A Tale of Two NaNoWriMos

By: Julie Glover

Julie Glover — Thu, 16 Nov 2017 15:49:52 +0000

I've "won" NaNoWriMo and I've failed but gotten more words than I would have otherwise, so I think the challenge is worth it. That said, whether I participate depends on where I am in the process of writing: Do I have a novel to write, or am I better off editing one that's already drafted? Do I have a sense of the story yet, or do I need more time to get my ducks in a row? I'd like to do it every year, but sometimes it just doesn't work. I second Justine's comment that community is a big part of this! I love the sprints and the camaraderie and the celebrations when we get words down, whether it's 2000 or 200. It's all progress! Thanks for sharing your fabulous story, Christina!

By: Christina Delay

Christina Delay — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 18:40:53 +0000

In reply to Jenny Hansen. Come sprint with us anytime!!

By: Jenny Hansen

Jenny Hansen — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 02:24:21 +0000

I love this post from start to finish, Christina! Sprints help me so much, and I can see the difference in my word total this year since I haven't had time to do as much of that. But the month isn't over. I plan to get 30-40K this year, which is a lot for me in a month. :-)

By: Christina Delay

Christina Delay — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 16:44:50 +0000

In reply to Justine. Justine - totally agree! Our sprinting is the only reason I've been able to write almost 25,000 words this month!

By: Christina Delay

Christina Delay — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 16:44:11 +0000

In reply to Fae Rowen. Hi Fae! *waves* I'll take your cheerleading, gladly!

By: Christina Delay

Christina Delay — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 16:43:17 +0000

In reply to SAM TURNER. Wow, 13 days? That's impressive! And I love that you value the fun in NaNo!

By: Justine

Justine — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 04:25:58 +0000

As one of the cruising writers who has sprinted with Christina, I can say that the camaraderie that we've had has really helped keep me motivated. It's wonderful to have two or three or five people all sprinting at the same time and encouraging and celebrating each other's successes. I also like that NaNo is forcing me to keep moving forward. I can end up in analysis paralysis on a given scene or chapter, but there's no time for that here. As Sam said above, ever onward and up!

By: Justine

Justine — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 04:22:56 +0000

In reply to Mary K Tilghman Writes. Mary, I am also learning the value of consistency. I have had the same "relationship" with NaNo that Christina has (minus ever finishing a book). This time around, I'm familiar enough with my story and where it will go (more plotting, less pantsing) and I'm starting to crave writing...the daily sit-down-and-write that comes with trying to reach your daily word count goal.

By: Fae Rowen

Fae Rowen — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 23:48:12 +0000

In reply to SAM TURNER. Thanks, Sam! I love that we "keep you juiced up to write." What praise!

By: Fae Rowen

Fae Rowen — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 23:46:47 +0000

NaNoWriMo is so opposite of how I write-with the word count thing-that I've never tried it. I doubt I ever will, but that's okay. My process works for me, and I tend not to share "stuff" while I deep in the writing (or editing) of a book. But, like Laura, I applaud and cheer for those of you who an handle a pressure I can't!