Last November I took on the task of writing 50,000 words in 30 days – National Novel Writing Month: NaNoWriMo. I’m happy to say I accomplished that goal with a little over 3,000 words to spare. As the moderators recommended, I didn’t worry so much about editing along the way, I just wrote.
I did go back after the first several thousand words to clean up some continuity problems, but beyond that, I focused on the 50K goal. That novella still sits forlornly in a beautiful leather portfolio languishing in editing purgatory.
No one has seen this rougher than rough draft. A few poor souls did get a couple of the first chapters to peruse, but aside from that, I was held accountable to no one.
This time around, I’m stepping out of that anonymous comfort zone and sharing my 50,000 words as they add up into what I hope is a cohesive series of short stories, each tied together with a single item… a worn one dollar bill.
As I finish each story I am adding chapters to a dedicated page found on my top nav bar. It’s published under the working title of “Where’s George.”
Last year, I struggled the first few days. Stressing over not being able to achieve the daily word count minimum of 1,660. This year I began with an outline and 30 different chapter ideas, and how I can link them together. As I get further into the stories, these could and probably will change. So far, reaching the 1,660 daily minimum has been rather easy. That could and probably will also change.
The comments section has been left on, which I may regret later. I welcome constructive critiques, and helpful feedback. Even chapter suggestions will be taken under consideration. Since my main focus is getting the desired word count, punctuation, spelling and grammar will undoubtedly be frequent casualties. Bear with me, those errors will be corrected… eventually.
At the end of each chapter, I’m including a running word count. Cheering and confetti is optional, but encouraged. Champagne is expected once I reach 50K.
I hope you follow along, and let me know what you think about the these stories…
* I am also participating in BlogHer’s National Blog Posting Month: NaBloPoMo. Most of these posts will be published on the main homepage. If I include any of the ‘George’ chapters, I’ll offer a link to that story here.
Thin spiral notebook 
This is my second year doing NaNoWriMo and I find that it’s a bit easier (though I keep forgetting to update my word count which is really bad) than it was when I first started. Albeit, I still find it a bit difficult to lay off the editing as you go part, but when I get into ir, I rarely pause until I run out of steam.
I have yet to look at your progress, but be assured that I will read them, lovely post.
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That’s the most organized approach I have ever heard about. I wish you the best luck this month! Go Tara!
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You are such an excellent writer – I can’t wait to get into your new effort.
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I can’t believe you’re doing both. I’m blogging maybe 3 times a week during November so I can Nanowrimo (that’s a verb, right?) and keep up with Helene.
I like your story. You’re writing is sharper than ever.
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What a cool idea! Very excited for you on this, and WOWZERS that you’re doing both this month. I’m looking forward to reading all of it! 🙂
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How wonderful to know you’re participating in the NaNoWriMo, Tara! I’ve signed up too, and I have no doubt I’ll do it. I find it so encouraging to read your post. So far, I am pretty cool with the 1700 words a day consistently. Okay, so it is only Nov 3 🙂 but so what.
I always admire your writing. And I very much look forward to reading your updates – and of course I have the confetti ready. Loads of it as I cheer you on, Tara.
By the way, I am working on non-fiction, so I am a rebel in my first NaNoWriMo year 🙂
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