LitWridoNaNoWriMo - The Support Thread

[Linbido]

Perdita: Just jumping in to say that that is one adorable black sheep.

Svenska: You are all winners. Look at it this way, you beat me.

You could say I have my own little WriMo going on, a NaShoStoWriMo. I started writing in the beginning of November too, and my current count is 1100 words, with a 2k goal. That's pretty feisty speed for me, and I'm aiming at a short story for Lit. But thís is the first time I write fiction since grade school, so I'm pretty much on the same journey as many of you. Only I walk, when you take the train.

 

[oggbashan]

To the Black Sheep

The Black Sheep on NaNo far outnumber the winners. If it wasn't for the encouragement and support of the AH then perhaps there wouldn't be as many winners here.

Win or lose the 50k, the result has been a resurgence of writing (or a start of writing) for all of us.

I am more pleased with the majority of red H chapters than the completion of 50k. The last chapter is now posted.

What I think I have achieved is writing more accessible stories. Breaking my output into chapters seems to have worked. It seems that I can write more mainstream stories. If so, I have learned something worthwhile from NaNo.

The extracts on this thread including those from the self-confessed Black Sheep have shown a quality that most NaNo contenders have not attempted. The AH has been writing fiction and not just a pile of words to meet the 50k target.

I am sure the NaNo organisers would be proud of the output of every NaNo contender from Literotica's AH. I know I am.

Og

 

[Guest]

Re: To the Black Sheep

The Black Sheep on NaNo far outnumber the winners. If it wasn't for the encouragement and support of the AH then perhaps there wouldn't be as many winners here.

I am sure the NaNo organisers would be proud of the output of every NaNo contender from Literotica's AH. I know I am.

Og

You are so right about that Og. Here's some facts and figures to illustrate that point.

Last year just 7% of all NaNoWriMo participants completed. The percentage of those crossing the winning line on the AH is MUCH higher, it's likely to be well over 50%, that's phenomenal.

It's a personal challenge that we all approach differently. If our approach and methods allow us to complete, that's great. If it doesn't, that's also great. It does not mean that what's been written is any less worthy. But I will say that most successful modern novelists write in this way. They just sit down and write, without being picky and hard on themselves. That's what the edit is for. It's all about getting into good writing practices, and if we have all got something out of NaNo, which I'm sure we have, we've all won.

I got this info from The Guardian's site, they did a feature on NaNoWriMo, and stated this information to show that writing novels in a short space of time can be done and is often done: "These speedy scribes are in good company: Iain Banks wrote his latest, Dead Air, in only six weeks; William Faulkner produced As I Lay Dying in eight weeks while working the night shift at a power plant and Georges Simenon churned out Maigret novels at the phenomenal clip of one every seven to 10 days."- Chai Hong Lim, Guardian Unlimited

So, please, let's all celebrate NaNoWriMo for whatever we have got out of it. It doesn't deserve a slap in the face and the attitude of not finishing out of principal. We all started to finish, did we not?

I have never been in competition with anyone else and I have never looked at it in that way. The only person that has pushed me, or I've felt in competition with, is myself. I've just relaxed and enjoyed myself throughout, and I am ecstatic with the level of my output. I haven't written a pile of crap, it is a proper piece of writing, with a great plot and very believable and real characters (self belief is a fine thing ).

The people that are in my mind right now are those we haven't heard from in this thread in a while. Sailorm, Just_Legal, Doffy, Dirty JJ, Destinie, Champange, Quiet_Cool, how's it going guys? If there's anything I, or anyone else can do, just let me know.

Thinking of everyone, and not wishing to detract from the achievements of anyone,

Lou

 

[DirtyJJ]

Hi Lou and everyone...
I have been a bit quiet regarding NaNo, so I thought I would check in! First let me say I am in awe of all of you pounding away at your novels... those of you who have reached 50k and those who are still writing. I have to admit I was a bit intimidated too, but after reading some of the recent posts I feel better because everyone is so supportive and while I may not reach 50k by Nov. 30, this has been a wonderful exercise.

As for my novel... I feel somewhat badly about it because it is going very slowly, mostly because I feel that it lacks some direction or plot and it is hard to get excited about writing it sometimes. I even thought about dropping out this week but decided "it's not over till it's over" and I will keep going till Sunday!

Regardless of the word count I end up with, I have taken away these very important things:

1. Lit in general and NaNo in particular have gotten me excited about writing again.

2. If I am going to write a novel, it is best (for me) to have an outline, plot, and direction to the story... writing without that proved to be difficult this time.

3. There are some extremely talented and thoughtful people here, and I am happy to "know" you and look forward to continuing our creative journeys together.

4. Writing a novel is no longer a pie-in-the-sky idea; I know that I CAN do it. I have started one, and can finish one. For me, THAT is a great accomplishment.

Good luck to everyone these last few days and congrats to those who are "finished"... I am looking forward to going back and reading the excerpts.

Lou, I hope to send you a few more word count updates in the next few days!

 

[Guest]

Thank you, Lin, for your notice of my sheep. I love that Flicka has taken her for an AV (I am presuming Negrita is a ewe), it makes me feel like she (Flicka) and I are twins (what a wonderful thought). I also like that a black sheep is the opposite of my white, blond Swedish goddess-friend, ha ha.

Hooray for the black sheep!

Perdita


edit/p.s. for JJ: Glad you checked in, your post is thoughtful and meaningful. Do your best is all I can say, that's what I try to do and it seems to satisfy. See you about I hope, P.

 

[Svenskaflicka]

You're just begging for a spank, I know you.

That depends on what you'll spank me with...

 

[Guest]

Hi Lou and everyone...
I have been a bit quiet regarding NaNo, so I thought I would check in! First let me say I am in awe of all of you pounding away at your novels... those of you who have reached 50k and those who are still writing. I have to admit I was a bit intimidated too, but after reading some of the recent posts I feel better because everyone is so supportive and while I may not reach 50k by Nov. 30, this has been a wonderful exercise.

As for my novel... I feel somewhat badly about it because it is going very slowly, mostly because I feel that it lacks some direction or plot and it is hard to get excited about writing it sometimes. I even thought about dropping out this week but decided "it's not over till it's over" and I will keep going till Sunday!

Regardless of the word count I end up with, I have taken away these very important things:

1. Lit in general and NaNo in particular have gotten me excited about writing again.

2. If I am going to write a novel, it is best (for me) to have an outline, plot, and direction to the story... writing without that proved to be difficult this time.

3. There are some extremely talented and thoughtful people here, and I am happy to "know" you and look forward to continuing our creative journeys together.

4. Writing a novel is no longer a pie-in-the-sky idea; I know that I CAN do it. I have started one, and can finish one. For me, THAT is a great accomplishment.

Good luck to everyone these last few days and congrats to those who are "finished"... I am looking forward to going back and reading the excerpts.

Lou, I hope to send you a few more word count updates in the next few days!

Hi JJ,

You have a great attitude there. You stick with it, honey. That fat lady ain't singing until the next five days are up.

Thanks for a very thoughtful and uplifting post.

Don't worry about sending me your word count yet, I'll probably be doing the next update tomorrow.

Lou

 

[otherdarkmeat]

Re: Re: To the Black Sheep

Tate,

The wisdom of the words that pour from your lips and fingertips leaves me in awe. I feel like anything I say will only be redundant and pale in comparison.

I feel honored to be able to consider you a friend and writing partner.

To everyone else, it's great to see so many people enjoy and learn from the NaNo experience. The month isn't over yet and I'm already looking forward to NaNo 2004.

-Mike B.

 

[otherdarkmeat]

Re: To the Black Sheep

Win or lose the 50k, the result has been a resurgence of writing (or a start of writing) for all of us.

I am sure the NaNo organisers would be proud of the output of every NaNo contender from Literotica's AH. I know I am.

Excellent points. This is precisely what I meant by people who enjoyed and learned from the experience. Good on you!

-Mike B.

 

[otherdarkmeat]

As for my novel... I feel somewhat badly about it because it is going very slowly, mostly because I feel that it lacks some direction or plot and it is hard to get excited about writing it sometimes. I even thought about dropping out this week but decided "it's not over till it's over" and I will keep going till Sunday!

Good on you!

That is one of the most inspirational and motivating things I have seen in regard to NaNo both on this forum and NaNo's. We're having some big final week write-ins in my area and I'm going to take these very words and share them with the people who are plugging away the rest of this week to share the inspiration with them.

-Mike B.

 

[BardsLady]

ARRRGH!!!

It's not even over and my Muse is sending me scrambling around the odd places in the Internet to go find information and research for the Challenge next year!!!

Is anyone else having this problem? Or am I slowly going insane?

 

[Guest]

Re: ARRRGH!!!

Is anyone else having this problem? Or am I slowly going insane?

Nope, it's just you, Lady.

Perdita (taking her sweet time finishing; or - talk to the sheep.)

 

[DarkLight]

Hi Lou and everyone...
I have been a bit quiet regarding NaNo, so I thought I would check in! First let me say I am in awe of all of you pounding away at your novels... those of you who have reached 50k and those who are still writing. I have to admit I was a bit intimidated too, but after reading some of the recent posts I feel better because everyone is so supportive and while I may not reach 50k by Nov. 30, this has been a wonderful exercise.

As for my novel... I feel somewhat badly about it because it is going very slowly, mostly because I feel that it lacks some direction or plot and it is hard to get excited about writing it sometimes. I even thought about dropping out this week but decided "it's not over till it's over" and I will keep going till Sunday!

Regardless of the word count I end up with, I have taken away these very important things:

1. Lit in general and NaNo in particular have gotten me excited about writing again.

2. If I am going to write a novel, it is best (for me) to have an outline, plot, and direction to the story... writing without that proved to be difficult this time.

3. There are some extremely talented and thoughtful people here, and I am happy to "know" you and look forward to continuing our creative journeys together.

4. Writing a novel is no longer a pie-in-the-sky idea; I know that I CAN do it. I have started one, and can finish one. For me, THAT is a great accomplishment.

Good luck to everyone these last few days and congrats to those who are "finished"... I am looking forward to going back and reading the excerpts.

Lou, I hope to send you a few more word count updates in the next few days!

I was going to quote just a little of your post but thought it was sooooo good I had to quote it all. I agree 100% with everything you said.

Though I have reached my 50K, I had ups and downs and some doubts along the way. In my eyes it's a testament to your character if you struggle on no matter what!

I really, really hope you pull it off but if you don't... I admire you for who you are above all else.

 

[otherdarkmeat]

Re: ARRRGH!!!

It's not even over and my Muse is sending me scrambling around the odd places in the Internet to go find information and research for the Challenge next year!!!

Is anyone else having this problem? Or am I slowly going insane?

You're not the only one. The month isn't over yet and I'm already looking forward to next year. I've even considered doing one outline a month until next November and deciding then, but knowing me, I'll throw them all out and start a whole new one on Nov. 1.

Don't forget, just because November is over doesn't mean you can't work on new projects. If you have an idea of a novel burning in you, go for it.

-Mike B.

 

[BardsLady]

Re: Re: ARRRGH!!!

Don't forget, just because November is over doesn't mean you can't work on new projects. If you have an idea of a novel burning in you, go for it.

-Mike B.

Oh, I'm just doing research atm. I also have a working title. I've also gone back through Shadow Demon and dragged out all the people that had survived the first book before making an informed decision as to which ones I want in the second one.

I can also keep my Muse happy by FINALLY finishing number 6 in my Kiefer Collection.

I'm just really antsy.. I want to write another book, but I want to keep the Montegard Files as a Nanowrimo series.

Keep in touch,

 

[Guest]

Re: ARRRGH!!!

It's not even over and my Muse is sending me scrambling around the odd places in the Internet to go find information and research for the Challenge next year!!!

Is anyone else having this problem? Or am I slowly going insane?

I'm also very much looking forward to next year's NaNo, heck, I don't want this one to end!

I've started thinking about my next novel, I am going to keep the momentum I've gained from NaNo going.

You've done a great job with your NaNo novel, Bardslady, keep it up.

Lou

P.S. Mike, thank you so much for your great words. Thanks for your support and friendship.

 

[pop_54]

Bloody hell!!!!!!!!

Well I don't know, I go away for a couple of days to do some real life stuff and when I come back the place is full of bloody sheep, who let MG in here anyway, I said you should change the lock Lou, be a singing bent cowboy riding through place next thing you know.

Did you hear about the gay cowboy, he rode into town and shot up the sheriff.

Purdy darling, you take all the time you need and relax, you're a winner in my book anyway. Agent hey, I suppose this means we'll have to buy the book then, any chance of a personally signed copy lover. I'll be round later to stroke your fleece.

Where's that lovely Swedish sheep then, you done good darling, and finishing the 50K or not you're a winner too. This of course doesn't excuse you from a spanking for that other little matter of the BD pressie. (A gentle one of course)

Hey jj another winner, with your attitude love you can't fail in your endeavours, I look forward to reading your finished tale one day soon.

Crimson you can do it, you're nearly there girl, go Crimson, go, bask in the knowledge that by the weekend you can put your feet up and feel proud of yourself.

The lovely Lou, I can only echo my prevoius words and those of all here, without you darling this wouldn't be happening.

I see the other half's done the business, good one Darklight mate, well done a nana is called for I think
Yes I know the misses got two, but she's prettier. Some achievement in your household to be sure.

Of course we mustn't forget Mike the Mentor from across the sea who's kept the encouragement up and who's assisted our lovely hostess in this effort, I see you're nearly there yourself mate, keep at it, or are you there already by now?

To the rest of you who're still plodding on toward the finish line, I know it must be getting scary for some but you can do it, loads of time left yet, don't panic, just relax and enjoy the writing it'll flow so much easier. What the freek anyway it's not the 50K that's all important, just having the guts to be here makes you a winner.

To the lot who've done it already, (me included) I suppose you think your bloody clever then, hehe!! Well done all!!!!!!!

pops............. NaNo victim in withdrawl, must get on with it again.

 

[Guest]

Thanks, Pops, for such a wonderful post!

I can't say much more than that, except it's been a joy and a pleasure having you do NaNo with the rest of us Lit lot. You have been a shining example of positive creativity.

Thank you for all of your support and encouragement, your words mean a lot to me.

You rest now.

Lou

 

[Icingsugar]

Re: ARRRGH!!!

It's not even over and my Muse is sending me scrambling around the odd places in the Internet to go find information and research for the Challenge next year!!!

Is anyone else having this problem? Or am I slowly going insane?

Hehe, now that I'm trying to get done weaving my NaNo-validated, but chopped up story into a readable version, I'm still totally at loss when it comes to reserch. I have been winging it madly so far, using my magination to describe contemporary places and happenings that I have no knowledge of.

So when I'm done, I'll have to go back and make reserch for THIS novel first.

Then I'll write some Lit smut, just to unwind.

Then I'll rewrite my NaNo with authentic facts.

And then, NaNo or no NaNo, I'll bloody well start writing another novel.

/Ice - got it bad

 

[Svenskaflicka]

pop, that's a nice way of seeing it. "I'm bad, I need to be punished!" Purrrr...

 

[Guest]

Re: Bloody hell!!!!!!!!

Purdy darling, you take all the time you need and relax, you're a winner in my book anyway. Agent hey, I suppose this means we'll have to buy the book then, any chance of a personally signed copy lover. I'll be round later to stroke your fleece.

Pops, That's the lovliest thing said to me since I became a sheep, ha ha, or baa baa. I know you have a way with ewes so I'm read for the strokes, fleece, what have you.

Purdy-baa

p.s. You will get a personally lip-smacked copy and if sales are good I'll deliver it myself.

 

[Icingsugar]

Re: Re: Bloody hell!!!!!!!!

p.s. You will get a personally lip-smacked copy and if sales are good I'll deliver it myself.

You mean the lip-smacking, or the copy?

 

[Guest]

Re: Re: Re: Bloody hell!!!!!!!!

You mean the lip-smacking, or the copy?

Both, I love the man

Thanks for letting me clarify it, Cake homme.

Perdita

 

[Guest]

Ok, mind is fried at the moment. What do you call the employees of a posh hotel that would take luggage to a guest's room and take care of anything that they might need? The answer is escaping me at the moment. I know I will slap myself in the head when one of you posts the answer because I know what it is; I just can't think of it.

 

[Linbido]

CM: Portier, or however that is spelled.

...I think.