It begins today. November, that is, and Nanowrimo.
It is a sort of frenzy for thousands of writers across the English-speaking world. The goal: 50,000 words in the month of November.
I’ve done it twice. The first time, it turned into The Cannonball Tree, a bookclub fiction novel that’s out on submission this year. The second proper attempt was last year, when I finished a round of murderous edits on The Blue Monsoon. Technically, the nano is supposed to be about writing, but it did a good job helping me beat a 95,000 word draft into submission.
A few rounds later, it turned into the novel published last week, and it already has more than 125 reviews on Goodreads, and a 100 of them are 5 stars.
Nanowrimo gave me the momentum I needed to finish up the edits last year, and I’m hoping for the same magic in 2023. Like with all projects, the trick lies in planning–getting the outline figured out, setting aside time during the day (or night, as the case maybe) and postponing non-essential activities to December.
With life and travel I don’t know if I’ll ace Nanowrimo this year, but I know I’ll be cheering others on, and hopefully finish the round of edits on my next.
What about you? Are you doing the Nanowrimo, or know someone who is?
This is the first Wednesday of the month post for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. Founded by the Ninja Cap’n Alex J. Cavanaugh, the purpose of the group is to offer a safe space where writers can share their fears and insecurities without being judged.
This is a wonderful group–if you aren’t a part of it, I urge you to join in! The awesome co-hosts for the posting of the IWSG are PJ Colando, Jean Davis, Lisa Buie Collard, and Diedre Knight!
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My literary crime novels, The Blue Bar and The Blue Monsoon are on Kindle Unlimited now. Add to Goodreads or snag a copy to make my day ! And if you’d like to read a book outside the series, you can check out You Beneath Your Skin. Find all info about my books on my Amazon page or Linktree.
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Yay for wonderful reviews Blue Monsoon is bringing you, Damyanti! I tried NaNoWriMo once back in 2015 but couldn’t keep up the momentum through the month. Glad to know that it worked out so well for you. Hope you are acing the NaNoWriMo this time as well. 🙂
I could never collect my thoughts for Nanowrimo. I might need to prepare before hand to get started. I am glad it works for you. We get to read such amazing stories from you.
Congratulations Damayanti. I’m glad Nanowrimo worked so well for you. Here’s to many more challenges and many more books.
Yay on the awesome reviews for Blue Monsoon! I’ve never attempted NaNoWriMo even though a part of me wants to, because I honestly don’t know what to write! I’ve seen some spin-offs, to use the month to write poetry every day, or to use it as momentum to establish a daily writing practice; it’s something I may attempt at some point — maybe next year?
Hi Damyanti! Congratulations on getting your book out. I know that is not an insignificant feat. It’s no NaNo for me. I like the idea of using it to focus on making project during the month, but always fall behind on the daily word count. And then there are the upcoming Holidays and family time. I’ll keep writing on my typical pattern, making progress along the way! Good luck with your new book!
NaNoWriMo is not for me. Not yet, at least. For me, writing 26 flash pieces for the April A to Z was an accomplishment. Sometimes, when my hormones make me crazy enthusiastic, I do feel like writing a novel. But then a small voice asks me to calm down and focus on flash fiction and leave novel writing to biggies like DB. 🙂
And, Blue Monsoon DOES deserve 5 stars! I gave it 5 stars on KU and will soon post a review, as well. Honestly, the book made my heart race like no other book I have read in quite some time. My heart beat like a drum, especially after…..no, let me not give any spoilers here. But, seriously, now that I have finished reading such a masterpiece, every other thriller I will read, I will compare it with BM and wonder when DB will write another smashing thriller!
Much love 🙂
Good luck, Damyanti!
Oh, yess, it’s NaNoWriMo time, and my seventh year participating along with utilizing the programs in the spring and summer. Good luck as you have benefited from the process.
Wow, that’s incredible! I’m very grateful for Nanowrimo, it’s a good way for me to sit down and really focus on my writing.
Well the love of writing is addictive and I suppose this is another way to maintain it 🙂
I totally agree, Ian! Completing it feels like such an accomplishment, too!
Whatever works as they say. It’s great that NaNo has worked for you twice. I’ve done it 5 times and have never used those novels. It’s not my style to write with abandon (which was how it used to be…not pre-planned) so I choose to write slowly and edit as I go. Works for me. Congrats on the success so far of Blue Monsoon. When I return from traveling, I will start it.
Thanks so much, Denise! I’m looking forward to you reading it. It’s nice to hear that you have a writing method which works for you. One of the things I love about the writing community is how many different styles and techniques there can be!
It seems that NaNo works for you, so I’d say, yay! Go for it. A big cheer for your newest book success. I’m enjoying it.
Thank you so much, I’m thrilled that you like it!
Best wishes with the edits, Damyanti. You are a disciplined writer. I am sure you will sail through easily.
Thank you, Sonia, you’re too kind! Fingers crossed that the writing process goes smoothly.
Good to know it works for you.
Thank you! It really has, and I’m hoping that it continues to.
That’s awesome it’s helped you with two books. And that’s a ton of great reviews! I don’t think my books even have that many.
Thank you, Alex! You’re an incredible writer, and it’s good to have you cheering me on.
You are truly one of NaNo’s success stories. They should remind us all that getting rid of 50,000 words (almost) is as good as writing them!
That’s so nice of you to say, Jacqui! And I completely agree, not every piece of writing needs to be kept, and sometimes we forget that. It can feel so freeing to just write anything and everything, without having any expectations or obligations for the final product.
I’ve developed a writing process that works for me, and I’m sticking with it!
So good to hear that, Liz! Wishing you all the best 😊