Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Tales from the Conference: More advice from Agent Alyssa Eisner Henkin

November is upon us: The month of NanoWrimo. For those not in the "Know" this is National Novel Writing Month where bunches of writers from all over the world commit to writing a novel (approx 50,000 words) in one month. This is a BIG undertaking, but I've decided to take the challenge with a new idea that's been bouncing around my head. The good thing about NanoWrimo is that you are just supposed to get the idea out. You aren't supposed to worry about the pesky editor in your head, grammar, punctuation. The only thing that matters is that you get your idea onto paper. Once December and the new year arrives. Then you can work on fixing what you've written.

Alyssa represents an author, Jessica Burkhart, who sold a story that was written during NanoWrimo. Alyssa's advice to those willing to take the challenge: to make October the National Month of Planning for NanoWrimo. Make an outline, do character sketches, whatever you can do to know your characters and have an idea where you are going. I'm going to call this PlannoWrimo! :)

So, that's what I've been doing. I've been outlining my project and trying to understand who my characters are and what makes them tick.

Anyone else up for the challenge?

Due to the challenge, my blogging will most likely take back seat. However, I love my connection to blogland and my blog friends. When I read posts and comments I feel like it's the equivalent of meeting my buddies in the cafeteria for some chat time. So, in honor of NanoWrimo, the upcoming Christmas season, and a shameless attempt to lure my blogging buddies over to my cafeteria table, I am going to do lots of book giveaways in November. A minimum of one a week. Some that I have on deck include: Secrets of Droon, SkinnyBones, an American Girl Mystery and more!!!!

Go NanoWrimo! Anyone else crazy enough to try it?

15 comments:

Write2ignite said...

You are the woman! I have NEVER been able to make myself join NaNo. It's one of those things where I KNOW I'll get half way through and give up. Of course, even if I got halfway through, that would be better than nothing. Yes? Hmmm... maybe I will join. I'll have to pray about it, though. Thanks for the challenge!

Adrienne said...

Not this year, but it does intrigue me. Other than picture books, I've only worked on short stories that I always gave up on. So I'm not sure novel writing is in my future!

Kelly Polark said...

Perhaps one day I'll try that challenge! Good luck to you!
Love the Planno!:0)

C.R. Evers said...

Hey Donna! I think this is a challenge that you need to be ready for. This is my first year because I have an idea in just the right stage and my life has settled down enough that I know I CAN do it if I don't get lazy. Maybe one year you'll be at just the "right" place too. Mind you, I didn't say "perfect place' I don't think there is such a place as "perfect. ;0)

Hey Adrienne! Will you be in my cheering section? Good luck w/ your picture books! I think some people use Nano to get out oodles of picture book idea's.

Thanks Kelly! :0) This is the 1st year I feel ready, so I'm a little excited about it. I hope I can do it.

Jessica Burkhart said...

Thanks for the shout out! :)

ian sands said...

Alyssa has rejected more of my work than Jessica Burkhart has owed horses. Jessica Burkhart BTW is my BFF on facebook. Christy is crazy for attempting namba but if anyone can do it... it is her. i say, best wishes.. now back to my cotton candy

Brenda said...

I'm right there with ya girl...grin...I write PB's, so my plan is to write several...the best part about NaNo is it doesn't have to be 50,000 words on the same story, it just has to be 50,000 words...

Good luck to you and everyone else who will have butt in chair in November...grin...

C.R. Evers said...

Hey Jessica! Thanks for stopping by! congrats on your books! I look forward to reading them!!!

Ian, please pass the cotton candy

Brenda, good luck! We'll have to keep each other going!

Christy

Jacqui said...

I did NaNoWriMo last year and I loved it. I'm definitely doing it again this year. I also love the idea of PlannoWriMo. But I am not going to plan a thing; I found last year that half the fun was winging it entirely.

C.R. Evers said...

Hey Jacqui! I'm so jealous of those who can write w/o a plan. I've tried that before and I get stuck. I need PlannoWrimo. :0(

I'll cheer you on!

ian sands said...

I can't pass the cotton candy. Jessica (my facebook BFF) took it all. she said she fed it to her horse but I have my doubts...

C.R. Evers said...

A horse gets my cotton candy? figures. Not fair.

I was so in the mood for some too.

Janelle said...

Christy!
Glad to see you're taking the Nano challenge! As a 3 time Nano-er and a nano winner (hooray!) I'd encourage every writer to do NANO at least once!

And you're right! Planning at least a vague outline and getting to know your characters well in October is ESSENTIAL to finishing 50,000 words in Nov! In honor of that, I'll be posting some NANO planning tips on my blog on 10/14/08. Check it out!
www.writermorphosis.blogspot.com

And Happy Nanoing!

C.R. Evers said...

Hey Janelle! I"m glad your doing Nano again! We can cheer each other on!

:0)

I'll keep my eye out for your post!

christy

sruble said...

Somehow I missed this post the first time around. I'm doing NaNoWriMo too! (Which you already know, because you cheered me on in my post.)

When I did it in 2004 (the year I finished), I was not prepared, and just jumped in. There were benefits to that, but the drawback is that I have a novel I might never be able to fix.

So I'm preparing right along with you this year. Good luck on your NaNo novel! (BTW, love the name PlannoWrimo!)