Somewhere around here, I have a copy of the crazy-optimistic No Plot, No Problem, and I thumb through it with lots of envy. Yes, I do know this novel-in-a-month scheme works wonders for others, but I won’t do it. Actually, for me, I think at most it might produce a bare-bones plot that could be reworked into a novel later (a.k.a., a draft). Maybe it might be inspiring. Maybe it might be fun. At the very least it would provide lots of plotting practice. But I won’t do it.
And maybe you’re wondering - what’s the real reason why not?
Short answer: I value my sanity, and I wish to keep peace in my house.
Long answer (read at your own risk): Here is what would happen if I wrote every day as though writing were my highest (and only) priority. My husband would start by being sullen and skeptical – this would progress to sarcasm, then to open warfare, with both of us refusing to do dishes, laundry, meals, etc. My daughters would complain and judge (because they’re old enough for this) and I would have to tell them to stuff a sock in it. My son would tug on my arm and cry (because he’s young), and I would do my best to ignore him. Can’t you see I’m busy, I would say. Will somebody please take care of him, I would say. Then: the cycle would get more vicious. Other family members would get an earful (not from me!) and by Thanksgiving, they’d all get up on their high horses and gang up on me. All stiff-lipped and disapproving. And I would be the petulant child, whining about my unfulfilled dreams over cranberries and sweet potatoes.
So now you know: November’s not a good month for this kind of baloney. June would be better. Or maybe when I’m 60.
But I’m a little (more than a little!) jealous of all of you out there who are making it work right now.
Keep up the good work!
I totally hear you. November’s an insane month to take on something like Nanowrimo. And, yes, I consider my Nanowrimo drafts to be less than a full first draft — more like a set of crazy notes that could be later worked into some sort of outline. But, if you want to try a novel in a month during some month besides November, there are plenty of options. I once figured out that there are similar events something like 8 months out of the year, though, of course, most aren’t as big. Julnowrimo, for example, runs in July. But, fast drafts aside, you’re in the middle of doing something I envy you for: a serious revision. Revisions are a terrible, terrible struggle for me, and I respect anyone who can buckle down to them.
I wish I had a family to work on. My writing doesn’t pull on my arm or give me hugs.
Just partially bruised fingertips and sore wrists.
I totally agree. I love writing, but it has to be at my own pace or I think it turns out bad. Some days I just don’t have it in me. Some days I do but it takes 30 minutes of sitting there first. Some days I can write an entire chapter. And I totally understand the kid thing (having three myself).
Hats off to anyone who does it.
Personally, I couldn’t. I have a full time job and I suspect that 50,000 words of mine in a GOOD month would be drivel.