Yes, I'm Gonna Do Nano Again....

After thinking it over, I've decided to do Nanowrimo again this year. Last year was my first time, it was when I wrote my first draft of my current novel (the one I'm still editing). I have another novel already planned out, which I won't comment on at all except to say it's a gay novel (big surprise), and it's a powerful story and I hope I am able to finish it within November. I will intentionally keep the word count down for this next one, aiming for 60,000 words, no more than 72,000 words (same as last year, originally, except it turned into 120,000 words). I really WILL keep the word count down this year, regardless of the sacrifices I have to make to do that. I hope to finish the complete first draft in November. Last year I made 50,000 words after writing only 6 or 7 days out of the month, essentially once or twice a week each week. I can turn out the quantity when I'm in my productive writing mode. Even though my current novel is not finished (the editing of it), I think it's wise to take advantage of Nano as a push (the support of the online community is generally very positive). It's worthwhile to get the second novel written in first draft form, and I can then continue to focus on my current novel until that editing is complete, then turn to editing the new novel. I'm struggling a bit with this editing process, to be sure, and the positive experience of getting another draft down on paper will probably help encourage me in that work.

Thanks to Christian for encouraging me to get a writers' group started. His is for gay writers and I think that is best if you are a gay writer, since you will have others there who understand what you are writing about better than "just anybody" might. Of course, I wouldn't turn away anyone who is committed to their writing if they are open-minded, whether gay or not, if they would have something positive to contribute. We'll see on this . . . I am so busy these days I am not sure when the best time is to start yet another project, but it is one that should become a priority as soon as I think I have the time to devote to it. I'd like to start advertising for it within November, though.

The new novel is one based on an idea I've had for a very long time. I've tried to write the novel before but have not been successful because it is one that is very "near and dear to my heart". It comes from my life experience, in part, and from the experiences of others, and draws heavily on powerful emotions. That has made it harder to work on whenever I have attempted it before. I think I can do it this time. My last attempt at starting another novel did not turn out because in that case the emotions and topics associated with the novel were also rather dark or depressing, and I just didn't want to deal with all that during the summer, which should be a bright and happy time. This new novel is not necessarily so dark, just powerful, and ultimately uplifting, and I'm not worried about the negativity aspect of it. I'm excited to think that I might finally have a complete draft, written from scratch, within the next month.

Otherwise, I've been terribly busy with other projects during my "creative break", as I've commented before. I've enjoyed the past few weeks immensely, a time to be creative without focusing on writing or editing. I knew I might be doing Nano, so I think I've been recharging my creative batteries the past few weeks in anticipation of that, so I'd be ready to start writing the new novel now that November is upon us. It has certainly helped and I am ready to start. Golly, I think November begins just a few hours from now . . . I should go to the Nano site and sign up, if their servers can handle the additional traffic at this crunch-time.

One of my other creative projects is coming along, and I'll be announcing details about it in the coming weeks. It's very exciting.

Best of luck to anyone else out there about to embark on a month of furious novel-writing during National Novel Writing Month! Check out the Nanowrimo web site if you haven't already.

Adrian

Still On Break....

Still enjoying my break, recharging my batteries, and enjoying a lot of reading. I decided I should add a new blog to my little collection, one specifically on conlangs, since it's such an interesting and fun topic. So, look for that in the coming weeks.

I'm debating whether to participate in Nanowrimo this year. I did it last year for the first time. It was fun, but also a major drain becuase it was my sole focus in my free-time during the entire month. Still, it was fun....

I want to start a writing group, if I can find the right individuals. People in my general area, particulary those into fantasy fiction and any gay/lesbian writers. I've wanted to do this for several months, but haven't started it yet. Waiting for the weather to cool off. I think writing groups work better in the off-season. During the summer people have too many other things to do and often lose focus on their writing, from my experience in two other writing groups. It depends on the individuals involved.

Well, back to my break, and will get back to regular blogging soon.

Wishing everyone a productive Fall season!

Adrian