A to Z Challenge 2013

Monday, October 12, 2009

It's Trying To Burst Forth...Hold It Back!


As you can tell by the logo, this is about NaNo. I am proud to say I'm taking the plunge this year and accepting the challenge. Oh, and since I didn't mention it last time I talked about NaNoWriMo, my handle over there is (as expected) estallsworth. If you're looking for a buddy (or if you already have tons and could use one more), feel free to add me.

Now normally, NaNo would be cause for celebration and excitement. In my case however, it's cause for angst lately. Why? Well, bear with me and I'll try to explain. This time around, I actually have a story in mind. I have the MC name chosen (something that often causes me problems, coming up with names), I know a little about this character, and I even know where the story is going to end. In fact, I have quite a few details bouncing around up there in my head. So what's the problem you say? The problem is I cannot start writing the story until Nov 1. And it's driving me crazy.

I have all these ideas I want to get down on paper, and I can't yet. Normally, I would have launched into things by now and be halfway to Vegas (figuratively, of course). The wait is almost too much to bear. Maybe this is what it's like for all you writer people out there who HAVE to write. It's kind of a neat feeling, even if it is driving me buggy.

On the good side, I do have a solution. I am going to sit down with a writing pad (or something similar) and start an outline. Yes, I said I would outline for this one and I'm going to stick to it. I think the loose structure will help me get past those days when I'm not sure where to go with things and the writing begins to stall. Maybe this will keep the muse satisfied for a while. He's been all over me clamoring for attention, and I've had to keep telling him to be patient.

November is coming...don't worry, it'll be here before you know. Now eat a banana.

8 comments:

Andrew Rosenberg said...

NaNo! NaNo!
I know the feeling well.
So far I've written an almost 10,000 word outline and about the same amount of notes in various files. I still think the actual writing will be challenging, knowing how I have a tendency to reinvent as I go.

Jennifer said...

Hahah, you're reminding me of me. It's driving me nuts that I can't start. Although I am focusing my spare time on outlining so I'm ready when the time comes.

Seriously, November first is like a holiday to me. I stay up all night long and once it hits midnight, I write until I fall asleep at the keyboard. Whoop whoop!

Hope to see some good NaNoing from everybody else participating! :D

XiXi said...

I'm doing NaNo too! *shudders* Best of luck to us both. :-)

Michelle D. Argyle said...

Wow, lots of people doing NaNo are doing outlines right now. Most of them, for the first time even though they I hate outlining. I think they're feeling what you are! Excitement. :)

Good luck!!!

Dolly said...

Eric, it's great that you are doing NaNo. I am doing it for the first time this year, so looking forward to being NaNo Buddies with you :)

My ID for NaNo is Lost Wanderer.

I know what you mean about waiting. The anticipation is frustrating, but for me, also exciting, and because I want to have a proper outline in place, also bit crazy.

Jeannie Campbell, LMFT said...

if life settled down by the end of october, i'll do nano. we'll see. gonna go eat that "nana," as my toddler calls them. :)

jeannie
The Character Therapist

Jamie D. said...

That excitement is really helpful in getting ahead for the first few days - trust me, it will wear off soon enough after the first week or so.

Great feeling though, isn't it? ;-) While I am one who "needs" to write, it's never quite as strong as just before NaNo...

Elana Johnson said...

I so hear you! I normally just start right in without an outline or even a vague idea of where I'm going. And this time, I actually have some stuff. I think it's okay to take notes. So I've done that. I made an outline. I roughed out my characters--and realized I needed another one. Hey, all this thinking BEFORE writing might actually be a GOOD thing!

Good luck in NaNo. I'll friend you when I can get on (blocked at work).