NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) evokes two distinct feelings for me. One is the allure of being able to set a deadline for my novel and working on it without fail; the second is the frustration of not being able to finish on time, or more likely, the fact that I can't work on an an existing novel — that defeats the purpose.
My creativity being drained, I have to look at the time constraints. November doesn't look like a particularly busy month for me, aside from normal school things. But I was hoping to use November to catch up on Algebra II work and lessons I haven't really concentrated on — my schoolwork has reflected this very well — as well as Latin translations (the Aeneid) that I've neglected in favor of leisure. I have to add to this the fact that I'm semi-critical of NaNoWriMo's quality. Most of the "novels" written are nothing better than fan-fiction, or very shabby fiction (there's not much room for editing in a month where you're constantly trying to write. Imagine 12.5k words a week; more than 1k words a day).
There's hope...
However, some of the novels written (Time Off For Good Behavior by Lani Diane Rich is a good example — read the Amazon excerpt) are outstanding. I want to be an author who defies time, beats it up and throws it aside, writes a good novel with complete control. Even in these final days of October, I'm quite confident I just can't take NaNoWriMo, regardless of what it can do for me. Next year, I will be in the middle of college applications; perhaps two years from now will offer a solution.
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Annie said:
Well, I just wanted to say good luck on everything and hope you can finish it in time. =)
Posted on October 30, 2006 4:41 PM; Permalink
Jessica said:
A stapler! how old were you? when i was 4 i was at preschool and i lent back on my hand and a thumb tack went in my thumb. i cried so hard. and I’ve been afraid of them ever since. lol, kinda stupid if ya think about it.
Posted on October 30, 2006 11:28 PM; Permalink
Ranjani said:
I was maybe…seven? When I was nine, I was intent on making little clothes for my dolls and somehow managed to slice open my finger with the scissors. Again, I have learned to respect the customs of all pointy objects, lest I be keeeeled.
Posted on October 31, 2006 8:39 AM; Permalink