The 30 Days of NaNo

Recap Week 1:

NaNoWriMo is still fresh and new. It’s been one week and I don’t have carpal tunnel and I haven’t become zombie writer Deb. I’m still hopeful and evangelizing the challenge. My index cards have come through for me – as has September’s limited planning. Here’s a breakdown of my Week 1 days…

NaNoWriMo ’splained

NaNoWriMo = National Novel Writing Month

It happens for 30 days:  November 1 – 30.

The goal: write 50,000 words in 30 days.

Why 50,000 words?

Cuz that’s about the length of  a novel. Give or take.

Why 30 days?

Any longer would be the death of most writers because it’s an intense 30 days. Any shorter would be suicide.

Why do it?

Because we’re writers and we’re crazy. Sometimes we need a little nudge to get going. Other times, we need a nice shove. And for those of us who need a way to jump start a long piece of work, we have NaNoWriMo.

I think people participate in NaNoWriMo for different reasons. I do it because otherwise I wouldn’t stretch myself quite this far. I can write short pieces – articles, blogs, whatever. I don’t sit down every day, though, and spend time writing a novel. NaNoWriMo helps me do that.

And I’m learning in the process – about myself as a writer and about the writing process. What exactly have I learned from my past two forays into NaNo land? Well…that’s a good topic for a subsequent blog.

Is it too late to sign up?

No way – it’s November. If you have the will and fortitude, I say sign up. Even if you don’t hit the 50,000 word mark, chances are you’ve made a good dent. As of the date of this blog post, the fun has just started! It’s free- just log in here:  http://www.nanowrimo.org/

And if you do join, look me up (Debster).

Birds of a Feather

My last post was about finding a writing BFF to support, console, and motivate you to writer more and better. I briefly mentioned writing communities which deserves its own post. And now is the perfect time. Any time is the perfect time, actually.

If you like solitude, as do many creative types, then the notion of joining a community may turn you off or cause you consternation or heartburn – mild or otherwise. I don’t blame you one bit. I think of myself as an independent, solitary person. I don’t generally like crowds, small groups, meetings, or networking. It’s just not my thing. I like email over phone calls. I like writing over talking. I like thinking over socializing.

So it’s strange that I’d even entertain the notion that writing or creative communities, networks, groups, socials … whatever… are good. But they are. And I can always think of 10 thousand excuses for why my schedule won’t accommodate such activities when in truth it does. And my schedule will accommodate a get-together – if it’s important enough to me. And writing is important enough.

Communities and group events, like NanoWrimo, or even online Forums, like Goodreads.com, can help ground you. When you float up into that ether space where your ideas live, you can count on a group to help you make sense of those thoughts. They can make you feel not so alone – and not so strange and crazy. Writers have this commonality – a bit of insecurity (maybe a lot of insecurity), a smidgen of doubt, a hypercritical inner editor, a sense of frustration, and a longing to be heard – that a community identifies with. As important – they can inspire you. A community gives you a sense of normalcy and also a sense that what you’re doing has a purpose that you should pursue. It matters what you write and what you do, otherwise those communities wouldn’t exist.

Not all communities are created equal and you should spend some time finding one that’s right for you. It’s not enough to join a community. Like the saying goes, “You have to give in order to receive.” Even if what you give is a look-see and find out that the community isn’t right for you – you have to give at least that much. Try out a few. If you’re a writer, check out NanoWrimo or Script Frenzy. You can also check out online forums, like Goodreads.com or LibraryThing – sites which cater to readers but also have forums for writers. You can find like-minded people on Twitter, FriendFeed, and Facebook.  Check local classes and seminars to see if other communities exist. Not all will work but if you’re lucky, you’ll find one that does.

Do you have communities/networks/forums to recommend? What are they? Leave me a note and let me know – or if you want to bounce ideas off of me, I’m always happy to listen and “commune!” Look me up :

Twitter:  TheDebster

FriendFeed: TheDebster (although I don’t spend much time here)

Facebook:  Debbie Talley

Goodreads: TheDebster (I’m new here…)

LibraryThing: DebbieT (I don’t spend much time here either)

NanoWrimo: Debster

Writing Out of Solitary Confinement

Being alone – in solitude can be punishment for some, which is why prisons save this form of torture for unruly inmates. To me, solitude can be bliss.

Working alone doesn’t bother me. The thoughts in my head keep me amused. Confused even. You’d think, for a writer, that sequestering yourself would be productive. And it can be. But just as productive is finding a writing buddy or writing community.

I didn’t believe I’d find someone with whom I’d feel comfortable sharing my writing – let alone partnering with when on assignment. And writing networks…the word “network” turns me off. I don’t like “networking.” I feel pressured and uncomfortable – as if my personality is being tested by a group of strangers who share some secret that I don’t know.

Find Somebuddy!

These past couple of months, as I’ve been gearing up for NanoWrimo (National Novel Writing Month), I’ve found a partner who can help me meet my writing goals and inspire me along the way. It’s amazing how easily I blow off personal deadlines.  Someone real – my nagging conscience aside – to remind me of my self-imposed deadlines makes me to work harder – to write more and better. I recommend you find a writing partner/buddy. Here are traits that can help you:

• Holds you accountable to deadlines – in way that doesn’t piss you off or annoy you.
• Inspires you with his/her own talent so that you respect them on a writing or creative level.
• Motivates you – whether it’s with a cattle prod or caffeine – however is best for you.
• Is trustworthy - you need to be able to talk through the rough spots and not feel like an idiot so much. Or, rather, you’ll trust that your idiocy will remain confidential.
• Empathizes. Understanding how writers work is one thing. Knowing what you’re going through as a writer is quite another. Having someone know how you feel makes you feel more sane/less paranoid.
• Complements – and compliments – your efforts. Having someone help you get from outline to draft to story is like having a personal guide. While you know where you want to go, having someone keep you on course and on task can help you get to your destination without too many unfortunate detours. If you’re weak at character development, having someone who is a whiz at it can see you through your challenge. And it never hurts when someone tells you your stuff is good or needs help.
• Has similar goals. Nothing is more frustrating than working with someone who has ulterior motives or wants something different than you. Find someone who is searching for a similar Holy Grail and you’ll both come closer to sipping from that magical goblet!
• Is someone you enjoy. Yep – you gotta like who you’re working with. You wouldn’t keep going back to the same dentist if you hated his guts no matter how good he is. Writing is tough enough. When you need help or motivation or feedback, best to get it from someone you like (and don’t hate).

I could go on and on about what you should look for but if you’re lucky, one will just magically appear. I doubt it, but it could happen. And that’s where writing networks and communities can be helpful. More on that in another post though. For now – go find yourself a writing bff! But you can’t have mine!

Finding Character

Who’s That Guy? : Developing a Character

Every person has a story. Most people have more than one story. But it sometimes seems like only a handful have stories worth writing about.

You have to agree, otherwise us writers wouldn’t have such a hard time when we sit down to write about characters and their stories. Especially when it comes to fictional characters. For once, life seems so much easier than fiction.

This week, I took a writing class hosted by The Gotham Writers’ Workshop.The quick online workshop covered character development. I am admittedly weak when it comes to writing fiction. I struggle with constructing a solid story and plot line (though that’s never stopped me from trying). And character development and dialog may as well be an exercise in futility.

But two sessions provided a ladder to scale those walls of angst. Here’s a quick rundown of how I created lone character Sal Figlio. Sal has yet to have a full novel built around him, but as of now he has a short chapter and a life with novel-worthy stories:

Session 1:  Desperately Seeking…Sal?

I created Sal based on someone I know. I wrote down the names of three people from my own life. I chose from a teacher I couldn’t stand, a quirky boss, a good friend, and a distant relative.

• I described Sal’s physical appearance, loosely based on truth but somewhat fictionalized.
• I described his life, including his home, job, and pastime. I made up the majority of his life.
• Then I totally fictionalized a surprising character trait.

Session 2: Pleased to Meet You

During the second assignment, I wrote about Sal walking into a therapist’s office. This was a writing prompt given to us by the course instructor. Through his actions, conversations, and thoughts, good ole Sal came alive! I learned to show what Sal is like – through:

• what he does
• what he looks like
• what he says
• what he thinks

I could tell you he’s a middle-aged, neurotic carpenter with a foot fetish but better to let you get to know these things about Sal through his interaction with the world.

I know, I know – it sounds easy. Maybe it was beginner’s luck. I wrote a full page based on Sal’s one visit to a shrink. And he didn’t even make it onto the couch. I left him in a lonely corner of the waiting room, grappling with his insecurities.

After the exercise, I felt I cleared a hurdle. A brick in the wall of writer’s block fell away in my hands. In its place, I have Sal – a skeleton outline of his character and insight into what could become some nice tension for his story.

Sweet!

Now go find a character to write about!

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Helpful Links for Writers

This week, I came across three resources for writers. One is a way to overcome writer’s block, the second is a list of tips from the great and mysterious Jack Kerouac, and the third is a writing technique. I’ll add to this list as I come across helpful blog posts or other references.

1.  How To End Writer’s Block Forever (And Make Readers Fall In Love With You) by Dave Navarro as posted on CopyBlogger.com – listen to your audience and give them what they want and need (sounds kinda like retail but from a writer’s perspective…it’s a tad different).

2.  30 Cool Tips from Jack Kerouac from Gotham Writers – Kerouac’s succinct tips that he penned in “Belief and Technique for Modern Prose.”  From #1:  “Scribbled secret notebooks, and wild typewritten pages, for yr own joy” which I tend to do all the time to #30: “Writer-Director of Earthly movies Sponsored & Angeled in Heaven” which I have no idea what to make of…

3.  It’s Just a Phase by Lazette Gifford – Gifford shares an advanced outlining/planning technique which is mind-boggling at first glance but genious if/when you understand it! I have yet to try this method of writing/outlining as I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. I found the link to her blog by way of Twitter:  @inkyelbows and @johannaharness.

If you have any you want me to list, please email them to me (debbie.talley@rocketmail.com) or place them in the comments.

Finding Inspiration

A fellow writer asked me where I find inspiration. I hesitated before answering.

After a moment or two, I told him that I find inspiration in different things – but mostly from my personal experiences.

I’ve written about finding inspiration in music, reading, art, exercises. And while none of these answers came to mind then, after thinking about it this weekend, one good answer popped into my head – so obviously.

If I Only Had a Brain

It’s in the Cards

Creative, exciting ideas always pop into my head when I’m in the shower, about to go to sleep, just waking up, or driving. By the time I find a pen and paper or think about writing it down, the idea has long been whisked away. I’ve been more than frustrated when I try to recall those ideas only to find I’ve lost the essence of what I was thinking and why I was so excited about it.

While browsing through books on writing, I came across a tip:

Bound for the Chair

Procrastination.

If the word weren’t so long, it would be my middle name. Strike that – it would be my first name.

I am a master at procrastination. If you’re a writer, you know what I’m talkin’ about! No amount of planning, foresight, wishful thinking, hope, or hot poker can stop the vicious stall-tactics we have in our arsenal. Read the paper, watch TV, organize the junk drawer, make a grocery list, play video games, watch the grass grow, watch the grass die. The list is endless! At some point, though, the urge wins.

If you’re not a writer, this may sound insane. You may wonder why we write if it’s this difficult. Well, lemme ’splain it this way – it’s like being an athlete. The conditioning and workouts are painful and grueling but playing the game is heaven. If you play often, then you get better. So it is with writing. Making a habit of writing is challenging but being in the creative moment is bliss. And just like an athlete, we have good days and bad days – sometimes we perform well and the words flow and sometimes we trip over our feet and the words dribble. But we keep at it because we love it.

I’ve already started procrastinating for NanoWrimo which is National Novel Writing Month. I figure if I start procrastinating now, I’ll be ready on November 1. I’m considering these next two months my pre-season conditioning. I’ll find the “arc” of my story and maybe even do some research and outlining *gasp*!

In my preparation this weekend, I picked up the September issue of Writer’s Digest. In it, I found a nugget of wisdom from Joshua Henkin, author of Matrimony and Swimming Across the Hudson. He also coordinates the the MFA program in fiction writing at Brooklyn College so I figure he must know a thing or two about writing. Besides, I just agree with what he has to say, “Tie yourself to a chair. That’s how you become a writer.”

Writing is work and you have to work at it every day. It’s just like any other passion or hobby though – do it every day. It’s too easy to come up with excuses why you can’t but if you want to get better and you enjoy doing it, then we have to commit to doing it. And for writers, it’s sitting down in front of the computer or with pen and paper in hand and just doing it.

That’s what I’m doing right now and I feel better already (although my leg fell asleep – guess I’ll have to write a little while longer)!

Art and Science of Words

Unless you’re a fan of words, what I’m about to say may cause you to recoil, wince, or hide. Hopefully it won’t send you running for the nearest porcelain bowl to bring up your last meal. Two words…tons of fun:

Diagramming Sentences

Ahhhh the beauty of your reaction. If you’re a fan of linguistics, semantics, syntax, or grammar then you’re probably still reading. If not…I hope you feel better soon. Go eat some chocolate – that will make you forget what you just read.