03 October 2009

November is National Novel Writing Month

photo of koko under a blanketI realize that October has only just begun, but I need to use these next few weeks to prepare for an upcoming adventure...

November is typically a very busy month for me. In addition to homeschooling our kids, I also start getting our Christmas decorations up (don't worry, we don't turn the lights on until Thanksgiving night), thoroughly clean the house from top to bottom, plan the Thanksgiving Day menu, and then cook the meal. Well, in my dementia, I have decided to add even more to this busy month: I plan to write a novel.

November is National Novel Writing Month and I plan to participate. You see, starting at midnight on November 1st we have until November 30th to write a 50,000 word novel. What is the purpose of doing this? Well, the thought behind it is to have people write their novel and then, when the contest is over, they would then go back and revise it. Roughly, what you are doing is writing a rough draft.

So, why am I doing this? Although it may look as if I have finally lost what's left of my mind, I have actually always wanted to do this and a deadline is just what I need to motivate myself. Now, the only question is: what to write about? I know that I want the novel to be a ghost story, but what I need are some ideas on where the story will take place; what about an old house, a forest, or a haunted ship? If you can think of a fun place for this story to take place, please let me know.

Wish me luck, this is going to get interesting.

11 comments:

  1. Hi Tim,
    Hey I came here today Adgi!! Yeah!!! This is quite a challenge. How about a haunting of one of the old houses in New England that were on the railroad for slaves?

    You could incorporate history and also bring in so many foreign entities too.

    For example, you could bring in VooDoo, as many of the slaves hailed from areas where VooDoo was and still is practiced.

    Just my thought anyway...Good luck!!
    Jackie

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  2. Tim, I think it's great you're doing this. I always say I'm going to write a novel but it just keeps getting put off. I can't wait to read it and you're welcome to borrow my graveyard and woods if you need a setting.

    Can't wait to see the photos of your Christmas lights and I sure hope you're inviting me to dinner :-)

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  3. Tim, you are one busy guy. I'm glad to hear you wait till after the turkey is carved to turn on those christmas lights :)
    How exciting that sounds to start a novel. I love a good ghost story. I used to devour every Stephen King book that ever came out. Just for fun I put in a seach and came up with this http://idaho_ghosts.tripod.com/idahocity/IdahoCemetery.htm
    I think this would make a good story

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  4. Awesome idea. Everyone is always telling me I should write a book -- and I wish I had the patience to -- so I think it's fabulous that you're going to give it a shot!

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  5. I wrote my first novel in 2007 as part of NaNoWriMo as National Novel Writing Month participants call the event. It is still sitting on my hard disk waiting more editing before I consider publishing it, which probably won't happen.

    In 2008, I changed course mid stream and didn't finish my novel. This year, I'm gearing up for a 21st century remake of Pygmalion. We'll see how that goes.

    My daughter has written two novels as part of NaNaWriMo In 2006 she wrote Subtle Differences and last year, she wrote The Silent Serian.

    This year, she is planning on writing a sequel to The Silent Serian.

    So, good luck. I hope my daughter and I also have good luck with this year's novel writing and I hope that others given NaNoWriMo a try this year.

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  6. I've always wanted to write a novel too. Maybe this year I'll try it!

    As for your setting, how about a ghost that haunts an old building downtown - the ones with apartments on top and a pizza parlor on the bottom! Might be the only way I'd ever steer clear of a pizza place!

    Hope you're enjoying the race in my home state of Kansas today!

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  7. Shinade aka Jackie: That is a great idea. I never thought of incorporating history in the story. Thank you for the idea!
    I just joined Adgitize last night:)

    Mountain Woman of Red Pine Mountain: Thank you, that is a very tempting offer. Yes, you and Mountain Man are more than welcome:)
    I'll be sure and get some pictures this year.

    Ann: Yes, I always wait until then to turn them on. I'm a huge Stephen King fan as well. Thank you very much for the link, I'll head over there and take a look.

    Your Daily Cute: You should go ahead and give it a try. I don't know if I'll finish, but I'm going to give it a shot.

    aldon @ orient lodge: That is terrific! I just learned about this through the forum at CMF, so I figured I'd give it a try. I wish you and your daughter the best of luck this year.

    BeadedTail: You should go ahead and give it a try. Thank you for the idea, that would make an interesting story and allow for more characters to be included.

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  8. Good for you! Good luck on NaNoWriMo! I finished once, and attempted a couple other times..I'm not brave enough to try again this year with a toddler underfoot ;)

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  9. Becki: Congratulations for finishing! I just hope that I can come-up with enough to write about.
    I don't blame you, they can take all of your time.
    Have a great evening;)

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  10. That just sounds so ambitious-a novel in a month? I do enjoy your chosen topic, though, so I'd be happy to read it!

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  11. WillOaks Studio: I know, I will probably end-up committing myself to a mental ward by the time I'm done:)

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