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Emanuel
Regular Poster
Username: Emanuel
Post Number: 376
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 02:33 pm: | 
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Next month is the National Writing Month Challenge where writers are challenged to write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days. Check out my interview with last year's participant Darnetta Frazier here: http://blogginginblack.com/?p=577 |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 10234
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 10:29 pm: |
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Interesting. But I wonder. The obvious question is how will the contest sponsor know if a person isn't submitting a manuscript they have already completed and aren't just pretending to be composing a draft? (Can you guess why I ask this? heh-heh.) |
Yvettep
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Yvettep
Post Number: 2332
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 11:31 pm: |
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I love this yearly effort! Thanks for posting this interview, Emanuel. I had no idea NaNoWriMo had grown so much--I also hadn't realized how many spin-offs it had inspired.
Cynique, from what I understand, this is not so much a "contest" as a motivational thing. There are no "prizes" except for the excitement of joining in on something with a lot of other people with the same goal. THere is a calculator of some kind that can verify the word count, and then you can get a certificate or something to post on your web site or something. But other than that everyone wins simply by participating. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 10238
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 11:53 pm: |
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I see. Kinda of like what the Greeks had in mind when they originated the Olympics. Not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game, - or somethin. |
Yvettep
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Yvettep
Post Number: 2334
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, October 09, 2007 - 10:21 am: |
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Yes, Cynique: good analogy. And--like the ancient Greeks--you can even participate in the marathon writing effort in nothing but your birthday suit! LOL |
Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 5440
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, October 09, 2007 - 02:16 pm: |
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But will it produce a good book? |
Emanuel
Regular Poster
Username: Emanuel
Post Number: 377
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, October 09, 2007 - 05:07 pm: |
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I understand some writers have gone on to sign traditional book deals after doing NaNo (can't think of the names now but they are named in "No Plot? No Problem!"). It's rare but it happens. The thing about NaNo is it teaches you how to freewrite and discipline yourself to write 1500-2000 words a day. It also teaches you to do the editing later after banging out a rough draft. In Baty's book I picked up the skill of keeping the flow going instead of stopping to research or to think of a character's name. I'd just say {Character X} who lives in a {describe the house}, and then go back and edit.
Can you cheat? Sure you can but since it's about learning to write a lot fast and there is no prize of monetary value, there's really no need to cheat, unless of course, you think the added publicity can help you.
I thought NaNo didn't allow outlining but I understand you can outline and develop characters one week before starting.
The goal is to produce a book, not necessarily a good book. However, it's up to the writer to determine if the manuscript is worth editing, and then getting published.
As for me, I don't have the discipline or the time to write 2000 words a day. When I'm blocked, I go back to my outline and character development to revise and spark ideas. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 10242
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 - 12:16 am: |
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I can't even write a Christmas list in 30 days. |
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