Nano: Day 1 – Shazbot!
Nano, nano. Come in, Orson…
Woo hoo, nano has officially started! I hope you’re all furiously tapping away at your keyboards getting today’s word count out of the way? Well, I suppose you don’t have to type furiously, you can type giddily or excitedly…if you really want to. Also ambivalent, you can type ambivalently if you need to, just bloody type! There are no rules, apart from the word count, so get started on today’s 1,667.
The first few days should be some of the easiest (in theory) as the idea is still fresh, shiny and new. The novelty hasn’t worn off yet, and believe me it will, so while its still brand spanking new take advantage of your confidence in the story before doubt kicks in.
It’s like a marathon runner hitting the wall, there will be a point when the inevitable occurs:
*WHACK*
YOU: “What the hell is this thing? Who put a bloody wall in my novel?”
INNER DEMON: “Oh. That would be me. Your story is rubbish! I can’t believe you got more than ten words written.”
YOU: “But I think it’s a good idea…”
INNER DEMON: “Then you sir, are an idiot.”
YOU: “Eat this hippy” *swinging your keyboard at the demon, bashing a few fangs out and knocking a horn askew* “Onwards!!”
That’s the attitude you have to take with nano. Damn the inner voices, screw your friends telling you it’s a stupid idea, and under NO circumstances listen to your inner editor! *shudder*
The whole point is to get 50k down. That’s it. No, really. THAT’S IT!
Of course you’ll edit (I hope so anyway), but you certainly won’t edit in November. Remember all that moaning that you won’t get your word count in 30 days? Well stop trying to edit AS WELL then!!
Unplug the phone, turn off your mobile, take the batteries out of the doorbell, and use some of those sick days you’ve been saving for a sunny day (this is Britain people, we don’t have sunny days!), unplug the cat, take the batteries out of the dog and kiss your lover goodbye. It’s only for a month!
Get the kettle on, crack your knuckles, open Word and go go go!
I’ve done my word count for today, have you?!
Great post, Steven. Have fun and keep going!
Love it! Sounds like you're enjoying yourself – well, it is day one…!
Unplug the internet server as well!
LOL. Thank you for a shot in the arm of motivation.
I've got notes and plans for the first six chapters or so. I reckon I'll hit the wall about 10 days in! Good luck with it!