All I have to say about that is WOO HOO!
I really don't want to jinx myself by boasting about how well it's going (far better than I originally anticipated!!) but, according to my NaNo dashboard, I'm right on schedule.
Keep in mind, I haven't written anything today, so that date should change by the end of the day. Because once I publish this blog, I plan to really dig in and write until around 4:30. Because I'm an addict, that's why.
I expected to be exhilarated, and possibly daunted, by this process. I also expected to hit plateaus, and to write some stuff that could only be classified as poo. What I DIDN'T expect was to learn some major lessons about myself, as both a writer and a person. I thought I'd share some of those lessons here with you today.
As a Writer, I Have Learned That:
* Being a blog author only fuels my creativity, and my confidence. I've been writing Abby Gabs now for almost a year. When I sat down and created this blog, I made a promise to myself that I was going to try and post at least 5 times a week. And that on days when I woke up and couldn't think of something to write, I would put on my thinking cap and come up with something worth writing. Granted, sometimes it's just plain silliness. Other times, my posts have been completely selfish--100% about me. But, in the midst of daily posts, I feel like I've written a few that I can really be proud of--ones that really define who I am as a writer, as a woman, and as a wife. With my creativity sparked on an (almost) daily basis, it becomes less difficult to "get into the groove" when I sit down to write my book each day. And the confidence from having a small, but loyal, readership keeps me motivated.
* Google is an invaluable tool. I can't tell you how many times I've turned to my favorite search engine throughout the first part of this process. Considering the fact that I live in rural South Carolina, consider PayLess Shoesource to be premiere shopping, and am stuck in a career that's less than illustrious, I need a lot of information to fuel my main character. That's where Google comes in. What kind of dress would a sophisticated business woman wear to a fancy dinner out? If a high-roller were to show up at a restaurant and order Champagne, what label would he choose? What are the most popular wine bars in Manhattan right now?
 |
| Oh Google, you complete me. |
I'm using my imagination where it counts, believe me. But some things you just can't dream up. Thanks to Google, my main character is thriving in a believable environment in New York City--a place I've only visited once. Thanks, Google. I'll include you in my "people to thank" section.
* I can hear my own voice through my character. What I mean is, she's kooky, witty, sarcastic, self-critical, and less than confidant. She struggles with all the same things I do: image and weight issues, discontentment with her career, always doubting her next move. She thrives when she's allowed to use her creativity; she shuts down when she feels caged when her creativity isn't needed, or wanted. She is me. Only younger and single, with better clothes and a small apartment in Manhattan. You know...just small differences.
* I write in a linear fashion. From what I understand, this isn't the norm. Most people jump around in the story, writing scenes as they pop into their heads. I don't do that. I started at the beginning, and other than one little blip on the radar, I've written the story in chronological order.
Not to say that I haven't come up with ideas for future scenes, and jotted down a few notes to jog my memory when I actually get there. But I'm writing my story the way I'd want to read it. No shuffling necessary. Which will make December (editing month) that much easier. I hope.
I think the most interesting lesson I've learned throughout this process, though, is one I've learned as a person. And it is, simply, this:
Apparently, size does matter.
 |
| Sixty pages of manuscript. And it's still growing. |
