Write a book?

[dolphingirl]

So I've seen a few people mention on here that they like writing and I'm currently working as a writer until I go back to school in September. Most of the stuff I do is non-fiction, magazine type but I'd really love to try cracking into some fiction. I've tried before but at about 20 000 words my motivation seems to go out the window so I thought maybe a little game/contest would help push me along.

Would anyone be interested in having a writing contest type thing (sorta similar to NANO if anyone's heard of it?)

I'm thinking we could aim for 500 words/day or 3000/week, that, spaced out from now until about the end of summer (August) should make for about 60K, which would be a short novel. Obviously non-revised but at least it would be a start :p

Then anyone who wanted to participate (or anyone who just wanted to be a reader perhaps), maybe we could all swap novels and help give feedback, etc before starting the second draft - if you chose to carry on with it.

Just an idea, it might be too high of a goal for some people but if anyone was up for it, it'd be cool.

[Xander]

Sounds fun, but I can't imagine myself writing that much. Your 20,000-word threshold for motivation is like my 100-word threshold. :p

But if anyone wants honest criticism, I'm always game for that! :D

[eastcoaster782]

I'd like to participate. Although I don't know if with my work schedule and other daily tasks, I'd find the time to write at least 500 words a night. How about a short story for starters? Then if it ends up becoming a novel by the end of August, the goal has been met. Just a thought!

[dolphingirl]

I'd like to participate. Although I don't know if with my work schedule and other daily tasks, I'd find the time to write at least 500 words a night. How about a short story for starters? Then if it ends up becoming a novel by the end of August, the goal has been met. Just a thought!

Yay, someone whose interested! :D For sure, I mean if you wanted to set a daily goal or a weekly goal that you feel comfortable with, that's great. I guess the main thing is just to be accountable. I'm really struggling with keeping going. I know it's hard to ever get a book published so sometimes I just wonder if it's worth my while. Maybe if I have someone who is expecting it to be done I'll push harder.

What word count would you be comfortable with? It doesn't really have to be 500 a day either, if you were able to set aside a longer period on the weekend and do all 3000 for the week, that'd be fine too (or choose a lower word count).

[veniqe]

I'd love to join in.

[dolphingirl]

I'd love to join in.


Great!! :D I'm excited. So how about we begin on April 1st, and then 120 days from then (or just say at the end of July) that will be our 'due' date - so if you are averaging 500 words/day it's around 60 000. Then August can be for revising/reading and by the end of the summer hopefully our novels - at least the first draft - will be done.

[veniqe]

Sounds great!

[Xander]

What about time for planning your story? For me, that has always been the hardest part. Fleshing out characters, etc.

it's tough.

[dolphingirl]

What about time for planning your story? For me, that has always been the hardest part. Fleshing out characters, etc.

it's tough.

Oh, that's a good point. I guess I sort of had my story planned out before posting so I'm a bit ahead of the game. You could maybe spend a month planning and reduce the word count? Or omit the month for revision and add a month for planning... I guess it depends on what type of planner you are.

You are right though, it's definitely good to have something to work from, at least in my experience so far.

[Xander]

If I had a story to write, I'd write it, but I've never been able to flesh out a story, characters, etc. I don't know the characters like I know my friends, and so these fictional character's aren't real enough to write a good enough story.

If you guys want more support, you can find more people at www.hatrack.com The best book I've read on characters is Scott Card's Characters and Viewpoints (http://www.amazon.com/Characters-Viewpoint-Elements-Fiction-Writing/dp/0898799279/ref=sr_1_1/002-3793021-7643229?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1174599152&sr=8-1). My college courses sucked.

[PenforPrez]

Is it too late to play? :)

[dolphingirl]

If I had a story to write, I'd write it, but I've never been able to flesh out a story, characters, etc. I don't know the characters like I know my friends, and so these fictional character's aren't real enough to write a good enough story.

If you guys want more support, you can find more people at www.hatrack.com The best book I've read on characters is Scott Card's Characters and Viewpoints (http://www.amazon.com/Characters-Viewpoint-Elements-Fiction-Writing/dp/0898799279/ref=sr_1_1/002-3793021-7643229?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1174599152&sr=8-1). My college courses sucked.

Thanks for posting the links. Another good site - if anyone whose reading this wants is www.absolutewrite.com , they have quite a bit of info plus really helpful forums.

The thing I struggle with the most is just all the grammar 'rules' out there. I was reading a few articles on structure and found some simple words are big 'no-no's' when it comes to novel writing, something I had no idea about. So I can of pre-defeat myself, after reading this I just get frustrated and it seems what's the point in writing soooo much and then finding out it's filled with 'bad' words. :p But I suppose you do need to start somewhere.

[Xander]

...So I can of pre-defeat myself, after reading this I just get frustrated and it seems what's the point in writing soooo much and then finding out it's filled with 'bad' words....
That's what an editor is for. Don't mind those details. Just write.

(if only I can take my own advice. :D)

[wordsmith]

I've never found "how to write" books to be helpful. Mostly, just reading good, appealing literature is tutorial enough.

I also completely self edit as I go. I'm not a freewriter/spewer. So I don't "just write," I just write and backtrack and tweak as I'm doing it.