Tuesday, November 13, 2012

The adventure of noveling



It is almost the middle of November and I have only posted one itty bitty little blog all month.  There can be only one excuse for my negligence and that is, of course, that November is national novel writing month….I wasn’t going to participate this year, but then I decided I would.  

So I have been knee deep in noveling once again.  This year’s novel writing adventure could not be more different than last year’s.  Last year was fun and exciting and the words and story just flowed.  I had the whole novel written in my head way before November and the challenge was getting it out on the paper computer.  

This year, my novel has been a bit elusive.  My characters are sort of developing as I go along but, as the experts at NaNoWriMo will tell you, I have been writing a lot of garbage that will later need to be thrown out or completely re-worked.  I know this as I write and it is a little discouraging.  I keep moving forward though- slow and painful as it may be at times.  

I am just barely making my word count goals each day and I must keep reminding myself that slow and steady is just as good as an all-out sprint to the end.  Last year, I “won” (making it to 50,000 words) by November. 17, this year I may make it but if I do, it probably won’t be until the 30th.  

My whole life is in a different place this year, what with working part time and juggling *almost* high school level home schooling and being, as I said, somewhat completely unprepared for the challenge of 50,000 coherent words of a worthwhile story.  

Writing this novel is not all fun and my story this time is full of many more twists and turns than last time.  I need to do a whole lot more research to make it make sense too.  Still, I am grateful for the experience and that, once again, I am sharing it with my children.   

I suspect this year’s effort may never grace the virtual shelves at Amazon.com but the adventure is still worth undertaking (I think!??!?!?!).  And who knows?  Maybe someday I will work out all the kinks and edit out all the errors and make my story, if not publishable, at least, readable.

6 comments:

  1. Kari,

    I am supposed to working on my novel but instead I am quite happily reading your blog post, and putting off getting started for today.

    Looking at the stats, I am doing well with my novel but it's not all fun. I am really having to push myself each day. The thing that's keeping me going (apart from the fact I am the sort of person that is never willing to give up a challenge!) is the thought I am going to have a draft novel at the end of the month. I never expect to get an almost perfect piece of writing. I know my novel will need lots of work. But novelling is all about rewriting. And I need something written to start the rewriting phase.

    I wouldn't be surprised to hear your current novel does get published. Maybe it will change in some areas. Maybe you will rewrite it all together. It might not be easy like last year, but I bet you learn so much from working on this novel.

    Sometimes I hate writing. I think of all that work and mental anguish that it involves. At the same time I know I want to do it. It's not always easy but very worthwhile.

    I will stop rambling on and go add some words to my novel!

    Keep writing and don't worry about the quality. That will come later. Isn't it good no one gets to read our drafts?

    God bless!

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    Replies
    1. Sue- I do not always enjoy the process of writing either! And yet, I keep thinking, as I trudge through this month, that a bad day of writing is world's better than a good day of house keeping, or many other things I could be (perhaps should be) doing! It is not ALL fun but it is my passion and I love it even when I don't like it. I bet you know what I mean. :)

      Can't wait to read your writing- the kids and I have put all read-alouds on hold during NaNo but your Angels of Abbey Creek are next when we start up again!

      Blessings, Kari

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  2. Kari,

    My comment is almost as long as your post. I am very sorry!

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  3. Hi Kari,
    I am so very proud of you, for starting another novel. You are very gifted. I am so grateful, your gifts with other,too enjoy and learn from. It is a rough copy, it is supposed to be rough. Don't be too critical and just remember how so many love your writing, and are very proud of you!!!Xxoxo\\\\\\\\<3

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Nichole. You are always so kind and encouraging. I will let you know if this novel ever does make it to a point where I will let others see it, but it may be 20 years or so before that day comes! In the meantime, I am glad you enjoy my blog!

      Take care and God Bless, Kari

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  4. You are very welcome. Please excuse the error. It should say, I am so grateful, that you share your gifts with others. Take Care and God Bless

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