10. Write the scene that's in your head - don't worry if it's out of sequence.
9. Write to your strengths - if it's dialogue, write dialogue. If it's description, write description. You can fill in all the blanks later.
8. Don't stop if you need to know the name of something - just type *** or something similar and keep on writing. Trust me on this one. I once stopped writing to look up the name of a mountain range. One hour later, I had traveled to a site about Russian royalty. It made sense at the time.
7. Don't worry about quality. That comes later. Remember, in order to be able to polish, you first have to have something to polish.
6. Writing 'this is crap' many times can really ratchet up that word count.
5. If you can, ignore typos. This is impossible for me, but maybe you can.
4. Let your fingers do the writing. Sometimes just letting the words flow will take you to strange and unexpected places.
3. Remember you don't have to reach the goal in one session. You might work better in small bursts than one long stretch. Not every one can run a marathon.
2. Don't compare your word counts to anyone else's. I tell myself that those writers who can consistently spew out 5,000 words a day have severe emotional issues.
1. Celebrate when you reach your goal. The nature of the celebration is up to you, but I have been known to dance about the house like a deranged camel. It's not pretty.
Good advice whether you're doing the NaNo thing or not. Barf it all out, clean it up later.
ReplyDeleteTerry
Terry's Place
Romance with a Twist--of Mystery
Terry; That's such a pretty way to put it. I may cross-stitch that on a pillow.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips. I especially like #1-Celebrate. I think this is the one we forget the most and we just push on to the next task.
ReplyDeleteKerrie; I think it's important we celebrate all victories that come our way. Encouragement is good.
ReplyDeleteI loved this post. I'm often too much the perfectionist when I write, so I especially liked #6! But really, I liked so many of your points: write the scene, write to your strength, let your fingers to do the writing.... I'll probably return to this post the next time I'm in "writer trouble."
ReplyDeleteGreat list, Elspeth. I especially liked #1 and #2. It's going to be hard to get the "deranged camel" image out of my head though.
ReplyDeleteAll great advice. I'm definitely thinking about just writing the scenes that occurring to me and worrying about the right order for them later. I also suggest having as much fun as possible. Forget about audience, publishing, presentation, realism, and just write what makes you happy.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth; I hope it helps, but I also hope you don't need to look it up for a long time!
ReplyDeletePat; That was my evil hope. I'm satisfied.
Kit; You've made a great point - have fun. Writing is hard; making it fun makes the work a little easier.
These are great - NaNo or no Nano :)
ReplyDeleteElspeth - Thank you so much for these good pieces of advice. I think your emphasis on just getting ideas down first and then refining them later is such a good one. I wish I could do that, but I fear that I'm trapped in that "How am I going to put that" vortex. Those trees keep getting in the way of my forest!
ReplyDeleteCarol; Writing is writing, regardless of whether or not NaNo is in the mix.
ReplyDeleteMargot; I know that vortex, Margot - look for my tent. I haven't been there in a while, but I'm rather familiar with the locale!
Once again, it’s a great list. I’ve never seen a deranged camel dance, but now I can’t seem to get the image out of my head!)
ReplyDeleteJane; I'm proud.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say that I love your posts. They provide some great advice, as well as a bit of laughter. So thank you, it's nice to have a blog I look forward to reading. :)
ReplyDeletePaige; Thanks for leaving a comment. You're more than welcome here. I'm chuffed that you enjoy my meanderings.
ReplyDeleteoh this brought back memories of last year...great advice all of it. I really did just sprool out mind junk by the end and have to deal with it still but hey - there is a story in there somewhere! I am enjoying my revision although I don't have the fear factor that was so helpful when adding up words. What's your name at nano - I suppose I could try your real name but I think I did that. I'm Labanan.
ReplyDeleteExcellent advice Elspeth. I know their are writers who struggle over one setence in an attempt to get it perfect. I;ve never understood them. On rough drafts I am cruising. I will dress it up later it's about getting the story on the page.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice. #8 is soooo true. ;)
ReplyDeleteI loved no 7 + 8.
ReplyDeleteOh wait, I also loved no 1. And no 2.
Okay, okay, I love them all! Though perhaps not quite as much as no 8. :D