Thursday, October 26, 2017

Preparing for NaNoWriMo

National Novel Writing Month is coming (November). I normally don't participate. I tend to write a book in 3 months or less, so I don't need the motivation (which reminds me: I finished my latest manuscript, 3 months to the day. Go, me!)

I'm going to use NaNoWriMo this year to examine my promotions, my web site, my online presence, and all the other Stuff Around Publishing. I'm going to look at my Amazon dashboard, my Goodreads page, and all that jazz.

I figure it's a good month to do that. In December, I'll start reviewing my previous manuscripts in my series, in preparation for starting Book 8 in January; I'm currently reviewing a new manuscript to submit for consideration, and that will be done by November 1. And I'm taking another trip soon, so that will take up some time as well.

In short: it seems like a good idea. I'm kinda looking forward to it, just a concentrated time when I can focus on all the other stuff that I normally don't care much about. A time to clear my brain and get ready for What's Next.

Wish me luck!

J L
(jayellwilson.com)

11 comments:

Leah St. James said...

Go you is right, JL! Sounds like an excellent use of the month. I have tried NaNo several times and failed miserably. In fact, the last time (two years ago) was the beginning of my biggest writing dry spell. There's something about the concept that has the opposite effect on me! I know you'll accomplish all the goals you've set though. Enjoy.

Brenda whiteside said...

Leah, I can see how that could happen. JL is a writing machine! It sounds like a good use of the month.

Jannine Gallant said...

Sounds like a good plan, JL. I don't do NaNo. I have writing goals year round, and I'm not a fan of producing a "dirty" first draft. I might not write the requisite number of words for a NaNo win in a month, but my editing process is minimal when I do finish! Good luck with your personal goal!

Rolynn Anderson said...

What a good project for November, JL. I hope you let us know what you learn. Now that we can put reviews on our Amazon 'front page,' I've just begun working on that project. Knuckle down in November...sounds like a plan!

Margo Hoornstra said...

Consider yourself wished luck, JL. Now, I'm exhausted from reading all you have done and have lined up for the future. I'm on the home stretch of my latest wip. Three months to write it, HA! More like three months to simply complete the edits. Onward, all you NaNo participants!

Vonnie Davis said...

I can't do NaNo, I'm always too busy meeting deadlines. And since I'm the type of writer who can't move forward until the chapter I'm working on suits me, I can't write for the sake of writing. I'm too picky. I have to concentrate on my bad habits and not falling prey to them. For those who can do NaNo, awesome. As for only taking 3 months to write a book, I've had to do that too many times with contracted dates. I can't go back to that. I really do turn into a blithering idiot. Soooo, go you!!!

Andrea Downing said...

Better you than me. Good luck!

Alicia Dean said...

Great idea! I don't participate in NaNo because it's a little too involved for me. I love the idea of producing as many words as possible and being accountable, but it's gotten more complicated than that. Using November to look at your marketing is brilliant. Let us know how it turns out.

Diane Burton said...

Good luck, JL. I don't do NaNo. Too restricting. But I admire those who do.

Unknown said...

Earthling babe...
Q: what's the MOST important objective
N our lifelong demise determined by us?
A: achieving Seventh-Heaven: in the
Great Beyond, e.very.thang is possible.

When our eternal soul leaves our body at death
and we riseabove to meet our Maker,
only four, last things remain:
death, judgement, Heaven or Hell
according to the deeds WEE mortals
have done in our Finite Existence.
Find-out what RCIA means and join.

PS° I'm a re-boot NDE:
if you're RIGHT,
you'll see the LIGHT -
follow that to the Elysian Fields.
Let's be tethered2forever Upstairs.

Make Your Choice -SAW

Unknown said...

Earthling babe...
Q: what's the MOST important objective
N our lifelong demise determined by us?
A: achieving Seventh-Heaven: in the
Great Beyond, e.very.thang is possible.

When our eternal soul leaves our body at death
and we riseabove to meet our Maker,
only four, last things remain:
death, judgement, Heaven or Hell
according to the deeds WEE mortals
have done in our Finite Existence.
Find-out what RCIA means and join.

PS° I'm a re-boot NDE:
if you're RIGHT,
you'll see the LIGHT -
follow that to the Elysian Fields.
Let's be tethered2forever Upstairs.

Make Your Choice -SAW