Monday, October 31, 2011

I'm Freaking Out

Nano is a matter of hours away. And I'm freaking out a little.

Today, I went through storyfix's Story Structure Series, scrambling to make my story better before I actually start writing tomorrow. Again, things have changed. I'm kind of nervous as I start second guessing myself and my characters. I start thinking, "Would so-and-so really do that? Maybe not...." And I kinda want to go crazy because I start writing tomorrow!

I'm also going in with only 30 scenes planned out. I hope I develop more as I start writing. Because I really don't think every scene will be at least two thousand words long. This is where a part of me starts panicking, imagining myself out of words to write partway through November.

I guess what any of us can do is just relax and go with it. The other choice is completely throwing out what you've got and wallowing in self-pity the rest of November because you didn't have the guts to follow the story where it wanted to take you.

You can only plan so much of the story before you write. You also have to be open to any kind of reasonable change that might occur. For example, so far I've been thinking the MC is going to kill off one of the characters in the story, someone he is really close to but must teach a lesson. But if partway through the novel, I discover that he wouldn't really do that, I guess I have to adjust the novel. Keeping my characters true to themselves is more important than sticking to what I have planned out. 

How are you feeling as we embark on November 1st and Nano '11? Are you feeling anxious as well because the story is getting a mind of its own or isn't fully developed? Or are you cool as a cucumber because you're either pantsing it or you've got your outline working perfectly?



6 comments:

  1. Hi there, Yesenia. I read your post over on Storyfix.com and decided to check out your blog because your situation sounds so similar to mine. I've been thinking and tinkering for over three years and finally decided to take the plunge with NaNoWriMo this year. I followed Larry Brooks NaNo series and got most of a beat sheet finished. I'm writing a story that I never imagined myself writing. I usually go for epic fantasy, but here I am writing a supernatural / paranormal fantasy. And I'm freaking out. I made it through the first day, though. Here's hoping I can keep it up.

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  2. @Ben

    Hi Ben! Thanks for stopping by! Taking the plunge is correct. It's still a little scary, but I'm trying to take things a day at a time. I also avidly follow Larry's posts. His story structure series, in particular, have really helped me. I'm just worried I don't have enough scenes laid out, but hopefully, I'll figure that out as I go. Please check in sometime to let me know how you're doing! I know we can do it!

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  3. Happy NaNo Day Five! Hopefully the initial excitement is still going strong, but if not I've come with a toolbox of inspiration. Ready?

    First, quote of the day: Don't give up what you want most for what you want right now.

    Second, NaNo Tip of the Day: Don't forget to reward yourself. It is often easier to notice our lagging word count numbers than to notice how far we've already come.

    Good luck!!! Just keep writing!!!

    On an unrelated note, I absolutely LOVE the background of your blog. So fantastic!

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  4. @Sommer Leigh

    Thanks!

    It can be a little hard to keep going when you see so many people who are already 10K or beyond. I try to keep in mind, though, that I have already come so far just by starting this challenge and keeping up.

    I will keep writing! Thanks for the inspiration! Love your blog :)

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  5. Nice blog....taking a look around.

    NEW FOLLOWER

    Elizabeth

    http://silversolara.blogspot.com

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  6. Thanks, Elizabeth! Not completely finished yet. Hope you stop by again :)

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