NaNoWriMo - (inter)national novel writing month challenge

I'm thinking about taking the novel writing challenge in November, through www.nanowrimo.org

In case you haven't heard about this, you commit to write 50,000 words minimum. Fanfic is okay. There's no fee or cost, unless you want to make a donation to the national organization.

To write that number of words, you can't stop to edit along the way. It's write, write, write. After Nov. 30th, you've got something done on paper/p.c.,, and you can edit or rewrite to your heart's content. Or toss your novel. Or whatever.

Have any of you tried this?

What do you think?

I did join the Nano site a couple of years ago but didn't manage the word count.  Seeing as I'm finding it hard to find the time to even write a challenge at the moment, I don't think this is realistic for me.  

I know people who have done it and they find it liberating.
Wishing you all the best Rosie if you take up the challenge.

      

I heard about this in September at a workshop for writers that I attended.  At first, I thought yes, it's just the thing I need to push me to write.  But then I thought of how busy I am with work and decided that at this point in time, it wasn't for me.  But what the author presenter said was that even if one doesn't actually get up to 50,000 words, it can still be a useful and fun activity as the social aspect (through registering on the site) can be supportive and it still gets you to write.  So I say: Go for it!

This sounds very interesting. Although with my own chaotic life right now I am pool swing a full photography I cannot even seem to find time to do the past two challenges. There are times during the year I could see going for something like this. The best of luck to you Rosie and I hope you achieve all of your goals

Unlike most everyone on this BB, I am way underemployed. I do have some time in November, especially. I'm kind of   by this challenge, but also kind of excited. And hey, aside from the occasional "write-in" at a Starbucks three blocks away, it's free. That appeals, too. Don't know if I'm really capable of doing this, but it's appealing, in the same way that rolling over Niagara Falls in a barrel is appealing. You're scared to death, and rightly so, but just think of the great stories you can tell afterwards! And, as a plus, the weather's only going to get worse. Why not stay inside and just   

How is your NaNoWriMo novel coming along, RosieAnnie?  I you are achieving your goal!

Here's an article about it, from the BBC News website:
Does Everyone Really Have a Novel in Them?

Interestingly, Elmore Leonard's ten tips on writing are quoted in a sidebar!

I will not make it to 50,000 words, am at about 27,000. But hey, it's still good.

Yep. It's something. I don't feel bad. I'm still working on forming better habits for writing, avoiding distractions and the like. It's all good.

25,000 words counts as a novel? I blush to have posted over 16 times that on my cycle. That did take a long time to write - most was written long ago and only posted more recently. Getting words written isn't usually a problem (although I'm struggling with it at the moment because I have so much else going on in my life)- getting it to be good enough to read and getting rid of distracting errors are the problems. Writing it gets to be a rhythm. But getting it to be finished, that's a problem. I'd miss it if I wasn't always thinking about the next chapters.
HW

Congrats on your writing accomplishment, Rosie! 

Helen West, no, 25,000 doesn't count as a novel. The goal for the month is 50,000. I am way behind!

I am a huge fan of writers like you who can carry a story so long and so well. You are a role model for me!  Hope you don't mind!

Thank you, RosieAnnie! My point is that quality counts far over quantity. If you are happy with what you have written and it expresses your thoughts and feelings, that's the great thing. The format is really a secondary consideration. When you can, you should fit the format to what you want to say, not the other way around. If you are happy with what you've accomplished, that's what's worthy of congratulations!
HW

27,000 words is fantastic. 

I always find the characters taking over. My favorite thing is to pick a good situation (or what I think is good) and just write what they want to say and do. Sometimes it takes off in totally unexpected directions as the characters react to one another. It almost like actors or musicians improvising. Sometimes it's hard to believe it's all happening in my own head. So, RosieAnnie, I sure believe in your way of working!
HW

RosieAnnie, congrats on your 27,000 words--that's quite an accomplishment and you were gutsy to go for the challenge.

Isn't it amazing how the characters take on a life of their own? It's almost like having a real conversation. You begin 'talking' and you never know where it's going to end up. Although, I do wonder occasionally if I'll be having these little talks in my head at the home for the terminally insane someday.

I think publicly announcing that you were going to do this and then following through with it and actually writing as much as you did is a great accomplishment! You should be very proud of yourself: Congratulations!

Looking forward to reading it someday!  
It is an ASJ story, isn't it?