NaNo Expectations

I believe my posted word count at the moment is around 3300. Keeping in mind that Sunday is the halfway point and therefor I should be closer to 25000. That is a large gap for me to cover over the weekend. But considering it is snowing out and I get paid this weekend, my girlfriend will probably want to go somewhere to play in it. I tend to drive as it is my vehicle. I cannot write and drive.

There are a few things to account for such a low number that I feel the need to make clear. I write in a notebook. I even bought a new one just for the occasion. We actually got a Week Two Pep Talk encouraging NaNo-ers to break away from the keyboard and really experience their writing. There are perks as well, computers make it too easy (and hard to resist the urge) of looking it back over and trying to "fix" stuff. Partly why I write in a notebook is because when I transfer it from print to type it is just my first step of editing. I find it works wonders. But as I type up what I've written so far, I've been very good at not subtracting anything.

Where was I going with this?

Right, so this whole NaNo experience... I'll be truthful. I am not expecting to make it to 50K. If I do, great, but I'm trying to be realistic. I'm in it more for the experience (at least this first time around) than I am "in it to win it". But I thought I would provide you all with very important lessons I've learned so far.

It is called a rough draft for a reason
Seriously don't worry about every little green or red squiggle (actually I type mine up in Google Docs so I don't get squiggles). Don't get stuck if you don't even like what you've written so far. Get over it. Release that anxiety. Just write, you can fix it later, write it better or whatever. Just save it for later...

You don't have to write the story in order
I bought that stupid notebook and now I find myself scribbling on other pieces of paper because it is a later scene that was more prominent in my head and I wanted to get it down. At least I realized that I could do this instead of being stuck on a scene that I don't much care for but wouldn't have gotten anywhere else until I finished it (I speak from experience). Also next time I'll get a 3-ring notebook and some old fashioned college ruled. That way I can move pages around...

But most importantly... I should have tried NaNo earlier when I was single
Girlfriends and Puppy Dogs require a lot of attention. As I sit down to write, I'm needed for something. I get up and do it. I often don't get back to my notebook. This is partly why I'm having realistic expectations. I don't have a whole lot of time to myself and sometimes when I do, I don't want to do anything.

So it isn't that I'm not trying. I'm greatful for this experience and it will help me to become a better writer. Isn't that the point? 'Nuff said.

Saving Books

I'm a bit behind in my NaNoWriMo, I should be around 5K words but only 1500. I've only written one day, is why. Yesterday I found myself at the library. I felt I needed more research. But while searching for some research, I found another book. I had recently read about it on afterellen.com in an older post under the "Across the Page." I was there trying to remember some authors I should check out for general lesbian fiction (as the fantasy/sci-fi genre for lesbian and gay fiction, while it does exsist, is a bit harder to find, at least for me). Plus I'm always a fan of the classics.

So while searching through the fiction section, I happened to see the book title "Patience and Sarah." It rang a bell so I pulled it out. Sure enough I had seen a similiar cover recently on "Across the Page." I brought it to the counter. The librarian opened it, turned it around on all its sides and goes, "You just saved a book." Apparently, if her boss had found it, would have tossed it as it wasn't barcoded and tagged in the new system. I feel good about saving it, though I doubt anyone will find it and read it willingly. And if so by mistakingly, perhaps a younger person, if found by their parents will have it taken away and brought back to the library and demand it be burned. So I'll admit, I am currently living in Hicksville (Similar to Sally's, but not where I live exactly), which I'm trying like hell to get away from, but so far no one has even nibbled on my resume.

That reminds me, I need to check on one I submitted, it would allow me a maximum of 4 months off each year which I would love to devote to writing. Send your positive thoughts and good luck. I'll finish Patience and Sarah (almost did last night) and get back to my NaNoWriMo, as I have another library book coming in on loan, but this one is actually useful and research... I swear!