I set my alarm for 5:30 a.m. to get a start on NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), where I attempt to write a novel in 30 days. I was tired, but felt I needed to get up earlier than normal. I have a lengthy morning routine and I’m not going to change it for this writing challenge.
I was treated to a gorgeous sunrise and the views of my morning walk were filled with pink-hued clouds and a violet sky. The world looks entirely different at dawn.
My morning routine includes “The Artist’s Way” morning pages, reading a few Bible verses, prayer, a long walk, stretching, crunches, shower and breakfast. I never thought about how long this routine takes, but it’s more than two hours. I never was afforded the luxury of such a routine when I was working in public relations, as a financial advisor — or raising kids. It’s a perk of my empty nest.
I sat down at 8 a.m. and wrote for two solid hours. I decided I needed a break, but first I posted that I had written 2,000 plus words to the NaNoWriMo website and earned my first three badges. To figure out how many words I need to type a day, I divided 50,000 words by 30 days. I decided to write more than the 1,667 words because I may not want to write for 30 days straight. I will definitely take time off while my dad visits for Thanksgiving and I think I need to take an occasional day off from the challenge. After taking a break to read my favorite bloggers’ posts, I returned to writing a bit more and hit 3,030 words.
The website offers a tool to figure out how and when to write. They assumed I work full time so they told me to write two 40-minute sessions Monday through Friday, and fit in six hours on the weekend. I’m not following that schedule because my husband likes to get out and explore on the weekends and I like to go with him. I’m going for it and will write away while I’m enthused and the words are flowing. Why not?
I’m excited with my characters. The story so far is pretty slow. But the advice is not to edit, not to critique — it’s all about getting the words written down. Editing is something I’ll look at later, after this month is over.
Is anyone else taking on this challenge? Or if you’ve done it in the past, what tips can you offer? Remember, it’s not too late to start if you want to join me. If you’ve written a novel, how long did the process take you to write a rough draft? When do you find time to write?
What do you think is the hardest part? For me it’s the “mushy middle.”
I’m working on something, but not officially doing the challenge. If you want to share or talk it out, email me wakinguponthewrongsideof50@gmail.com and I’ll give you my private mailbox.
Thank you so much!
💗👍
Odd, like I said before, I am kicking of my NoNoWriNoMoe phase. Requires no effort.
I love that you’re doing Morning Pages.
I usually write in the mornings or late at night. It’s been a lot more difficult lately due to other obligations, but I’m trying to become better at scheduling it in. Writing is really important to me, and I need to make time for it every day.
It’s good to see others do the same. 🙂
I’ve been doing morning pages for six or seven years now. I feel really anxious if I don’t do them, so I automatically do them.
My soul homework is a variation of morning pages. I’ve been doing it for little over a year now and I feel lost if I miss even one day.
I am back to the point of knowing the only way I would have a book in me is to eat one.
Okay. You gave me a big laugh this morning. Haha!
Good for you! Getting everything written down and doing the editing later, is something I struggle with.
My morning pages help me with that. It took years of practice 🙂 Although I did go back through my first day’s work and do some editing last night.
I just started morning pages this year after hearing about them from a lot of different folks. Sometimes the words flow and sometimes I struggle. I occasionally use prompts. Your sky is gorgeous. I love seeing the different colors. Good luck this month!
Thank you! My morning pages often begin as to do lists of what I need to get done that day.
Congratulations! Good for you!!