I've been working hard to find some other viewpoints that I can share with my readers for the upcoming National Novel Writing Month challenge that begins November 1. I have found some guest bloggers who have agreed to share their NaNo prep and NaNo writing adventures.
Earlier this month when I released my compilation of short stories I heard from my Number 1 Fan, Alex Cole (my cousin). Alex has always been curious about writing and has in the past asked about my writing process. I convinced him to try NaNo out and to share his experience with me in blog posts. Here's the first!
This first sample he's sent me belies his capabilities and experience. Having graduated from West Point and served as an officer in the armored cavalry, . . . not to mention being a new father, . . . he certainly has more than 50,000 words worth of stories in him. I look forward to his next post and seeing what he produces!
Well, I guess this is happening. I am gearing up for my first National Novel Writing Month, which means I have no idea what I am getting myself into. I don’t think I wrote 50,000 words in four years of college. But I couldn’t say no because Dick was so enthusiastic about it. His optimism and motivation are infectious, but I hope he knows that he has to keep me motivated and accountable as the month rolls on.
This type of endeavor is not typical for me. I am a very private person, so the idea of being vulnerable and putting a creation out into the world is terrifying. This will be a growth experience, and I’m already starting to broaden my horizons.
As I start to brainstorm ideas, I am learning that the things I want to write about are the things that normally excite me. I am an avid military history student and find myself looking to the past for inspiration. However, I’ve surprised myself as well by considering other genres and finding story ideas in mundane things around me that are not my normal passions.
I have also started thinking about my writing skills, finding my writing voice, coming up with an ideal story structure, character development, etc. I’ve even been asking myself questions like, “Can I realistically and convincingly write from the perspective of a young woman when I need to? Can I write about something I don’t know about? How do I learn to do that? How can I relate and connect to readers that are very different from me?”
I’m certain I am not the first NaNo participant to ask these questions of themselves, so I am in good company. So far, this journey has also brought me some joy and a new hobby to pass the day, which I am thankful for. More to follow.
1 comment:
This post hit the spot with me. I too am filled with doubts and I have asked myself the same questions, can I write from the view point of a young man/young woman in their twenties? But since that is the main character that I have come up with, I guess I must have it in me somewhere to write it. Your post encouraged me to try. I wish you good fortune in your writing campaign!
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