As of November 18, 2008 I have written 50, 758 words! The win won't be official until the 25th. (Now it's official!) Of course everyone who crosses the 50,000 word threshold is a winner. But for me, this is a dream come true. I have always wanted to write a novel, but never believed I could actually do it. Now, the editing must begin in earnest.
Even if this novel never goes anywhere but my own book shelf, I will never forget this experience. Even better, it has jumpstarted my writing again. I can't seem to stop. I want to keep up the same writing schedule every day. Right now, I'm writing stories for my nieces and nephews for Christmas. I have nine; I've finished four so far. I've also been editing stories for the Writer's Digest Short Short Story Competition. I hope to enter at least one, maybe two. Wish me luck!
Oh, and don't forget about Serial Fiction. That's the group that writes a story in ten installments by having a competition each week. The winner of each installment has their part used as the jumping off point for the nest installment. It's great fun. We're doing a ghost story right now. We lost a few writer to NaNo, but I expect them back soon. Everyone is welcome!
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Comments: 24
This really is exciting news, and what a boost to your desire to write. I'm very proud of you.
I can truly appreciate your endeavor, for I excitedly started my "first" novel this past Wednesday, November 19th, and after editing by day's end yesterday (Friday, November 21), I had a total of 727 words. I loved every minute of it, but you can see by my total that I have some disciplining to do! :)
So grand of you to write stories for your nieces and nephews for Christmas gifts. What a treasure for them. Wishing you the best, too, in the Writer's Digest Short Short Story Competition. I wouldn't be at all surprised if you won that, too! Let us know!
Barbra, the trick for us was not to edit at all until the whole story was down of paper. A very difficult thing to do, but, it was the way to get it done. Now comes the editing - yikes! I do hope the kids like their stories. Mine seem more embarrassed about my writing than anything else, but then they're my kids. lol. And thanks for the vote of confidence on the contest. I don't know about winning, but I'll take 25th place. That will still get me published in a book of winners by Trafford press and listed in Writer's Digest.
James, thank you! And I know what you mean.about slowing down. Until I took this challenge, I was hardly writing at all. It will pick up when the time is right for you.
j. Frugal Mom, Nora, A.F. - Thank you so much! I'm so excited and it's so wonderful to be able to share it like this.
Thanks for letting me know that. I think that's a great idea... "not to edit at all until the whole story was down of paper." That would really take some discipline, and I admire all of you for following that pattern. I may have to use that myself, for the editing process can be one of the most time consuming parts of writing. Really strange how we can change our pattern of thought from one day to the next, huh? I know the direction in which I'm headed. It's just those petty--little--detailed--idiocyncracies that torture me. :(
Ha! Had to laugh about you saying your kids being embarrassed about your writing for your nieces and nephews. They'll come through for you though...
I'm inspired by your enthusiasm and ready to see:
YOUR NAME IN LIGHTS!!!
Barbra - On the cover of my book (bound preferably) would be enough. lol
Christine - You'll get it next year. If I can do it, you can too. My secret was setting aside a specific time each day to write and sticking to it. I know that may not always be possible, but it really helps.
Heather, Erin, thank you both so much!
Gretchen, yes it can and does when it isn't frustrating the heck out of you! :D. Thanks for you generous words.
That is an awesome accomplishment !!
Me thinks I need to be more involved here.
It's now official. Love the trophy. It looks great!!!