just some questons from a born-again newbie

[zweilous]

I apologise if this isn't the right comm to be posting this in. If it is the wrong place, I shall delete post haste and take my arse over a more appropriate location.

Hi guys, I'm Ozwell over at the official website, if anyone wants to stare in wonder of my complete lack of anything regarding progress or just wants another writing buddy on their

Comments

[pricelessone]

It helps to have a notebook for October where you can jot down characters/scene idea and other info.

When it comes down to it, just sit down and write. It does not matter how it comes out (seriously!) November is for quantity not quality. Editing month is later :)

[zweilous]

I've now acquired a notebook and am gonna try to keep it on my person for any brainwaves I may have! Even if I don't use said brainwaves, it should get me used to writing down my thoughts. Thanks for the suggestion. (:

quantity not quality
Really need to get that into my head. I seriously keep forgetting NaNo =/= a finished, shiny product.

[funkyturtle]

Oh that's easy

[zweilous]

Oh, wow, this is definitely a way of going about it I hadn't considered. I'm so used to pruning down my work as I go that I didn't even consider leaving the majority of it as I went along, nonsensical bits of potential crap and all. I'll have to keep my whiny "but it doesn't make sense and it sucks" side reined in, though, or I'll never get anything done as I'll keep going back to linger over the 'bad' bits.

I'll definitely keep the talking to myself in notepad thing in mind. I might start doing that in the evenings in the weeks beforehand as I seriously have trouble converting thoughts to stuff on paper, and it seems like a pretty good idea. Thanks for all your suggestions!

[40alatariel]

I don't do anything before, and spend the first day listing possible characters and some sort of plot. After that, I simply let the words flow. Personally, I cannot speak well, but when it comes to writing, I'm never at a loss for words. I see it in my head, so describe everything there. I know that some people think in words, but I don't; I see action, people, concepts, emotions, etc. Therefore, I can write as many words as I need to describe it.

Best wishes! My name at the NaNo site is Alatariel40

[zweilous]

Ah, I'm extremely envious of the fact you can just go with the flow when writing! I don't write well without structure or some kind of end goal. ): I'm also very much a thinks-in-sentences kind of person. Both of these work well when I'm writing non-fiction, but it doesn't seem to translate to writing fiction in the slightest.

Thank you! Best of luck to you too!

[timeonherside]

Sounds like a fun plot! Consider yourself added.

I recommend Write or Die for such times - or a reward system. (Bags of M&M's are perfect for this). Theme music, for me at least, helps.

[zweilous]

I'm glad someone who isn't me thinks it sounds fun! I added you back, though I'll have probably changed plot ideas by uhhh next week (and will probably change again the week after...me and concrete decisions never go well together).

Man, Write or Die just stresses me out. I can see why it'd work for some people, but it's just that bit too much pressure for me, even on the 'gentle' modes. I do however like the idea of bribing myself with promises of junk food! :p

[ayumidah]

Bribe myself. I take whatever candy I don't pass out on Halloween and allow myself a few pieces each day I have written 1667. If I hold up the weekly word limit, I get to eat out on the weekend. If I write the 50K, I get to splurge and buy something I've wanted for awhile. Haha.

[zweilous]

Oooh, I like this! I'm kinda broke so I can't bribe myself with buying something awesome, but I might bribe myself with the promise of baking a huge, awesome cake if I succeed in my NaNo goals. There's nothing like good, fatty food to get me going. cx

[ayumidah]

Yep, whatever works ;) Good luck!