"There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island." - Walt Disney

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

NaNoWriMo Gone Wild

If you’re participating in National Novel Writing Month and following the daily word count, then you should have approximately 25,000 words by Friday.
I’m doing well on my word count (about 28,000), but not on the story itself. Even though I started with a rough outline and plot ideas, my characters are not cooperating. They are all fighting for center stage. They want their own story. What started out as one book idea now seems to be three slammed together.
I’m torn as to whether I should continue the tale or let it split into three different ones as the characters want. If I split it, I may have enough for three novellas, but probably not full length books. However, if I keep going as I am, I’m not sure I’ll do them justice.
Has this ever happened to you? Thoughts, suggestions, tips? How is your NaNoWriMo project progressing?

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I haven't been in that exact situation but have definitely wrestled with my story and how to proceed. It settles uncomfortably in my stomach and tap dances in my head until I sort it out or push through. Good luck.

shelly said...

The draft I wrote for Camp NaNo may end up being a Novellas b/c so many character have a twisted tale to tell.

Good luck.

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

Katie O'Sullivan said...

Keep writing. Whether you finish one book or a good start on a whole trilogy is secondary to the fact that you're getting so much writing done! Congrats!

I'm not officially doing the NaNo thing this year - too much pressure on an already stressed system - but on the other hand, I've written 20,000+ new words on my WIP and kind of regretting that I didn't sign up as I might end up finishing the challenge!
Go figure! and Go Write!

Susan Oloier said...

I've not had that happen, but I always struggle with my NaNo projects. They are always the ones that languish on the hard drive the longest despite how much planning I do. What does your intuition tell you, Sylvia? I'd go with that.

Jessica Ferguson said...

Promise each character his own book and keep going!

Gail M Baugniet - Author said...

This is my first year doing NaNoWriMo. I had a couple of ideas about where to set the story and made a last minute decision when I signed up for the challenge.
Because I am applying the pressure to myself, everything is going well. I wrote an average of 1500 words per day, then on Friday challenged myself and wrote 5150 words. Yesterday, another self-challenge generated 6850 words, all moving the story forward.
If it hadn't worked out this way, I would still have finsihed the 50K words because I dislike quiting more than dragging myself forward to finish! Besides, any writing is good practice.

Angela Brown said...

Your situation has a certain appeal. Getting a chance to NaNo three novellas then go back and give them the proper shaping up that will do them golden justice :-)