Just Do it!!

So, for many writers, November is the month it all happens. Its the National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo for short!

Having never taken part in this, I thought I'd share my journey with the world, and see how much progress I can make over the month of November.

SO HOW DOES IT WORK?

The idea is - you try to write as near to a novel as you can in the 30 days of November - its actually 50,000 words, so for me, that's just over half a novel. There is a free website that you can use - https://nanowrimo.org/ that helps you track your progress. You can buddy up with other writers, you can join or lead groups, or you can do it on your own. It doesn't matter. The point is, you can use it as an opportunity to get the words on the page.

So, as well as trying to complete my own projects, I'm also involved in several groups that will support my writing goals and help hold me accountable through the process. They're a good bunch of writers from all over the world, and for me (self-proclaimed king of procrastination) this will help me move my projects forward.

One of the groups I'm working with is the Writers' Café Novel Writing Club, where I mentor a small bunch of excellent writers trying to complete their first novel. So we're in that one together... check out their blog post:

MY PROJECTS...

Well, I'm working on two, which are both at very different stages. The first, and main project for NaNoWriMo is my second manuscript which is actually a sequel to my first - and will be the main creative portion of my PhD in Creative Writing!

But recently, I've had a rewrite request for my first manuscript, which is currently being pitched to a bunch of publishers in the UK. One or two of them have come back to me with some excellent feedback and rewrite suggestions, so I'm working with my agent to get that done, so I can resubmit my work. Fingers crossed, someone in the UK will take it. Its a novel about a witchfinder in Lancashire during the English Civil War in 1644.

So if anyone wants to get involved, please do. Its free and its fun. If you do create an account on the website, please feel free to reach out to me.

THIS IS DAY 1 (1 Nov) - and today I have edited a full chapter of 2700 words, and I'm about to do another before I take a break. Tonight I have a write-in session where I plan to work on my main project. WISH ME LUCK!!