The local NaNoWrimo chapter is holding a meet and greet on Monday. They’ll do local write-ins during November. I’ve never actually gone to one of these write-ins, though I was very curious. Part of it was because I couldn’t make the meet-ups, but most of it was because it meant having to meet writers in real life.
I’m so used to writers being someone on the computer screen. Your face is just a picture next to your twitter name/bio to me. What I meet are a writer’s words, and I learn a lot from those words. Despite the importance of book covers and author pictures, I really judge a writer on what they say. (I’m actually very picky, friends! I don’t just friend people because they also happen to write. /snob) The internet is our medium, we live our words and put ourselves forward with them. Some of my best friends have never even heard my voice! But they know me better than many people who actually meet me and have a chat with me.
The other thing about write-ins for me is that they’re just a distraction. How in the world would anyone get any writing done as a group and in public? I don’t think I would. Maybe their furor would help? It might be an interesting group dynamic. Anything can happen when people get together. So, though I’m nervous, I just might go.
Yes, this year, I’m doing NaNo. My intent is to knock out the next rough draft of a story that’s been on my mind for a year now. I need to learn how to write out rough drafts faster, especially if I want to spend more time editing. My current plan is to write up a basic outline, and then each day in November that I sit down to write, I’m going to write out what I intend to do that day. Sort of the same way I do already when I get stuck on something. I put down my intent with the scene so that I can see it clearer.
Anyone else doing NaNo this year? Ever go to a local meet up?
I feel the exact same way about meet-ups! I wonder how it’s possible to get anything done?? Of course, I’m sure the support of other writers is a much needed source of encouragement.
I’ll be doing NaNo for the first time…so I’m a newbie but I’ll give it my best shot!
Oooh, your first NaNo! Just remember to keep writing no matter what. A lot of people give up after a week or so because they run out of steam. Don’t get discouraged!
I haven’t participated every year. So far I’ve done it three times and managed to complete it twice. One year, I just had no real story, but I tried anyway and learned an important lesson.
I don’t do Nano ever, but then, I’m not a writer.
Anyway, I’ve always wondered about those write-ins! It seems like it would be about as productive as study groups were for me at uni (ie., not very) but I guess if they keep holding them, they must work for some people on at least some level.
Good luck with Nano this year! Sounds like you’ve got a good plan in place, which is a great way to start.
Exactly! I’ve never done a study group for the same reason. (Well, plus I never studied. The one time I did, I got bad grades!) I wonder if other people go for the same reasons I’m determined to go– just to see what other NaNoers look like in real life.
I’ve never attempted Nano. My life seems to get a little crazy around November, and my mind is already on the holidays by that time. It’s probably all the pumpkin-infused food! I wish you luck with Nano, and I hope that if you do go to the meet and greet that you enjoy yourself.
Thanks! I know what you mean about this time of year. It seems for me that the winter months are actually when I’m most focused. It must be the food and the weather, haha.