Day 5

"The pages are still blank, but there is a miraculous feeling of the words being there, written in invisible ink and clamoring to become visible."

~Vladimir Nabakov

Tip of the Day:

I didn't get a chance to pre-write all 30 Blog posts this year, so it is likely that I may miss quite a few. It's sometimes hard to find "prompt of the day" options that work with an ongoing story (most sites with writing prompts expect that you are starting something new) but here are a couple options for you:

The NaNoWriMo Young Writer's Program has a "Dare Machine" on their front page, which includes prompts. Click "Dare Me" to generate a new one.

Adam Maxwell's Fiction Lounge will generate a sentence as a "writing prompt." I haven't had a chance to look at much of the website yet, but "incorporate this sentence" (or idea) makes a good prompt.

Or, if you flip back to last year, or the year before, I'm sure you'll be able to find something you didn't use before, or which you could use in a new way this year. I usually recycle a few of the favorites, anyway.

Prompt of the Day:

Your character falls, or is in some kind of accident, and is injured in a way that affects his or her ability to do what needs to be done.

or

A secret admirer sends a beautiful (or creepy) gift

Day 3

"Don't try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It's the one and only thing you have to offer."

~ Barbara Kingsolver

Tip of the Day:

Sometimes, even during NaNo, less is more. Those of you who might be reading this blog from the school where I work may have heard this already, but I'm going to summarize a bit here.

Someone asked me, "How do I make my fantasy setting seem old-fashioned, without referencing things that don't exist in that world?" My answer is, you never TELL your audience the world is old-fashioned. Think instead about how your character lives. How do they wake up in the morning (probably not an electric alarm clock)? How do they bathe? Get and cook food?

In real-writing-life, spending twenty pages discussing the ways your characters needs to pluck and prepare a chicken to cook it in the cast iron stock-pot hung over the fire may be excessive (during revision, you'll probably cut back), but during NaNo, figuring out the little details of your fantasy setting, such as how people do simple tasks, will not only help you world-build in your own mind, but will generate words.

So, in that way, more-is-more.

On the other hand, if you can't figure it out, be vague for now. Don't know a thing about horses, but know your characters need to ride them? Skip the extensive research during NaNo! Hint! Leave yourself notes if you want to, like [I'm sure there are words for the part of the saddle you hold on to] but don't get distracted for 10 hours on Wikipedia during NaNo.

For the record, this applies to everyone, fantasy setting or not. If you're stuck in your storyline, spend some time describing the basic, boring parts of your characters' lives. Even if it is something you know you will cut out later during revision, it isn't just wasted junk-words: It's valuable insight for you as a writer, and it might give you an idea of how to move forward.

Prompt of the Day:

Your character finds $50 (or your world's equivalent) in the street.

(Thank you, J, for that prompt)

or

In the spirit of the tip-of-the-day, have someone cook something.

NaNo 2011

Welcome, everyone, to National Novel Writing Month (2011!). I have participated in NaNoWriMo every year since 2006, and for the past two years, I have dedicated my blog through the month of November to providing quotes, tips and prompts.

For those of you unfamiliar with NaNoWriMo, here's the summary: 30 days, 50k. The slightly longer version: In the month of November, participants attempt to write 50,000 words of a new novel. Rules are somewhat flexible on the definition of novel, but the main point is that this should be a NEW project. You are absolutely forbidden to use any prose written before November.

Obviously, I'm not the NaNo police; however you define "new" or "novel" or "50k" or for that matter "30 days" is up to you and I won't argue (though you may consult the official site, if you would like). The goal, however, remains the same: CHALLENGE YOURSELF. Present yourself with a goal that is such a push that it forces you to think differently. 50k in 30 days is designed to push writers beyond their hangups and desire to get it perfect. NaNo is about getting it on paper (or computer); editing comes later.

In addition to this blog, Nyeusigrube hosts a NaNo forum every year, featuring daily "rant" posts. Please feel free to join us! Even if you don't plan to spend the month writing, you can spend it supporting the writers.

That said... welcome to NaNoWriMo!

"The scariest moment is always just before you start." – Stephen King
"You can fix anything but a blank page." – Nora Roberts

Tip of the Day:

Write!
No, seriously, that is the tip. You're past pre-planning now. Your only goal at this point is to put words on paper. Don't worry about starting it right or even starting it good. I frequently go back and delete my entire first chapter, once I start revising. Start rambling, and it becomes like a conversation: eventually, you'll find something to talk about.

And in case you need some extra motivation, you might check out Dr. Wicked's "Write or Die." I adore this gadget, especially during NaNoWriMo. I love it enough I spent the $10 to have the desktop version, which is not internet dependent and has more options, but there is a free version along the right side of the page I linked you to.

Prompt of the Day:

Look out the window - what do you (does your character) see?

or

If you're already procrastinating by watching television,
then wait for a car commercial (or something similar) to come on.
Use the setting (rugged mountain, ice-covered tundra, city streets?), characters (family of five, guys on vacation, business man?), and/or conflict (flat tire, lost, kids driving them crazy?) from that commercial for your first scene.