Ah, October. How have you come around so fast? I would swear it was only a small number of weeks ago that we were ushering in 2018 and now we're almost putting on it's coat ready for it to leave. Whilst I will, probably in December, be writing a 'where did the year go' post, this is not it.
I've always loved October. It's my brother's birthday, which was amazing when I was little because my parents called it my un-Birthday (and the same for my brother on my birthday) so we got a present on each other's birthdays. It was kind of cool. After that my favourite holiday was always Halloween. I loved dressing up as "something scary" and I loved the chocolate and the sweets. I still love Halloween. I still love dressing up. I never really hit the Americanised "slutty animal" costume phase, but my costumes tend to be comical in a different way these days, such as the university Pikachu, because a friend was dressed as Ash and it gave my an excuse to jump on his back and scream Pikachu all evening. I stopped short of getting those zapper rings and giving people electric shocks, though deeply regretted it later because that would have been awesome.
Several years ago though, when I was about 16, I met my soulmate in competition form and started a long term relationship with National Novel Writing Month. It takes over my life in November and has been responsible for some of the very best (and one of the very worst) times in my life. The best advice I can ever give anyone - BACK UP YOUR NOVEL!! CONSTANTLY!! Since that day, October 31st is terrifying and exciting for a whole other reason. As soon as midnight strikes, the witches and wizards and aliens and heart throbs and everything else come out and the literary abandon begins. We do crazy things like eating pizza for breakfast and staying up all night writing. We forsake our communications with friends, family and other loved ones for a single goal - write the novel.
I've started thinking of October now as NaNoAdvent. It is the time where I stock up on pizzas and snacks that will hopefully tide me through at least the first week (though normally I tear through them in a mad panic in the first few hours...)
So this is it - Nano2018 is nearly upon us. It's time to brace yourself!
Showing posts with label Nano Advent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nano Advent. Show all posts
6 Oct 2018
16 Oct 2017
Oh, Bums,
Bums, what chapter were we up to? Had the protagonist moved into her stylish new apartment in town? I think she had. In fact, I think she was on her "holiday" back to her childhood home to look after Prince Pupperington...Well children, in tonight's chapter...
Okay, I don't think that voice suits me.
Since writing last I have regained residence in my lovely flat, had my mother visit for the weekend, then the following weekend had both my parents visit, however that did lead to the acquisition of some glorious furniture and probably an extra couple of pounds of tummy flubber due to the Wetherspoon's breakfast. Ah, 'spoons....
The great thing about that is that I actually started feeling like this is nothing like student digs, and it is instead becoming an actual, adult apartment. Clearly, we can't be having that, so I got a pet.
This year has raced by, and quite frankly, I haven't cared really. Roll on the bit where I get to turn 25 - I hate even numbers. (Yes, I know, it's weird, but it's a thing.) However, I am not quite ready for NaNo to roll on quite so quickly.
Last year, my novel became my catharsis. My new job exposed me to a lot that I didn't know how to cope with and to say that I did cope with it would be a lie. I struggled, and it was because of that struggle that I was so glad to get my current role because part of it is to address that kind of struggle. (That was cryptic and vague, but I can't really say anything more.) As is often the case, I explored how I felt about some things in that novel and was able to express myself more capably in fiction than in any other form. The problem is that it does come at a cost. Last December I was really proud to have participated in my seventh NaNoWriMo, winning my sixth. Like the previous year, it was only one day early, which was such a distance behind on Day 19 in 2013, but things had changed. I wasn't a student anymore and last year I was MLing, working in one of the two best jobs of my career so far and also trying to write one of the hardest novels I have ever tackled.
Clearly, I am insane because I am going to do it again.
This year I am going to be just under a month into a new job (better than one day in, but not by much), will be MLing for a massive region that is also taking on new challenges (read the Facebook or the NaNo Forums) and will be taking on the continued challenge of that stupid book that part of me really regrets ever starting. It's quite a small part though.
The problem with it is that it felt like several things I have been wanting to write for a very long time finally coming together in a bit of a series and that's difficult because it would be really nice to have something I could just crack out in 30 days and then pretty much forget about if I really wanted to, but no. This isn't going to be that task or book or series or whatever I want to call it.
Joy to the world, I have created another mountain to climb. NaNo is coming, look busy. Catch you later.
Okay, I don't think that voice suits me.
Since writing last I have regained residence in my lovely flat, had my mother visit for the weekend, then the following weekend had both my parents visit, however that did lead to the acquisition of some glorious furniture and probably an extra couple of pounds of tummy flubber due to the Wetherspoon's breakfast. Ah, 'spoons....
The great thing about that is that I actually started feeling like this is nothing like student digs, and it is instead becoming an actual, adult apartment. Clearly, we can't be having that, so I got a pet.
This year has raced by, and quite frankly, I haven't cared really. Roll on the bit where I get to turn 25 - I hate even numbers. (Yes, I know, it's weird, but it's a thing.) However, I am not quite ready for NaNo to roll on quite so quickly.
Last year, my novel became my catharsis. My new job exposed me to a lot that I didn't know how to cope with and to say that I did cope with it would be a lie. I struggled, and it was because of that struggle that I was so glad to get my current role because part of it is to address that kind of struggle. (That was cryptic and vague, but I can't really say anything more.) As is often the case, I explored how I felt about some things in that novel and was able to express myself more capably in fiction than in any other form. The problem is that it does come at a cost. Last December I was really proud to have participated in my seventh NaNoWriMo, winning my sixth. Like the previous year, it was only one day early, which was such a distance behind on Day 19 in 2013, but things had changed. I wasn't a student anymore and last year I was MLing, working in one of the two best jobs of my career so far and also trying to write one of the hardest novels I have ever tackled.
Clearly, I am insane because I am going to do it again.
This year I am going to be just under a month into a new job (better than one day in, but not by much), will be MLing for a massive region that is also taking on new challenges (read the Facebook or the NaNo Forums) and will be taking on the continued challenge of that stupid book that part of me really regrets ever starting. It's quite a small part though.
The problem with it is that it felt like several things I have been wanting to write for a very long time finally coming together in a bit of a series and that's difficult because it would be really nice to have something I could just crack out in 30 days and then pretty much forget about if I really wanted to, but no. This isn't going to be that task or book or series or whatever I want to call it.
Joy to the world, I have created another mountain to climb. NaNo is coming, look busy. Catch you later.
2 Oct 2016
As Time Marches On,
Two posts in two days, what on Earth is happening?
Well, what's happening is that we're essentially in day two of advent for NaNoWriMo. I know that some of you have probably just gone, huh?, but it's a pretty simple idea.
Advent is, to capitalism anyway, a kick up the backside that you have 24 days until Christmas, so people go mad with shopping and wrapping presents and traveling to here there and everywhere in order to celebrate the joy that is Christmas. Difference being Christmas last 1-4 days for the majority of people, but NaNoWriMo is a month long slog of attempting to be effective at your passion.
"Advent for NaNo" commonly known as October is the time where previous NaNoWriMo participants, and to some extent newbies, decide which team they are going to bat for (giggidy). Well, we decide our home regions and decide if we are going to be #TeamPlanner or #TeamPantser. By the way I am #TeamPantser all the way...
Again, this is going to be one of those things which WriMo's look at and nod solemnly at (at which point, #squadgoals!) or sigh and shake their heads wondering how many of #TeamPantsers will get to the middle of November and not know what they are doing. Here's a hint: we never really know what we are doing; that's half of the fun!!
But since I know that there are people who read this who are not WriMo's (come to the dark side, we have cookies!!) I shall explain. #TeamPlanner is the group of novelists who write storyboards, or character profiles, or setting descriptions or just any and every kind of plan that you can think of. Contrary to popular belief, I have nothing against planning, or the novelists who do plan, but it is not something I do myself.
So Team Panters, what do we do? Well, again contrary to popular opinion, we do not run around our various cities, towns, villages, hamlets or fields pulling down people's pant, although that is a good idea come to think of it... Team Panters fly through November by the seat of our pants (hence the name) also cacking our pants and hoping that this novel is actually going somewhere...
Now just like when you chose your Pokémon Go team (Oh God, I'm opening a can of worms here, aren't I?) there is no right team to choose, though unlike in Pokémon Go, you can choose to change sides without having to press restart on the whole thing. It is completely possible to get half way through the month and then burn your plan you made in your under desk bin (provided you have the correct fire extinguisher nearby and parental supervision if you are liable to set your eyebrows on fire along with the plan). Maybe something less dramatic would be a better initiation to Team Pantser...
Equally, you can get half way through the month, be hit by some form of divine inspiration which means you see the ending and everything which has to unfold to get your characters and plot there (another hint: if you are going to walk towards the light, at least take some sunglasses because that thing is definitely not an energy saving bulb! Someone needs to have a word with God about his carbon footprint, never mind China and America) and then suddenly redecorate your studio with a blaze of Post It (or non-branded) sticky notes with phrases, events, squiggles and whatever which may make no sense after November (you know, when you have actually slept...) and work your way through writing each sentence until the scenes come together like seams and the result is something effective and beautiful. Or so you hope.
Be you Team Pantser or Team Planner, let me take this opportunity as the first of many to welcome you back to the sweet torture that is the lead up to NaNoWriMo, or to welcome you for the first time.
It is time to stock up on tea, coffee and human interactions because next month we settle down in the bunker of social awkwardness that comes from inane conversations not just wasting oxygen, but also wasting valuable writing time!! Let's bulk buy frozen pizza and make friends with the local Chinese delivery man - who on Earth will have time to cook? Sharpen you pencils, overstock on the same kind of pens, trim your nails excessively so that they don't do that annoying thing of getting trapped between laptop keys or breaking. Be nice to your mum so she brings you hot drinks and toast, even if most of the time they go cold because you didn't realise they were there what with your writing sprint being on. Review everything that you do to see when you can fit in more writing time. Be that obsessive. It is not the only way, but God does it make it easier? YES IT DOES!
While I commute into work, I will be writing on my phone. I used to download what I had written on my AlphaSmart while I was making a cup of tea to keep me going. That was last year. Last year I hit 15k in a day...
I would also like to say to all of you WriMos out there, I am here for you. I might only be an ML for London, you might have your own ML, but I will be writing Pep Talks that I put on here, so read them if you want to. We are hoping to do more online, so if you want to follow the NaNoLondon Twitter, please do. One thing I really hope comes across to everyone inside, outside and getting splinters in their ass from sitting on the fence is that we are a community.
We will be blasting off soon, so fasten your seat-belts. Catch you later.
Well, what's happening is that we're essentially in day two of advent for NaNoWriMo. I know that some of you have probably just gone, huh?, but it's a pretty simple idea.
Advent is, to capitalism anyway, a kick up the backside that you have 24 days until Christmas, so people go mad with shopping and wrapping presents and traveling to here there and everywhere in order to celebrate the joy that is Christmas. Difference being Christmas last 1-4 days for the majority of people, but NaNoWriMo is a month long slog of attempting to be effective at your passion.
"Advent for NaNo" commonly known as October is the time where previous NaNoWriMo participants, and to some extent newbies, decide which team they are going to bat for (giggidy). Well, we decide our home regions and decide if we are going to be #TeamPlanner or #TeamPantser. By the way I am #TeamPantser all the way...
Again, this is going to be one of those things which WriMo's look at and nod solemnly at (at which point, #squadgoals!) or sigh and shake their heads wondering how many of #TeamPantsers will get to the middle of November and not know what they are doing. Here's a hint: we never really know what we are doing; that's half of the fun!!
But since I know that there are people who read this who are not WriMo's (come to the dark side, we have cookies!!) I shall explain. #TeamPlanner is the group of novelists who write storyboards, or character profiles, or setting descriptions or just any and every kind of plan that you can think of. Contrary to popular belief, I have nothing against planning, or the novelists who do plan, but it is not something I do myself.
So Team Panters, what do we do? Well, again contrary to popular opinion, we do not run around our various cities, towns, villages, hamlets or fields pulling down people's pant, although that is a good idea come to think of it... Team Panters fly through November by the seat of our pants (hence the name) also cacking our pants and hoping that this novel is actually going somewhere...
Now just like when you chose your Pokémon Go team (Oh God, I'm opening a can of worms here, aren't I?) there is no right team to choose, though unlike in Pokémon Go, you can choose to change sides without having to press restart on the whole thing. It is completely possible to get half way through the month and then burn your plan you made in your under desk bin (provided you have the correct fire extinguisher nearby and parental supervision if you are liable to set your eyebrows on fire along with the plan). Maybe something less dramatic would be a better initiation to Team Pantser...
Equally, you can get half way through the month, be hit by some form of divine inspiration which means you see the ending and everything which has to unfold to get your characters and plot there (another hint: if you are going to walk towards the light, at least take some sunglasses because that thing is definitely not an energy saving bulb! Someone needs to have a word with God about his carbon footprint, never mind China and America) and then suddenly redecorate your studio with a blaze of Post It (or non-branded) sticky notes with phrases, events, squiggles and whatever which may make no sense after November (you know, when you have actually slept...) and work your way through writing each sentence until the scenes come together like seams and the result is something effective and beautiful. Or so you hope.
Be you Team Pantser or Team Planner, let me take this opportunity as the first of many to welcome you back to the sweet torture that is the lead up to NaNoWriMo, or to welcome you for the first time.
It is time to stock up on tea, coffee and human interactions because next month we settle down in the bunker of social awkwardness that comes from inane conversations not just wasting oxygen, but also wasting valuable writing time!! Let's bulk buy frozen pizza and make friends with the local Chinese delivery man - who on Earth will have time to cook? Sharpen you pencils, overstock on the same kind of pens, trim your nails excessively so that they don't do that annoying thing of getting trapped between laptop keys or breaking. Be nice to your mum so she brings you hot drinks and toast, even if most of the time they go cold because you didn't realise they were there what with your writing sprint being on. Review everything that you do to see when you can fit in more writing time. Be that obsessive. It is not the only way, but God does it make it easier? YES IT DOES!
While I commute into work, I will be writing on my phone. I used to download what I had written on my AlphaSmart while I was making a cup of tea to keep me going. That was last year. Last year I hit 15k in a day...
I would also like to say to all of you WriMos out there, I am here for you. I might only be an ML for London, you might have your own ML, but I will be writing Pep Talks that I put on here, so read them if you want to. We are hoping to do more online, so if you want to follow the NaNoLondon Twitter, please do. One thing I really hope comes across to everyone inside, outside and getting splinters in their ass from sitting on the fence is that we are a community.
We will be blasting off soon, so fasten your seat-belts. Catch you later.
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