I took the plunge yesterday. I signed up for NaNoWriMo–National Novel Writing Month. Yes, I’m attempting to write a novel in a month. Yes, I have lost my mind. For those not familiar with NaNoWriMo, the goal is to write a 50,000 word novel by midnight on November 30th. This is my first time participating and I’m not so sure I will succeed, but I’m going to give it my best shot. If I get sick, which I’m prone to, then all bets are off. But I’m not participating for the challenge. I decided to sign up for NaNoWriMo because I have a story I NEED to write. It developed from real events in my own life, but will be far from autobiographical. Here are a few facts about my novel:
1. Title: Life After
2. Genre: Urban Fantasy (I think.)
3. The protagonist is a fledgling ghost, trying to adjust to life after death. Which, includes deciding whether or not to save her lost (and very much alive) love’s life. Save him from what? You’ll have to wait till it’s finished!
4. Almost everyone in the story is a ghost who lives and works in Shadowtown.
5. The main characters work as liaisons and enforcers, keeping the thin boundary between the living and the dead secure.
For NaNo I’m using a program called StoryBox and so far I love it! I gave Scrivener a try last month but it was too much of a hassle, way over complicated for a writing program. StoryBox has many of the same features but keeps it simple.
Blogging for the next month will not be heavy. I will try to post some updates on my progress and if I’m feeling generous I’ll share some mini WIPs. My weekly art post on Wednesday will continue too, but everything else will be sparse.
Wish me luck!!
Amanda Makepeace's Imagination Run Amok 
YGG! My husband is trying NaNoWriMo too, it’s his first year although we talked about doing it last year. So far he’s kept up, ha, since it’s only been two days 🙂 I’ll look forward to checking back here to see how you’re doing. So far your story has me intrigued, keep going. Good luck.
Thank you, Annie! Good luck to you husband too. 🙂
I’ve entered NaNo the last three years (winning twice) and this is the first time I’m not taking part. I’ve been trying to focus on short fiction recently and the NaNo challenge doesn’t really fit with what I am doing.
However, last year I used it for similar reasons to you. I had a novel idea I wanted to start – also urban fantasy about the blurring between life and death – and it was a great success for me. I didn’t finish the novel though but the bulk of the story has been recorded which I am pleased with.
Anyway, good luck to you this month! Keep us informed of how it all goes!
Thank you! Even if I don’t reach 50,000 words, I feel that NaNo keeps me accountable. It’s easy to get sidetracked or think maybe this story isn’t worth writing, but when you start thinking about a story in odd places (like the shower) then you know it must be written. I originally thought Life After could be a short story but with any luck NaNo will turn it into a novella.
I’ve been tinkering books for a while. I have a few started, some almost finished. I totally hold myself back from completing them and sending them off for a chance at publication.
I think that’s a common challenge for many writers. Some never get over the hurdle.
Thanks for your mention of StoryBox. The reasons you state for liking it are essentially the same reasons I created it. Good luck on NaNo!
Thank you!! StoryBox is the first writing software I’ve used that works for me. So thank you!
I, too, like what you’ve outlined so far. May the month ahead bring you great success Amanda. I would be glad to read whatever tidbits you care to share. 😀
Thank you, my friend! I’ll be posting an update on my progress Monday and will share a tid bit then.