Tuesday, November 10, 2009

NaNoWriMo: Day 10

So far, I'm really digging NaNoWriMo. I've written just over 9,500 words of my novel as of last night, and it's coming together. Albeit slowly. I wouldn't go far as to say that I like my work, because it's not my best writing, but it'll get there. I mean, I have plenty of time to improve -- 40,500 words more. Um, cool. My heroine, who is partly autobiographical, is pretty awesome (much like me, right?), and the other characters are significantly less developed at this point but I hope to make them equally awesome. I still need a lovable geek, though.

What I'm loving most about this whole NaNoWriMo experience so far is making time for myself and doing something that I love to do. Thanks to the influence of my mother, I generally like to handle things myself -- I volunteer to do a lot for other people, or I take on a project or chore that someone else could just as easily do and get annoyed if someone else says they will handle it. Because my name is Ashley and I am an overly accommodating person. But, this month, I have an excuse not to volunteer to clean the bathroom and I'm using it. And I'm enjoying it. I'm taking a step back and focusing on something I really care about, something that fulfills me. I'm actually pretty proud of myself.

But, I am writing Chick Lit. Geez.

But, there's still a long way to go -- 20 days left to write 40,500 words (at least), and finish this damn thing. Then, I win! I am a novelist! So leave me encouraging comments!!

4 comments:

Unknown said...

I once heard Wendy Wasserstein speak. An audience member asked her whether she writes for a certain number of hours a day, or a certain number of words a day, as if those were the two choices. Wasserstein laughed and answered that she writes when a deadline is upon her and she's already spent the advance. She also talked about procrastination, saying it's a known fact that writers have the cleanest bathrooms.

This is all to say that you deserve a lot of credit for writing so regularly and for working toward a self-imposed goal. I can't wait to read it!

Ashley, Brooklyn Girl said...

Thank you, Allen! You're on the short list of people I may let read my first draft! That, let me tell you, is an honor.

m said...

yay you. may your path bring you joy.

Ashley, Brooklyn Girl said...

leave it to Steve to send his encouragement via a YouTube clip!