November 20, 2019
“Thankful for the Writing Journey and NANOWRIMO” It’s the week before Thanksgiving break and we are furiously trying to get our word counts up. If you are behind (like I am), then you may be planning out how you will use the break to catch up. As soon as we return, we will be in December and NANOWRIMO will be done! Then we will begin the editing process. What a journey this has been! As I reflect on the upcoming holiday, I think how thankful I am that we have had the time to spend together, writing in community, discussing our stories so excitedly, and just being together as one unit embarking on the journey of writers. How many other writers have we been connected with this month? How many others have embarked on the journey as well? As you wind up this last week of November, I leave you with the words of Erin Morgenstern, author of The Night Circus, whose film rights have been optioned by Lionsgate. Erin began writing this novel during NANOWRIMO one year -- just like you. Imagine what you may create on your writing journey… “You do not have to make your story perfect right now. You don’t even have to get it right. You only need to get it on the page. That’s all. Don’t stop. Keep moving forward with your torch and your sword and your imaginary kitten companion. There is an ending to be found, whether you find it this month or further farther deeper later on. You can wander back and choose different paths because this is your world and these are your rules. Go with it and see where it takes you. There’s magic left in these late November days yet to be found. You can find it. I believe in you.” --Erin Morgenstern, NANOWRIMO Pep Talk, November 18, 2019
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“No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader.”
– Robert Frost
I have to admit that I did not know what I would be writing until it came to me as I drove to school this morning. I think I will be writing a period piece, set in the south, perhaps during the civil war. Is my genre historical fiction then? How much research will I need to do for this? How many hours will I spend researching and writing this month? So much to do in preparation and day one is already here! The other day, I told my English students that I was mostly a “pantser.” That means, I have a tendency to write by the seat of my pants. I have done well, however, in embracing the role of “plotter” in the past. That is, I spent the time to plot or outline what I would be writing about, creating more detailed plot points, characters, and settings. This is what I require of my students because it is truly more helpful in the long run. A lot of writers recommend outlining, and they claim the book practically writes itself. The more detailed-the-outline, the better. Since it is November 1st, I guess I need to make a decision: Pantser or Plotter? How about you? We have 29 more days of writing. On your mark, get set, go! And another year of NANOWRIMO begins...Bonne chance and journey well! |
AuthorMs. Summer is a teacher, writer, musician and Spiritual Director/Coach. She has recently embarked upon a weekly podcast called "The Bayat Beat" where 3 generations in her family discuss many deep topics to understand this thing we call life! It is currently being listened to around the world. Check it out if you want to learn more. Archives
November 2019
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