Deb's a Winner!

Freckles:
Well, Deb didn't get her entry for today posted because she was putting the finishing touches on this thing she's been obsessed with all month -- she calls it her novel. And, guess what? She won NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month)! She made it to 50,000 words (actual official count 51,560). They gave her a certificate and everything. The certificate says:

"This literary honor is bestowed but once a year upon the bravest, most dedicated, and GIFTED of writers who have achieved their creative potential in ONE absurdly challenging month. The bearer of this certificate (that's Deb) shall forever occupy a revered place in the firmament of HIGH-VELOCITY NOVELISTS, and his or her work shall stand as an INSPIRING testament to what can happen when one courageous writer triumphs over the naysaying and self-critical voices that stymie the flow of ART AND MERRIMENT in the universe."

I know a lot of other people made it to the 50,000 word goal, but I have to admit that I'm kind of proud of her. Of course, I won't ever admit it to her. Her head is big enough already!

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Deb:
I did it! I finished my 50,000+ words in November. I even beat the NaNoWriMo November 30th deadline. Of course, I won't pretend that the novel I wrote is remotely finished (or even very good!). There is a lot of revision to be done and it could use an actual ending, but those things will come.

I discovered a few things along the way:

1. I CAN write more than 1700 words a day -- each and every day.


2. If you can't think of what to write, just try asking yourself a question about your story. Before you know it you're writing like crazy. This technique NEVER failed me!


3. I can (sort of) work without an outline, but I prefer to have one. My next step is going to be taking the manuscript I have and making that outline that I didn't start with. Then, I will revise with my outline as my guide.


4. I can invent an entire new species! I did it! I needed a new species for my story and one just popped out of nowhere.


5. Characters that you never thought of can just appear in your writing. My main character was running from some bad guys, and he tripped over this new character who was hiding in a bush. I didn't know the character was there until my main character was sprawled on the ground. And...the new character had information that my main character really needed to know. Weird!


6. When I'm writing, I feel like the me that I know I am and that I am most comfortable being. I guess that is what following your passion is all about.

And, I know that Freckles is really proud, even though she doesn't show it.

(We'll be back tomorrow to continue our regular story.)