This challenge has been perfect to just give me permission to try. I thought I needed to plan my novel before I started it and so for 30 years I haven’t started. This month I just started with the smallest whisper of a what if, and two characters I wanted to explore. By just writing I’ve developed ideas, had brainwaves on the tube that have made me say, “oh yes, that’s it, that’s what happens next.” And yes I did do this aloud and yes in London at rush hour that does get you some funny looks….
I’ve now got an idea of how to get to the end, and I already have some ‘go back and fix notes.’ Which I’ve just made a note and moved on, which for a perfectionist has been hard but critical…. I can only apologise to Tom and Jenny who made a brief appearance in chapter two and will sadly be culled, maybe you get to be in a different story….
So thank you for this challenge it’s been brilliant and I can’t wait to keep going!
This challenge was just what the doctor ordered. Another 2000 this morning, finishing Act 2 (56.5K), and a strong sense of how to treat this case through December. Thank you!
I reached this point with a very sloppy first draft. So messy that I'm uncomfortable with it. That said, I think perhaps I need to veer away from memoir and make the story fictitious. At least I've come to that decision. Maybe. I did write a poem a day this month, too. I don't think I could have said ten years ago that I feel my poetry is better than my first drafts. So there's that!
This has been an amazing experience. Just not sure I want to continue it at this time. Since the upcoming group is small, I don't want to take that away from someone who is seriously excited about finishing their book. I will try again, though. Persistence is my middle name, and the prompts have been so helpful. Thank you!
Thanks for joining us, Linda! It’s so wonderful to hear you found progress. Getting down words daily is no small thing no matter what you end up with :)
Thank you to everyone for your support and example. Finished out the month on a roll at 32865. I may not have reached the mark but it’s the most I’ve ever done and am starting to believe I can actually do this thing. So cheers and best wishes to everyone.
This challenge has been excellent for me. I’ve been doing exam season this month as well, which is quite honestly difficult to balance when I just want to be sleeping or revising, but I knew that my story needed to be told. My goal was 30k, and I reached that on Wednesday, and I’m proud of myself for sticking with it. The rest of the story is better plotted, and I can’t wait for this draft to be finished <3
I couldn't write that many words a day, but this group was helpful to get my story moving again. I am thankful for that.
So glad you were here, Pat! 👏
This challenge has been perfect to just give me permission to try. I thought I needed to plan my novel before I started it and so for 30 years I haven’t started. This month I just started with the smallest whisper of a what if, and two characters I wanted to explore. By just writing I’ve developed ideas, had brainwaves on the tube that have made me say, “oh yes, that’s it, that’s what happens next.” And yes I did do this aloud and yes in London at rush hour that does get you some funny looks….
I’ve now got an idea of how to get to the end, and I already have some ‘go back and fix notes.’ Which I’ve just made a note and moved on, which for a perfectionist has been hard but critical…. I can only apologise to Tom and Jenny who made a brief appearance in chapter two and will sadly be culled, maybe you get to be in a different story….
So thank you for this challenge it’s been brilliant and I can’t wait to keep going!
Anna, this is amazing. You have completely embraced the spirit of this challenge and I’m so happy to hear it was fruitful! Keep going, friend! 👏💙
I’ll send you a free signed copy of my best seller and you definitely get a mention in the acknowledgements… 😆
This challenge was just what the doctor ordered. Another 2000 this morning, finishing Act 2 (56.5K), and a strong sense of how to treat this case through December. Thank you!
Justin, you have been killing it. I’m so glad to hear you’ve made incredible progress. I bet you will have that whole draft DONE by the new year! 👏
Thank you so much for all you’ve given to everyone here.
I reached this point with a very sloppy first draft. So messy that I'm uncomfortable with it. That said, I think perhaps I need to veer away from memoir and make the story fictitious. At least I've come to that decision. Maybe. I did write a poem a day this month, too. I don't think I could have said ten years ago that I feel my poetry is better than my first drafts. So there's that!
This has been an amazing experience. Just not sure I want to continue it at this time. Since the upcoming group is small, I don't want to take that away from someone who is seriously excited about finishing their book. I will try again, though. Persistence is my middle name, and the prompts have been so helpful. Thank you!
Thanks for joining us, Linda! It’s so wonderful to hear you found progress. Getting down words daily is no small thing no matter what you end up with :)
Thank you!
Thank you to everyone for your support and example. Finished out the month on a roll at 32865. I may not have reached the mark but it’s the most I’ve ever done and am starting to believe I can actually do this thing. So cheers and best wishes to everyone.
This challenge has been excellent for me. I’ve been doing exam season this month as well, which is quite honestly difficult to balance when I just want to be sleeping or revising, but I knew that my story needed to be told. My goal was 30k, and I reached that on Wednesday, and I’m proud of myself for sticking with it. The rest of the story is better plotted, and I can’t wait for this draft to be finished <3