A Peril of NaNo

I’m so far behind in my word count, it isn’t even funny. The problem is, I’m lazy–uh, no, I didn’t mean that, what I meant was, the problem is, I’m into my characters. I’ve always liked characters better than plot. I want to poke around and think about my characters and have them do things to advance the plot because those are the things THEY would do, not because those are the things I NEED them to do.

What I need to remember is that, when I write full speed ahead, they automatically do what they do. I haven’t gotten to the point yet at which I kick back and let my subconscious take over, which is the only way to win at NaNo.

So I’m going to keep this post short (thank you) and see if I can knock out some words before church. I’m also posting at the Echelon Explorations blog today. I hope you’ll join me there. Leave a freakin’ comment, why don’t you? Nobody ever comments over there. Sheesh!

WRITING PROMPT: A character is dragging his/her feet on something. Give two reasons: one that the character thinks is the reason or wants other people to think is the reason, and the real reason.

MA

About

I was born in Louisville, Kentucky, but now live in the woods in southern Indiana. Though I only write fiction, I love to read non-fiction. The more I learn about this world, the more fantastic I see it is.

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One thought on “A Peril of NaNo

  1. M.T. Logan

    November 14, 2010 at 1:32pm

    I’m just the opposite. I’m a plot person and so I’m having to go back and deepen my characterization. We all have our predilections. Best of luck with writing a first draft in a month. 🙂

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    • Author

      Marian Allen

      November 14, 2010 at 12:01pm

      Too right, Monti! I’ve had to hop online a couple of times to pick up something that made a difference. I think that’s a big part of my problem this year, too: The first year, I started with a complete short story I wanted to turn into a novel; the second year, I started with a book I had begun but hadn’t plotted, and I roughed out a plot before I started. This year, I had barely a log-line to start with. When my brilliant writer nephew, Josh, told me about starting with a three-sentence precis–beginning, middle, end of book–it clicked a VERY rough outline into place. But next year, I’m going to do more groundwork before I start, believe you me!

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  2. SarahG

    November 14, 2010 at 8:52am

    My characters are dragging my feet as far as their actions are concerned. They want me to believe it’s because they’re entering undefined territory, but I know it’s because I’m afraid I’ll make a mistake. That, and I’m lazy.

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    • Author

      Marian Allen

      November 14, 2010 at 10:03am

      No, it’s totally the characters’ fault! Tell them to get their feet in gear and give you some words! After my post this morning, I sat down and churned out over a thousand, so I’m very happy right now. 🙂

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