NaNoWriMo Day 1:

Remembered to use Toggl to keep track of my actual writing time. Chunking the time up in Eugene Schwartz thirty-three minutes and thirty-three second bites.

Day 2:

I’ve got a headache, blah. May end up changing how the book starts, but that will come later with the editing after NaNoWriMo.

Day 3:

Listened to some great info from Shawn Coyne on his podcast: The Story Grid Podcast. Listened to the podcast on the way in to pickup the commuter shuttle. He talked about Joseph Campbell’s PBS video, The Hero’s Journey and how it influenced George Lucas.

I’m writing on the commute back from work. Made 1800 today—barely… It was tough writing on the laptop (bouncing around) and focusing BUT I did what I needed to get my word count in.

Since I didn’t plan or outline my novel it seems like each day I’m rewriting, lol. God, this is fun!

Oh, and still using Toggl to keep track of my writing time.

Day 4: Halfway Point This Week

Starting out today with over 5000 words completed. Not a bad start.

Getting some writing time done while waiting for weather to clear before flying. Can’t let any time go to waste while writing my novel for NaNoWriMo!

Day 5: Over the Hump

Nearly 9000 total words completed as of yesterday. I’m on a roll! Read a very good article/pep talk Diana Gabaldon wrote for NaNoWriMo. She’s the author and creator of the Outlander book and television series. You can read the article HERE

My biggest takeaway from Ms. Gabaldon was when it comes to writing, “Anything that gets words on the page is the Right Thing to Do.” I couldn’t agree more.

It’s very easy to get wrapped up in “how to write” rather than just getting the words written.

Another tidbit I picked up from listening to The Story Grid podcast was, “You’ve flailed enough in your life.” In other words, learning about how to write is a way to keep you from flailing as a writer and spending years ‘learning your craft’.

Day 6: Over 10,00 Words and Cookin’
with Gas

I’m off work today and have some extra time to write. It’s 1030 and I’ve already finished over 2300 words. That puts me over 12,000 total words and about a quarter of the way from completing my NaNoWriMo 2015 commitment.

Day 7: Week One Is In The Can

Woke up this morning and the story spine for my NaNoWriMo novel jumped into my head! Maybe it was from watching Joseph Campbell’s video The Hero’s Journey  last night. Who knows? Who cares! I’m stoked about watching the process come together.

Another thought came to my head last night. For those who struggle with whether they have what it takes to write a novel, this is for you:

If you can dream you can write. Your mind is a wonderful thing. While you sleep it helps you cope with the world by telling you stories (dreams). It’s just a matter of tapping into that wonderful six inches between your ears and converting your thoughts to a keyboard.

If you don’t believe me, Google the history of the book Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louise Stevenson.

Today my goal is to complete another 1800 words. When I reach that goal my word count will be 14668 words. By the time you read this on Monday, I’ll be well over 16,000 words into NaNoWriMo and over one quarter of the way to completion.

Write On!

KgS

Are you involved with NaNoWriMo this month? If so, check in and let us know how you’re doing!

KeithShafer

Tagged with: NaNoWriMo • Toggl

Filed under: NaNoWriMo

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