Seriously, I have no idea why you’re even listening to this today. You should be writing.
Ahead or behind, this is your last day to participate in this year’s NaNoWriMo. So, two last pieces of advice.
#1. Don’t submit this first draft anyplace. Seriously, ANY PLACE. Take some time, then re-write the heck out of it, polish it as much as you know how… THEN submit it. Seriously. That’s what I’m going to do.
Your focus determines your reality. And what a storyteller does may have more impact than I had previously imagined.
The TEDx talk I mention here is at Doc Taylor’s website: http://doctravis.com.
Maybe it’s the combination of reading a LOT of Michael Moorcock’s views, but coupled with this talk, my mind was a bit blown last night.
Moorcock says “The medium is, to an important extent, the message, so if you’re trying to change the message you are sometimes forced to change the medium.” Breitbart (yeah, THAT Breitbart) says Hollywood is more important than Washington. And now this whole brain / quantum computer / entanglement stuff… it’s a lot to noodle.
Four days remain. By the end of today, you should be 45,009 words in to your new book.
As I said last time, I am just an amateur. Yes, I’m the ML for my area, but it’s not like that imbues me with special writer-advice powers. Yes, I’m five for five in NaNoWriMo books, but that doesn’t make me an expert or anything.
Day 26. You should be 43,342 words in to your new book. But if you’re not, do not despair. I’ve been reading my brand new copy of “Michael Moorcock: Death is No Obstacle” – a series of interviews between him and Colin Greenland (seriously, I am SO STOKED to have this you have no idea).
Anyway, in chapter one, Moorcock says that back in the day, he would write about 15,000 words in a day. So… yeah. He would pop one of these things out in a week or less. Had the thing down to a science – a science to which he added plentiful art. But that’s Moorcock.
No editing. Time to turn off the social media, put your head down, and push. PUSH! PUSH! But you can also switch some things up. Try to end things not on a cliche – turn it around a little. It’ll freak the characters out. Heh.
Yes, writers are evil.
Go Write!
Yes, I am posting this before I post episode 21.
Figuring out why you are writing this book can be an important motivational tactic. What is it you’re trying to say? What is the impact you want to have on the world through this book? Take some time today and free-write that out.
And then, when you’re down, low, not feeling motivation, you take that paper out and remind yourself what it is that you’re trying to accomplish.
Go do good work.
Thou Shalt Not Wait For The Muse!
Complicate! Add Obstacles!
Sometimes You Have To Roll The Dice! (maybe literally
Shake things up (Chronologically!)
And if all else fails, steal.
Many thanks to Richard “mainframe” Green of the Geek Out with Mainframe podcast for today’s episode!
Go Write!
You may be at a dangerous place at this point. A place of doubt and frustration. This is a dangerous time for you. A time when you may be tempted… by the dark side.
That is, you may be tempted to stop. Don’t do that.
Take some time and decide (because You Are The Writer, and You Are In Charge Of This Book!) what the coolest, most interesting thing that could happen in the next 5-6k words might be. Make a list. Ten things.
And here’s the latest greatest. Possibly missing its album art. BUT featuring the velvety tones of Miss Laura Nicole.
Who is awesome.
Go listen. Then Go Write.
What I did today instead of writing.
Took a nap.
Job interview over the phone.
Read.
Played a video game. (Torchlight 2, if you must know).
Took a look at my favorite author blogs – like Terribleminds (SALTY LANGUAGE AHOY!!), Storyfix, Holly Lisle, Dean Wesley Smith and Kristine Katherine Rusch. Also, one I didn’t mention but that I love is Sarah Hoyt’s.
Still, if you’re not ahead, I’ve got a suggestion for you.
Go write.
