November challenge.

Or NaNoWriMo as they call it. Although I've not done it officially, this is the second year I've challenged myself to write 50,000 words of a new book in a month. And I did it. In fact I've written, to date 60,roomintheroofwriters638 words. Impressive or what? Well it might be, or on the other hand it might not. I have, after all, no idea whether the 60,000 words so far are any good. What I do know, however, is that I am loving this way of working.

Every day I set myself a reasonable challenge. Some days I can do 3000 words other only 1000 will be possible. It depends on what else is happening that day. Until I've done my quota there is no checking my e mail, going on Facebook, or Tweeting. Oddly enough not only do I not miss this but I've also come to see how much of my time I was frittering away answering the odd e mail, or following an interesting link. There is time set aside for this, but it happens later in the day.

When I write, I don't edit, I don't think. All I am concerned with is moving the story forward. And developing character. For me this has been one of the most interesting outcomes of this freer way of working. When I began I had a plot, and characters, but my male lead was vague, undefined. I couldn't quite get a handle on exactly who he was. As I wrote however Lanyon came to life. I could see and hear him.

The same thing happened with the narrative. Whereas before I had everything planned to the last detail, this time I'm letting the story go where it will and it is leading me into some unexpected and exciting places.

What will happen with the first edit  I don't know. I don't know how much of the book will remain. The main characters will be there and the problems they face and need to resolve.

For me this is a completely new way of writing. It feels more creative and liberating. It's also faster. Whether the agony will come when the editing process sets in I don't know. What I do know is that this is how I'm going to work in future.

First draft in a month, first edit in another month.

Who knows what I will achieve.