Camp NaNoWriMo

 

Photo copyright National Novel Writing Month, Camp NaNoWriMo

 

In a couple days I am embarking on a new writing journey. 

A couple months ago I was introduced to the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) website.  Here I learned that every November thousand of writers take on the challenge of writing 50,000 words in one month in an attempt to write a full novel.  The object is not to write quality but quantity to help those who have issues with starting their novel but not finish it, like me, actually finish a first draft.  Freeing themselves from the back and forth of editing, writing, editing, writing.

Camp NaNoWriMo

To take it one step further, NaNoWriMo has put together a summer program dubbed Camp NaNoWriMo to give those who can't wait for November a chance to do it again.  31 days, 50,000 words or more.

So in a few days, on July 1st, I will take my first step at finally starting and finishing the first draft of my first novel that I have been wanting to write for several years now.

Each "camper" is assigned to a "cabin" that has about 6-7 other campers in it.  Here you will find a community of other writers that will be there to help support and encourage you as they too attempt to meet their own goals that month.  It is nice to know that I will have that support from other people who are attempting to do what I am doing.

You can also get into the spirit of the camp by purchasing a t-shirt, survival package (rustic stick pen, pad of paper, badges, postcards) and even an old fashion looking campers coffee mug.  Each item a great imagination sparker.


How I'm Preparing

To prepare for this journey, I have spent weeks working on an outline for the first book in a trilogy that will guide me through my novel.  It is the first time that I have had a completed, very in depth outline to follow and I am excited about my storyline being put together so I don't feel so lost and I can stay focused.  I love to plan and get things prepared, though I have no problem doing the unexpected, and I am hoping that this will help me succeed in this adventure.

This should be an epic journey and one that will be wrought with complications and distractions but I hope I can still push myself to get through this.  There is no real reward for doing this other than a self pat on the back.  You do get recognized as a winner, one who met their goal, and that in itself is a great accomplishment, especially for those who have never gotten to the words "The End."

What will I do after this?

After I have completed this journey I plan to prepare my outline for book 2 of this series, prepping for November, and work on editing and putting together a final draft of my first book.  My hope is to be able to publish my first book within the next 6 months to a year on Nook and Amazon but we never know what the future will hold now do we? 

Wish me luck :-)  I will update throughout the process.

Who here has been involved in NaNoWriMo and how was your experience?  Leave a comment below.