Things I've Learned So Far in NaNoWriMo 09

After completing my biggest daily word count yet for Nanowrimo, I took a moment to think about the first 15 days. Here are the lessons those days taught me:

- An outline can be your best friend. It not only keeps you focused, but it gives you idea after idea.

- I am now comfortable enough with my word count (I have a word cushion, I'll say that much) to focus on quality a little more.

-I am organizing my time better. I have a set window of time that I use for writing, and I have found time to put a few more things in. So yes, Nanowrimo has given me more time.

- I was secretly caught up for a second in competing with others and their word counts. I've let that go; competing with myself is torture enough!

- Even on the bad days, it feels good to get something down. If you get a lot down, well, you just turned the bad day into a good one.

- My characters have matured in this story from the first one. I am very happy to see that transformation from self-preservation to willingness to sacrifice.

- I honestly didn't think you could cheat at Nanowrimo, until I discovered that some appear to have started writing their stories early, or were using two different stories to up their word count. Come on, people, really? You're only cheating yourself.

- My characters also learn in Tainted Blood that so-called allies can turn on you, but friends never will.

- Nanowrimo is, in Beyonce's words, either a "sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare." Or maybe it is both. In any case, I have every intention of seeing it through. As I did the first 15 days, I will sit back and let William and Thomas guide me to the next phase of their amazing adventure.

Halfway Point Reflections

I actually had a moment to pause the mad writing frenzy that is Nanowrimo and post a very brief blog. I am now at the halfway point of my word count (over 27,000 words), and I am starting to see how Tainted Blood and Forbidden Children intertwine with each other. Working on the sequel before the first novel is complete is giving me a lot of insight and ideas as to how to proceed with editing Forbidden Children.

I am also amazed at how much my characters are growing. It makes me excited for book three (whatever that will be named), which is nothing more than a glorified single plot bunny right now. But the first two books are shaping up to be my bundles of joy. There was a point over the weekend when I nearly cried while writing a poignant scene involving the twins. I am that emotionally invested in this story and the characters.

And I love it.

To my fellow Nanowrimo writers: We're almost at the halfway point! Keep writing!