10k words in one weekend? a november novel writing vlog ?✨
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Introduction
As November rolls in, so does the excitement and chaos of creative writing, particularly for those participating in NaNoWriMo—or in my case, a personal writing challenge that aligns with its spirit but avoids some organizational issues. Here’s a glimpse into my journey of attempting to write 10,000 words across one weekend, driven by personal motivations and the narratives that have enveloped my life recently.
Day One: Setting Goals and Getting Started
On November 2nd, I managed to churn out 1,980 words in about 40 minutes—an achievement left me feeling pretty good. With the ambition to write 10,000 words by the end of the weekend, I aimed to reach at least 5,000 words today. Being a day ahead feels wonderful, especially knowing I might need to take breaks in the upcoming weeks due to the complexities in my life compared to past years.
Though dealing with active grief, my writing project becomes a form of catharsis as I explore these deep emotions. My job writing about death is somewhat ironically supportive during this time, allowing me to process my feelings while earning a living from them.
By evening, I had penned approximately 3,000 words. After taking breaks for meetings, meals, and stretching, the writing process felt enjoyable. I spent time refining my outline, trying a narrative structure inspired by “Save the Cat,” which helped clarify the direction I want my project to take.
I began to delve into my main character's grief following the death of a partner. The story's premise intriguingly revolves around exploring how people interact with AI recreated versions of their loved ones. It poses valid questions about love, grief, and emotional attachment, transforming how I initially viewed the storyline.
Towards the night, I ended my writing spree with a newsletter draft for my Substack titled "Little Death," focused on grief, death, and personal narratives intertwining with life’s little deaths.
Day Two: Finding Balance
The next day, despite my aim to hit 10K, things didn't go as planned. I started at about 4,000 words by midday and constantly battled through distractions and physical discomfort—my shoulder and back were aching. The optimistic goal became murky with an impending trip to Costco and a foam roller hunt to relieve tension.
By evening, I managed to press through writing in short spurts while balancing home chores and preparing for my friend's arrival for crafting. This rhythm of productivity amidst chaos felt satisfying.
Ultimately, I hit 5,742 words, which while not my ideal goal, was still respectable. As I reflected on the day, indulging in knitting and taking care of my body felt imperative, reminding me of the importance of self-care in the creative process.
Reflections on Writing as a Practice
Throughout this process, I've rediscovered the pleasure of writing as a craft. Instead of seeing it merely as a job, engaging in the act of writing for personal fulfillment reignites the fun factor. Productivity doesn’t always equate to output; sometimes, the experience is about connection with the narrative and understanding oneself. It’s interesting to see how my craft evolves alongside my personal experiences and challenges.
Keywords
- NaNoWriMo
- Writing Challenge
- Grief
- AI Relationships
- Catharsis
- Self-Care
- Character Development
- Creative Process
FAQ
Q: What is NaNoWriMo?
A: NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month, a challenge where writers aim to produce a 50,000-word novel in November.
Q: How do you manage writing with a busy schedule?
A: Breaking writing sessions into shorter time blocks, like 20-minute increments, can help maintain focus without overwhelming yourself. Incorporating breaks for self-care is also essential.
Q: What topics does your writing center around?
A: My writing often explores themes of grief, death, love, and the emotional complexities surrounding relationships—particularly in relation to AI manifestations of the deceased.
Q: Do you have any tips for staying motivated while writing?
A: Celebrate small victories, stay connected to your passion for writing, and don’t be afraid to embrace discomfort in the process. Engaging with communities of writers can also help maintain motivation.