I’m not “really” doing NaNo this year, since what I’ll actually be doing is tackling 3 books in ready to finish stage and finishing them. It’ll meet the word count requirement but not a new or single project, so thus not “official”. I’ll still be using the mindset to get things done, because I’d really like to start off 2011 with a bunch of books crossed off my To Do list.
However, those books are a difficult place to start, so I’m doing a warmup. I’m writing a novelette because I want to, and I dragged some friends into it with me. We’ll be putting out a combined effort in the not too distant future, but I thought I’d talk about why this makes a good warmup and how to get started.
First, it’s not contracted, so there are no expectations and no pressure. It’s not going to be subbed anywhere, either, so again. I’m free to do whatever I want. Knowing that nobody will be looking over my shoulder, judging whether or not I fulfilled requirements, makes it a safe project for creative risks. And creative risks are what make projects succeed, so it’s good to make a safe space for that. It’s really what NaNo is all about, that freedom to create and not judge. Finally, it’s short so it can be finished quickly to help me build momentum for finishing bigger projects.
The story has a theme and a setting, and today I’m working on the action/character checklist. I swiped this from Absolute Write and it’s a very handy list of things to consider before you start a project, even if you don’t have answers to all the questions.
1. Protagonist’s overall story goal:
2. What stands in his/her way of achieving this goal:
3. What does he/she stand to lose, if not successful:
4. Flaw or greatest fault:
5. Greatest strength:
6. Hates:
7. Loves:
8. Fear:
9. Secret:
10. Dream:
If you follow the Absolute Write link, you’ll see that depending on which answers come easier, you are action or character oriented. Knowing that can help you work to your strengths.
Next, I listened to music that helps me get into the right mindset for the story. My soundtrack is made up of Pink and Taylor Swift. Music works for some people, doesn’t for others. Experiment and see what works for you. Maybe visuals, images of your setting or people who resemble your characters. Whatever helps you get your brain into the story, use it.
You don’t have to write a shorter project to warm up for NaNo, but it’s not too early to start doing the writer equivalent of stretches, limbering up your writing muscles for November!
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