50,000 Words...Success, Sort of.

November 23, 2011

Ahh, the sweet smell of success, I have 50,000 words with 9 days to go. Life is good. The number one goal, first and foremost, for NaNo is to write. The second goal is to write 50,000 words. The third goal, at least for me, is to actually complete my novel. Last weekend, I wrote out the ending of my novel. Then a few days later, I reached the pinnacle that is 50,000 words. After I settled down from my Snoopy Dance of Joy, I realized that my novel was not complete. So, I changed my goal this year to getting all the major plot points of my novel written out. With Thanksgiving coming up, I am not sure it is achievable, but that is really the point of NaNo, challenging yourself to do things you thought were impossible. 

I found two things that helped me to achieve 50,000 words: Write-ins at the library (check the schedule for the write-in nearest you), and a book called The Writer's digest Sourcebook for Building Believable Characters. I had a hard time finding words to describe my characters, and this book was invaluable resource for those descriptions. Instead of a character who was extroverted, I had a character who was loquacious and uninhibited.

If you have hit 50,000 words, congratulations! Keep writing until your novel is complete. If you haven’t hit 50,000 words, keep writing, and way to go! The fact that you are writing at all is an accomplishment. 

Jennifer B.
North Oak Branch