I have decided to attempt NaNoWriMo this year. And since I
joined this week, I’ve only had a few
days of #NaNoPrep!
I signed up for NaNoWriMo in 2011, and I was all set with a
full chapter outline for my novel. I was very gung ho on Day 1, but that November ended up being a terrible month for us. We
faced so much loss and grief in one month—and I don’t really care to go back to
that month, but let’s just say, by December, I was broken-hearted:
Failed
#NaNoWriMo
terribly. November ended up being a month of death, loss, tragedy,and sadness.
Now, to pick up and keep writing...
— Laura C. Brandenburg
(@Grace2Write) December
7, 2011
The bitter taste that first experience left in my mouth had
nothing to do with NaNoWriMo, but I’ve stayed away from any other attempts
since 2011.
About a week ago I read Laurie Tomlinson’s post about NaNoWriMo, and I
felt inspired to try it again. I only wrote maybe 15,000 words during my 2011
attempt, rather than 50,000 words, but those 15,000 words were the start of Restless Heart, a novel I just sent to
an agent-hopeful.
15,000 is not 50,000—and, to be honest, I probably re-wrote
most of what I created that month, BUT 15,000 is better than zero.
As I’m waiting to hear back on Book 1, I don’t want to just
sit on my hands for the rest of this year. It’s time to jump on Book 2.
The series is set in Baird, Texas--a beloved town close to my heart. I’ve
only done a little planning for the second book but here’s a first draft of the hook:
Justin and Kaylee's comfortable marriage faces unexpected turmoil when, after thirteen years of marriage, the high school sweethearts suddenly aren't on the same page anymore. With three small hearts at stake, Justin knows their marriage is worth fighting for, but can he convince Kaylee to stay?
Friends, are any of you attempting #NaNoWriMo this year? Let’s
support each other in our endeavors! [Tweet this.]
Find me on the NaNoWriMo site as laura.c.brandenburg. I'm going to need some Writing Buddies! :)