I find my first day or two is really about finding the character voice. I think I have that now, and while I'm pretty sure the first chapter I've written isn't great, I'll press on. I can revise later, once I've seen how the next few chapters pan out, where they go, if I can stick to my outline.
I've set myself realistic word count goals: 1500 words per day, 5 days a week. But I'm not going to beat myself up if I don't get there. I already know I won't get anything much done over the weekend, so I'm not too stressed about it. I know some days will be easier than others, and some days I'll sit down and nothing much will come.
Oh, the joys of experience. I'm struggling a little with knowing this is my 7th novel. 7th! That's a lot of words... So, onwards I go. I'll post weekly progress updates because I like feeling that I'm accountable. So, if next Friday I admit I'm still sitting on 3K, beat me up, okay?
How do you feel about starting new projects? Does it scare you? Excite?
The blank page is a daunting thing, but I love the excitement and feverish writing of something new. Unfortunately, this means I am rubbish at editing because I just want to create new things. This is why you have 6 novels already and I have none!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with number 7!
I love starting new projects. Writing the rough draft is my favorite part of the writing process. Good luck with number 7!
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely hard because I want to get everything right this time and avoid past mistakes. But the more I'm getting into my new project, the more I realize those mistakes are necessary for me to learn my characters, setting, etc. and make sure the story is what it's meant to be. :) Happy writing!
ReplyDeleteThis is where I am right now. Nervously trying to put everything together in my brain so I can start writing and finding my character's voice.
ReplyDeleteI'm the same way, getting started is the worse. Once I get going though it's hard to stop me. I know its geeky but I like to use an excel spreadsheet to track how many words I write every day. Seeing that running total climb is motivating!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your new novel!
ReplyDeleteI'm a fellow ABNA particpant and wanted to say good luck!
Thanks everyone! I like the first draft best too, but there is definitely something to be said for having one and just rewriting to make it work better....
ReplyDelete