Was it because last year’s story had been circling round in
my brain for many years and this year’s story had only been there a few months?
Was it because I planned less?
Was it because the story is not as good?
Was it because I am a better writer now and writing without
editing as you go feels strange?
I think it is probably a little of all of these. This year
definitely felt like running through treacle at points and I had to force
myself to sit down and write. Last year I couldn’t wait to write and would pick
up my laptop at every opportunity to get on with my story.
I thought I must be miles behind this year even though my
word count was above average but when I checked last year’s daily word count it
was almost identical to this year’s.
To all of you that have started NaNo this year I take my hat
off to you. Every word written is one that probably wouldn’t have existed
without NaNo. The support on facebook and through the NaNo site is amazing and
the write ins sound great even though I have yet to pluck up the courage and
attend one.
The next step is to edit. I am still editing last year’s
novel but this time I won’t leave it so long. As soon as 2012’s NaNo is ready
to go out into the world to find a publisher I am starting editing 2013’s NaNo.
I think it will need a lot more work but who knows, once I read it in the cold
light of day there may be more to it that meets the eye at the moment.
Am I glad it’s over? Yes. Now I can get on with the writing
I do the rest of the year.
Am I glad I did it? Yes. Even if only half the words I have
written are usable I am well on my way to my second novel being completed.
Would I do it again? You betcha, Putting myself through this
pain and agony each year shows me what is needed to turn writing into a career
and not just a hobby.
So for now it’s goodbye but watch out. I’ll be back.
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