I’ve decided to quit NaNoWriMo this year. I could probably persevere and hit the required word count; I got up to the halfway mark earlier this week. But I’ll be perfectly honest; I’m not enjoying it. I went out on a limb and started writing a fantasy without planning too much, because I’ve always been a seat-of-the-pants writer. As it turns out, not so much these days. I’m not having fun, and I could probably use my time more wisely than sitting here writing a story I’m no longer invested in. I’m finding it more stressful than anything else, and I don’t need voluntary stress.
So, I’ve changed my plans, and I’m going to try using the rest of the time I would have spent writing this month on planning a new novel. I need to figure out what’s going to happen to these people, or at least a little bit more about who they are, and mostly how they’re going to end up. And I just can’t write that many words a day. I give A LOT of credit to those who can – but it’s just not in me this time. So, here’s hoping for next year, and for a new project.
In reading news, as you can imagine, there hasn’t been very much going on. This week I managed to finish Praetorian by Simon Scarrow, and I’ll be posting a review for that tomorrow. I also just read A Moveable Feast this weekend; I’ve been meaning to read Hemingway’s own account of his early life in Paris ever since I finished The Paris Wife, and it promised to be as rewarding as I thought it might. I’ll be trying to review that one, too. And in future news, I squeezed in Trouble at the Wedding by Laura Lee Guhrke for some relaxation – it was just the thing I needed this week, so if you’ve been thinking about pre-ordering, I suggest you do so.
And that’s all the news from me this Sunday evening. This week, I’ll be heading to London for work, and I’m hoping to get some more reading done on the train there and back. This also means I won’t be celebrating American Thanksgiving on Thursday, but I wish a wonderful holiday with family and friends to all who are.
How are you all doing this second to last week in November?
If you’re not enjoying it, giving it up is the best plan. I have problems with high daily word goals as well. I do better with a lower goal but never taking a day off. Ends up with a pretty good number of novels in the end.
JR Tomlin´s last post …Review: Deep in the Valley: A MacLachlainn Saga, Book Two: Niall
Sounds like you made the right choice for yourself Meghan! Good luck planning your new novel.
Amy @ My Friend Amy´s last post …The Sunday Salon–I’m Reading Actual Books Again! And Thoughts on The Tree of Life
Sounds like that was a good decision. No point in writing something you’re not into. I can’t wait to hear what you think of The Shakespeare Thefts.
Jen – Devourer of Books´s last post …Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson – Audiobook Giveaway
I am so excited that you liked The Paris Wife. I definitely want to read it! I think you made a good decision to quit your current novel and focus on a new one.
Stephanie´s last post …Saturday Snapshot
Some people just aren’t speed-writers, and that’s okay! I totally think it’s better to take your time doing something and have it be AWESOME than to race through something and have it turn out just okay.
Anastasia @ Birdbrain(ed) Book Blog´s last post …The Sunday Salon (Nov. 20): Small ways to support other bloggers
Even though it didn’t work out, it sounds like it led you in a good direction.
bermudaonion (Kathy)´s last post …Weekend Cooking: The New Southern Garden Cookbook
I agree–if it’s stressing you out that much, then it isn’t worth it. I’m managing to stay on target with my word count, but I only teach half-time. If it was full time I’d be struggling.
heidenkind´s last post …The Sunday Salon: A Book In Any Other Format
I have pretty much given up on NaNo this year too. Just lost my drive.
I’m sad to hear you’ve got yourself a bit stressed out, if it voluntary stress probably best to quit I would say.
I’ve been stressing a bit because as you know not got much structure in my life at the minute, I’m hoping to remedy that soon
Jessicabookworm´s last post …Treasure Me: New Cover and Paperback Release
Better to be realistic than to force yourself to something that isn’t that fun for you.
Beth F´s last post …Review: The Poison Diaries by Maryrose Wood
I think that if the project was causing you more stress than enjoyment, then it was a good idea to give it up. I always have trouble with trying to get a certain amount of words written in a specific time frame. It feels unnatural to me for some reason. I am glad you are letting go without guilt. I hope that you have a wonderful time in England! What I wouldn’t give to visit over there one day!
zibilee´s last post …The Personal History of Rachel Dupree by Ann Weisgarber — 336 pgs
Good for you for knowing when to call it quits! I hope that the rest of the month is productive in your planning. Have a wonderful trip this weekend!
Trish´s last post …Sunday Salon 51: Books for the Babe
It sounds like quitting was the best decision you could have made – best of luck planning your new novel!
Nymeth´s last post …Westwood by Stella Gibbons