I Stopped Writing Poetry in High School (and Have Decided to Write a Novel in 30 Days)

by supertwigs | Feb 12, 2011 | Books, Creativity, Goals, Writing | 1 comment

I recently decided to try reading, No Plot? No Problem, by Chris Baty.  It is an intense introduction to writing a novel.  Precisely, writing a novel in 30 days!  No problem, right?

I procrastinated for months, thinking I’d like to start when the time was right.  And finally decided on the month of February.

The idea is this:  you have no idea how to start writing a novel, you really want to write a novel, but you’re stuck, and you procrastinate.  That sound familiar?  Well, it is to me.

I’ve always wanted to write, and I’ve always enjoyed writing.  Whether it be high school poetry (some of my best writing, obviously), university papers (I actually did enjoy writing these, usually), or press releases and reports for work, I find the writing process enjoyable.  But since I stopped writing poetry in high school, and embarked on a long post-secondary career, followed by a professional one, I have never taken the opportunity to do much creative writing.

I always figured I’d be a writer.  Dreamed of it.  Wanted to write children’s books.  Or novels. And so here I am.  Since Musings is all about me accomplishing my dreams, I figured I’d start off with a bang.  Tackle one of the hardest ones.

So, No Plot? No Problem. The idea is you devote one month to writing a novel.  Choose a month, and focus on it, hammering out 1600 words/day, and ending with a 50,000 novel.  Not a good one – but a finished one.  Or at least a finished draft.  If you want to join in, by the way, NaNoWrMo (National Novel Writing Month) is in November.  The book is full of great ideas, and great humour, and may possibly even get you through the process.

I started writing my speed novel on Feb. 3rd (already behind schedule), and I have only written 2500 words.  So, you see I am already behind.  I started with no idea what to write about.  Tried one idea, hated it, and am now working through another.  It’s about a single mother who has just lost her husband.  When I told my husband what it was about, he said,

“creepy.”

It’s taken me awhile to get my confidence up again.  Doesn’t take much when you’ve been procrastinating for months, okay, years.

Tonight, I have been interrupted while writing this at least 5 times by my wakeful 3 year-old who refuses to stay asleep.

While writing this, note, not my novel.  Ahem.

Anyways, while writing this I did just realize one thing.  I haven’t given up (just had to edit out the word, yet, here).  No, I haven’t given up.  So.  Excuse me while I follow my passion.

P.S. I credit the idea of reading this book to Gretchen Ruben and The Happiness Project (another worthy read).  So, now, at least I have someone to blame when – if – as if! – I fail.