NaNo just didn't work out for me this year. My writing buddy Robin, who is a brilliant child shrink and has the most hilarious blog on the web, had to poop out, because NaNoing made her nutsy, and I can't blame her because I was headed that way myself. I got way behind on my own NaNoing thanks to the killer sinus infection I got this week, and due to, well, life. So much for RoPoing. This week is completely shot for me. On Wednesday I even missed a professional workshop for therapists that I was really looking forward to. Instead, I've been on my back since Tuesday night. However, my writing friend Leah and I will be checking in with each other regularly this month to share our progress and gain support from each other in any way we may need. So we're not NaNoing, we're PoLeing instead.
A couple of weeks ago I received some very helpful feedback from a top-notch agent who graciously took the time to read my book. Although he declined to represent me, his feedback is invaluable, and I plan to edit my manuscript with his suggestions in mind. Meanwhile, an incredibly generous published-several-times memoir and fiction author asked to read my book, and she is making some editorial comments which will help me make it even better. Therefore, my self-assigned PoLe task this month is to incorporate their ideas into my book before I continue querying more agents for representation. I am thrilled to have their feedback, and focusing on this right now will serve me better in the long run than working on an entirely different project.
Are you NaNoing and if so, how's it going? Are you the kind of writer who can work on a regular schedule, or does trying to do so make you crazy? I'd love to hear all about it.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
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7 comments:
Well, you already know the answer to that question - I can't write on a regular to save my miserable life.
Sorry I wimped out. Also sorry you feel sick. While I'm at it, sorry to the McCain supporter, who are dumb, but dumb people have feelings, too. I'm sorry to my dog Tiger, whose foot I accidentally stepped on today. I'm sorry to my patient's mom, because I was playing with my new blackberry and I couldn't get out of "navigation" and it kept saying "proceed to Schillington Rd" as she was trying to talk.
Oh dear, you're having some kind of a sorry day there. And I even left you a message saying I was sorry because I pooped out on your book table in the mall this past Saturday.
I don't know if I'd succeed with the NaNo anyway. I tend to go on writing spurts when I produce voluninous tomes, and then I take a break for a week or two. It'll be interesting to see how I do in the PoLe this month. If you decide to join us that would be fine - it's all relaxed and good here in PoLeLand.
Hello Polly,
I'm almost caught up to being only one day behind! I'm having so much fun with this. I've written a few short children's stories but this is my very first book-length fiction.
So far I've been at it every day since Sunday.
PoLe is good.
Yay, PoLe! I'll rejoin. My word count will be sparse, though. Be prepared.
Yippeeee! I just love a happy ending!
No pressure about word counts, pages or anything else. Just have fun and check in every couple of days. Leah and Robin, I'll make sure you each have the other's email addy. Then we can check-in as a threesome, so to speak.
I love this - thanks pals!
Feedback is priceless and hard to come by. You are lucky to have gotten it. I hope it helps you.
I agree Elizabeth. I'm not one of those people whose feelings get hurt by faadback. It's business, nothing personal. I look at it all as opportunities for improvement, and I am very thankful for it, especially by experiences writers and agents. Thanks for visiting!
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