What I'm (tentatively) thinking for MyNoWri"Mo":

[capri0mni]

One: Right now, I'm aiming for a 6-week challenge: From January 2 to February 13: The dullest of doldrums times in my particular culture. Also, I've heard that it takes six weeks of steady practice to get a habit rooted.

Two: Word count be damned. Instead, I'm thinking along the lines of "A Plot Chain Unit A Day": Situation -> Disruption -> Reaction -> Consequence. Start the next day with New Situation. That might be covered in 300 words, or it might take 1,000. If you don't have all the words in your brain (or time in your day), jot down the synopsis. As with NaNoWriMo, if you're on a roll, you can always write more.

Three: (Because, I, personally, need to be be connected to other people, as well as a schedule, to keep on track) Schedule in periodic breather days (every 3 days? once a week?) for getting feedback on knotty plot units, with a willing partner(s). That partner might also be writing (in which case, you'd trade) but they don't have to be -- they could just be your "sounding board." Breather Days could also be used for going back and filling in synopses, if need be.

(NaNoWriMo's culture of "Never look back, never pause, just throw as many words on the page as you can, regardless of what those words mean," is ultimately what always led to my mental and emotional burnout by the end of November)

There is no fixed word count for success. The point is to finish a satisfying story.

Whatcha think?

Comments

[soc_puppet]

Honestly, that sounds both reasonable and approachable; I also really like the built-in breaks. Very important to get some rest in!

Have you considered boosting this idea on copperbadge's Radio Free Monday?

[capri0mni]

No, I had not (did not know that was a thing). Thanks for the heads-up!

[soc_puppet]

Sure thing! I've used RFM to advertise a good number of things in the past, including a few of my communities. How much it helped I couldn't say, but he's got a wide audience, so it could reach a good number of people.

Good to know...

[capri0mni]

I may wait until my thoughts are a little less on the (Tentative) side though (I'm still thinking through the writing buddy & feedback aspect).

Re: Good to know...

[soc_puppet]

Oh, absolutely; I figured you'd be doing that anyway, so I didn't bother to suggest it 😉 Unless you're actively soliciting suggestions, it's better to have your ducks in a row before advertising a new event/community/what-have-you. And you've got plenty of time to nail things down, as well!

Re: Good to know...

[capri0mni]

I may do another poll, to ask about the feedback buddy system, re: how would participants group up, how many people should be in each feedback group, and how long should we give each other to give responses, etc.

[redsixwing]

This sounds like a really fun challenge. :)

[capri0mni]

Thanks!

I like the idea of writing with the buddy system -- Not two people collaborating on a single story (necessarily), but knowing that you have someone to go to for feedback.

My mom was that person for me before she died, and then it was my dad.

from out of the mists, a new reader emerges

[callibr8]

At the end of this post, you asked readers what they think. I think that your suggested revisions to the NaNoWriMo boilerplate are sensible and well-reasoned.

FYI, I'm new to reading your blog. I've seen your comments on stories from dialecticdreamer and siliconshaman, and since I'm always looking for good new reads, I came over here to explore. So far I like what I see, especially the "5 things" and the sticky.

Re: from out of the mists, a new reader emerges

[capri0mni]

Yay! Thanks. And welcome.

My store of spoons has been shrinking lately; I've been spending more time over on Tumblr. But I hope to keep coming back here.