I’m participating in my first NaNoWriMo officially! (You can find me here.) I really liked the format of the WIP Marathon I participated in during August, so I decided to check in every Friday with my thoughts on the week’s work by answering the same questions I did then.
Initial Wordcount + ChapterCount: 150 words (I just jotted down the opening couple of lines that popped into my head when I first came up with the idea a few months ago).
Current WC + CC: 15,075 and 4 1/2 chapters
WIP Issues this week: I haven’t quite fallen in love with the work yet, but I don’t dislike it much, either. (I haven’t stared at a blank page for overly long, which is nice!) This is my first stab at contemporary with nothing supernatural (I tried a YA contemporary suspense last year but that included mutations; I think that’s where it went wrong, actually, and if I ever figure out how to fix it, I’ll probably take out the fantasy part.) It’s my first NA, too. Mostly I’m attracted to the genre because I want to write about a new adult facing issues that aren’t that prevalent when still in high school, but I’m not sure I’ll be able to pull off anything but “sightly older YA.”
Also, this is my first time writing in present tense, and more than once I’ve accidentally switched to past. (But I fixed it really quick.)
What I learned this week in writing: Even when I do have the “pressure” of a deadline (well, what’s going to happen if I don’t get to 50,000 words this month? Nothing, really!) I can forge ahead and write. In fact, I think I do better with a little structure and a clear goal. I haven’t had many low count word days like I had with a few past manuscripts, so something’s working!
What distracted me this week while writing: Work, finishing Ace Attorney Dual Destinies (I’ve been waiting for a new AA game for YEARS), and reading.
Last 200 words: spoilers/removed
How’s it going for all of you so far? (Whether you’re participating officially or doing your own thing!)
Amy McNulty 
Wow! You rocked this week. I mean, I’ve been watching your word count progress bar everyday and going “wow”.
And nice excerpt…now I’m wondering what’s with the ankle.
Thanks! ^^ I feel more in awe of some of my NaNo buddies who’ve finished this week already or are close! But this is a pretty good, steady pace for me. Good luck with yours–I know you’ll have more time next month! I’ll join the Marathon to edit at least, and maybe to write another one, too!
Heh heh. It’s loosely inspired by three classic literature books, so I can say it’s based on the Rochester/Jane meeting scene in which he sprained his ankle falling off a horse. Only it’s a bike here, and this is the first time she’s seen him since then!