NaNoWriMo!
November is National Novel Writing Month. Since I’ve been working on my novel since January, it would be a bit dishonest of me to jump in now, seeing as how I already have 37K words written. However! I’m going to try and finish the first draft this month, in solidarity with my novel writing brothers and sisters.
So far, I’ve received very positive feedback and encouragement regarding my finished novel, The Machine of the World. The only real criticism I’ve heard so far is that it many people thought there would be illustrations. Well, there are, they just aren’t finished yet. Finishing them will be my winter project, once the first draft of the new novel is done. Then I’ll post a new version of Machine with illustrations (and typos corrected!)
As for the current novel project, I’ll have periodic updates throughout the month. I encourage all Wrimos to likewise keep us informed in comments as to their progress.
Man your typewriters!*
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* And by typewriters, I of course mean open source word processing software, such as Open Office, or NeoOffice for those, like me who write on Macs and don’t want to sully our electronic words by having them mediated by Bill Gates’ crappy software. Does anyone use a typewriter anymore? I know there’s a quaint bit of mythologizing about how Real Writers only use analog mechanical typewriters, despite the fact that none have been manufactured for about twenty five years. That would drive me mad, though, given how much revising I do on the fly. That and I’d spend all my free time scouring second hand shops for ribbons and correcting fluid.
November 3rd, 2007 at 7:08 pm
Hello, Keith.
Feel free to join my small group of writers:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thewaywewrite/
I am in the middle of rewriting a book, but decided to launch a work-at-night book in addition to the rewrite. So, I’m participating in the NaNoWriMo to push things along. Rewrite the old book in the morning, new-write in the evening. Hell, what’s the harm? Eye twitch? Heart palpitations?
I use a manual typewriter (Olympia SG1) for most of my composition, but have been using the Neo, by Alphasmart. Manual typewriters are still being manufactured, although not in the US. The quality of the newly-made machines is inferior to most machines made before the 1970s.
There is one very liberating aspect to composing a first draft on a manual typewriter, a certain forward motion. I find I am less likely to sit on a line, less likely to rework the line until my story has lost its momentum.
I’ve got around 35 manual typewriters (my search for the perfect machine). If you ever want to give one a try, let me know. I can’t point you in the right direction.
I enjoyed finding your blog.
Steve Brannon
November 4th, 2007 at 10:36 am
Well, there I go, opening my big mouth again!
I have been curious about experimenting with typewritten composition so I just may drop you a line.