So we’re well into November now, and the joy that is NaNoWriMo has begun. If you tuned in late, this is when we try to write a novel in 30 days or less – the novel has to have at least 50 000 words, so that means that you are working at an average of 1667 words per day, every day. Now, to some people that’s a pretty daunting prospect. For others, though, it’s not such a big deal. Let me give you an example – I’ve been looking on the forums, and there are people who already have written more than 30 000 words. I’m like, don’t these people have jobs? Or anything else in their lives? That might be a little bit unfair, but I’ve got no idea how they managed to write so much so quickly. I thought I had got off to a bit of a flying start, and I’m barely at 10 000.
I’ve also tried to sign up a few more people to the whole NaNoWriMo thing. Last year, I got a few highly talented year 11s involved, and one or two of them managed to win, the rest falling by the wayside as their creative vision failed, but I think it was a valuable experience for all the students involved, regardless of that. I wondered if it was fair to sign up so many young students to it, but then I got to thinking that, if they’re good enough, then they’re old enough. And for NaNoWriMo, it’s not really about finishing – it’s about competing. At least, that’s the way I look at it. This year, I’ve got a much more mixed bag – some very talented writers, and some students who want to be talented writers. It should be interesting. I’ve also invested a little more time in prepping them: also, I brought in some supplies or ‘noveling fuel’ in the form of donuts.
And what’s my story about this year? Well, the challenge I laid down for my brother and myself was to write a book that we would actually read – not some high end literature, but something we’d enjoy. We agreed we’d write some kind of Science Fiction. So I’m writing some kind of sci-fi trash about a penal legion and capitalism. It’s name: Cleansed in Blood.