I succeeded with my novel goal! 50,201 words by November 30th. I wrote what I call a shaggy first draft. There are a few more scenes that I want to write. I printed it up and am reading through it, making notes for the second draft. I have no idea what will come of this project, but I’ve gotten a lot from doing it. I used NaNoWriMo some years back to draft a story of when I lived in Portugal.
This time, I had an experience in France that begged to be written. I did it, and I feel a shift in my creative agenda. I feel less focused on where a project will go. I am more in love with the feeling of engagement I get when I am working on a creative project. Even if it’s just for me, I get enormous joy from it.
One of the benefits for me of focusing on a project is I get to learn. I used two books to help me with this project.
Story Genius by Lisa Cron gave me a lot of insight into what makes a character compelling. Lisa wrote Wired for Story, so she uses neuroscience to help us understand what makes a story stick. She busted many myths about writing, including some that I teach others! I am always open to new perspectives, and I appreciated feeling like a student again.
Novelist as Vocation by Haruki Murakami was on a table in Foyle’s Books in London. It came with a free notebook, so of course I was drawn to it like a mouse to cheese. I’d read his book of essays about running and love his essay style. Reading this book was like having a wise mentor at my side.
What books have helped you write or create? Share your faves below.
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