tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220588443545007238.post3976342343914913906..comments2024-01-29T07:10:21.215-05:00Comments on Adventures in Writing: One Woman's Journey: Insecure Writers want to know: Win or not, do you usually finish your NaNo project? Have any of them gone on to be published?Victoria Marie Leeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05294868315757138169noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220588443545007238.post-58109905053486755102017-12-26T16:37:35.985-05:002017-12-26T16:37:35.985-05:00Now you see, that's me too, Raimey. I'm im...Now you see, that's me too, Raimey. I'm impressed at what other writers can do cranking out words, but for me, I seem to consider every word trying to make sure it is exactly what I want to say at that particular time in the story. I believe writing is different for every person. We all have our own methods that work for us.<br /><br />Thanks so much for your note here at Adventures in Writing. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. I wish you all the luck in 2018.Victoria Marie Leeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05294868315757138169noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220588443545007238.post-88318696649246837482017-12-06T04:59:20.240-05:002017-12-06T04:59:20.240-05:00I didn't end up finishing nano this year, but ...I didn't end up finishing nano this year, but last year I did, and it was a struggle. I couldn't believe how quickly others were pumping out pages. Some days I'd write for 12 hours and still only pump out the daily count of 1,667.Raimey Gallanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08021528443693790662noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220588443545007238.post-13628250885442374632017-11-27T12:31:07.797-05:002017-11-27T12:31:07.797-05:00I believe that knowing where you are going in stor...I believe that knowing where you are going in story does not keep the writer from finding surprise within writing out the details. Like you said; this way the writer is never lost in their own story. <br /><br />Thank you so much for your comment here on Adventures in Writing, Crystal. I hope you had a good Thanksgiving! Victoria Marie Leeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05294868315757138169noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220588443545007238.post-58590049941392408262017-11-22T11:33:05.219-05:002017-11-22T11:33:05.219-05:00I don't NaNo either. Personally, I find it eas...I don't NaNo either. Personally, I find it easier to go every day and organically pull a story together. Still, I always go in with a plan. I know the beginning, the end, the characters, several plot points, and most of the story world. There's just enough structure for me to still be surprised, but never lost. And I'm like you. I can't move forward if something isn't right. I revise what I wrote the previous day, then press forward. If I'm on a tight writing schedule, I'll complete the book within 3 months, and revise for another 2 to 6. That's as fast as I can make things happen around life. But maybe it's the other way around. Maybe I'm living first, and writing second. ;)Crystal Collierhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03912469552483168148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220588443545007238.post-73277193442074460512017-11-16T10:15:11.129-05:002017-11-16T10:15:11.129-05:00Hello and welcome to Adventures in Writing, Kim! T...Hello and welcome to Adventures in Writing, Kim! There's nothing wrong with that method. Good for you that you can “pound out words rapidly.” But like you said, sometimes you need to stop and consider before moving on. All the best to you, Kim. I hope you are on target in NaNo.<br /><br />I truly appreciate your visit to Adventures in Writing. Thanks for your comment. Please stop by again!<br />Victoria Marie Leeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05294868315757138169noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220588443545007238.post-17169775027601770182017-11-15T23:00:27.496-05:002017-11-15T23:00:27.496-05:00I'm a pantser (mostly) and although I can poun...I'm a pantser (mostly) and although I can pound out words rapidly at times, I end up stopping a lot to think things through. Pants a little, plot a little, pants a little ... :)kimlajevardi.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15560936098715470719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220588443545007238.post-62157965363586695582017-11-07T12:17:12.463-05:002017-11-07T12:17:12.463-05:00Bravo to you, Liesbet, to be able to crank out wor...Bravo to you, Liesbet, to be able to crank out words, no matter where they are. <br />Dang, this confounded editor in my head!<br />And I understand the need for that poopy first draft. Right now, I'm trying to hammer out a first draft of another YA adventure story. I think about my story points constantly. I voice them to both family and friends. Then I try to hammer them out on paper. That's the most difficult part for me. And God help the children who constantly interrupt me while I try to do that. You're right about the editing. Lots need to be done to my first drafts as well.<br /><br />Thank you for your kind words here at Adventures in Writing, Liesbet. They are greatly appreciated. Enjoy your week!<br />Victoria Marie Leeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05294868315757138169noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220588443545007238.post-53172727185729012252017-11-06T18:30:11.205-05:002017-11-06T18:30:11.205-05:00I feel your pain, Victoria. You seem like a planne...I feel your pain, Victoria. You seem like a planner and a very organized person. I like to have some guidance in my writing as well (a time line or outline could do, maybe?), but I on the other hand have no problem cranking out the words. My head is constantly spewing words and my fingers turn them into text on the screen. Diary, email, blog or book. I need to cut down on the non-book writing, because it, honestly takes up too much time and wears me out.<br /><br />But, a lot, lot, lot of editing will need to be done after the first draft of my book. It seems like there are different kinds of writers out there. In your situation, you just have to "pretend" to be blind for a while and let the words flow, being OK with typos and thoughts/ paragraphs being all over the place. Easier said than done, probably, but you can (and will) always edit later.<br /><br />That being said, I like a clean look of my manuscript as well and after each chapter, I reread and edit as needed, before starting the next chapter of my memoir.Liesbethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13402741679152508367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220588443545007238.post-32108275038454512562017-11-04T14:13:43.112-04:002017-11-04T14:13:43.112-04:00I don't know how they do it either, Ken. And I...I don't know how they do it either, Ken. And I agree with you. A little editing along the way can help a draft become stronger. And like you said, you'll end up having less words to cut at the end. If you find out where you're going before you begin to write, you may not venture off on tangents and waste precious writing time.<br /><br />Thanks so much for your comment here at Adventures in Writing, Ken. Enjoy your weekend.<br /> Victoria Marie Leeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05294868315757138169noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220588443545007238.post-436924080342951512017-11-04T14:07:34.022-04:002017-11-04T14:07:34.022-04:00I think it would be very interesting to be a pants...I think it would be very interesting to be a pantser. But I'm not. And like I said before, more power to those who can.<br /><br />It's always a pleasure seeing you here at Adventures in Writing, Chrys. Enjoy your weekend!Victoria Marie Leeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05294868315757138169noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220588443545007238.post-75453764950900429232017-11-04T14:05:47.404-04:002017-11-04T14:05:47.404-04:00Thank you so much, Susan! I do that a lot, too, fi...Thank you so much, Susan! I do that a lot, too, find out I'm already following someone when I thought I wasn't.<br /><br />My internal editor is also pushy. Sometimes too pushy. And she hates when I just stare at the blasted blinking cursor on the computer screen. No. I can't just push out words. But more power to those who can.<br /><br />Thanks so much for your comment on Adventures in Writing. Enjoy your weekend as well.Victoria Marie Leeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05294868315757138169noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220588443545007238.post-23192087934949885402017-11-04T13:52:38.961-04:002017-11-04T13:52:38.961-04:00Many times, non-fiction or memoir doesn't work...Many times, non-fiction or memoir doesn't work well with NaNo because research may be needed to move forward in a non-fiction project and sometimes the memoir can get to a point that is too emotional to be able to just crank out words. <br /><br />Thank you so much for your good wishes. And thanks for your note on Adventures in Writing. You enjoy your weekend as well.Victoria Marie Leeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05294868315757138169noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220588443545007238.post-7462118422444992782017-11-04T13:49:11.599-04:002017-11-04T13:49:11.599-04:00Many times, it takes me years as well to feel cert...Many times, it takes me years as well to feel certain enough to dive into a story that's been playing around in my mind. But I need to know where I'm going and what the point is first. Good for you to be able to control that editor in your head even for just a bit to be able to move forward in your writing. More power to you!<br /><br />Thanks so much for stopping by Adventures in Writing and leaving a note. It's greatly appreciated. Enjoy your weekend!Victoria Marie Leeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05294868315757138169noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220588443545007238.post-60228410820344079602017-11-04T10:00:18.154-04:002017-11-04T10:00:18.154-04:00I can't shut off the editor either when I'...I can't shut off the editor either when I'm writing, which is often a good thing. Because that inner editor will spot plot problems that, if not fixed, will make much of what I write in later chapters mostly worthless. That's why I stopped halfway through my first and only attempt at NaNo. I have no idea how those fast writers do it.Chemist Kenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09738272332470397248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220588443545007238.post-67524645528851428112017-11-03T16:08:45.331-04:002017-11-03T16:08:45.331-04:00I love that you write every day. I’ve tried to be ...I love that you write every day. I’ve tried to be a pantser. I’ve been incorporating a little pantsing in my plotting. It’s interesting.Chrys Feyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11955009490266358041noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220588443545007238.post-29804021550874764282017-11-03T16:06:11.938-04:002017-11-03T16:06:11.938-04:00Oops! Turns out, I was already one of your groupie...Oops! Turns out, I was already one of your groupies! (Just not a very good one, evidently...)Susan Flett Swiderskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09425315552148200073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220588443545007238.post-35157071292257012152017-11-03T16:04:22.801-04:002017-11-03T16:04:22.801-04:00Hi-ya. Victoria. Thanks so much for stopping by my...Hi-ya. Victoria. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment. I do appreciate it, and it's a pleasure to return the favor. I've also signed on as your newest groupie. :)<br /><br />It cracked me up when you said you sometimes do more staring than writing. Boy, can I ever relate to that! <br /><br />My internal editor is a pushy broad, and she never lets me get away with the kind of free-wheeling approach that's necessary for a successful NaNo, so it isn't likely that I'll ever participate. But ya never know...<br /><br />Have a super weekend. Susan Flett Swiderskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09425315552148200073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220588443545007238.post-57754315085870798142017-11-02T22:28:39.760-04:002017-11-02T22:28:39.760-04:00I used to feel bad about not doing NaNo, but I rea...I used to feel bad about not doing NaNo, but I realized it was okay not to do it. :) And since I'm writing primarily non fiction now, it wouldn't be that productive anyway. Hope your writing is going well. Happy weekend! Karen Langehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177923284595298347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220588443545007238.post-79947029637572464882017-11-02T20:32:58.271-04:002017-11-02T20:32:58.271-04:00I'm impressed with people who can sit down and...I'm impressed with people who can sit down and just write away. It takes me months. . .years of thinking the story through first. Then, I write the first three chapters and find my inner editor wanting to revisit those 100 times before moving on. Now, I force myself not to look back unless there's really something plot wise that needs help. At least, it worked on the last story I did. Good luck!Tonja Dreckerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07683717853264134466noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220588443545007238.post-43776087319950032412017-11-02T16:51:28.437-04:002017-11-02T16:51:28.437-04:00I agree with you, Cherie. I need to know where I&#...I agree with you, Cherie. I need to know where I'm going when I begin a project. I've never participated in NaNo, but admire those who gave it a try. I think the camaraderie is the best thing about NaNo.<br /><br />Thanks so much for your comment here at Adventures in Writing. Enjoy the rest of your week.<br /> Victoria Marie Leeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05294868315757138169noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220588443545007238.post-32810532474570744322017-11-02T16:43:36.830-04:002017-11-02T16:43:36.830-04:00I admire people who can write without an outline o...I admire people who can write without an outline or a solid idea of where the story is heading, but that's just not me. I need to know. I think the camaraderie is the best part of NaNo. I've participated for a few years, and I am glad I did, but it might be awhile before I find the right project to participate in NaNo again.Cherie Reichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16663147386014122939noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220588443545007238.post-88042144571754246442017-11-02T15:24:16.028-04:002017-11-02T15:24:16.028-04:00Thanks, Jennifer. I use that expression in convers...Thanks, Jennifer. I use that expression in conversation all the time. "I'm just fussing and fuddering." I'd say to the kids. "Please give me a few more minutes." They don't always, by the way. <br /><br />It's such a pleasure seeing you here at Adventures in Writing. Thanks so much for your note. Enjoy the rest of your week.<br />Victoria Marie Leeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05294868315757138169noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220588443545007238.post-59500352951547053222017-11-02T15:18:07.887-04:002017-11-02T15:18:07.887-04:00Thanks, Juneta. A commitment to NaNo is wonderful ...Thanks, Juneta. A commitment to NaNo is wonderful and should really jumpstart your writing habit again. More power to you!<br /><br />Thanks for leaving a note on Adventures in Writing. It's appreciated.Victoria Marie Leeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05294868315757138169noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220588443545007238.post-79934258958484714212017-11-02T15:14:30.294-04:002017-11-02T15:14:30.294-04:00That's me, Alex. I outline to death. As for Na...That's me, Alex. I outline to death. As for NaNo, I just keep plodding along in my writing month after month after month.<br /><br />It's always a pleasure seeing you here at Adventures in Writing. Enjoy your day!<br />Victoria Marie Leeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05294868315757138169noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5220588443545007238.post-33455773404803357222017-11-02T15:02:07.998-04:002017-11-02T15:02:07.998-04:00Hello and welcome to Adventures in Writing, Rebecc...Hello and welcome to Adventures in Writing, Rebecca! Thank you for your kind words. They are greatly appreciated. Yes, writers need to write however it works for them.<br /><br />Thanks for your comment. Please visit Adventures in Writing again. Enjoy your week! Victoria Marie Leeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05294868315757138169noreply@blogger.com