NaNo’s a no-no
Even though I’m still relapsing like a big relapsing thing, my voice was strong enough on Saturday to dictate for the first time in 9 days. When I started, Saturday lunchtime, I was on 10.5k – which was 15.5k behind schedule.
I gave it my best shot. Managed 1.3k words in about 4 hours, then slumped into a heap and stayed there for the rest of the day.
I’m out of NaNo. No way I can catch up. When I’m in ‘good’ health I can do 1k per day comfortably. I did that through the summer to first-draft Quarter Square, and it worked very well. But more words than that for more than two or three days is pushing too hard, even when I’m ‘well’ – when I’m in relapse it simply isn’t going to happen at all.
I’ll continue writing this story in realistic time. It’s a good story and an important part of Wild Times.
But it seems I must accept that NaNo is in my past.
Shelley (aka Soulcreates) said,
November 17, 2008 at 10:51 am
I think it is the best decision given the circumstances and I can imagine stress is not good for turning a relapse around. Do it in your own time, enjoy the process and don’t make it a chore.
Murfomurf said,
November 17, 2008 at 10:55 am
Good to admit things are just impossible for you sometimes. It makes a lot of people miserable and neurotic pushing themselves unnaturally. I find with writing assignments for uni that I just have to go with the flow- put enough pressure on myself to get it finished by the due date, but let the words come whenever they will- some days I can write a whole 5000w essay because I’ve done a lot of preparation; other times its barely 100w a day as nothing gels. I’m sure creative writing must be like that for ordinary hoomans, while for extraordinary hoomans like yourself (and me, sometimes) the variability must be even greater. I feel so sorry for people who can’t write at all, for whatever reason.
David Bridger said,
November 17, 2008 at 10:55 am
Thanks, Shelley. You’re right about stress hindering recovery, although I’m pretty good at managing stress when it turns up.
“Don’t make it a chore” is possibly the best motto I can think of for a writer! Thank you!
David Bridger said,
November 17, 2008 at 10:59 am
“Good to admit things are just impossible for you sometimes.”
More wise words! I’m so fortunate to have lovely friends. Thank you.
Nils said,
November 17, 2008 at 11:33 am
I am doing NaNoWriMo for the first time, and while I find it fun, it can also be a chore on some days. It probably would be possible to catch up – there’s still almost 2 weeks left – the question is, why should one do it? If you have other commitments or even health problems, then those should take priority over a “just for fun” project.
David Bridger said,
November 17, 2008 at 11:38 am
Ah, well, the thing is that while NaNo is undeniably fun, I’ve always used it professionally, to get a vigorous start on a first draft. I can still do the first draft on my own, of course, but I’ve always loved the energising buzz of doing it with several thousands nutters.
Joan Kremer said,
November 17, 2008 at 7:45 pm
David, if I were in your shoes, I’d definitely stop trying to beat my head against a brick wall. (How’s that for 2 cliched metaphors in one sentence!!!!) I’m really grateful that you encouraged me to sign up for NaNo this year (my first time ever). It’s great fun to see what I can do, the NaNo community is incredibly supportive, and I’m amazed at the story that’s emerging.
However, if I were behind as much as you are from being ill, continuing with NaNo would only give me massive stress and anxiety and lose the fun and creativity. So I think you made the best choice — both for yourself, and for the novel you’re writing.
As Thomas Mann said, “A writer is someone for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people.” So why make it even harder??!!
Take care and get well!
Joan
jamiemollart said,
November 17, 2008 at 10:46 pm
Don’t force yourself to write David- it will only make you ill and what if you start to resent writing?
I admire you for working so hard at something, but not at the detriment of your health!
David Bridger said,
November 18, 2008 at 1:37 am
Thanks, Joan and Jamie. I promise I won’t hurt myself.
Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome said,
November 18, 2008 at 6:46 am
I’m with you, David. I’m out of NaNo as well, but I’m near the end of the third chapter of the novel, so I have a good start with it. The rest will come. Last time I did NaNo, it ended up taking me four months to first-draft the novel.
But as you said, at least it was energetically started!
uppington said,
November 19, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Hey, good choice, David. I know how hard it is to let go of something when life happens to you. I’m fairly sure I’ll make my 50K, but that leaves me with half the book unfinished. I know writing the first draft will probably run through January, at least. I’m always looking for people to write with, have motivational word wars with, and that sort of thing. So, say I, when you’re back to your usual self we enlist some other writers and have a friendly little competition to keep us all going in a healthy way.
Seven Lessons I Learned from Doing NaNoWriMo 2008 Virtually | WRITERS IN THE (virtual) SKY said,
December 3, 2008 at 7:12 am
[...] those who made my NaNoWriMo experience the gift it became — from my friend and fellow novelist David Bridger, who convinced me to sign up and who then got too ill to continue the journey with me this year; to [...]