#writing a novel in November?

[nosebleedclub]

Write out a list of 5-10 scenarios that could make for an interesting story. They don’t have to be developed, they can be just interesting ideas you have in your head.

Example:

- A boy watches his older brother tutoring his best friend on a tennis court and jumps to a conclusion.

- A girl is hiding her mermaid friend in the bathtub during The Search.

- A delayed Amtrak train ride from four different points of view.

- High School, 2013. How a decision picking a dodgeball team during gym class has impacted the present day.

- The boy who everyone called the King of the Swamp grew up to work for a big chemical company.

I came up with these just now! Have fun with it! Basically, these can be good launch points for writing a short story, novel, etc.

[thewriteadviceforwriters]

Why Writers Don't Finish Writing Their Stories, and How to Fix It

Hello fellow writers and storytellers,

The journey of writing a story is an exhilarating adventure, but it's not without its share of obstacles. Many of us have embarked on a creative endeavor, only to find ourselves mired in the struggle to finish what we started. In this blog post, I'll unravel the common reasons why writers don't finish their stories and explore practical strategies to overcome these hurdles and reignite the flame of creativity.

The Perils of Unfinished Stories

As writers, we often find ourselves in the throes of unfinished tales, grappling with the intricate web of characters, plots, and themes. There are several reasons why the ink dries up and the story remains untold. Let's shine a light on the familiar adversaries that stand between us and the triumphant completion of our narratives:

1. Lack of Planning:

Some of us brazenly dive into our stories without a clear roadmap, resulting in uncertainty about the direction of the plot and the fate of our characters. The lack of a solid plan can lead us astray, leaving our stories wandering in the wilderness of aimlessness.

2. Self-Doubt and Perfectionism:

Ah, the relentless whispers of self-doubt and the siren call of perfectionism! These twin adversaries can cast a shadow over our creative vision, compelling us to endlessly revise and perfect the early chapters, trapping us in a whirlpool of perpetual edits.

3. Time Management:

Balancing the demands of daily life with the ardor of writing can be akin to walking a tightrope. The struggle to find consistent time for our craft often leaves our stories languishing in prolonged periods of inactivity, longing for the touch of our pen.

4. Writer's Block:

The mighty barrier that even the most intrepid writers encounter. Writer's block can be an insurmountable mountain, leaving us stranded in the valleys of creative drought, unable to breathe life into new ideas and narratives.

5. Lack of Motivation:

The flame that once burned brightly can flicker and wane over time, leaving us adrift in the murky waters of disillusionment. The initial excitement for our stories diminishes, making it arduous to stay committed to the crafting process.

6. Fear of Failure or Success:

The twin specters that haunt many writers' dreams. The apprehension of rejection and the unsettling prospect of life-altering success can tether us to the shores of hesitation, preventing us from reaching the shores of completion.

7. Criticism and Feedback Anxiety:

The looming dread of judgment casts a long shadow over our creative endeavors. The mere thought of receiving criticism or feedback, whether from peers or potential readers, can cast a cloud over our storytelling pursuits.

8. Plotting Challenges:

Crafting a cohesive and engaging plot is akin to navigating a labyrinth without a map. Faced with hurdles in connecting story elements, we may find ourselves lost in a maze of plot holes and unresolved threads.

9. Character Development Struggles:

Breathing life into multi-dimensional, relatable characters is a complex art. The intricate process of character development can become a quagmire, ensnaring us in the challenge of creating personas that drive the story forward. (Part one of Character Development Series)

10. Life Events and Distractions:

Unexpected events in our personal lives can cast ripples on our writing routines, interrupting the flow of our creativity and causing a loss of momentum.

Rallying Against the Odds: Strategies for Success

Now that we've confronted the adversaries that threaten to stall our storytelling odysseys, let's arm ourselves with strategies to conquer these barriers and reignite the flames of our creativity.

Embrace the Power of Planning:

A clear roadmap illuminates the path ahead. Arm yourself with outlines, character sketches, and plot maps to pave the way for your story's journey.

Vanquish Self-Doubt with Action:

Silence the voices of doubt with the power of progress. Embrace the imperfect beauty of your early drafts, knowing that every word brings you closer to the finish line.

Mastering the Art of Time:

Carve out sacred writing time in your schedule. Whether it’s ten minutes or two hours, every moment dedicated to your craft is a step forward.

Conquering Writer's Block:

Embrace the freedom of imperfection. Write, even if the words feel like scattered puzzle pieces. The act of writing can unravel the most stubborn knots of writer's block.

Reigniting the Flame of Motivation:

Seek inspiration in the wonders of the world. Reconnect with the heart of your story, rediscovering the passion that set your creative spirit ablaze.

Reshaping Fear into Fuel:

Embrace the uncertainty as an integral part of the creative journey. Embrace the lessons within rejection and prepare for the winds of change that success may bring.

Navigating the Realm of Criticism:

Embrace feedback as a catalyst for growth. Constructive criticism is a powerful ally, shaping your story into a work of art that resonates with readers.

Weaving the Threads of Plot:

Connect the dots with fresh eyes. Step back and survey the tapestry of your plot, seeking innovative solutions to bridge the gaps and untangle the knots.

Breathing Life into Characters:

Engage with your characters as if they were old friends. Dive into their depths, unraveling their quirks, fears, and dreams, and watch as they breathe life into your story.

Navigating Life's Tempests:

Embrace the ebb and flow of life. Every pause in your writing journey is a chance to gather new experiences and perspectives, enriching your storytelling tapestry.

The Ever-Resting Pen: Harnessing the Power Within

Fellow writers, the journey of completing a story is filled with peaks and valleys, each offering us the opportunity to sharpen our resolve and unleash our creative potential. As we stand at the crossroads, staring at the canvas of unfinished tales, let's rally against the odds, armed with the power of purpose, passion, and perseverance.

Let the ink flow once more, breathing life into tales left untold, and watch as your stories triumphantly reach their long-awaited conclusion. You possess the power to conquer the adversaries that stand in your way, and within you lies the essence of untold narratives waiting to unfurl onto the page.

Here's to the journey that lies ahead, the stories waiting to be written, and the unyielding spirit of creativity that thrives within each of us.

Warm regards and unwavering encouragement, Ren T.

[phantomkinoc13]

WRITE NOVEMBER!

Because nanowrimo decided to allow AI bullshit this year, we’re saying fuck ‘em, and doing our own november writing prompts!

November is still national (novel) writing month, but we say NO AI IN ART OR WRITING!! Join us saying No to ai in writing with No-AI-November, and do WRITE NOVEMBER this year, instead!

HOW IT WORKS: You can write as you normally would, set word count goals, work on your novel, your fanfics, or just writing scenes you want to write throughout November. You can optionally choose from the list of weekly themes, or daily prompts as you’d like, for inspiration.

REBLOG THIS POST, & USE THE TAGS: ‘write November’ ‘novel November’ or ‘no-ai-November’ as well as any other writing tags you feel appropriate.

Feel free to use either of the images above, when posting writing. Use this post or make your own to post your writing goals, and any work you want to share!

Let’s Write! ✍🏼 💻

[the-bar-sinister]

There is no story that you are "not a skilled enough writer" to write.

If you have a story you want to write , write it, even if you're worried about not doing it justice.

A first draft does not have to be perfect.

Your writing can always be improved later.

Your writing will never improve unless you actually write.

The worst kind of story is the kind that never gets written at all.

[novella-november]

Someone told me a prompt for anyone who would like to practice writing during Novella November, but doesn't have the energy or idea to come up with an original story to write:

Find a Public Domain movie on this wiki page you like, and novelize it after you've watched it at least once :D

You can practice your writing by just novelizing the scenes as you go through the second time, its really good practice for dialogue and descriptions!

This is actually how I started my very first creative writing lol.

When I was like, twelve I think I really liked this one show and wanted to be able to "watch it in my head" while I was at school, so I had a little notebook and I just kept rewatching the first episode in the new season, novelizing it before I even knew that was a *thing*

So, if you want to practice your writing this November but don't want to deal with the pressure of coming up with your own completely original idea.... try *Novelization* November ! :D

The best part is, these movies are Public Domain, which means you can do anything you want with them! If you like the movie but you want to make some changes to the plot or characters, you can freely do whatever you want with it, because it belongs to no-one and everyone :)

[laurachouettepoetry]

October creeps into the room

through faint grey light

that stopped dancing on the windowsill

since July left.

Being haunted by silence

makes the air grow weary

and faintly colder.

I hear the noise of people

walking in solitude,

thinking to themselves about others—

sitting alone in between their steps.

Company of ghosts on lonely eves,

threading through the rustling of leaves.

I can write down what haunts me,

yet I cannot read the ones who do.

October.

- Laura Chouette

[yournovembernovel]

yournovembernovel is a blog for those who want to write 50k words in November (with an option for other word count goals!), unassociated with any organization they don’t trust or agree with. Submit your novel-writing intentions here!

[nepthrene]

i'm trying to find an alternative writing community to do nanowrimo with this year, separate from the "official" website - but every post i'm seeing on here is by people who don't like the 30 day 50k challenge?

i'm specifically looking for writing buddies or a group to join

does anyone know a better way or place to try and find people?

please help

[disasterbuck]

that band chat

buddie | 3k by @veronae-buddie and @disasterbuck

After a night out ends too early, Eddie drunk texts Buck to tell him about his genius new idea...

read on ao3

taglist:

@dluoser @taketheplanspinitsideways @loudenthusiastic @wallywise @mxrcjqckspnchqsc

@therosesaredying @stillfuckingtired @classtrialguru @smolfunpenguin @blackdragonofthenights

@awesome-igi @natnuszsstuff @olliesrants @crazyfangirlallert @delirium1995

@brah3280 @meanceclosetohell @anythingeverythingallofthetime @sunflower-eddiediaz

@darkrose6578 @veronae-buddie @steadfastsaturnsrings @inell

@spicyrottingbrains @gnoeltop @idealuk @donationwayne @lemotmo

@smilingbuckley @realpersonwithrealfeelings @superlock-in-the-tardis @strxwbereee

@idontknowwhatimdoing777 @ashleigh2658 @mari-lwyd-fannibal-blog @mineyneedsmoney

@spotsandsocks @unlifeira @pirrusstuff @buddiedaydreamer911

@littlevampireprincessuniverse @misshiss727 @i-put-the-star-in-bastard @hermioneindisguise @dangerpronebuddie

@specialbrownieeater @blue-winged-boy @bucks-daddy-issues @lightningmcqueer8

@moira112 @lalawitheca @queerweewoo @monsterrae1

Let me know if you'd like to be added or removed 💕

[stardustemotions]

It was November--the month of crimson sunsets, parting birds, deep, sad hymns of the sea, passionate wind-songs in the pines. Anne roamed through the pineland alleys in the park and, as she said, let that great sweeping wind blow the fogs out of her soul.

— L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

[illarian-rambling]

So, for the month of November, in the spirit of Novelember (cooler Nanowrimo), I tracked my writing data. I didn't really have a concrete goal other than to write every day, since I'm in college and that means November is Hell Time. Anyways, that said, here's the highlights!

My most productive day was the 29th. I wrote 2538 words in two sittings, with an average wpm of 10.5

My least productive day (excluding the 7th, 13th, and 27th, where I didn't write anything) was, big surprise, the 6th. I wrote a total of 48 words at a wpm of 4.8.

My slowest wpm day was the 5th, at a wpm of 2.5. I think I was in class then tbh.

My fastest wpm day was the 30th, at a wpm of 17.5. Like most writing sessions, I was on my phone for half the time, but I guess I was just on it less for this one.

My average writing session length was 65 minutes. Mostly, I was writing at night.

Other data I collected was in regard to my surroundings, including distractions. Such notes include gems like:

"Submarine documentary in the background" (10 wpm, 644 word session)

"Bing chillin'" (9.6 wpm, 228 word session)

"Might've failed my exam but that won't stop the sexytime grind" (6.65 wpm, 266 word session)

"Shit was rainty" (12.3 wpm, 246 word session)

"My cat fucking drooled on me" (7 wpm. 842 word session)

"Google probably thinks I have a gambling addiction" (12 wpm, 595 word session)

"Described food too hard, now I'm hungry" (10.6 wpm, 962 word session)

"Oh god I'm gonna have to fix my sleep schedule" (5.8 wpm, 349 word session)

"Smut is hard when your characters won't stop infodumping about magic" (8.7 wpm, 1048 word session)

All in all, my total word count for the month of November was 27,326 words at an average speed of 8.99 wpm. Those are cool numbers I guess, but within them, I made it to the middle point of The Final Voyage of the R.S. Starbreaker, I wrote my first sex scene, I started my second Rel project, and, most importantly, I had fun! Even on days when I wrote only a few dozen words at a snail's pace, I had fun. Even on days when I squeezed out what I could between classes, I had fun. Fast or slow, many words or few, writing will always be a passion I adore and one I intend to pursue no matter the speed of my progress. In the wise words of Mr. Sanderson: journey before destination. What's the point in getting somewhere if you don't enjoy the views along the way? I've never found a hobby where this applies more fully than to writing.

So here's to journies! May everyone's path be a scenic one, no matter how long they take to walk it, or how many detours they make along the way <3

@amandacanwrite @elsie-writes @riveriafalll @kosmic-kore @kaylinalexanderbooks

@bard-coded @carrotsinnovember @patternwelded-quill @somethingclevermahogony @whatwewrotepodcast

@the-angriest-author @mk-writes-stuff @frostedlemonwriter @vyuntspakhkite-l-darling @watermeezer

@leahnardo-da-veggie @mr-orion @televisionjester @ray-writes-n-shit @evilgabe29

@trippingpossum @tragedycoded @halfbakedspuds @ominous-feychild @cain-e-brookman

@wyked-ao3 @thecomfywriter @mysticstarlightduck @rumeysawrites @the-golden-comet

@cowboybrunch @gioiaalbanoart @theink-stainedfolk @sableglass @thelaughingstag

[badwolf-gallagher88]

Day 27 - Kidnapped/Captured

The rope burnt into Elrond’s flesh, searing his wrists and rubbing them red. He stumbled slightly, tripping on the tree roots that littered the forest floor. They lay concealed under rich green moss and leaf debris, lying in wait like the bodies of shipwrecked victims under dark water.

Adar, pulling the rope over his shoulder, turned to glance at the struggling prisoner. He tugged especially hard, almost forcing Elrond to lose his footing once again.

As Elrond staggered his next couple of steps, Adar jerked the rope once more. Desperately unbalanced, the elf fell to his knees, in order not to occupy a position any more humiliating than that.

Privately, Adar smiled.

“We camp here for the night. So your pathetic little mind doesn’t decide running to the pretty little she-elf is the best idea, I will be ensuring you cannot act on such impulses.”

He grasped Elrond by the shoulder, shoving him so his back was against a tree. Quickly, Adar bound the elvish commander. As he stepped back to admire his hard work, he was met with a defiant glare from the younger elf. His hair fell into his eyes, still marred with the blood and sweat of battle. One particularly deep cut slashed directly down his cheek. 

Adar knew the wound should be treated, but despite his status as prisoner, he still feared his captive’s wrath. Elrond was reticent to understand the need for alliance in a war such as this, and deeply mistrustful of Adar’s children. His hatred of the Uruks was rivalled by few - and the Uruk's love for those who did not welcome his family limited. He had already expended much of his patience with the lady Galadriel.

Still, what must be done could not be avoided.

He said nothing to Elrond, but busied himself making a fire and setting up camp. From the small bedroll he had brought from the Uruk’s main camp, he removed a skin of wine. First he took a swig, then tore a small rag of fabric from the frayed edge of his roughspun. He bathed the black fabric in wine, then turned back to his prisoner.

“Your wound must be cleaned. Even your kind must not risk infection. Many of our blades are poisoned.”

He crouched down, bringing the cloth to Elrond’s face. The captive pulled away, spitting at Adar’s feet.

Adar sighed, sitting back on his heals. When Elrond’s eyes met his, they blazed with fire and frustration. There was a sorrow in his gaze, an anger tinged with fear and inflexibility. A devastation at seeing his lands burnt to the ground and no way to end the disaster. The purposes of his people were being crushed beneath the feet of Sauron, but the foolish boy could not see beyond the scapegoat Adar provided.

This time, he reached out with both hands, securing Elrond’s face as he wiped away the blood with the wine-soaked cloth. His cheek was left a delicate pink, both from the wound and the wine’s red stain. The tart vinegar of grapes replaced the tang of blood, a mild, pleasant aroma.

“Why do you care?”

Startled, the Uruk looked upon his captive. Was it not obvious?

Imperceptibly, he shook his head, confused.

“I am your sworn enemy. I am of no real tactical advantage kept prisoner - you would have wished for Galadriel, or the High King if you needed information. I am a commander without an army. I am reckless, and foolish, and…” he paused, then resumed at a yell.

“MY PEOPLE, they are dying. Most are probably already dead. The knowledge of a thousand years, the findings of Celebrimbor, are all ashes, and y-you expect me to… what? Rest easy while other people fight my battles? Uruk, you are -“

He was cut off Adar’s hand across his mouth.

“I am a father. I protect.”

He said nothing else, but removed his hand, and Elrond did not speak for some time. Adar came to sit behind him, his back resting against the rough planes of the tree.

In the darkest hour of the night, when even the stars fade into its inky blackness, Elrond believed Adar to be sleeping.

“I had no father,” he whispered, unaware that his words were heard.

[dactylicreveries]

-Anne Michaels, from "Infinite Gradation," originally published in October 2017

[uaravsh]

"I had two longings and one was fighting the other. I wanted to be loved and wanted to be always alone."

- Jean Rhys, Wide Sargasso Sea

[pharawee]

—I ask just one thing, don't harm yourself. —So instead we help each other and hurt other people?

7 DAYS BEFORE VALENTINE · 7วันก่อนวาเลนไทน์ · 22 November 2023

[tea-and-typewriter]

Writing Month Goals

So, this year for November I'll be participating in an assortment of writing challenges. Like so many others, I'm migrating away from NaNoWriMo after having participated on and off for the last 6 years. I want to share the challenges I'll be following and my personal goals in case you're also looking for options.

My overall writing goal is to write 75k words by December 31. This means I'd like to write 37.5k words in November. I'll be working on my Project Cafe Crime, and you can follow me for updates, writing sprints, and more.

There are three main challenges I'll be interacting with:

The first is @roughdraftmonth. This challenge focuses on writing a novel rough draft by the end of November. They have a few different options for word count goals, including a "set your own" style goal. They seem to be one of the more streamlined challenges I've found.

The second is @novella-november. They're focused on writing a 30k novella by the end of November, but the creator says all word counts and project types (poetry, novels, etc.) are welcome. I like the flexibility of this one.

The last challenge I'll be following is @yournovembernovel. They're focused on the popular 50k in a month format, but they do have the option to choose your own goal. This one seems to be more casual and community focused which I enjoy.

If you've made it this far, thanks for reading, and good luck on your writing!