I made a huge mistake.
Let me share a bit of backstory. So it’s preptober, and I decide to work on a high-fantasy novel. I spend some time pulling together some ideas. I’m a pantser, so I can do a lot off of just a brain dump. I get together a brain dump that’s a page or two long and I then… I got distracted. I didn’t finish my outline for that book but it didn’t matter anymore because I no longer wanted to write a high-fantasy novel. I wanted to write a light middle-grade fantasy that was a retelling of a classic book I’ve never read. Oh yeah, and at this point, there’s a week until NaNoWriMo.
A week is plenty of time for a pantser to work out some kind of outline right? Yeah well, I guess that only works if you actually sit down to outline…
How is your NaNo going so far?
I am currently a lot of words behind. It wouldn’t be this bad if I wasn’t constantly trying to figure out how everything fits together.
And now you plotters don’t get started. I don’t want to hear it.
WHAT ARE SOME CHALLENGES YOU’RE FACING?
My biggest roadblock right now is the puzzle/mystery aspect that I totally didn’t realize I would have to write when I signed on to this.
Let’s face it. Even with my (flawless) fast drafting method, I cannot write a book in a month. Because I’m a pantser, I don’t think any kind of outline would speed up the process. I’m a two-month writer, okay? I need at least two months to write a first draft.
With that in mind, I’m trying to take it easier on myself. Letting myself do whatever I need to do so I don’t hit writer burnout before it’s over.
The only good thing I can say is the character arcs aren’t bad for a first draft. Usually, I don’t work in arcs until draft two or three (don’t question my method).
How do you intend to overcome these challenges?
I’m forcing myself to accept the fact that I need a little longer to write a novel. And maybe you are in a similar boat. It’s okay that we take longer! The point of NaNoWriMo isn’t just to write a novel in a month, it’s also to practice your craft and get in the habit of writing daily— Which I can proudly say that though I am behind on words, I have written every day this month.
I’m going to take some time this weekend to make my story stronger.
Oh, and I totally intend to come out of November with a book. In one way, shape, or form.
Hey you! Yes, you! Do you see those pink headers up there? Yeah, those questions are for you! I would love to know how you’re doing in week two of NaNo! Tell me all about it.
Thanks a bunch!
— Nerd
The Adventures of a Nerd. 
I finished my novella in 6 months last year, so yeah, didn’t make the 50K. This year, if I get another novella out of it I’ll consider it a success because that’s two novellas that may not have been written.
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Yes! I love that! Sometimes it takes a little longer and that’s okay. I don’t care how many words I write this month, I just want to be happy with the end result. Also, I just love novellas. They are so much fun to write!
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I’m also a bit behind – whats your NaNo username? We can be buddies on there! Ahh, that’s really annoying when your stuck at a plot point. I’ve plotted out the whole thing, but then last night I was absolutely STUCK. Like, I know what’s supposed to happen next, how it’s all going to come together but I just couldn’t bring myself to write! So, I didn’t make my word count yesterday, and I’m a little bit behind. I think that’s the point of NaNo – to challenge yourself! Good luck for the next half :))
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I would love to be buddies! My username is sarahkayb. I totally agree! You learn and become a stronger writer the more you write no matter how many words you write in a month. Good luck to you too!
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