My last post told you I’ve signed up for the NaNoWriMo for the first time, and I have a real feeling of expectation, excitement but also a little dread. I consider myself a Pantster – that is, I write by the seat of my pants. I get an idea and then just write. This competition, however, has made me think that due to time constraints of actually writing and the fact that I have some time prior to the start, that maybe I should try to work out a plan.
So, I’ve already got the idea for the story fixed clearly in my head now, it’s been bubbling there for a while. I can even see the first few lines but sticking rigidly to the rules I am writing nothing until the 1st. (I was always told that cheats never beat!)
Today I’m going to look at the characters who will carry the plot and the conflict along. The competition rules allow me to research and plan the novel but it also allows me to spend some time evaluating and building my character profiles. Previously, characters have come along or been slotted in retrospectively to make things happen. I’m pretty sure that, to a degree, this will happen in November too but due to the high word count and short timescale, that may be difficult. So, for once, I’m thinking ahead of who will be involved and what their part will be in the story.
Then I need to design a book cover; something I have never done but I’m quite looking forward to. I can do that in preparation too so we’ll see what comes of that.
As writing is usually quite a solitary process for me it’s strange to think that thousands of budding novelists across the globe will also be working furiously and in a way that doesn’t make it feel as lonely. So if anyone wants to add me as a Writing Buddy I would be happy with that.
Find me at http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/participants/scrips49
Happy writing
My Write 
Hi Steve, thanks for adding me as a buddy! I added you back. I’m the same as you, usually I am very solitary in my writing so it’s exciting to be a part of a worldwide phenomenon. I am planning ahead as much as possible (I have wriiten a schedule!) in the hope that I can hit the word count. Best of luck to you!
And to you too. I feels a bit daunting at the moment. It seemed a good idea when I signed up but I need the discipline of this. Didn’t think of a schedule as I’m never that orderly with my writing although I am at work as I have to be. Message me and let me know what’s happening with you