NaNoWriMo Update
The writer’s group are all over half way towards our goal of writing novels this month. Four of our six novelists were available to host the Municipal Liaison for North Queensland, Ms Tash Grace, from CQU. As an accomplished writer, Tash was very helpful in sharing her own involvement with NaNoWriMo and a good many writing tips. We completed a quick word sprint and Tash gave us feedback. It wasn’t easy to describe fire without using any colour adjectives to do that – but the challenge honed our ability to use our other senses – and our imagination!
We were fascinated by one of her take-home messages:
Research – If your scene is set in a Japanese temple and you haven’t been in one, research what is likely to be there. You may not be able to use your eyes, but you can use your mind’s eye. An even better way to immerse yourself in the context of your novel is via direct research/experiences. Why not take up pastimes that will make you knowledgeable? Tash has learned both archery, firearms and the ancient art of building chain mail in order to suspend disbelief in her writing. Knowing more will help with writing descriptions that transport the reader into the character’s world. Google Earth is another recommended tool.
Lastly, it was reassuring to know that the main purpose of this annual novel writing challenge throughout November, is quantity. We are already succeeding in developing the discipline and the grit to write a significant story. We are learning that our characters grow on the page, waiting for us to return day after day. Not having written such long stories before, on more than one occasion we were enlightened to find the characters have not run away because we are so well acquainted.
After November 30th, we will rest. But for a writer, this first draft will be only the start of the challenge – we will have to spend many months editing and polishing our novels. NaNoWriMo can assist us with these stages of the process too.
We really appreciated the stickers and pens that made us feel like real authors, connected to a global community of writers. Thank you very sincerely Ms Grace, for driving out to Smithfield on your day off to spend time with us. We look forward to participating again next year and to inviting you back for a Young Writers Program write-in.
