Writing

Day 6 of NaNoWriMo: I have a tip for you

It is day six of NaNoWriMo. That means we’ve[1] been writing for almost a week. I am currently one day ahead and I’d like to keep it that way. That means: No procrastinating—well, not too much—and writing at least 2,000 words a day.

Last year NaNoWriMo was tough for me. I was actually on the verge of giving up when someone (sadly enough I forgot who that someone was; I blame my bad memory for that) told me that I needed to remember why I was writing in the first place. That really helped me win NaNoWriMo in 2008, so I would like to pass this tip on to you guys[2]: Do not focus on word count too much. Just do what you love to do: Write. Only check your word count during your breaks or when you feel like you’re done for the day. That way the words will flow more easily and your word count will go up in no time.

On a different note: Today and yesterday I have been working on a new design for the website, so expect that to be up this next weekend!


1. And with ‘we’ I mean all NaNoWriMo participants.
2. And again, I’m talking about writers.

Day 3 of NaNoWriMo: My playlist

Day 3 Today it’s day three of NaNoWriMo, and I’m beginning to wonder why I decided to write 50,000 words in one month. But hey, it should not be too difficult, as long as I don’t allow myself to get distracted—which is a major problem, with my short attention span.

I have just compiled a new playlist and since a lot of people seem to be doing it, I’ll be sharing my playlist here.

  • Anjulie – Boom
  • Pixie Lott – Hold Me In Your Arms
  • Green Day – Know Your Enemy
  • Miley Cyrus – Obsessed
  • Sara Bareilles – One Sweet Love
  • Marie Digby – Feel
  • Jessie James – Inevitable
  • Jason Mraz – A Beautiful Mess
  • Jesse McCartney – In My Veins
  • Michael Bublé – Heartache Tonight
  • JoJo – How You Did It
  • Marie Digby – Avalanche
  • The All-American Rejects – Back To Me
  • David Archuleta – To Be With You
  • Anjulie – Crazy That Way
  • 3OH!3 – Still Around
  • Sigur Rós – Starálfur
  • Sara Bareilles – Bottle It Up
  • Colbie Caillat ft. Jason Mraz – Lucky

Time for some serious novel writing!

Many writers have already started writing their novel for NaNoWriMo in the past few hours, while others are trying to catch up with some sleep—and the rest will have to wait a few hours before NaNoWriMo starts. November has only just started for me, so it’s time to start writing!

I plan to write at least 2,000 words a day (even though I only really need to write 1,667 words a day) so I’ll be able to take a few extra breaks later on.

In the sidebar (to your right) you will be able to see how many words I have written so far.

Good luck to all NaNoWriMo participants!

Thirteen hours

About thirteen hours before NaNoWriMo I noticed something different about my hand. The palm was swollen and it hurt.

Then I realised something: I spent the past few days doing my homework assignments, because I know I won’t get much done during NaNoWriMo. One mistake I made was not taking enough breaks.

So here’s a tip to all NaNoWriMo participants: take enough breaks so your hands get some rest. They’re doing so much work for you and they deserve a break every now and then.

Two more days before the craziness starts!

WritingIt’s almost November and guess what?! In two days I will be participating in an annual event called NaNoWriMo. Thousands of writers will be writing a novel at the same time! The goal of NaNoWriMo is to write a novel of at least 50,000 words in one month.

My novel for this year is going to be a romantic novel written in Dutch. Writing in Dutch is going to be a big challenge for me personally, as I spent the past eight years reading English books and the stories I’ve written in the past few years were written in English as well. I spent the first few weeks of October outlining my novel and I’m ready to start writing!

Good luck to all NaNoWriMo participants![1]


1. And to all family members and friends of NaNoWriMo participants: This is the month to spoil your friend or family member with sweets and presents, because in November they’ll devote all of their spare time to writing their novel!

NaNoWriMo Blog Meme

I found this meme on Nicole’s weblog and I decided to do it as well, since I’m an official participant and I love answering questions!

NaNoWriMo Q&A – In preparation for National Novel Writing Month next November, I thought it would be fun to look back at previous NaNo’s and answer some questions about how I take part in the event.

These questions or this meme as you might call it is totally meant for people to use on their own blogs, Livejournals, Facebooks etc. Leave links in the comments section and I might compile a list.

Double points if you post a photo with your answers in some NaNoWriFic action shot like I have so awesomely done.

When and how did you find out about NaNoWriMo? How did you go?
I found out about NaNoWriMo a few years ago, but I was always too late to participate in it (I’d forget about NaNoWriMo until it was December). Last year was the first time I participated and I won. I had a great time and it was great getting to know the other participants.

How many times have you done NaNoWriMo?
Last year was my first year, so this year is the second time I’m participating!

How many times have you won? If you haven’t won, what was your best result?
I won once, last year.

How did you go last year?
Everything went well, until after about two weeks I almost lost my motivation because I couldn’t think of anything to write! But then someone reminded me that I was writing because it was something I loved to do, not because I wanted to write down 50,000 words. That gave me the motivation to continue and that’s how I won NaNoWriMo last year.

Where do you write and with what do you write?
I always write on the PC at my desk in my bedroom. The novelling software I usually use is Liquid Story Binder, but this year I’m considering using new software called StoryBox. Liquid Story Binder can be overwhelming which its huge amount of features, while StoryBox is still an alpha version, so I’m not sure which one I’ll use.

How do you find time to write?
I have plenty of spare time.

Are your partners, friends and family allies or enemies?
Everyone is very supportive!

What are you strengths and what do you use to help you get to the end?
Last year I made sure I wrote at least 2,000 words every day. This way I could take a break from writing every now and then. I also spend a lot of time talking to other participants in the chat room, so that way I stay motivated.

What are you weaknesses, obstacles and challenges that hinder you from finishing?
Even though talking to other participants in the chat room keeps me motivated, it distracts me as well. Plus I tend to browse the internet while I’m writing. I’m easily distracted!

Do you plot/outline/plan or do you write by the seat of your pants? How much do you plot or how unprepared are you?
I’ve never spent too much time planning or outlining my novels, but I have been working on an outline for this year’s NaNoWriMo novel and it’s going very well and it’s actually a lot of fun!

Do you participate in the real life community, go to write ins and meet ups in your area?
Not really. I talk to other participants online and that’s about it.

What are your writing aids? Special snacks, music, totems, rewards or punishments?
None. I’ll be happy when I finish my novel. Actually, I might order a pizza or something after two weeks. But that’s just because I like pizza, so I’m not sure if I can call that a reward.