*reposted from 1st november 2012*
This post was going to be specifically for those who are taking part in NaNoWriMo but I thought I’d expand it for anyone whose interested.
If you’re wondering what NaNoWriMo it stands for National Novel Writing Month. It takes place every November and it’s purpose is to write a novel in just one month. So that’s 50,000 words in 30 days! THIS link should give you all the information you need to know!
I’ve decided that I’m *not* going to take part this year. Well, not officially. I have 2 non-fiction e-book projects which I want to work on so I’m going to use the NaNoWriMo structure and get shit done! Plus, I’m not much of a fiction writer, I cover lifestyle, travel and current affairs topics but I do (in my spare time) write the odd piece of fiction so here are a few writing tips that I try to live by (a mix of tips for fiction and non fiction).
Know in advance that it’s going to be hard – writing isn’t easy or glamorous. There are times when I have no money, stress from pitching and deadlines and I think what’s the point? But then I remember this poem by Charles Bukowski entitled “So you want to be a writer” and it sets me right.
Here’s a small excerpt:
If you have to sit for hours staring at your computer screen or hunched over your typewriter searching for words, don’t do it.
If you’re doing it for money or fame, don’t do it.
If you’re doing it because you want women in your bed, don’t do it.
If you have to sit there and rewrite it again and again, don’t do it.
If it’s hard work just thinking about doing it, don’t do it.
If you’re trying to write like somebody else, forget about it.
Continue reading “A few writing tips…”
