Tuesday, November 10, 2009

NaNoWriMo and the Wisdom of Robert Frost


I've found out some very interesting things about myself in the first eight days of the NaNoWriMo challenge. For instance, I believe I will be one of those authors you listen to on the Oprah show who says, "For my award-winning book, I had to throw out the first 45 pages." "Why?" Oprah would ask, obviously stunned.

And I'd have to tell her, "Because nothing happened until page 46."


It's true. Although I didn't set out to do it, I have inadvertently created a village composed entirely of direct descendants of Mary Poppins, "practically perfect in every way."
You would love this place! I do. But guess what? No editor will love it. It's not fraught with enough peril and conflict. (Did I say enough? I meant any.)

So today after work, when I come home to add 2,000 words to my village and characters, it's no more Mr. Nice Guy. Now, it will be "Here comes the judge." (sigh)
But I really like these guys, and I hate to be a meanie. I know, though, it will be a better story once I get in there and really mix it up. Hearts will pound. Tears will be shed. Victory cries will resound. Maybe even awards will be won.

Robert Frost and I are in the same boat (or is it snowy woods?). I have "miles to go before I sleep."


6 comments:

John Atkinson said...

One of my dear writer friends said, "No conflict, no story." Also, she said. "End of conflict, end of story."
I said, "Gee, that conflict stuff must be important."

Heather Trent Beers said...

See how big my problem is? We're talking huge. I'm working on it, though. :)

Sally Jadlow said...

It's good you figured this out before page 100! Maybe all you have done is cleared your throat for the REAL DEAL now!

Anonymous said...

Sounds fun to come up with all kids of wonderful complications to their lives! Maybe some big secrets and things that could be suprises later? Is it bad that this sounds fun to me? Maybe I just like the drama when it is not mine!! He he...have fun Heather! Hope you are filled with joy as you create!
-JBAILEY

Heather Trent Beers said...

Hi, Bailey-man. I like your idea of reveling in the drama of others. Maybe that will help me loosen up and let all heck break loose. (See? I can't even let all HELL break loose! I think I need therapy! hahahaha!)

Kathy said...

I'm looking forward to reading your finished project!