Week Four of JanNoWriStart. Here’s the concept from Julie:
A while back, I wrote about #JanNoWriStart. It is a riff off the #NaNoWriMo, but without the firm “rules”. Here are the ones I am using. Adapt them as necessary:
- Set a daily goal. If you are writing a first draft, make it a word count. If you are editing, make it a number of pages, or a time limit. It needs to work for you. The important thing is, make it achievable on a daily basis.
- Keep moving forward. If you are on a first draft, just keep writing. If you are editing, and get stuck, make a note to yourself (fix this! research this!) and then move forward. #JanNoWriStart is about building both a habit and momentum.
My goal is 500 words a day. “They” say you can form a new habit in 21 days, so we have 10 extra days to make sure it works. I am a plotter, so I have scenes outlined. Now just to get them written.
Jessie: I have had a slightly slower week than I would have liked but I have made progress. I’ve added words to my work-in-progress almost every day and even worked on a second project a bit too. I really like how the accountability here is keeping me motivated!
Edith: I had a good week. I wrote every day but one, and yesterday, since I’m on a short retreat, I cranked out over 4000 new words on my first Carriagetown mystery. I’m 
taking an online Story Arc class with Ramona DeFelice Long, and her homework questions prompted me to realize my protagonist in Farmed and Dangerous had courage in a way I hadn’t realized, so I also backfilled an earlier scene that made her courage all the more impressive.
How many words did you write this week? Readers, be sure to add yours in the comments section!
I always have too many ideas running around my brain. This month, so far, I have taken the time to organize my stacks of story scenes. I have also written my characters back stories and now I feel as though I know them each much better. Once again I am finding joy in writing. I have been a bit gun shy since November.
Joy in writing is what it should be! Glad you’re getting back on track.
Oops, it looks like I’m not the only Wicked that Friday came to fast for! I’ve written about 2000 words this week. More to come!
I am so laid back on vacation with my kids and grandkid in Key West that not only have I not written, I didn’t even do my Friday accountability! One of my New Year’s goals was to live more in the moment. I guess I’m achieving it this week!