NaNoWriMo Q&A

Here's a little Q&A that I got from Scarlett and Lori. Thanks guys!

When and how did you find out about NaNoWriMo? How did you go?
I learned of NaNo last year through some online friends at Webook and thought it was just about the coolest thing ever, so I decided to give it a try.

How many times have you done NaNoWriMo?
Once.

How many times have you won? If you haven’t won, what was your best result?
None. My first NaNo attempt was a total FAIL. I have excuses coming out my ears, but the simple truth is that I JUST DIDN'T DO IT. There is no excuse that seems good enough for my complete and utter failure.

How did you go last year?
See above.

Where do you write and with what do you write?
I have a desk that is meticulously organized and ordered (when the cats stay off it) where I do most of my writing on my ancient laptop. I am saving for a Netbook (hopefully for my birthday) so I can write anywhere. I also make notes and write poems and such in a black Moleskine notebook.

How do you find time to write?
Recently, I haven't. Epic FAIL. I am remedying this fact immediately. I make time. There are 24 hours in every day and there MUST be time for writing in it or I am not a Writer.

Are your partners, friends and family allies or enemies?
I have many allies and my biggest enemy is myself.

What are you strengths and what do you use to help you get to the end?
I don't know yet. I've never made it to the end of a project. *blush*

What are you weaknesses, obstacles and challenges that hinder you from finishing?
My weaknesses are numerous. I procrastinate, I make excuses, and I just FAIL.

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 have a vague idea of how I want my stories to go. I write character profiles, brief descriptions, ideas, etc. I can't plan things out chapter by chapter because I don't always know where my characters are going to take me. Too much structure is a bad thing, but so it not enough.

Do you participate in the real life community, go to write ins and meet ups in your area?
I couldn't last year because of work, but I'm planning to for this year.

What are your writing aids? Special snacks, music, totems, rewards or punishments?
I have lots of little totems on my desk, reminders, helpful sayings, etc. I listen to obscure classical music while I write (lyrics distract), and there's always food. Munchies, caffeine pills, and diet coke are the staples of my diet. I am setting rewards for myself this time around to see if it helps. I need to find SOMETHING that helps, heaven only knows.

What are the titles of your past and present NaNo projects?
My project (still lying unfinished in the depths of my pen drive and computer hard drive) from last year was called "Heather's Scars" about a teenage girl in a psychiatric hospital.
This year's project is still up in the air. Hey, I still have 23 days to decide!!!

Is hitting a certain word count really that important? Doesn't writing at speed result in writing crap?
I'm learning that having goals like word counts are a good idea. I think setting tough goals might jsut help me get this done this time!

This was a good idea and fun to do. Thanks guys!

~KK~