For the first time ever I completed NaNoWriMo, but I haven’t completed my novel.
This is a bit different from what I usually post but it’ll be short, sweet, and I’ll just get to the point because even though I’m super happy I made it to 50,000 words I still have a long way to go.
50,000 and Counting
When it comes to prepping for a novel I’m half-and-half. I sort of prep beforehand, getting main ideas out and creating an outline but I also like to keep my mind open to changes. That being said I did create a rough outline and predicted my book to reach about twenty chapters. At the moment I’m at chapter fourteen.
Twenty may turn to twenty-one. It probably will. Which means my actual novel count may reach 80,000 words. I’ve never gotten this far with a novel. Sure I have rough drafts here and there that were never 100% finished because I wanted to write a new one instead of going back and editing.
Giphy
Just Keep Writing
I’m going to finish my novel but it’s not pretty. I’ll admit there is some good in there. Some things I wrote I’m proud of, while others I’m mad at myself about. I forgot to mention information in certain places and forgot about things I mentioned earlier in the book. I guess they don’t really matter if I couldn’t even remember them fourteen chapters later.
Tenor Gif
There are some chapters I HATE. I didn’t go into much detail and just threw words out there to get through it. There’s one that’s more of an exposition scene and I hate it. If I could burn that chapter I would. But I’m going to keep writing because that’s all I can do.
Teaser
I’ve been working on this book for years and only gave some information to family and friends here and there, but now that it’s getting to the point where I want others to read it I think I should let others know what’s actually going on.
Before I start I want to say I have a weird fascination with elemental manipulation. I read a series when I was younger that revolved around it (not a series I’m proud to say I liked) and then I got in Avatar: the Last Airbender later in life and it always stuck with me. I just think it’s so cool and I love writing about it. In my book’s case I like to call it an elemental connection. Something stronger than control that becomes something mental. The character’s relationships with their elements are strong.
Now if you cared enough to read to this point here is what I have written on NaNoWriMo. It’s not perfect. Some things need to change, but it’s the overall idea.
Despite having the ability to manipulate darkness, Ellie Morel doesn’t see her world that bleak. With plans for the future and siblings backing her up she’s ready to fulfill her dreams. However, when her mom goes missing Ellie must drop her plans and venture into a strange town to unravel why her mom is there and what’s the mystery behind the strange creatures roaming the town and the cult of followers behind an unknown spirit.
During this journey Ellie and her siblings will learn more about themselves, their connection to the elements, and where exactly these abilities come from. Ellie must decide whether to dive into this new world unfolding before her or proceed with the dreams she’s thought of for years.
The overall theme is looking at the world with a different light and maybe that light is the darkness. It’s very much about the main character Ellie and her connection to darkness which I LOVE writing. I love these characters (they talk to me, it’s weird sometimes) and I hope one day the world gets to love them as well.
That’s all I got. I hope everyone who’s participating in NaNoWriMo is doing well and if you’re not then good luck with whatever you’re doing.
Quibbles and Scribbles 