wayfaringwordhack (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
wayfaringwordhack) wrote2012-02-01 11:12 pm
wayfaringwordhack) wrote2012-02-01 11:12 pm
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As one thing ends, another begins
The ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
novel_in_90 round I was participating in came to an end yesterday. The goal was 69,000; I finished with 69,001. That's with packing, moving house, six weeks living/vacationing in Albania, sickness, and a baby. Let's just say I'm mighty proud of myself. I am, as ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
clarentine likes to say, a determined individual.
I learned a lot about my process during this round. I've done Ni90 before, but this time it really struck me that I am not a writer who needs--or rather should--adhere to the "a writer writes everyday" maxim. My brain just doesn't function that way; I need time to process, to mull. Writing everyday makes me unhappy and stressed. I feel I'm suffocating my creativity. I realized this about halfway through, I guess, but (see above about being determined) I didn't have anything of overwhelming proportions keeping me from respecting the commitment to the round and so stuck with it. Another lesson learned being that if ever I need to sustain a "write everyday" pace, I can do so. Even though, yes, some days I didn't get my words, I always made them up. If ever I participate in Ni90 again, it will be on my own terms; I'll probably have a word goal, but will plan to have one or two days of simply thinking or filling the well.
I'm declaring February "Writing Respite Month" for myself. I may write this month--I hope I do--but I will not once think I have to.
Instead of writing, I will: Spend time with my loved ones; go on holiday; househunt; renovate a chair for Soëlie; crochet myself a slouchy beanie; and paint/draw. I will also do some catching up on LJ posts and get around to tying some fabric to my mil's cherry tree (want it to be dyed by nature).
Short month. One day gone. Only 28 to go...
novel_in_90 round I was participating in came to an end yesterday. The goal was 69,000; I finished with 69,001. That's with packing, moving house, six weeks living/vacationing in Albania, sickness, and a baby. Let's just say I'm mighty proud of myself. I am, as clarentine likes to say, a determined individual.I learned a lot about my process during this round. I've done Ni90 before, but this time it really struck me that I am not a writer who needs--or rather should--adhere to the "a writer writes everyday" maxim. My brain just doesn't function that way; I need time to process, to mull. Writing everyday makes me unhappy and stressed. I feel I'm suffocating my creativity. I realized this about halfway through, I guess, but (see above about being determined) I didn't have anything of overwhelming proportions keeping me from respecting the commitment to the round and so stuck with it. Another lesson learned being that if ever I need to sustain a "write everyday" pace, I can do so. Even though, yes, some days I didn't get my words, I always made them up. If ever I participate in Ni90 again, it will be on my own terms; I'll probably have a word goal, but will plan to have one or two days of simply thinking or filling the well.
I'm declaring February "Writing Respite Month" for myself. I may write this month--I hope I do--but I will not once think I have to.
Instead of writing, I will: Spend time with my loved ones; go on holiday; househunt; renovate a chair for Soëlie; crochet myself a slouchy beanie; and paint/draw. I will also do some catching up on LJ posts and get around to tying some fabric to my mil's cherry tree (want it to be dyed by nature).
Short month. One day gone. Only 28 to go...