NaNoWriMo — First Day
I’ve Got Cold Feet
Before I start, there is channeling below.
I wasn’t going to do this, but there’s always the exception to the rule. I’m writing at Medium today, even though I have been saying throughout October that I would be concentrating on my new book at NaNoWriMo during the annual writing event in November. Hey, they are my rules, and I can break them.
There are two reasons why I’m holding off on NaNoWriMo right now.
The first reason I’m not writing on NaNoWriMo right now is I didn’t do hardly a lick of preplanning, so it is the Pantser method I’ll be using. Let’s see what comes out first from the pen. Also, I need to confer with my writing coaches in the sky to see what they’ve got to say about all this. That’s nothing out of the ordinary; it’s just that I want to hear what they have to say about all of this.
The other reason is that I’m plain scared.
I don’t know why. I’m competing against myself. It is not dishonorable not to be a winner at NaNoWriMo. I read somewhere that only about 10% of the people who participate actually write 50,000 words. I’ve done it before, and I can do it again. It’s just that first step. It’s like I’m six years old, shivering in the cold morning air, trying to get up the courage to jump into the freezing water of a swimming pool to take my swimming lessons.
Anyway, I’ve got cold feet right now. I need some encouragement.
(Note that I am channeling below. The parts from Spirit are in bold italics font.)
If I may?
Sure. Is this Seth?
No, this is William Faulkner.
I’ve never talked to you before.
No, you haven’t. And that’s okay. You do not ever need to be well-versed about everybody you talk to. I’m talking about Spirit, and I’m talking about people you meet out in the hinterlands.
Hinterlands?
Yes. For instance, you have never had a problem talking to anyone in the grocery store, at least back when you were going to them.
I have to explain. Folks, I’ve got a gripping major case of agoraphobia since Covid. I had it before Covid, but I was able to handle it. Now, it’s like a major production to go anywhere. I could call my health insurance and ask to make an appointment with somebody. Likely, I wouldn’t have to go anywhere because since Covid they have given people the option of making contact on the phone or via a computer visit. So, I suppose I could do that. But you get the pick who is available, and I don’t feel like explaining how I hear voices in my head. I’ve done it before, and it’s all been pretty much okay. But I’ve got Spidey senses just like anybody has, and when somebody says, “Ooookay, and how’s that working out for you?” I just don’t feel like dealing with it other than a snarky answer like, “Yeah, you want some good lottery numbers?” Hell, folk in Spirit don’t give me winning lottery numbers. Why should they give anybody else some?
I’m not here to discuss any mental illness you have or might not have. I’m here to help you with this writer’s hump.
Okay, I’m sorry.
Don’t be. You’re the most fun I’ve had in a long time.
Now, you’re joking.
Yes.
Try to think of this as something you are comfortable with. Something that is easy that you don’t really think about. Like when somebody gets undressed at night. They are either going to sleep in the altogether, or they’ve got some jammies or a nightgown to don. Getting undressed at night is easier than getting dressed in the morning. In the morning, you need to see if you’ve got egg or grease spots on your shirt. Think of it as simple as going outside to sit on your patio for a few minutes with your morning coffee. These are simple things that you don’t have to prepare for.
So, sit down and allow your feelings out. Allow yourself to invite a character to come forward and audition for a part. This is not outside of the realm of possibility.
Think of it as playing. You don’t have a contract. There are no deadlines. Just sit and be ready at your keyboard for somebody to show up. It doesn’t matter if the character is somebody who appears as an idea or somebody who actually starts talking to you.
I think there’s somebody there. He’s sort of gruff, like a marine.
You know there are lots of marines who can be tender, too.
Yes, I know. Okay, I’m game. This is only the first day.
Anything can happen. Thanks for helping.
You are welcome.
PS: I just wrote 600 words.