What year(s) did you participate in NaNoWriMo?
2011
Tell us if you won or not, and what you learned from the experience
Yes, I won with a word count of 51,000+ and the title was Bound By Cotton. It was my first experience, so I did learn a LOT. First, if you plan to write a historical (as I did), or any other project – that requires research – do as much as possible before November 1st. Research eats up so much time! This will require an outline, which I did not make last year. Chapter by chapter, outline (even roughly) how your book will evolve and do all the research you can think of beforehand, have it printed out in tidy worksheets or however you do your organizing. Second, back your work daily. I cannot emphasize this enough. (My computer crashed and I lost my winning manuscript.) Third, write every single day! Even if it’s not the word count you intended to reach, write every single day. This may involve keeping a notebook with you at all times so you can write in the car, waiting at the doctor’s office, on the school bus – or why not utilize your notepad in your cell phone? Fourth, make yourself a chart used to keep track of your word count. (I’ll place a pdf of the one I use on my website for free) Fifth and finally, have fun with this and tell people what you will be doing. It will not only place accountability on you to DO IT, but they won’t be calling/stopping by as much so you can reach your goal.
What specific advice do you have for someone attempting NaNoWriMo ?
Follow my advice from above 🙂
In your opinion who do you think is a good fit to do the challenge and who is is *not* for.
If a person wants a challenge, this is it. Unless a person is really ready to commit to writing at least 1670 words each and every day for a month, NaNo is not for you.
Author Bio:
Robyn’s historical fiction, Summer Rain: Getsikahvda Anitsalagi (The Removal of the People), based on Cherokee life prior to and culminating with the Trail of Tears,was released March 2012. Currently finishing the first of the “Rebellion” trilogy, a historical fiction series based on the Wet Mountain Valley in Colorado. 2012 NaNoWriMo will produce a YA novel, A Dolphin For One. Other projects include a contribution to the book, Rich Fabric-An Anthology, available on Amazon; proceeds of this book are donated in full to the Twilight Wish Foundation. For any other information, please see author blog/website.
Website(s)
Author Home Page Link
Link to your author page on Amazon:10
Link to author page on another service
Social Media:
http://www.goodreads.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&query=robyn+leatherman
https://twitter.com/RobynLeatherman
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