Having done NaNo for eleven years, and 'won' ten of those, I like to keep things interesting each November. I know (as long as I'm not building a house) that I can pound out 50K in thirty days or less. That means I need to further challenge myself. Sometimes that means writing a different genre, changing up my usual method of POV, experimenting with plot or structure, or just going outside the box with short stories or a combo of any of the above. If you've done NaNo for a few years, what do you do to keep yourself challenged?
And we're back to the first Wednesday of the month, which means it's time for another Insecure Writer's Support Group post.This month's question: In terms of your writing career, where do you see yourself five years from now, and what’s your plan to get there?
I would like to have at least five more books out there, some self-published and some with my current publisher. I'd like to aim for one a year to keep some forward momentum. Currently, the first three books of The Narvan series are under contract, so there's three of my five taken care of - barring any unforeseen publishing issues. Which means, I have two other novels out of the pile of languishing WIPs on my computer to finish, edit, polish and publish. Oh, the choices!
As to why I'd like to continue the self-published/published route, I like not having all my projects tied up in one place. I like the freedom to market in both directions - my efforts and theirs. A good deal of my writing doesn't fit in simple genre categories either, which makes self-publishing a good option for those odd projects.
My plan to get there? Well, that involves spending my mornings in this chair, a lot of typing, probably a large amount of chocolate consumption and hours of frowning at what I've written along with a lot of hours of editing and rewriting. But I'll get there.
Congrats on another successful NaNo. I've done it a few times, but only won on my last attempt. I didn't take part this time but I'd definitely like to challenge myself if I do so again.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a solid publishing plan and I'm sure you'll get there if you just keep writing! Sounds like you have plenty of pieces to choose from too. I would also like to pursue traditional publishing at some point - not that I think it is more valid but just to have that experience.
If you won once, you can do it again. I find NaNo is a great reset to my writing clock, still helping me find more time to write each day once the frenzy of November is over.
DeleteYes, both methods of publishing are valid. I really like having insight on both, seeing what works best for me in both avenues and hopefully turning that into something productive for all parties involved.
Being a hybrid author is the way to go, I agree!
ReplyDeleteAnd as for NaNo, I've "won" now for four years, and I still find it extremely challenging. I think it's not having weekends off--that kills me every time. But do I write more during the week to make up for the weekends so I can take them off? Of course not--that would be too easy!
Congrats on winning TEN! That's amazing.
Sounds like you have a great plan to achieve your goals. Good luck!
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