Last year I discovered NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) for the first time and became immediately obsessed with writing 50,000 words in one month. I'll be Nanoing again this year and fingers crossed I'll get a whole novel written in November.
There's no cheating allowed - which means in October I can't write a word towards my story, but I can start plotting and planning. My novel idea for this year:
Digging up Death
Dusty Fields is a palaeontologist student who has the gift of seeing how creatures died when she touches their remains. Handy for work, but something she keeps a secret from a judgemental world. Dusty avoids all but prehistoric death, until she comes across a colleague's body at her dig site and must help an infuriatingly dense detective solve the crime without revealing her 'gift'.
I've got the whole family joining in. Last year Matilda and Emily both wrote novellas (kids get to choose the wordcount they will aim for). This year we're trying to entice Tim to join in too. All through October our family has little workshops, this week we're focusing on plotting and story ideas.
Using John and Caitlin Mathews StoryWorld cards, we experimented with coming up with new story ideas. This pack of cards includes many fantasy and traditional fairytale characters, objects and settings along with a book to show different ways they could be used.
Our aim was to deal out two character cards, one object and one setting. Then we each came up with different ideas. You could also use tarot cards or print up archetype characters and draw them out of a hat to do this.
I can also use these cards in the classroom for creative writing, they are so beautiful the kids just love them. Here's a sample:
There were some pretty interesting ideas, including a murder mystery in fairyland! You can buddy me at NaNoWriMo and see what the month of crazy brings.
yay for you!
ReplyDeleteI love how you include your kids - what a great idea :)
What a great idea, writing NaNo with the children.
ReplyDeleteWith two wip already underway, I think I shouldn't NaNo a new work. Without last year's NaNo I never would have got back on (writing) track though.
I love the StoryWorld cards. Those look like they would be fun. Best of luck with NaNoWriMo. I can't image trying to write 50,000 words in one month. WOW.
ReplyDeleteMason
Thoughts in Progress
I know you can do it. Writing is in your veins, and your children may inherit your enthusiasm How wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous family project! I'll be waiting to see how it went. I've never done NaNoWriMo, but I definitely admire those who do.
ReplyDeleteI love the look of the cards. They're beautiful. Your story idea is great. I'm still trying to work out some of the bugs.
ReplyDeleteCD
NaNo as a family event is a fantastic idea!! You're going to have a great time. I still haven't decided what I'm going to do. This November is going to be nuts!
ReplyDeleteHave fun with the NaNo book. The premise sounds like a neat story.
ReplyDeleteI have wanted to join in for several years...this is my last year in grad school so hopefully this time next year. Your intro sounds fascinating & I love those cards!
ReplyDeleteJust buddied you! Last year was my first too, and I suspect I won't miss one again, unless I get in a deadline cycle with publishers. I love your book idea! (I put my thoughts to my readers today, since I can't decide)--and those cards are GORGEOUS!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to get everyone involved!
ReplyDeleteI am doing NaNo for the first time. I will befriend you. I am nervous but excited.
I just hopped over to Amazon and bought those cards - thanks for the idea! I bet my students will love them. I saw Tilly's post about participating. It's wonderful that you and your girls can enjoy it together! :-)
ReplyDeleteOoh, I like your story concept.
ReplyDeleteMine's about a woman who solves crimes--without leaving her bed.
So she's got to get her reluctant son to be her eyes and ears. The story is told from his POV...his journey into the wacky world of private murder investigation.
Will NaNo friend you!