post-NaNo deconstruction

NaNo was ... weird this year. In a lot of ways it was easily my best year yet. I sat down to write, and I wrote. Most years it's an agonizing process involving lots of glaring at the monitor willing the words to appear. This year, I just ... wrote.

It has also, however, been the least satisfying year. In past years, I've failed, I've finished the story without hitting 50,000 words, I've hit 50,000 words without finishing the story, you name it. But I have less of a sense of accomplishment this year than I have some of the years I've given up completely. I suspect it's because this year's NaNo didn't seem to have a thing to say.

In the past, when I've trashed the results of the month-long struggle, it's been with a sense of triumph, a resounding "And there goes that bastard! Ha ha!" This year, it was more like just dragging the thing to where it belonged. Maybe it's because it sucked so completely. Or maybe it's just the let-down of success. Or maybe I'm just cranky and in a few more days I'll feel better about the whole thing.

Anyway, I'm already thinking about next year. I've tried going in with nothing, I've tried going in with a general plot but no specifics, and one year I had the whole damn thing outlined. There doesn't seem to be a pattern of success/failure there. The one thing I did this year that I think I'll try again was, when my mind just drifted away and didn't want to focus anymore, instead of getting up and walking around or getting a drink or whatever, I stayed at the computer. I kept typing. I had a second document up where I'd write crap like, "And now I'm taking a break until my brain comes back. It's cold out. I think I would like a cookie." or whatever, just keeping my fingers moving. Then eventually I'd go back to the NaNo. It seemed to work.

I'd also like to offer a hearty CONGRATULATIONS to everyone else who attempted it (or NaBloPoMo) this year! Give yourselves a pat on the back. Whether you finished or not, you earned it.

Well holy crap.

What's that word I'm looking for?

The one that addresses how I feel about the fact that Eric Bergeson discussed a Stephen Fry blessay on his blog Sunday?

I mean, aside from "WHEEEEEE!"

Random

Ms. Huis Herself says I should tell you 7 random things about myself. Obviously I won't be tagging because everyone who reads this and blogs has already been tagged.

1. I'm a little depressed that Weginald (the cheese star of Cheddarvision) is going to be sold today. I hope they put another cheese up. Occasionally clicking over and watching a cheese age is remarkably soothing.
2. Yesterday I spent so many hours working on my NaNo that I ended up word drunk. Everything looked odd and seemed silly. This is a fun state. (And I'm caught up to halfway through Wednesday!)
3. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about the fact that Stephen Fry's blog is all about tech stuff, but I am very grateful to Jaysan for pointing me in its direction.
4. I've been talking about having people over and forcing them to watch Trigun with me since about 1999 or so. This still has not happened.
5. So far my random things have involved cheese, Stephen Fry, and anime. I am painfully predictable.
6. I have no idea what to buy the nieces, Bane, or Miasma for Christmas. Am debating between things I think are cool and things they will enjoy. Cannot think of anything that matches both criteria.
7. I would enjoy a nap.

NaNo!

Here I am in the HoDo lounge, drinking Schell's Snowstorm (a dunkel this year. Okay, but I'll be moving on to the Oktoberfest next) as Steph texts several key people to let them know the guy from Full House who wasn't John Stamos or the other guy who ended up hosting a game show or America's Funniest or something like that — the one with the adam's apple — anyway, the guy who wasn't either of those guys is also in the HoDo lounge. And we've ordered walleye cakes. Mmmm.

I love NaNo weekend. And I should really get back to working on my novel now. I've been productive so far though! I'd fallen way behind, but I think I'll be able to play Guitar Hero when I get home tomorrow. :-)

It's snowing!

And as of yesterday I was caught up on my NaNo word count. Yay! Of course, NaNo being what it is, now I'm behind again. But I did get to play Guitar Hero yesterday. That's my reward system this year: I'm not allowed to play any Guitar Hero unless I'm caught up or ahead on word count.