Rochelle
asked
Shannon Messenger:
Hi! Thank you for writing such beautiful books! I know how much work it takes to produce something so amazing. Which brings me to my question: have you ever participated in NaNoWriMo? If so, do you have any tips? I gave NaNo a try last year and while I reached my word count goal, I wasn't proud of what I had written. This year I want to strive for something much better. Oh no! I'm running out of characters! NOooooo...
Shannon Messenger
I haven't participated in NaNoWriMo specifically, only because I'm usually on tour that month. I've also never written an entire book in one month before, but only because my books are much longer than 50,000 words.
But when I'm on deadline, I do tend to write somewhere between 40-60,000 words in a 4 week period. So I guess I NaNo in spirit?
Here's the thing: the real point of NaNo is to get you to learn how to set a writing goal, come up with a schedule, and try to stick to it. It's also about finding a community of writers to cheer you on . But none of that should come at the expense of good writing. Some chapters take longer. Some plot threads take time and brainstorming to work through. And if you need to slow down to get through them, you absolutely should (hence why I average a word count range, rather than a consistent number). It's about finding the right balance.
It's also important to keep in mind that completing a book is only the beginning. Writing is all about re-writing--especially when you're still learning. So just because that first NaNoBook isn't perfect right now doesn't mean you can't make it perfect by revising it--and then revising again and again.
But when I'm on deadline, I do tend to write somewhere between 40-60,000 words in a 4 week period. So I guess I NaNo in spirit?
Here's the thing: the real point of NaNo is to get you to learn how to set a writing goal, come up with a schedule, and try to stick to it. It's also about finding a community of writers to cheer you on . But none of that should come at the expense of good writing. Some chapters take longer. Some plot threads take time and brainstorming to work through. And if you need to slow down to get through them, you absolutely should (hence why I average a word count range, rather than a consistent number). It's about finding the right balance.
It's also important to keep in mind that completing a book is only the beginning. Writing is all about re-writing--especially when you're still learning. So just because that first NaNoBook isn't perfect right now doesn't mean you can't make it perfect by revising it--and then revising again and again.
More Answered Questions
Lena
asked
Shannon Messenger:
Hi! I really really love your books, and I'm so excited that you're coming to my state for the Lodestar tour thing! Unfortunately, I'm a student, and the day you are coming is in a week day, so I can't go :( However! I just wanted to say I'm super excited that we'll be in the same state briefly! Also, since this is an ask, I was wondering if you are the type to plot your stories or let it go where it wants?
Candy Ninja
asked
Shannon Messenger:
Hi! Can't wait for Lodestar! Anyway, I have two questions. One, how do you further the plot and have plot twists? I like to write, but I think my stories kind of just fall flat. Two, I know you answered this sort of, but would there be a human in the elfin world or a team up between one and the gang? And do humans have powers of their own, like before they were exiled? And would it possible to get one of your own? Thx
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