Eat. Sleep. Write. NaNoWriMo

So it is October 31 and I am all excited about the NaNoWriMo – starting tomorrow – November 1. I am thrilled to see that more than 192,964 (and counting) people are enthusiastic about being part of this highly motivating initiative. Just the right push to get going on that novel – that book – you want to write.  I usually aim to finish the 50000 word limit before November 18 – and plan accordingly. Oh, the joy of writing.

For this year’s NaNoWriMo:

Here is what I plan to do. Yes, I am a rebel!

Short non-fiction ebooks – the idea is to self-publish
A memoirs-style book (my friends insist)
Collaborate with a couple of blogger friends
I have an offer from a client for an e-book which I am considering – it will be ghost-writing, but I am fine with that. My welfare home will benefit

How am I preparing?

Two weeks ago, I set myself assignments with weekly deadlines to help me ease into writing regularly. I do write regularly, but this practice is especially to work on my writing for November. So today, I am finishing something I intended to wrap up so I can begin the NaNoWriMo writing project tomorrow.

I’ve made a time-table from 5.30 am to 11.00 pm, fitting in routine stuff (bathing (no quickie showers for me), housework, freelance writing work (oh yes, my son loves flavored cheese), blogging, family time.

I’ll also be writing for my three blogs – Vidya Sury (this one), Coffee With Mi and Your Medical Guide.

I’ve made a meal plan for the month. (yes, really!). I enjoy cooking from scratch, so I’ve made lists for groceries and know what I’ll order, when and from where. I’ve got the lists in place. Our meals are accompanied by desserts, so… I like to make sure my folks get their just desserts. Ha ha!

I’ve got little pads and pencils tucked away in easily accessible places – the kitchen, by my bed, living room, wash room..in fact, all those spots I reach out for at home.

I will be writing with a pen and paper as well as using my computer.

Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart – William Wordsworth

I am skipping my exercise hour – instead, I’ll workout with housework. I usually drive myself nuts tiring myself out doing it all on one day. For November, I’ll spread it and do an hour a day. Smart-leveraging the activity. Although, the number of times my doorbell rings is enough to keep me fit. Plus the calls on my land line phone (no I don’t have a cordless instrument).

I’ll begin the day with prayer as usual because it is one of the most feel-good things I do. Like me, God is multilingual and listens without interrupting which is more than I can say for some folks.

I’ll keep my spirits up by reading my favorite authors – P G Wodehouse, Rohinton Mistry, Stephen King, James Patterson, Jean M Auel, Janet Evanovich, John Grisham, Robin Cook, Richmal Crompton, Frederick Christian and Oliver Strange (Sudden Series), MAD Magazine, oh the list is endless. I will also be reading my favorite blogs and listening to my playlists – yes, I have lists of all-time, anytime groups of songs – Western and Hindustani Classical, Rock/Pop, old film songs etc.

And? I have encouragement on tap from my folks and friends! I love it when they bully me and ask “how many words today?” and keep me accountable.

I will be doing more in November than the rest of the year and reveling in it! There’s nothing I like better than some tight pressure!

So, I am counting down to tomorrow.

And am raring to go!

And now, some inspiring writing quotes for that push.

My all time favorite – saving the best for last:

To those of you who celebrate it, Happy Halloween!

Here in India, we’re getting ready to celebrate Diwali or Deepavali – Festival of Lights! It is a long weekend, starting tomorrow and I am loving the thought of family being home for four days.

What motivates you to write?

♥