Monday, November 30, 2009

I'd Like to Buy a Word

There are defeats more triumphant than victories.
Michel de Montaigne

I need to buy about 25,000 words. As of this writing, there is still one hour and 28 minutes left of Nanowrimo 2009 - 50,000 words in a month. I won't make it.

I did accomplish all these other things this month though. Can I transfer that into words?

Read five books.
Washed the kitchen floor.
Kept the whip on my #3 son to get out his college applications, essays, transcripts, resumes and also write up his Eagle project.
Made two really awful pumpkin pies.
Explored an idea for a non-fiction book proposal and wrote over 30 pages of notes.
Submitted two essays for publication.
Dusted my dresser.
Finished knitting a prayer shawl.
Moved my main character out of the middle of a field. Figured out her route all the way to the end of her quest.
Cleaned the toilets.
Watched John Adams, Six Feet Under Season 4, Citizen Kane, and Slumdog Millionaire
Changed the bag on the vacuum.
Spent a delinquent weekend with my friends.
Substitute taught middle and high school - many days.
Cleared the stacks of paper and junk in my office - spread it out all over the house.

Intended to succeed. Does that count?

Meanwhile 11:20pm. Surely someone has words for sale on Ebay.

27 comments:

  1. And in what world does everything there not equal an amazing month of productivity? (see how I refuse to let you get down on yourself? SEE?). Submitted two articles for publication? Honey, forget the deadline. Forget the word count. You're already writing.

    I don't know if you ever saw my follow-up comment with email address, in case you ever need outside reading eyes and follow-up questions...?? Just know the offer always stands.

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  2. Wow! Just . . . Wow! 50,000 words in a month? That is definitely quite a challenge!

    I'm a freelance writer/editor, too, but have never ventured the novel route. These days, I'm lucky to pound out a 1,200 word article!

    However, I have a son with Asperger's Syndrome who can spew 50,000 words/hour, if you'd like me to send him your way. They may be randomized, and will most likely be in the form of a question, but if it's words you want, he can definitely deliver. lol ;o)

    Hugs,

    Angela

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  3. Half the words, but double the quality ... it all evens out! Plus, you wrote OTHER things. Don't forget to add those words into your total count.

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  4. sounds like you had a hell of a month

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  5. I give you credit! I don't write well with deadlines hanging over my head, the one downfall of depending on stream-of-consciousness writing, which is the one and only way I write. Sometimes even THAT is too much for me at the end of my very busy days. I believe my daughter was in on that Nanowrimo thing a few years back but I don't think she accomplished it. I think it takes a lot of discipline, something she and I don't have. That, or time, HA!

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  6. Hi I came to you via Weaver. I am most impressed by all you have done, think it counts for about 38,549 words - is that enough?

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  7. AS far as I am concerned, you did an excellent job in November!

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  8. 50000 words is a lot in a month. It's difficult to write freely, too, and not worry about editing right away (that would drive me crazy).
    A friend of mine did it, and now she's going back to read all of what she wrote this month.
    Also...I think they should change the month for it. Make it in February or March where there is nothing else going on in the middle of the winter and everyone is stuck inside at their computers anyway.
    Regardless of how many words you wrote, it sounds like you had a productive month!

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  9. Personally I think you have had a great month.....I so enjoy visiting you Julie, I always leave with a smile.....:-) Hugs

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  10. You had such a busy month but 50.000 words, such a big task, but I am sure you will find them all in the coming month.

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  11. You are so funny! There's nothing like avoiding to get one going on other onerous tasks. All in all it sounds like you had a great month.

    Maybe you could put your nano piece away until next year - then you'll be halfway there already.

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  12. Do you know what? That is a brilliant idea - in future every time I fail on some deadline or other, I shall make a list of all the things that I HAVE done. I am sure that will make me feel better. Thanks you for that!

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  13. It all sounds like a heavy load to me. I'm tired just thinking about all you've done.

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  14. Are you actually BUYING these words? I think I can sell about 300,000 of 'em, so take yer pick!

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  15. P.S. You don't need Nanowrimo. You're already a rockin' writer. Just remember: BIC (Butt in Chair).

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  16. It sounds like you accomplished quite a bit--congrats.

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  17. I have a few leftover vowels I bought from Vanna White. I've donated them in your name.

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  18. Buy Words? Hilarious! I LOVE IT!! Let me know where they are for sale...I'd like to buy some, too ;-) You had a tremendously productive month...and very balanced...and it sounds as if you made real progress on your writing, too!!! Fun, fun post!!! I'm smiling from ear to ear! ~Janine XO

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  19. Buy words? I'd like to buy some of your energy. Well done! :)

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  20. It must count! I'm really impressed with the five books along with everything else.

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  21. Sounds like you've been very productive to me! 50,000 words would take me a year or more! I wonder how many words are on all of our blog posts from the beginning?

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  22. I think it counts. Sure as shit put me to shame. I did laundry...

    xo
    erin

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  23. My hat is off to you. I didn't get nearly as much accomplished as you did, and that you wrote even 25,000 words while still holding down a job (!)leaves me ashamed and meekly promising to do better next time.

    Too bad there isn't a frequent flyer program for writers where you can actually buy those missing points/words....

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  24. You've been busy! And there is no such thing as an awful pumpkin pie! One of my favorites, I also watch Six Feet Under but haven't seen it for a while. Think I'll look it up!

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  25. It's amazing how much house-cleaning I get done when I'm in a procrastinating writing mood! Congrats on getting so much done around the house AND on your novel!

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  26. Whoa! Two articles submitted for publication; 30 pages of notes for a nonfiction proposal; you got your character out of her predicament & know where she's going to go (until she decides otherwise) and you're worried about an arbitrary word count?! Fuhgeddaboudit! You even cleaned your house!
    Congratulations on a truly productive month.

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  27. Dang!! That list WORE ME OUT!! I need a break now! HA! Job hunter? You got a job!! SHEESH! LOL! xoxo :)

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Let me know what you think. Every word you write, I appreciate.

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