day 1 of nano

Today is the day we all start writing.  I won't be typing until the girls are in bed tonight.  I think I need a solid block of time to really dig in.

Here's where I'll be typing...

I haven't sat at a desk in almost two years... so I might be dragging my laptop off to a coffee shop now and then for a change of scenery.

A couple of days ago I was searching madly for tips, trying to absorb as much as possible and then I felt overwhelmed.  I had yet to tell anyone what I was planning to write about (I feel like it's so personal for some reason) so I decided to bounce it off of two people... Stephanie and Andrew.  So I called my sister.  She gave me some great advice... to really figure out who my characters are up front to get me started... what do they like, what do they listen to, what do they eat... and to write in a linear timeline... I plan on writing about different points in time where several years will pass and I wasn't sure if I should start in the present but I think I will take her advice and write from the beginning.  I can always change it later... after nano... since I will not edit during nano (I promise).  I also reminded her that I haven't written anything creative since I was in high school (or maybe even elementary school), she reminded me that I read like a mad woman and that I do have a voice (on here) so I'll find it.

When I told Andrew my rough plans last night (with a glass of wine in hand) he was very encouraging and not sarcastic in the least (if you know my husband... he can be sarcastic... to the max).  He helped me solidify my character names and really boosted my confidence about this whole novel writing business.  He got me excited.

All I have left to do is to start writing... good luck to all of you nano participants!