NaNoWriMo is Around the Corner

I posted this tweet the other day:

 

I might have written a (YA horror) first draft during mid-September/beginning-October, but now it's time to start thinking about NaNoWriMo.

*rubs hands together*

What is NaNoWriMo? Well, it takes place during the month of November. The goal is to write a 50,000-word fast draft. Writers from all over the world sign up, take part and share their progress on the NaNoWriMo website. You also get badges and word count metres and a snazzy certificate after you verify your novel.

It's fun and a great chance to squeeze in one last WIP before the year is over. :)

I've taken part since 2006. Actually, I've only missed one year (2011) since.

So, this will be my ELEVENTH attempt. Yay!

Here's a breakdown of the stories/genres:

• 2006: UF (Angie)
• 2007: SFR (Shade of Grey)
• 2008: SFR (Shade of Blue)
• 2009: Horror (Sinful)
• 2010: Futuristic (Embracing Sunlight)
• 2011: N/A
• 2012: UF (Torn from the Shadows)
• 2013: SFR (Dash)
• 2014: UF (Willow)
• 2015: YA Historical (MixedTape)
• 2016: YA Horror (Haunted)

It's interesting to see how many different genres I've tackled throughout the years. It's also exciting that several of these titles (4) were actually published. And another three were contracted. Even if the publishing companies are no longer alive.

Published is published, I suppose.

Back to NaNoWriMo...

As you can probably tell, I'm a fan of this process. It's pretty much how I tackle my first drafts anyway. 

So: of course I'm going to sign up for 2017! 

But before I do that I have to decide which of my current WIP ideas (there are currently 10) I'm going to focus on.

I've been riding a creepy girls horror story vibe lately, and would love to do that again. Yet, I've got my eye on a project that isn't horror. It's more a YA summer thriller with whimsy SF elements. It's kinda like The X-Files meets Stranger Things with a good dose of Roswell.

There will be some spooky stuff, a dangerous summer adventure, strong friendship bonds and romance. This is also a story that's been in my head for MONTHS, and 50k sounds like the perfect word count goal. So...

Yeah. It looks like I might be leaning towards this story because:

1. Switching genres--after writing such a dark & emotionally overwhelming demonic possession horror story--will be refreshing.
2. It'll be fun to write a story set in summer.
3. I'm enjoying the research & finding inspirational pics for this project.
4. This story is very much ready to be told.

Um, it looks like I might have made a next-WIP decision. Maybe. I still need a bit of time to think. In the past, I've picked a NaNo idea and then changed my mind at the last minute. Especially since I've got that pesky dragon idea bugging my brain... ;)

Right now I'm enjoying a wonderful, relaxing week with hubby. After everything that's been going on around here, I really needed this time off with him. When he goes back to work next week (*cries*) I plan to spend the rest of the month taking a break between drafts. I need a bit of a mental break. 

I'll keep you posted on what story I decide to write. Either way, I just wanted to share a bit about my NaNoWriMo love and experiences

Are YOU taking part?