Keith and I have decided to start our month-long writing project tomorrow, April 29, instead of May 1. It was his idea and it works for me, so we’re beginning at 7 PM tomorrow night with a long distance cocktail before we get down to business.
The business is for each of us to write a 50,000-word novel in the space of one month. I’ve been thinking about my plot and have decided it will revolve around three women, their relationship with each other and with others outside their circle. Keith says his work will be a memoir.
It has the feel of going on a diet. Setting the starting date is the easy part. The first day will probably be pretty easy too, especially since we’re heading into a weekend and may have more time to devote to the Project. However, I’ve written under deadlines long enough to know that eager beginnings often give way to tedious middles before reaching barnstorming ends. Isn’t that how losing weight sometimes works too?
When I was a pen for hire, I never missed a deadline; but I fretted many of them and renegotiated one or two to be turned in on a Monday instead of a Friday. I’m out of practice these days; at the same time, my son is an added motivating factor. He works horrendous hours and is still up for this challenge. If he can find the time, I can too.
With this in mind, I’m whittling my daily routine to its barest bones. No craft projects; less piano playing, no long trips. And I’ll probably not write a mini-essay every day. In fact, when I do check in it will be to report on the progress of our novel writing experience. If you want to offer encouragement to Keith and me, email us at keith@fredflare.com or at anne@annebrandt.com. And if you know any publishers, alert them too.
Leave a Reply