After Nano, most people are so relieved to be finished with the month of November, they aren't quite ready to face the rest of the work. That's OKAY.
If you finished your Nano project, my first and ONLY suggestion is to set it aside. You are not ready to show it to anyone. It's a rough draft in the roughest form. This piece of coal needs a lot of pressure and polish to turn it into a diamond. Click save, back up in several places on your computer and an external place, whether on a flashdrive or a dropbox. Then don't look at it again until after Christmas. Mark it on your calendar. It will be an extra special gift you give yourself.
Did you cross the Nano finish line with 50K words and your story isn't completed? You're in good company. You took risks, you created characters and you have part of a story that may or may be connected to other parts. My advice is for you to continue on, persevere until you type THE END. Set aside writing time each day or week, whatever works for you and keep going. Once you write THE END, read the second paragraph ^ and set it aside for 3 or 4 weeks.
Is this your first Nano? You might want to take some time while you're waiting for the gift opening to study up on story structure and characterization. This will help you when you get back to that masterpiece awaiting you.
No matter how much you love your story please do NOT try to edit right away and DO NOT sub right away. Your baby won't be ready for public viewing for a little while.
If you did Nano, what is your favorite post Nano tip? Please share in the comments below.
Happy Writing!
2 Comments
12/7/2012 02:11:38 pm
I didn't nano, but I did sprint with a dear friend every night while she was nanoing. My main tip would to make sure you finished the story you started!!
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Tamara
12/7/2012 02:21:02 pm
Thanks for stopping by Kim. You can encourage your friend by gently holding them accountable. Perhaps you can ask to read a chapter, or ask her how it's going. Another piece of advice is to ask her to share her plan of action.
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Tamara Eaton
is an author and editor. Her former career as an English teacher assists her to help others through editing services. She's available for workshops. See her Editing Services Page for details. Be sure to get updates by clicking the RSS feed below for continuing writing tips. Archives
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