Sunday, October 30, 2011

Writing Challenge Accepted!

I finally have something to occupy myself this November. I can't believe I've actually forgotten about it, after making an account, like a mere two or three months ago. I'm participating in NaNoWriMo or National Novel Writing Month this year, which challenges writers to jot down 50,000 words (approximately a 175 page novel) starting November 1st until November 30. That's like 1,666 words a day to win! I'm kind of excited and nervous at the same time since I rarely finish what I start, but I'm hoping I can make it. Although I am already imagining myself gnawing at my laptop, literally racking my brains to spew out ideas. I might even go crazy.
Although not Jack Torrance crazy. Close, though. Maybe it's because I don't have an evil hotel spirit to possess me, and that's all fine and dandy.

Anyway, I'm planning on doing a horror/supernatural/thriller thing. I don't want to give too much away, but here, I guess I could give the synopsis:

After the death of one of their childhood playmates, six friends return to their sleepy hometown of ________ in _______ and must reunite in order to find out what exactly drove their friend to suicide and why they’ve seemingly forgotten everything about their childhood with each other. But a far deeper horror awaits them, a childhood secret waiting to be revealed has seemingly brought them all together again for a reason, and may just be why they’ve chosen to forget. 


Bleh. There's more to this than it seems, though and I have a fairly good twist ending in mind (let's hope it's actually as good as I think it is). So I guess I'm going to be fine. Comments? Oh and I also don't have a title yet, though. All I can think of is "The Forgotten" and yes, I know it sucks big time. So if any of you would have any ideas, now would be a good time to contribute.

He knows you have them.

Wish me luck, 


12 comments:

  1. good luck with NaNoWriMo! I tell myself I'm going to do it every year but it always comes down to my exams being placed conveniently in november :( your story outline sounds reaaally good! hope you'll keep us all updated :)

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  2. Wow! Good luck!!! :D

    The synopsis is great.. parang ang ganda ng story mo ah. Title? Hmm, wala akong maisip na magandang suggestion.. pwede din sguro "The Reunion"?

    okay. Lame.

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  3. You are one daring person. I congratulate you. For though the challenge hasn't even started yet, you have a genuinely appealing plot. And you're brave enough to take part. I am not, alas. Fear engulfs me. ANd even more than that, melodramatic-ness does. :p I wish your novel the very best words have to offer. <3

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  4. I went ahead and added you as a writing buddy, hope you don't mind ;D

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  5. The synopsis is awesome. Looking forward to it!

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  6. Wow, that's serious writing. I know you can do it. as long as there are no spiders lurking around, I'm sure you'll be fine. The synopsis is great, makes want to read more. Sorry I have no great I idea to contribute for your title. hehe.. Good luck!

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  7. The synopsis sounds great! :D Can't wait for it! Good luck :D

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  8. 'The Forgotten' is definitely on the right path, but perhaps a little predictable? I know you only asked for advice regarding the title itself, but I figured I'd add the following:

    ~Throw a couple of ideas around for your title and keep looking at them every so often. Eventually, some will naturally fall off your list because they don't have lasting appeal, but you're likely to have at least one that will stand the test of time.
    This can also be applied to the process of naming your new band or even your baby!

    ~Just write! Write whatever comes to mind, always remembering that you can edit what's already there an infinite number of times. Even if you have to jot down an unsatisfactory transition, you'll at least have one you can always improve on.

    ~Keep both the start and ending in clear focus. It gives your story a firmer sense of direction!

    ~Finally, don't be afraid to make your characters suffer and change. It's all part of growing, but I think you've got a pretty good handle on things!

    Do your best, and best of luck on your assignment!!

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  9. You're great, Isha. I remember participating in NaNoWriMo twice in high school, and I also did the Script Frenzy when I was a senior. Obviously, I was in high school then so I had more free time I could spend writing. Unfortunately, I haven't done the writing challenge in a long time since being in uni (strike) sucks (/strike) is too demanding.

    Blogger doesn't allow strikethrough.

    That's why you're great, Isha. Unlike me, you're still able to update your blog every once in a while, and even join NaNoWriMo. Big kudos.

    Well, I think Martin Alexander has got it covered when it comes to advice. About the title, you'll figure it out along the way so don't worry. While writing the story or once it's done, you will have a clearer idea on what the title should be. So just start writing, do not ever hesitate, don't even think about the deadline, keep going and just write it all down. You will be happy once it's finished.

    Good luck! =]

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  10. That's so brave of you! I personally think that is a very engaging plot. But the trouble with horror is that you have to make it so suspenseful. I'm not good at that, but you probably are!

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  11. Oooooh. I like the sound of your novel. If you ask me, I'll be all "Erm, its about a .. erm, you know". Haha. The person to ask will be Mozart because he'll know more. I just write. Good luck with your writing!

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  12. Hey there ;)
    Like your posts really much, hope your writing competition will be going as you wish ;)

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