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New category.
If you are an aspiring writer, or just someone who likes to write for fun, then this might be for you.
What follows is an excerpt from an email I sent out last December:
I have an idea for a group effort for next year's National Novel Writing Month. I'm sure most of you know what that's all about, but if not then here's a link:
National Novel Writing Month
Short version: in November, you commit to writing a 50,000 word story in whatever format or style that you choose.Obviously, it takes a tremendous amount of effort and dedication to make that goal, but I've also found it to be fun, challenging and creatively stimulating.
My idea: Next November, we produce a group anthology revolving around a central theme. There will be a variety of types of works, such as (for instance) poetry, sci-fi, chick lit, horror, erotica, fan fiction, historical fiction, play, and/or whatever else someone wants to do. Interested in doing more than one piece? Knock yourself out. I'm not talking about assigning genres to people, I'm talking about everyone doing whatever interests them.
The central theme will be "Giant Evil Space Robots". Every piece should work that into the story, either centrally or peripherally.
More from the email:
According to the "rules" of NaNoWriMo, you're not supposed to actually write your piece ahead of time. What you can do is plan plot lines, story arcs, and that sort of preliminary idea work. If you'd rather, just make it up as you go along. Whatever works for you. Actual writing is supposed to begin on November 1, 2006. I'll do the final compilation, other details to be worked out.I don't think we need to set a minimum contribution, so don't sweat timing and scheduling. Anything at all is welcomed, so even if all you have time for is a half-dozen haiku or limricks, then that's cool.
So that's the idea. The primary purpose is to have some fun, the goal is to put together an anthological work for next November's NaNoWriMo, with all pieces including a common theme.
Right now, I've gotten firm commitments from a dozen people, and maybes from three or four more. The more, the merrier, so if you'd like to contribute a word or three, drop an email to me or leave something in the comments.
More news coming in the next few weeks.
Posted by Ted at September 2, 2006 01:49 PM50,000 words in a month? Subtracting Thanksgiving that's 1,725 words a day.
I can certainly see the advantage of working up some preliminary stuff in advance.
I'm giving some serious thought to having a go at it this year. If I can decide on a story line - but I'm afraid "Giant Evil Space Robots" aren't my forte. Which is too bad because I could just bang out 5,000 words for the anthology and claim success!!!
No. In the interest of abusing my ego I must go for the brass ring.
Posted by: Stephen Macklin at September 2, 2006 04:01 PMThis is a side project. I've got another story in mind for my solo effort.
Posted by: Ted at September 2, 2006 04:30 PMAh, what the fuck. Sure, count me in.
BTW, when are you going to finish your zombie story?
Posted by: Victor at September 2, 2006 08:58 PMCool beans, Victor!
The zombie story is on indefinite hold. I need to figure out how to get to the ending from where it's at now, and I need to figure out where to find time to write it.
Posted by: Ted at September 4, 2006 11:30 AM