Gearing up for NaNoWriMo

I couldn't get to sleep last night so I read for a while. Finally turned the light out around 4:30. Still couldn't get to sleep for almost an hour. Of course I woke up two hours later.

It's excitement mostly. I feel unprepared for NaNoWriMo, but I'm still anxious to get started tomorrow. I'm catching the bus to Toronto this afternoon and going out with Danny this evening. I'll start writing on his computer tomorrow.

I only got halfway through editing the nature essays I need for the other book project. I had hoped to finish it before the end of the month. Unfortunately, now I will have to chip away at the other half over the next couple weeks while also working on the novel. I feel under a lot of pressure, but in a good way.

Now if only I can calm down enough to get some decent sleep, otherwise I'll never make it through the month.

Conclusion form the poll

Before I get too busy to think about it, I need to respond to the user poll I ran a couple days ago. I'm going to do this in point form:

1. 29 people answered at least one question, more than I expected. I want to thank everyone who responded. Special thanks to those who rarely comment in my journal but took time to fill out the poll. It showed me more people pay attention than I realize.



2. Photographs: I'm vaguely alarmed, though I had already guessed, that my photography is the most popular aspect of my journal. 28 respondents said they enjoy it, and it was the only answer which no one chose as "least favourite." The problem is, writing is my primary focus, my calling, my passion. Have I chosen the wrong career? Am I confused? On the other hand, I love doing photography, and it will continue as an essential part of this journal.



3. Poetry: The largest number of people (8) chose this as their least favourite thing. Fortunately, more than half (15) said they like it. I post poetry sporadically, but it was my original pupose for this journal, so I'll continue with it.



4. Fiction: Most respondents (18) indicated they don't enjoy reading my fiction. This is helpful to know, because it indicates one thing I can do to keep this journal more focused. I already have one fiction journal: blind_king, which was supposed to be for a single project. For now I will put other fiction there, too. That's where I'll put my work for NaNoWriMo, unless I come up with a better idea. blind_king is friends only, so if you're interested in reading my fiction, add that journal as a friend and I will add you back. I'll occasionally post updates here about my fiction projects for those who might want to read later.
   
   
5. Other writing: Commentary on my day-to-day life and autobiographical sketches (stories from earlier in my life) are the kinds of writing that the most people find interesting. This helps with focus, too. A few respondents made it very clear they didn't like me lumping memes in with other day-to-day stuff. I get the point. I would like to observe that the best LiveJournalists tend to despise memes. I only like the ones that encourage self-expression, but I will continue my practice of putting them behind a cut.
   
   
6. How personal? Most people (22) said my journal is just right. This is a tough question for me. I admire draco_kc's journal, and find his candid discussion of sexuality and relationships most informative. I would like to be more open about certain topics, but don't know how to, without compromising the privacy of LJ friends.
   
   
7. Focus: Most people (22) said it doesn't need more focus, which is a relief because I'll never achieve an orderly approach. But a little more focus would be useful for me. I can simplify by moving the fiction elsewhere. And I have already started to put a bigger emphasis on day-to-day activities, a practice which I'll try to continue.
   
   
8. The beard: On Tuesday night I was annoyed with it, particularly the moustache. But this was just a light question. Good thing this journal isn't a democracy, or if it is, djjo has veto power over facial hair. Some modifications are in store. I don't know what they are, but they won't be drastic. I'm glad at least 11 people said I should keep it long.
   
   
   

Looking back, looking ahead

Eramosa River, January 31, 2002