The first week of NaNoWriMo. You came in with a strong start. The words are flowing. Your story is flowing from your mind like the Amazon River during the rainy season. Nothing can stop you now. Your word count is off the charts. You’ve never had it so good.
Stop.
(Patiently waiting for the screams of protest to die down a little.)
I’m not telling you to stop writing. I value my life far too much. What I am suggesting is to make you write more, not less. Something I’ve learned over my 17+ years of NaNoWriMo is not to rush the story. Yes, you want to get that first draft written. You want to get that word count. What I’m offering is a way to do both.
For example, let's look at the following bit:
He opened the door and rushed into the room.
That was good for 9 words. It jumps you right into the next scene. But instead, why not expand on it? This is where you can draw in on the five senses. Lets try this again.
His hand curved around the cold metal knob of the door. He took a deep breath, the musty scent of old wood stinging his nose, even as he could see the wood of the door splintering from age. He pushed it open and rushed ahead as dust seemed to billow around him to hold him back.
Same concept, but expanded. And 56 words instead of 9. Three of the five senses used. Sight, smell and touch.
You don’t need to rush your story. Take the time to tell it. The more you add, the better your word count.
Quantity is important. It doesn't matter if you edit it all out later. What matters is telling your story. Enrich the story in your own mind. Add sensation. And most importantly, enjoy the experience of telling your story. That is after all why you’re a writer, isn’t it?
