Chris thinks “NaNoWriMo” sounds like the name of a hipster white rapper. NaNoWriMo is like a backpacker MC whose beats aren’t any good because he’s decided to base them on algorithms. And then he spits rhymes like, Tha numbers don’t lie, and neither do I! I’m NaNoWriMo!
Oh my God, I signed up, and I’m at something like four thousand words now. Tha numbers don’t lie! I’m really not sure if I’m in it to win it. I’m doing it because I’ve had a certain idea for a while now, and maybe if I set the freakish goony strength of this NaNo thing lumbering after it, something will happen. I just don’t know if I need 50,000 words for it to happen, because I actually kind of like my inner editor, and I might not be hardcore enough to totally banish her for a whole month and just dwell in my own filth that way. But I’ll let you know how it goes. I like it so far.
Per my last entry I’ll still be posting Stuff I Know About Getting Published (Though of Course I Don’t Know Everything) this month, too. If you read the comments you already know that you shouldn’t submit a children’s book manuscript with a friend’s illustrations, because I will lose my shit and lecture you mightily! But keep the questions coming.
In other news, I would like to congratulate my downstairs neighbor, Gracie, for peeing in the potty. Gracie, your parents are very, very enthusiastic about your progress. Or so I hear, in the laundry room. Well, good for you. And when that stuff gets old, you can always try NaNoWriMo.
BTW: Those are Theodore Roethke’s files in the photo, not mine.
And Gracie is a pseudonym.
I am sad that I only just heard about NaNoWriMo. It sounds fun, and would be a good use of some recently acquired free time.
I also wanted to say I read your book, and I loved it. I’ve been a fan of the site for awhile now, and I am a little ashamed it took me until just recently to read it. But well done.
And even though i’ve read them many many times, I still got a kick out of the Weight Watchers cards (as I am sure everyone who ever reads them is sure to tell you) but I was slightly disturbed to notice that several recipes were listed under the category “Convenience Fishâ€. What does that even mean?
To be clear, the backpacker rapper I had in mind when I heard about Wendy’s novel-in-a-month club spells his name Nano Rhymo…that’s a, uh, now wait, I remember this…a HOMONYM, right? Or is it a homophone? Or a Homlacmite?
Either way, other rappers lay claim to a punchline ever minute, but Nano Rhymo can spit game in a NANO-SECOND. He’s FAST! He’s college educated (degree in particle physics, minor in creative writing)! He just got signed to Def Jux! He’s NANO RHYMO!!
Good luck Wendy! I can only imagine how hard it must be for you turn off the inner editor, when I can barely manage to do that.
I signed up for NaNoWriMo as well only to realize that what my mind feels like writing is chick lit/romance/something. I think this will end up being just an exercise for me since I am not sure if I’m willing to let anyone read what is coming out of my head. Though perhaps it finishing something will help me get on the right track. 🙂
I forgot to ask last time.
Can I submit some illustrations and get you to make someone else write a story for them?
I swear to God, in the time I’ve been here, at least two people have tried that with us. They were like, “Here are some paintings I did! Maybe you can stick them in a story or something! And then send me a check! OK!” Heh.
So you’re saying I can?
hi wendy! i’ve been reading your blog for a few years but never commented. now that you’ve opened it up for industry questions… can i ask you about grad school?
it seems like the literary scene in chicago is thriving, but the opportunities for an education in creative writing are not as strong. or maybe i’m being a snob. it’s just that i haven’t been able to find much feedback from actual students of the MFA programs at columbia college or the art institute. do you have any friends on the faculty at either school, or any insight to their programs? i’d like to pursue an MFA without having to leave this city that i love, but i’m not sure either school is the kind of program i’m looking for.
sorry, i know this question doesn’t relate directly to publishing. i’m grasping here.
good luck with nanowrimo!! even if you don’t “win,” it’s worth the experience.
I don’t know much about either program, but I’ve met a couple people who teach at SAIC, Janet Desaulniers and Elizabeth Crane, and I really like their books. I don’t know what you’re looking for in an MFA program (Do you want to teach? Have time to write? Be part of an academic community?) but I suppose you could start with reading books by Columbia and SAIC faculty–you don’t have to totally adore the stuff they write, but it helps to feel a general affinity. I can tell you that the best teacher-writers in a program aren’t always the most famous or rockstar-ish. And have you tried going to thesis readings/performances or other events to get a feel for the stuff that the students are doing? And what are you being a snob about, exactly?
But you know, if you’re looking for some big sign to tell you that you should do an MFA program, or if you’re holding out for the perfect situation (i.e., staying in Chicago, etc.) my guess is you probably shouldn’t do it. I mean, I don’t know if you ARE hesitant or what, but I always feel compelled to say that to people who are thinking about doing an MFA program, because it can turn your world upside down and you have to really want to be there in order to get what you want out of it with your spirit intact.
Elisabeth,
Here’s my take on Columbia College in general (not the MFA specifically):
Pros: The professors are typically in the field of whatever discipline, which made it great for practical experience and connections, not so great if you’re interested in theory. Great place to network, and a great place to find internships or “starter†jobs. The sleazy Harrison café around the corner for good conversations (I think this place is gone now).
Cons: It took me 7 years to get my BA from that place (ok, this was my fault). Everyone will either write, make a film, do an interpretative dance, a theater production or photography exhibit of the El. It makes you hate the El, and hate the professors that would even allow this to be any point of focus for anything. If you go to any clubs (I went there in the late 80s early 90s), the same kids that you were hanging out with at the Smart Bar, Exit (the old one), or Shelter, getting wasted or making out or dancing or whatever, will be in your class the very next morning and it will be weird. Everyone will claim to be a “unique individual.†The sleazy Harrison café for bad coffee, mice and dreary conversations.
NaNoWriMo is a blast. No matter what, you end up with a chunk o’ book and a self-esteem boost. Enjoy.
Oh great. I’m doing NaBloPoMo and you’re doing NaNoWriMo. We’re the Nano family now!
thanks wendy, i appreciate your comment about looking for a sign. i have been hesitant… but not to the point where i don’t think i should do it. i KNOW i want to pursue an MFA, but i have been second-guessing whether or not i’m capable. i want that “turn your life upside down” aspect. i don’t know, is that a bad reason to do it? i want to write. i want to be in an academic environment, spending my time with other writers. those are okay reasons, yes? for now i think i’m going to put off applying for one more year (because i got started a little late to meet application deadlines this year) and work on my writing in the meantime. so if you or any of your readers have suggestions of classes or workshops in chicago, they’d be much appreciated. i know, JUST WRITE, but i am looking for a supportive environment with feedback.
Bibfash: thanks for the feedback on Columbia. the more i hear about it, the more i like it. the biggest drawback is lack of funding. thankfully i don’t go clubbing so i don’t have to worry about that aspect.
and i can’t wait until nano rhymo cuts an album.
I think writing a novel in a month *is* like peeing in the potty. Well, but what do I know. Maybe it can be done. I’ve been working on mine for so many years that I am weary with the idea of NaMoNaMo. Anyway, stop on over to http://www.literaryrejectionsondisplay.blogspot.com if you have any rejections you’d like to air in public. It’s really quite healing.
You’ve been trying to pee in the potty for years? Without success?