Every November thousands of writers from all over the world get together via a social networking site called http://nanowrimo.org/ for the purpose of writing 50,000 words of fiction in 30 days.
I participated last year for the first time and it was a total blast. I especially enjoyed being able to turn my internal editor off; you know that fun hating part of you that likes to ruin every creative endeavor. It comes in really handy when you’re ready to start re-writing, though.
So, this year I’m writing a story about a big wave surfer who ends up becoming involved in the male escort service business. Being a surfer myself, but not a big wave surfer by any means, I love talking to surfers, hearing their lingo and especially eyeing them performing towel changes in the parking lot of Salt Creek, which is a famous surf spot in Dana Point, CA.
I’ve been a madwoman at the keyboard for the past two days, and have cranked out 10,000 words. My main character is turning out to have a pretty out of control sex drive. But who I am to argue with him? After all, he’s running the show.
I love the energy of a first draft and I encourage you all to try it if you dare.
Now, time to sit by the fireplace, eat some homemade lentil soup and dream about big wave surfers...Ah, November.
