I'm joining NaNoWriMo 2009 ;)

I've signed up for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) in November 2008 but I didn't manage to fulfill my writing requirements. So, I'll do it this year: 1-30 November 2009. I haven't thought of any plot yet, I guess I should start a few drafts before November arrives! w00t!!!

Here's a good article that might help writing newbies' like me to realize their writing dreams. Here's the original article: Stephen King's Top 7 Tips for Becoming a Better Writer

1. Get to the point: Don't waste your reader's time with too much back-story, long intros or longer anecdotes about your life. Reduce the noise and babbling. Get to your point quickly before your reader loses patience and moves on.

2. Write a draft, then let it rest: Crank out a first draft, then put it in your drawer to let it rest. How long you let your text rest may vary. This enables you to get out of the mindset you had when you wrote the draft and get a more detached and clear perspective on the text. It then becomes easier to edit, add, and cut.

3. Cut down your text: When you revisit your text, it's time to remove all the superfluous words and sentences. This will de-clutter your text and often get your message through with more clarity and a bigger emotional punch. Don't remove too much text though or you may achieve the opposite effects instead.

4. Be relatable and honest: Have an honest voice and honest characters with both bad and good sides to them. People we can relate to with all of their faults, passions, fears, weaknesses, and good moments. That creates a strong connection to the reader who starts caring about the characters. Another key is to keep a conversational style. Keeping it simple and using language that isn't unnecessarily complicated.

5. Don’t care too much what others may think: If you listen too much to your critics, you won't get much done. Your writing will probably become worse and less fun.

6. Read a lot: When you read you always pick up things - reminders about what you know you should be doing while you write or even something totally new that makes your jaw drop. There are almost always lessons you can learn. If you want to be a better writer, you need to read a lot to get fresh input, broaden your horizons, and deepen your knowledge.

7. Write a lot: What do you do when you don't feel like writing? Waiting for inspiration can become a long wait. One good way to get around this is to find an effective solution to reduce procrastination. You may have to try a few before you find one that works for you. Another way is well, just to do it. And if you just get going your emotions changes a lot of the time and any initial resistance becomes fun and enthusiasm instead.