Interview with Judi, NaNo Winner

Hi Judi! Thanks for joining us at Today's Teen Writer. Writing a novel in a month sounds scary! What made you decide to set out on this adventure?

It was something that I had been thinking about for a while. A push from my older sister helped. :)

What was the hardest part of writing a novel in thirty days?

Wow...it was a lot of things. The time frame...number of words...pushing myself when I didn't want to write anymore.

Were you surprised that you actually did it?

Yes, definitely surprised that I managed to do it. I had written a 50,000 word novel before then but it had taken me six months to write it.

What was your novel about? Did you post bits of it online as you wrote?

It was about two seniors in high school who get married based on circumstances. I would post parts of it on the NaNo website during November but nothing after that.

What was the best part of writing a novel?

Being able to look back and say, "I did that." The thought of beginning one was a little frightening but the sense of accomplishment was way beyond worth it.

How did this experience change your writing?

It made me realize that if I could write all of that in only thirty days, I could write a lot more than I thought I could.

What will you do differently next time you participate in NaNoWriMo?

I'll have my plot and characters figured out this time. Last year I didn't have any of that.

What advice would you give first time NaNoWriMo participants?

Don't give up! Halfway through my novel last November, I seriously thought about it. I constantly counted every word. It also helps to have a 'Nano Buddy' to you on. Lastly, write what you want. If I told myself no one in the wordl was ever going to read my novel, I wrote with perfect ease. And of course, don't edit until you're completely done with your novel. ;)

Judi Weiss is a teen writer who has completed three novels. She is currently working on her fourth novel. She regularly contributes to Real Teen Faith.