It's still NaNovember, and three weeks in the novelists are still going strong! We interviewed apsiring author Steph Mann about her NaNo adventure...
Hi Steph! Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I'm a 20 year old college student, pursuing an English degree. I haven't quite decided what do with it when I get it though. I'm thinking publishing, but I still have time to change my mind.
What made you decide to sign up for NaNoWriMo?
I like the challenge. I write year-round, but NaNo is my cue to try something longer, a different genre, a different style, whatever I've thought about trying but never actually got around to doing it.
Have you taken part before, and if so did you finish?
I've done it three years before. I finished once. My first two years, I got complete stories, but they weren't exactly 50K. I was warming up.
What's your word count so far?
At this moment, 24,932. But I'm struggling to get that to an even 25K tonight.
What is your book about? (If you want to tell us, of course.)
A girl goes hitchhiking across the country. A guy that picks her up decides he needs a change from his own life so he decides to drive her for the rest of her journey. While there is some romance between them, it's more about the way the journey changes them.
How are you feeling about NaNo right now?
The word count's okay, I know I'm going to get that. I'm having some issues figuring out how to end it, so right now I'm just still going and hoping the characters will figure out their own ending.
Where do you like to write?
Anywhere I have my computer. I'm pretty good at blocking out background noise and focusing on writing.
Have you been inspired by any other writers?
Not directly. I know I've definitely been influenced. I read a lot. But there aren't any specific authors that I try to emulate.
How are you hoping to manage your time during the month-long word-fest? Do you have any tips?
2000 words a day. If I haven't finished it just on my own by 5 pm, I block out everything else and get it done. Then I can relax for the evening. Plus, 2000 words a day means I'll finish in 25 days, so I can take a day off if I need to.
Do you think you will reach the finish line?
I'm pretty sure I will.
You can follow Steph on Twitter here.
