As promised, now that the shortest month has rolled around, it's time to kick off the first ever Syntax of Things Short Story Writing Month, aka SoTShoStoWriMo (just because everything needs an acronym). What does this mean? Well, unlike with the novel writing version of this (NaNoWriMo), I'm not setting daily word count goals and I don't have a fancy site with a word count calculator. In fact, during this period, there may be days that I don't get a lot of writing done. Eventually, I simply want to have a solid and possibly submittable story finished before we turn the page on the calendar.
As for a schedule, I'm planning on trying to finish a first draft by Valentine's Day, then work on revising the draft up until the deadline. I may post the first draft once it's available. In fact, I'm thinking of creating a site just for this purpose. On Syntax of Things, I'll try to give you a semi-regular update of the status.
A number of people have stated their interest in the project. For those of you who want to be part of SoTShoStoWriMo, my pal Varg has designed a small banner for you to use on your site as a way of alerting folks. Please make sure to drop me a line. If I do create a site for posting my story, I'll be more than happy to let you put yours there also. In addition, if you have any comments about the writing or reading of short stories, send those along.
Finally, spread the word. Even if someone doesn't start today, the good thing about short story writing is that you can catch up in a relatively short amount of time.
I think that's it for now. Good luck and good writing!
You know Vargy's in for 6K.
Posted by: Varg | February 01, 2007 at 06:25 PM
I'm gonna give it a go. Just mentioned it on my blog, so I'd guess I'd better. :)
Posted by: Justin | February 03, 2007 at 06:27 PM
arrrgh! fiction is hard! No way I'll make 6K. the 1500 i got is garbage.
Posted by: Varg | February 09, 2007 at 12:13 PM
Bugger! I'm a bit late. Either I put in something I whipped up earlier, as the cooking shows might put it, or I wait till next year. NEVAH MIND.
Posted by: genevieve | February 10, 2007 at 01:35 AM
geez, you really did have to pick the shortest, most jam pack month of the year, eh.
Posted by: lucina | February 15, 2007 at 05:58 PM
Well, it's coming to a close and I managed to find time to whip out two short stories. Even though both of them are rough drafts, and one is only 2700 words. Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: John Fox | February 27, 2007 at 01:14 PM
I managed only 3500 before edits. I saved the most i9mportant part for the last night. D'oh. This is going to be ugly.
Posted by: Varg | February 27, 2007 at 07:51 PM