Raven's View

I think I need a Plan B. I've completed several (6?) NaNoWriMo's, but this time my writing is sooooo slow. I'm just past 4400 words, and it's Day 5. In past years I've outlined a plot, some Turning Points, and key characters. I'd also have an idea for the twist that started it all off, and the one that wrapped it up. No problem, away I'd go. But the subsequent editing -yikes! Major surgery, and seems to take forever. Depressing. 

I skipped last November. I did more editing of some rough drafts over the last year, as well as more reading and learning about how to write. This year I had a good idea for a story and got positive initial feedback and ideas from friends. I worked on it for all of October, even at my girlfriend's place. She has an MFA, experience as an editor, and is a poet, so we worked out several long-term goals and short-term objectives for my protagonist, as well as my antagonist. Plus a number of arcs - character, romance, technology, dream powers, etc. No scene outlines - we ran out of time. I've been outlining those as I go this time, deciding whether each is a 'Scene' (goal, conflict, disaster) or the following 'Sequel' (reaction, dilemma, decision). And as I write I'm ensuring each one works toward one or more goals, and addressing some of the arcs.   

Yes, it's contrary to the NaNoRules, but sometimes, if something isn't working, you have to change the rules. All this structure, goals, arcs, was something I always added to my rough drafts, after the fact, and resulting in major hacking and slashing all over the story. I'd usually get tired of it all at some point and quit. And the story would often show those patches, not flowing as it should. 

Hence, Plan B. I'll plan/write/edit for at least 2 hours a day, preferably early so I get it over with while I'm fresh. My speed may improve, as I get used to incorporating more structure and elements in this draft, but I'm looking for quality, not quantity. I want to become a better writer, not just a more prolific one.