The clock was ticking
It was the midnight of October 31, and I was still undecided about what to write For the NANOWRIMO. I was growing restless and anxious that I might not be able to make up my mind in time for the November 1- kick off.
Should I continue with my previously written novel –Umma Ayam Sinsana? The initial draft for Chapter 17 has been gathering cobwebs in the document folders of my lappy.
A little help from my friends
1. But a dear friend – Holly Jahangiri – reminded me that it would be better if I start with a new novel. Holly has also written a pertinent post: “Nano Nine: How to Gear Up for NANOWRIMO, which is a must read for noobs.
2, Heather Kephart , another NANO participant was also in search for a plot for this enterprising venture. I enjoyed reading her article: Post-halloween NaNoWriMo Crankfest . Out in Utah,
3. Brady Frost had also started writing his novel. Here are some pointers from him: Five Things to Keep in Mind During Nanowrimo. We were all in the process of conceptualizing a plot for our novels.
4, Another friend , who helped me a lot in my blogging and profession, is Patricia Rockwell. She has posted this article on the 5th day of the NaNo – “Writer’s Solution: Goth Poetry Generator”. She’s a veteran Nano writer and is a published author too.
5. Several scenarios played in my mind: should I write another cheesy love story? Woman meets man and after some LQs, lived happily ever after? Or a sci-fi story? Earth invaded by aliens and saved by the Zorlonians? He he he…. But that’s Doc Zorlone’s original concept and I wouldn’t want to mar his creative genius by my inaccurate description. Incidentally, Doc Z is also an eager participant in this writing endeavor.
I could not sleep thinking about an appropriate plot for my NANOWRIMO.
The muse has finally appeared
I was in this suspended state of introspection, when out of the blue an idea popped out from the dura matter that I had thought was lost from within.
I hastily click on “create a new file”, and started typing. As soon as the first sentence sprung from my fingertips, I could hardly keep up with the deluge of words that had started to pour from my meandering thoughts.
I had always marveled at the beauty and grandeur of the Mountains of Kalinga. It was in this far-flung place that I had spent the latter part of my childhood, I had revered its Eden-like beauty with its lush flora and unnatural fauna. It was only there in Taloctoc that I have seen a genuine firebird – with its flaming red feathers, ominously effulgent in the starless night.
I fell in love with the clear, rambling, Chico River and had forged unforgettable memories amidst its swirling waters.
I have written several stories about my beloved Kalinga; some found their way to the glossy pages of local magazines and some went straight to the editor’s bin.
In spite of all those stories written, there are still numerous ones that continue to haunt me in my sleep. And one of these is the basis of my story for the NANOWRIMO.
The Clamor of Kalinga
My novel in the making, entitled: “The Clamor of the Mountains”, is a tribute to the people of Kalinga.
I’m now on my 8,000 word count. NANOWRIMO veterans, like Holly, instructed us – the Noob /Newbies – to write, write, and write; and not be bothered with syntax and fluidity . Editing would be next December. During these crucial, first months, it’s the word count that matters. Hence, I’ll say goodbye for now; I’ll have to shift to MSword so I could continue writing my novel.
Wish me luck as I unravel another story that – I hope – would serve as a means to understand more the culture and customs of the Kalinga people.
