Katie Best
Opinion Editor
Tuesday, Nov. 9.
After a long, writing-filled weekend, I done two things successfully:
1. I have come up with a fully developed story idea. It’s about time, right?
2. I have officially completed 11,300 words, exactly.
Not only am I surprised that I was able to accomplish such a task in one Sunday afternoon, but I am also surprised I actually like my story idea.
At first, I thought NaNoWriMo was just going to be something to pass the time and distract me from homework, but now that I am actually writing every day, I have realized NaNoWriMo is (slowly) helping me become a better writer.
When being forced to conjure up something that resembled a story idea, I learned how to actually map out my story. The first step was creating characters. I had to create their personalities, background information, likes/dislikes, what they look like: everything about their identities. One of my main characters is a slightly neurotic 18-year-old who always ends up in the wrong situations, which leads me to my next step.
The next step I had to take was placing those characters in a unique situation and place and time where everything happens. Initially, I located my characters in some random place like Kansas; then, I realized that Kansas is not only one of the most boring states in existence, but I also have only been there once. Which means I really know next to nothing about Kansas.
This led me to move my characters to Chicago. Not only is Chicago exciting, but I also know enough about Chicago since it is practically in my backyard. This makes the situations I place my characters in more realistic since I actually know what I am writing about.
My third step was to come up with all the problems, arguments and events that my characters encounter. This wasn’t necessarily easy considering I will most definitely add any more ideas that spring into my head in my story.

Finally, I had to figure out an ending. This is where I hit a dead end. And I was on a roll planning out my story before. It’s as if an army has barricaded my mind, preventing me from deciding on an ending for my story.
I’m pretty sure I’ve hit a point most people call writer’s block.