Are you a planner or a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pantser. I am definitely a pantser. I did a complete outline once. When I had it finished I no longer wanted to write the novel because I knew how it ended.

If you’re like me we’re in good company. At the Surrey International Writers’ Conference I attended a seminar conducted by Hallie Ephron. When asked how she writes she admitted that she was on 260 of her new book and still had no idea who-dun-it. It was a 300 page book, she was begining to feel a bit uneasy. But, she hasn’t failed yet, so I take heart in knowing I’m not completely insane by writing the way I do.

I’ve done more planning this year than usual. This story idea came to me last spring while digging in my garden. I’ve been mulling over it during spare moments and think I have a good idea for the set-up. I still have no idea what’s going to happen. I’m sure the characters will let me know.

Last year I started out with 4 names and knew one of them was an alien hiding out on earth. That’s it, That’s all.

Ready or not, NaNo starts Sunday morning at 12:01am. This year I might even take an evening nap, make a cup of coffee and start writing at the sound of the gun. At least that’s my plan. What about you?

Oh and added bonus the clocks go back an hour on November 1st – whee!