I was all set to do it last year but I got utterly frustrated with their site during the first week.

Maybe if I can hold off going near them for that time I'll be more successful. People keep telling me they like the way I write. I just need, to write.

I don't remember the site being appallingly bad last year. It could possibly have been being overloaded, but I wouldn't have noticed as the entire Internet looked like that to me at that time (my internet connection last year was extremely poor, after about five years of steadily worsening "service" from IHUG, which got bought out by TIG, which got bought out by IINET, which got bought out by Vodaphone... the original Internet hot potato, it seems...)

But you don't have to sign up or take part officially or anything... it's just a framework (and "support group") for what is basically a writing exercise. You can always just write it in word or notepad and count the words yourself (I know word has a word count tool).

IMO, it's always worth trying.

I agree with Foe. It's worth trying. Even if you don't have the time to finish it during November, you might later.

The last couple of times I gave it a go, I managed to get enough words during November but didn't actually get the story finished... the first time, I spent most of December writing the last couple of chapters, and the first three months of the following year fixing up all the bits that needed serious editing just to be readable. The second time, the story came to a very abrupt stop at the end of the first week of December; I toyed with the idea of tying up some loose ends, but in the end decided not to as (1) it started in the middle of the action, as well, so that ending it in the middle of the action seemed to fit; and (2) I was just too lazy to do anything more to it (I haven't even done any editing of it since then!).

Still not sure what I'll do, but I've got an opening scene sort of half thought out. I just don't know why what's happening is happening.

I'm sure you've got a lesbian steampunk story in you... lol

If not - what the hell? Any writing is better than none - and it doesn't have to be for Joe and Joanna Public to read

Steampunk is so last year. Clockpunk is where it's at now (think The Girl in the Fireplace).

And some of my characters may well be lesbian. I don't ask them which way they swing unless the plot requires it (and my sort of plots generally... don't.)

I agree, Dave. Give 'er a shot. I think I might even have the guts/time/energy to give it a go this year! Could be fun... ;)

Of course writing elsewhere might have gone a bit more smoothly if someone's character hadn't asked my character a question I have absolutely no answer to...

I'm sorry Dave! It's just that she WOULD ask...you don't have to give an answer. She's a bit like a goldfish at the moment, so Mouse could likely point at a chair and say "LOOK! A DUCK!" and she'd be completely distracted. :P Just saying he didn't know would likely earn an "Oh. Okay." and she'd be game for pretty much anything. I have...three other characters I've been itching to bring in...but I'm not sure that Mouse would find them entirely helpful. ;)