NaNoWriMo update

I haven't talked much about NaNoWriMo, but the kids and I are participating again this year. They've all been very motivated, due in part, I'm sure, to the reward system I have in place. They get a reward for each 10% goal - some small like a package of Mike & Ike's and some large, like Emily's regency dress for the ball. Some are privileges, like staying up late. I mostly made them things I would probably buy anyway.

So here's our progress:
Lisa - 29,595 (goal 50K)
David (10th gr) - 28,387 (goal 50K - first time he's done the WHOLE THING!)
Emily (8th gr) - 12,020 (goal of 10K met! But she's not stopping now.)
James (5th gr) - 7,419 (goal of 5K met! He's aiming for 10K now.)
Suzy (3rd gr) - 3400 (goal of 3K met! She's aiming for 6K now.)
I transcribe for Suzy, because her reading/writing fluency is low.

We set our goals as suggested by NaNo's Young Writers Program - at 1,000 words per grade level. Except for David who decided he could manage the entire 50K this year. Oh yeah, and Emily wanted hers set a little higher. However, three of the kids met their initial goals halfway through the month, so I think the goals are great for beginning novelists. Kids who have done NaNoWriMo before probably could have a bit more challenging goals. Next year I'll keep that in mind.

I've had some great plot discussions with each of them. David always helps me with my plot as well. We used only a small part of the workbooks from the Young Writers Program. Emily found the character worksheets helpful and all of us used the plot rollercoaster. We also sent away our inner editors.

David and Emily and I have attended several write-ins, which I personally have found very helpful. James attended one, but he was not very focused.

OK, time to move on! Oh yeah, I bought a NANOWRIMO hoodie this year and I've worn it every day since I got it (Nov 5). (Mine was a second, so it cost less.) It's so warm and cozy and it fits great! LOVE IT!