I do it for the challenge. Basically, I view NaNoWriMo as one giant writing exercise. Sure, the goal each year is the same, but I don't write willy-nilly just to get to the word count. I aim to improve my basic writing and to hone my style. Writing well takes practice and Nano is just the excuse for it. I don't know about other people, but I think I've improved considerably if you compare what I wrote in 2001 to 2005.
What will you write?
A stand alone story. I can't stand series--my attention span is too short for them.
What genre?
A fantasy-historical-murder-mystery.
Do you think you'll finish it?
I'm aiming for 50k. If it goes over, I'm okay with that.
What do you do your first draft in?
On computer, on Microsoft Word. Sometimes in a writing notebook if I don't have access to a computer at the time. Last year, I tried fiddling around with other word processors, but it just wasn't the same.
Will you post any of it on LJ?
No, but I'm posting it to this site.
Do you already have...
Characters - Yes. Character names - Yes. A setting - Yes. But I'm still working on a map. A plot - Sort of. I'm currently working on the outline. A theme - Sure. If you call solving a murder mystery a theme. Writer's block - Hopefully no. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - No. A headache - No.
I agree with your second answer. I haven't been doing it as long as you, but I plan to work harder on my craft this time. I am planning to get to 100K in the month, but I'm not going to sacrifice quality. If I get there great, if not, I will still get to the 50K. I'd like to see your story from 2001. Maybe the first page of that one and 2005 so we can see how you've improved. I myself, might do that after this Nano. My 1st story is pretty bad. I had ZERO prep time, as I joined on 10/27. I flew by the seat of my pants. Not this year. I'm all into the research.