I’ve been challenged to participate in NaNoWriMo this year, for the first time. I already have a full plate, just like last year, when I said no; I’m going to do it this year, though, even though the idea scares me. Will you join me? Feel free to check in here daily for support!
NaNoWriMo Challenge
The National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) always occurs November 1st-30th. The challenge: To write a 50,000 word novel in those 30 days. There’s no mention of creating quality—this is all about quantity. I just want to clarify that, because writers say, “A whole novel, in one month? There’s no way to write a decent book in that amount of time!” And that’s correct. NaNoWriMo isn’t about sculpting a great book, it’s about cranking out a really rough draft. Just get to the finish line with 50,000 words. Editing is for later. This goes against the way I normally write. I edit as I go along, so my first draft is usually my final draft. Changing things up, though, can be beneficial. It can help us grow when we take on a challenge and push through it. Growth is good.
Visit www.nanowrimo.org to read all about the yearly event and officially participate. Official participation is NOT necessary, however. You have the right to do it off the books if you want, but you would lose out on some of the benefits of registering.
I’ve long said, “Do the ABC of writing: Apply Butt to Chair.” Chuck Wendig puts it so well, though, that I want to share the way he says it. “Discipline comes from repeated action and the understanding that you create quantum entanglement between your butt and your chair so that you write — even a little! — every day.” Quantum entanglement. <giggle> Yep. Get yourself a little quantum entanglement today.