What is one of the craziest things you've ever done? Participating in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) last year is on my list. Sure, it's not as crazy as wrestling with a grizzly or bungee-jumping or even telling your boss what you really think, but it's still hard to explain without sounding like a nut.
The basic idea behind NaNoWriMo is to write 50,000 words in a month. Some folks go on to polish their work and get it published, but for most of us there are other, more immediate rewards. Last year I learned I can write:
• no matter how tired I am after a long day at work—and no matter how much work-related writing I've already done.
• a lot more in a single day than I thought I could. (Learned the hard way when I missed a day and needed a marathon session of 3,000+ words.)
• 50,000 words focused on a single story (an accomplishment for a confirmed short story writer).
• as part of a supportive writing community rather than going it alone all the time.
If 50,000 words in a month still doesn't sound crazy to you, did I mention that this happens November? Right when things tend to get busiest at work and school, not to mention all the family activities and shopping around Thanksgiving. Plus, last year I went in completely cold—no outline, no character sketches, no clue. Crazy, right? (I'm not being that crazy this year—I have an outline.)
Still need convincing? Here are some more thoughts on NaNoWriMo:
- 15 Tips for National Novel Writing Month
Having successfully published her NaNoWriMo novel, Crafty Chica Kathy Cano-Murillo offers tips to other writers. - NaNoWriMo and the Evolution of a Writer
Beth Cato summarizes what she learned doing NaNoWriMo for eight years.
- NaNoWriMo Cartoons
Very funny cartoons by Inkygirl (Debbie Ridpath Ohi) - Pen Ultimate
School Library Journal looks at NaNoWriMo participation by kids
On November 1st, many of us will pick up our pens, pencils, crayons, and keyboards and begin to write. Will you be one of them? Why or why not?