National Novel Writing Month

November is almost here, and once again it is time for the annual National Novel Writing Month competition. Participants have one month to write a 50,000 word novel. It is not about polish, it is about churning out words and forward motion.

Of course, it is by no means easy. I first tried it in 2002. I have tried and failed to meet the goal every time—so far—but it has been great fun and an invaluable learning experience. I also met some interesting people along the way.

Wake up November 1st, come up with an idea for a novel, write it over the course of the month…that is what November means to me. If you aspire to write a novel, give it a try. It is a lot of fun.

I keep telling myself that this year, I will finish. I did not participate last year, though I signed up. I ended up moving three times between the start of November and early December. Since taking up blogging and writing on demand (which has always been one of the difficult challenges for me) rather than waiting for some elusive inspiration, I feel my chances are better.

It will also help that I participated in two writer’s groups over the past two years (serving as the public relations chair for one). Immersing yourself in the culture of any endeavor helps, at least motivationally and mentally. Still, it boils down to determination and persistence and desire.

A tolerance for allowing something imperfect that you wrote to stand while writing on—despite feeling as if it is worthless drivel and better thrown into a fire—helps somewhat.

There is nothing to be lost by trying, and so, I will. Again. I finally sent out a second draft of a novelette to a friend to read…something I have not done in many years. It has been several years since I last had articles published, but I feel change is coming. It is welling up inside. Does it involve novel writing in some form?

That remains to be seen…

Sign Up And Give It A Try!

If you are interested in trying you must hurry and sign up. You must enter before midnight October 31st!

All you need to participate is the ability to connect to the Internet, and the desire to write. A hint of madness can’t hurt, either.

I am mulling the idea of chronicling the experience here in the blog, but remain undecided on the wisdom of that.

National Novel Writing Month competition

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NOTE TO SELF: Do not forget to stock up on coffee…

PS: If anyone has a good idea for a novel they want to throw my way, please share. The most stressful part of NANOWRIMO is coming up with something to write about. While I know some people have carried around ideas for some time that they use, I rather enjoy making the most of the challenge and starting completely from scratch. The more stressful and insane it all is, the stronger one is for surviving it.