Are you behind on your word count for NaNoWriMo? Me, too. Let’s catch up together. Here’s how.
In the book world R&R means revise and resubmit. Which I will talk about another day. Because in my world this week R&R means rest and recovery.
There is value in rest. My family of four got hit by the flu hard this week and I’m still trying to clean up the mess while nursing hurting tummies and fevers. Thank you for your patience.
So three cheers for some R&R and I’ll see you soon.
Happy Questing!
Lately, I’ve been really interested in generational stories as well as stories told from multiple points of view. Naturally, I decided to create a generational story told from multiple points of view, which is what I’m working on for NaNoWriMo. I’ve never done this before, but I felt the story form inside of me and I […]
A couple months ago I got that magical email that said “we’d like to publish your story.” And before you get too excited, that’s where the magic ended. I received a contract via email and I began the painful process of looking up how to negotiate a book contract solo. Folks this is why agents […]
Writing is like working out or eating healthy. Doing it every day is really hard. You’ll stumble upon challenges, roadblocks, and get distracted. You might lose progress or your sanity. But all are worthy commitments and causes. I’ve learned during my fitness journey that eating healthy and working out is a lifestyle. Mirriam-Webster defines “lifestyle” […]
I think we’ve all fallen down the jumbo dragon hole of Pinterest at some point or another. Repeat offender over here. As a writer it can suck up all my time quicker than syrup on a pancake. On the other hand it gives me immersive and intense inspiration. Are the jewels hidden within Pinterest worth […]
I get it. You’re too busy. You don’t have time. You’re worried you won’t even come close to writing 50,000 words.
There’s always going to be something standing in the way of our writing time. Life doesn’t make time for us, so we have to set the time aside for ourselves and our stories.
If you’re interested in the idea of NaNoWriMo, here are 4 reasons why you should join in:
1. Make time for your story.
I know you have a story within you. That’s why you read blogs about writing and jot little notes down with ideas. I, too, get in the habit throughout the year of allowing other things be more important than my writing, than my stories. Whether I’ve written and edited much of the year or I’ve done nothing at all, I don’t want to end the year like that. Setting aside one month to write after a lull makes me feel like a writer again.
2. You won’t be doing it alone.
I have a few writer friends who truly support me, but NaNoWriMo has magic in it. Between the forums, pep talk emails, write-ins, and fun progress chart, NaNoWriMo supports writers in so many ways. You can join a community of other crazy writers, just like you. I know writing can be lonely, but it shouldn’t be, and with NaNo, it isn’t.
3. Be forced to be more creative.
Diamonds are made under pressure, and stories can be, too. When you’re on the clock, trying to get to 50,000 words, not all of them will be spectacular, but you will be forced to be quick on your feet in the creativity department. Even if you’re a plotter, there will be something unknown and unresolved in your story, and you will have to figure it out quickly. The time is ticking. When you do figure it out, it’s exhilarating.
4. Feel like a rock star.
You don’t have to win to feel like a rock star with NaNo. You don’t have to compete with the clock. Showing up for yourself and your story feels incredible. Writing more than you thought possible in a sprint is exhilarating. Continuing to write while muting a virtual write-in because you’re on a roll… that’s priceless.
Sometimes, life really is too chaotic to set aside an entire month for yourself and your story, but if you can, if you want to try, you literally have nothing to lose.
Your story is waiting.
Challenge: If you’re willing to try, dust off an old story idea and start writing on Nov. 1. Create a free account on NaNoWriMo.org now and start tracking on Nov. 1. Need a buddy? My NaNo name is Vermilion Amaryllis.
