National Novel Writing Month, November, is here. For those not in the know, it’s a chance to shed all reservations about writing and just write with literary abandon, with the goal of writing a 50,000 word novel in a month.
I have participated before, and every time I’ve hit the goal. It is a wonderful experience. First because you are letting go of judgement. It’s all about quantity, not quality. Although you may be surprised at what gems appear when you write without censorship. Writing that much and with that consistency leads to flow. Secondly, it is great because you are in it with thousands of like-minded people from around the world. You finish the month a bit dazed and burned out, but you have made a creation from start to finish. It’s a bit like running in a marathon. The sense of accomplishment is marvelous, and it makes smaller challenges seem do-able.
So, you have a goal, a deadline and tools to show where you are along the way. This is something that everybody needs, whatever they want to accomplish.
I’m doing Nanowrimo this month and it’s my first time.It’s also my first time to attempt writing a novel. I think I need to let myself let go if I want to meet my goal though! I keep going back to edit or change things. Maybe I should just write and edit later? (What’s your advice for a newbie?)
DO NOT EDIT! Editing is fine and dandy after you’ve got something to work with. I recommend that you read Chris Baty’s book “No Plot, No Problem,” In it he discusses taking your inner critic and locking him up for a month. That being said, there’s nothing wrong with jumping backward and filling in more stuff if you came up with another scene or description in an earlier chapter.
Thank you, actually locking up my inner editor sounds like fun- I think I’m going to have to find that book asap.
i think this is wonderful advice and i think the fact that there are thousands of like minded people is a huge help to. everyone needs support. in nano you also have a site to go to and emails coming in from a leader encouraging you as you go. yes there are all important aspects to acheiving goals! excellent points! and well done on finishing again!