How I Made NaNoWriMo Even Harder
Today marks the start of NaNoWriMo, a.k.a., National Novel Writing Month. It lasts through the month of November and the challenge is to write a whole novel, 50,000 words (or ~190 pages, double-spaced) in 30 days. Sounds crazy, right? It is. But it’s also one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had.
I participated in NaNoWriMo two years ago. I started with a vague idea for a story about a mermaid, which eventually turned into Sweet Water. Being the math geek that I am, I created an Excel spreadsheet and and set myself word count goals for each day (1,667 words a day, in case you’re curious). It was going great until November 12, that damning night. I had 20,000 words (~70 pages) written, right on schedule, when I accidentally deleted EVERYTHING. And there were no back-ups. *sob*.
I was tempted to admit defeat, but instead forced myself to rewrite what I’d done up to that point, and to keep going. After grueling late nights and early mornings, working around my full-time job and Thanksgiving, I finished. I made it to the Winner’s Circle! [Note, you don’t actually win anything except for the deeply gratifying self-satisfaction of achieving your goal].
Even better than winning, I had a first draft!
What NaNoWriMo really taught me was to not worry about if I was writing crap, as all first drafts inevitably are, but to instead focus on writing something every day (oh, and to save back-ups of my word docs ridiculously often). It was an invaluable lesson.
Not only was NaNoWriMo a great experience, but the community is pretty incredible. For anyone interested, here’s the website and where you can sign up: http://nanowrimo.org/
I wish I could participate this year, but I’m up to my eyeballs with Helluva Monday (new working title for my cozy mystery). But for all those writers out there who are taking on this challenge: Best of luck, have fun, and save often!!!
What I’m Reading: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie (supposedly one of Christie’s best!)
What I’m Listening To: Imogen Heap – Ellipse
Oh my gosh! I can’t believe you were brave enough to rewrite 20,000 words and still win! You are my new hero! Too bad you can’t participate this year but glad you’re well involved in your project. Maybe next year!
Thank you, Jamie! Yes, it was quite painful. But I’m finally able to laugh about that mishap. Best of luck with your NaNo project!!! Keep me posted on how it’s going 🙂