If you haven’t heard of NaNoWriMo before, then I am flattered to be the person to introduce you. If you’ve heard of it, but have never participated, I hope that by recounting my experience you will decide to go for it next year. If you’ve participated before then congratulations, well done! I recount my mistakes made and lessons learned here with hopes that others will not make the same mistakes others taking on the NaNoWriMo challenge can learn from my mistakes.
What is nanowrimo
For those new to NaNoWriMo, it is a nonprofit organization that encourages people to write a 50,000 word novel in a month. This is done in small daily chunks of 1,667 words/day. If you have ever wanted to write a novel, you should definitely investigate NaNoWriMo. It gives you a goal (1,667 words a day/50,000 words in the month), a deadline (Nov 30), a way to track your progress (their website), and a community of like minded writers all around the world who also spend the month of November pouring their hearts and souls in to a work of art.
My Experience/Mistakes
I’ve participated three times now. Each year I’ve had a different experience, learned new lessons, and made different mistakes. I’d like to share my experience with you.
Year 1
I Learned I could do it and so can you. I “won” this year, meaning I produced the 50,000 words in the month of November. This was a huge experience for me. I was so proud of myself. Lot’s of people say writing a book is hard, and it is, sorry. It isn’t as hard as you might think. Do you have a desire to write?
- Community Helps
The nano site has all sort of ways to get you in touch with l, there are also lots of events during the month of November. - Having a goal is the way to get results.
- your printer can be one of your best friends – link to how I used the printer to help me along
- Having a book cover really helps – it makes you feel like your novel is a real thing.
- I’m a plotser: Planning ahead good idea – I spent some time in October getting an idea of who my characters were and what generally might happen.
- It’s hard to write a novel and it takes practice. The first time you do it, it will suck, and that’s OK
- although I “won” the quality of work I produced what not anything I would share with others.
Year 2
- I started late
- My idea wasn’t very great. It’s true what people say – you need to find a good book length idea which excites you. If you do then this will carry you through.
- Not winning isn’t the end of the world. My view is that this was good writing practice. I have the shell of an idea that could be a good short story.
- It takes practice. The second time you do it, it will suck, and that’s OK.
Year 3
- The more you write the better the outcome. This year I feel like the text I was producing was better quality generally.
- Not everything you write is going to make it in to the final draft, but writing it will give you ideas that may end up there.
- I would like to be even more prepared next time.
- I’m not waiting for Next November. I’m going to try again in January.
I’ve really loved participating in NaNoWriMo. I’m proud of myself for what I’ve accomplished, and I know you can do it too!!