I shouldn’t. I really shouldn’t.
But I did.
I signed up for NaNoWriMo. For those who don’t know, that tongue twister is shortspeak for National Novel Writing Month which takes place every November. The idea is one month to write a 50,000 word novel. Start to finish. You basically write day and night in order to get your story on paper.
It’s insane.
I’m insane.
I have a million reasons why this is a bad idea. I’m going to Waco Texas for a conference which means three days lost. I’m hosting Thanksgiving this year for THIRTY people. Flu season is about to start. I’ve just begun a book but it’s not thought out well enough yet. I never write that fast. I like my sleep. My house is still a remodeling mess. I hate failure. Next year would be better. The year after that would be even better. And on and on…
But as I list out all the reasons why NOT, they start to sound like excuses. So, I went online this morning and I signed up. Here’s where: http://www.nanowrimo.org/.
I’m not sure how this is going to work because I’ve never done it before, but I’ve always loved the idea and admired the people who have. So, this year I’m joining their ranks. And I’m going to use one of the nifty widgets and keep track of my words on my blog. I’m going to try my best to write 50,000 words by midnight on November 30th. (Did I really just write that?)
Anyone out there crazy enough to join me? At best, in one month we have a novel. At worst, in one month we don’t. But that’s what we’d have anyway–so really, there’s nothing to lose but a little sleep and peace of mind.
So come on you writerly types — what do you say? Heck with what you say, here’s what I say: You can do it!!
I’ve signed up for the first time ever, too! I’m sort of petrified because I have a day job which doesn’t permit me to write during the day. I’m going to try to hammer out 50,000 words nights and weekends? Seriously?
And, in answering blogs tonight, I’m off to a terrible start.
But I need some motivation and some accountability and so, what the heck.
I’m in!
YAY Gilly–that’s wonderful!!!! I’m excited for you–and share your terror. I’ve got it a lot easier than you do with no day job so I’ll be your cheering team, too. Just keep writing and moving forward. I wrote 2,000 words today and not a single one may end up in the final story, but I got closer to my character’s voice and figured out one road NOT to go down. Hey, it’s something!