Hello internet,
Today’s post is my way of making a commitment. I’m hoping that putting it in writing will hold me accountable, and that maybe I’ll encourage others to do the same.
This November, I’m going to be participating in National Novel Writing Month, known as NaNoWriMo. If you haven’t heard of it, the title is pretty self-explanatory… Basically, it’s when a bunch of writers commit to writing a 50,000 word novel in just 30 days. I’ve tried to do it in years past, but I’ve always given up, knowing that no one but me will know of my failure. But not this time!
It might not sound like that big of a deal. You might be thinking, “you’re a writer, don’t you write a lot anyway?” Well, yes and no. The challenge of NaNoWriMo is the pressure to make progress everyday. Like someone training for a marathon, some days you’ll feel like you’re flying through the miles, and other days you’ll feel like you have bricks in your shoes.
I think NaNoWriMo is a great opportunity for any writer who needs that extra little nudge to get a whole story down on paper (or, more likely, on a computer screen). I often jump straight into writing without thinking about plot, or character development, or even what I really want my writing to be about. NaNoWriMo has forced me to spend a lot more time planning – as you can’t start really writing until November 1st! Even if I don’t hit that 50,000 word goal (although I really hope I do!), this experience will definitely teach me a lot about my writing process and what holds me back.
If you’re a writer and you’re looking for some encouragement to tell that story that’s been swirling around inside your head, I encourage you to check out the NaNoWriMo site and learn more about it. You still have two weeks to join!
And if you do decide to do it, be sure to let me know in the comments or on social media, so we can support each other throughout the month! And also be sure to download my NaNoWriMo Prep Checklist to help you get organized before November 1st.
XOXO
10 Comments
Judith Beckley
Keep going, don’t look back. You got this. Peter Beckley sent me 🙂
October 14, 2015 at 4:16 pmHaley
Thanks! I’ve got my eye on the prize.
xo,
October 14, 2015 at 7:12 pmHaley
Amy
Congrats, Haley! It is a bold move to make your goals public, and I commend you for it. I love reading your blog, and I’m sure you have what it takes to accomplish your goal. Hopefully you will share a few tidbits of your novel with us!
October 15, 2015 at 8:36 pmHaley
Thanks so much Amy! You were a major part of my inspiration to announce my goal – it’s good to know I have people cheering for me AND checking up on me 🙂 I haven’t thought about sharing some excerpts, but that would definitely be motivation to get some good writing done!
October 15, 2015 at 10:09 pmxo,
Haley
Katie
You know what, you inspired me. I think I’m going to go for it as well. Thanks Haley, great post!!
October 18, 2015 at 1:53 pmHaley
Yay! 50,000 words is definitely a challenge, but I’m sure we’ll feel like rockstars when we get there. Keep in touch – I’d love to hear more about what you’re writing!
October 18, 2015 at 4:03 pmThanks for reading!
xo,
Haley
Lydia Lois
Hey this sounds cool! I’ve never heard of it but now I want to try this sometime. Maybe not this Novemeber.. haha. But sometime in the future. Tell us (me) 😉 the pros and cons after or just how it works out!
October 18, 2015 at 7:23 pmHaley
I’ll definitely let you know the pros & cons! I’ve heard a lot about how great – and difficult – it is. I’m planning to post updates throughout November, so be sure to check back in and see if I’m still alive & writing! 🙂
October 18, 2015 at 7:42 pmThanks for stopping by!
xo,
Haley
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