I'm half way through NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) for the second time. This time around I'm finding it's equally challenging but far more fun and exciting than the first time.
The novel that I wrote the first time in 2015, The Kelpie's Heart, has been edited and is making it's way round agents. It's a story that I'm so in love with. And, I probably never would have done it if I hadn't set myself the challenge of doing NaNoWriMo. I'd written two novels before and I had such a laboured process. The series was just getting started and the idea of starting a new one seemed impossible. So, I did NaNoWriMo to draft this new story with nothing to lose.
This time, I've returned to my first series, The Emersus Project. I'm experiencing the highs and lows of pushing myself to write minimum 1,667 words a day. But this time I know that benefits that come with it.
Never thought I could do it
I wrote my first novel over the course of 3 years. I wrote it chapter by chapter, editing each chapter as I went. I'd make some drawings. Study each character's motivation. Then I'd reread everything before I continued. It was a laborious process (which I enjoyed). But, I was never going to be a novel writer, so it didn't matter that my 'process' was untenable.
I'm now on my 4th novel and second series. Thanks to NaNoWriMo I know that my earlier 'process' was actually just fear of failing; fear of telling people that I can't go out tonight because I'm working on my novel. I can commit to a project and pump out a draft if I need to. I have the skills and experience to go back to it and create something beautiful and fun for others to read. I got this.
Learning not to judge myself
Self-critique is part of the process. And learning how to edit your own work and 'kill your darlings' is important. However, sometimes in the creative process, it's helpful to just get it out! So often I self-censor and criticise the words before I've even written them. I agonise over whether I'm using the right word, how prosaic it should be, where I think it needs to be going. And, by the time I'm done with that 10 minutes have passed and I've already lost my train of thought.
I'm thinking of my NaNoWriMo 50k as a sketch of a novel. It's the rough draft where I've put all my ideas down on paper. I will go back afterwards and refine, redraw, discard and develop new iterations.
Great encouragement
The NaNoWriMo team produce a series of pep talks and other incredible support mechanisms when you decide to participate. I kid you not, at 10,000 words I got an email that said 'Well done' and it brought a lump to my throat. So often, as a writer, we're hidden away from our friends and family as we create. And, even when they do compliment us it goes unheard. So, having someone else cheer you on feels flipping fantastic. And the inspirational reading, advice and community support gives you a lift sometimes when you need it most.
Discipline
The difference between a professional and a hobbyist is discipline. We all use our muse as an excuse at one time or another. But, like any other job, sometimes you've got to suck it up and get on with your work.
NaNoWriMo is a great way to practice the discipline of writing every day. You have a goal. You have a fabulous non-profit and a community of other nerds cheering you on. When are you ever going to have that opportunity in any profession? Writing is hard sometimes. Even well established authors have hard days. So, if you're serious about it, why not learn how to get through it in a fun, non-judgemental way?
Rest is important
This blog post counts towards my 50k words. I've written 27k words in 14 days and I'm on story burnout. I need to recharge. But, I still have a lot of interesting amazing stories to tell. I've even planned in time to work on my Christmas card and letter. In creative work rest and revitalisation is important. If you diversify your creative writing outlets its a great way to help get through it. Using other mediums is a great way to rest up your creative chops in another area while still beefing up your skills. It's like the gym. You're trying to build up your upper body, but don't skip leg day! It's all exercise and working towards getting fit. But you need to rest a muscle if you're working it hard.
My colleagues got me a great book for my birthday that I'm using when I feel low on story creativity. NaNoWriMo also have some really great prompts and challenges if you feel like you hit a block. It all counts towards writing 50k words in one month.
It's freaking fun
Writing is fun! Over the course of two weeks I've had so many a-ha moments! I've created a scientific formula for teleportation and invented a religion. I've had dinner with some of my favourite characters and get to run with them as they grow and change.
This month I get to spend time in one of my favourite worlds with some of my favourite people. And, afterwards I'll be able to share that adventure with other people. Yes, there will be a lot of editing before anyone else sees it. But, I'll have had an incredible month hanging out with friends.
Hope you enjoy!
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