We're at week 42. Where has the year gone? Appropriate for this week, the topic deals with NanoWriMo. For those who have not heard of the craziness that is NanoWriMo, writers attempt to write a novel during the month of November. That is 50,000 words within the space of thirty days. The prompt asked if NanoWriMo is productive, stressful or fun. The answer is three simple letters - YES!
There is stress as you try to accomplish the goal. Writers have been known to turn themselves into hermits, to hang "Do Not Disturb" signs on the door and lock themselves into writing caves in order to reach the daily word count. Some stock up on snacks--and caffeine. The stress is even worse if you are one of those writers who can't turn off the internal editor. But to meet the daily word count needed to reach 50K, you have to keep writing.
There is fun involved. There is a sense of achievement as you earn badges for things such as backing up your work or supporting other authors. Then there are the writing badges. They start with creating a novel, and more for updating word counts. And of course the ultimate award, your winner certificate
I admit to doing NanoWriMo 2018. As to how I did? I earned fifteen badges. Slightly over 50,000 words were written. However, since the other novels in the series run to 90,000 words, the story was not finished. More updates to come as writing continues. Of course, in the interim I celebrated the release of Windmaster Legend and all the accompanying activity that comes with a launch, did the A to Z in April Challenge, and tried to be a regular participant in the weekly MFRW book hook and 52-week challenges.
~till next time, Helen
I can see how doing this might inspire you, but the thought of it makes me dig in my heels and shout, "NO!" The challenge also reminds me of those Upwork and Fiverr buyers who want a "perfect" novel of 50,000 words produced within a 30-day deadline. That ain't happening, either.
ReplyDeleteHadn't thought about the ghost-writers. Your comment made me think about the saying they used in my first engineering department. There is fast and there is good. Putting the two together? When we did create something fast and good, it meant dedication to the exclusion of all else. And working around the clock for more than a few weeks. Thanks for stopping by.
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