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Using NaNo--Even if You're Not Participating

Posted by MadameX • 11/01/09 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS]
Topics: nanowrimo, national novel writing month, writing

So it's November 1, the first day of National Novel Writing Month, and I'm ready to make full use of it. Not, in my case, by participating in the official NaNoWriMo program.

I think that NaNo is great for some people, but as writers the most important thing for each of us is to find what works for us and make the best possible use of it. That's why, for me, NaNo often comes in handy even though I've never officially participated. Once, I wrote a whole novel during November. Another year, I pulled out a novel that had been sitting at the 9,000 word mark for a couple of years and and finished it during November.

Something about knowing all of those other people are in that full-court press makes it easier for me to keep the momentum going. It may only be that "National Novel Writing Month" gives me an excuse to take the time out to write more than I can afford to do year round.

This year, I'm going to finish edits on a book that's been lying, complete, for a long time, and when that's done I'm going to get back to work on one that's about 20,000 words long right now. I doubt that I'll finish it during November, because I think it's going to be another 80,000 words or so, but I'm going to write as much of it as I can.

So how about you? Are you participating in NaNo? And if not, how can you make it work for you anyway?

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User Comments

  1. 11/01/09
    LucyJ
    Thank you so much for this! I never have time to participate the way others do because I teach full-time at a community college. Looking at NaNoWriMo as an opportunity to edit, work on, or complete the number of novels sitting around on my desk is a wonderful idea! No, I won't get everything edited or completed, but the "working on" I can do. The energy of all those others can help motivate me. Who knows? Maybe I'll even get something significant accomplished. Thank you for the suggestion!
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    1. 11/01/09
      MadameX
      Lucy, I'm so glad to hear that you're going to jump in and make the most of this month. Keep us posted--maybe we can all help each other keep the momentum going!
  2. 11/01/09
    Anasmum
    This year, I actually AM participating in NaNoWriMo as an official participant. I've used it in the past to work on other projects but this year, I am starting a new book, from scratch. I even donated to the cause and bought a T-shirt and I've read the "No Plot? No Problem" book by the founder. Some years, I have known instinctively that I wouldn't have the time or the enthusiasm. One year, my book turned out to be something I wasn't ready to write. But this year, I am really full of enthusiasm. Wish me luck!
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  3. 11/01/09
    nicstar
    I am going to try and have a go, I have an idea at least, just pulling it off is another question...
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  4. 11/01/09
    trailofpen
    Wow, never knew about NaNo. I haven't forgone anything major in a bit. I think it's time to take the gloves off and get to it.
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  5. 11/02/09
    tarahlynn
    I think nano is a great thing for the vast majority of writers out there. It attacks the one major cause of why most writers never start a novel or never finish one. They don't think they're good enough, don't have enough confidence in the story etc. Nano eliminates all of that. Nano says regardless of how good it is it is time to just write. It's become a really great thing. They've got a nice website too. www.nanowrimo.com My writers group has had a niche in it for several years. You could check out our website if you're interested. www.jackpinewriters.com
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