I've done National Novel Writing Month for the last seven years. This will be my eighth. There were some years I kind of half-assed it, I have to admit. There were years I was smack-dab in the middle of revisions that were due in December, and I had to be a NaNo Rebel. I didn't love those years. Those felt fake.
Isn't that silly? It's an online challenge, just a lark.
But it's a challenge I really do take seriously. I absolutely believe in the magic of writing so fast you barely think while you're doing it. When you look back at your writing (after November! not during!), you find some terrible writing, sure. But you also find not just gold, but entire gold mines, lines of written ore you never would have uncovered if you hadn't been so willing to ride the train right off the rails (no, you're a mixed metaphor).
This year, I'm doing it for-real-for-reals. As I mentioned in my last post, I have a new book to write! I sold my ninth, to Penguin! And I can't wait to write 1,667 words every day.
And for you, here's a little How-To video, in case you're thinking about it, wondering if you can or should try. (Hint: TRY IT. What's the worst that can happen? You get more words written in November than you did in October? Fabulous! Good for you!)
Hi, Rachael! I’m going to do NaNo again this year! I’m so excited and have been planning my novel for awhile now. Congratulations on another book! Woo-hoo! I ran across an old copy of Byznatium the other day so it made me think of you. Take care! Joy Newman
All right… sigh. I attempted to do NaNo one year, failed miserably, and haven’t been back to it at all. I haven’t even been writing recently, but just focusing on my painting… and not so much on that recently either. But writing has been calling to me, so I’m taking your video as a sign. Course bought, old book outline unearthed, and I’m going to attempt to get 50K words done in a month. You’ve inspired me!
Also, 3 things. 1. Your eyes look so amazing in this video! Like a really cool Liz Taylor purple. 2. Love the blue/green in your hair. 3. Been loving your sketches on Instagram. 🙂
Sooo, I’m considering a modified NaNoWriMo for myself. It’s been years since I pursued my writing at all, but I’m thinking this year, I’ll so a writing exercise of approximately 1667 words every day in November. Unless between now and then a book outline starts climbing out of my brain. Then I might go for the whole thing. 🙂
Hi You!! Had to watch the video just to see you:) Beautifully done!! Not going to do the writing, but boy it sounds intriguing. I do seem to ramble on and on when I do my Alice’s Embrace newsletters…hmmmm…..nope. Anyway, loved seeing you and hope to see you in person soon.
No plot, no problem, YES!
Rachel, your voice! I’ve followed you for years, but I’ve never heard your voice. I love it, it’s tone, the fluctuation in it! Great words, awesome advice! To think I started following a girl and her knitting so long ago, look at you now!