In the world of writers, November has become National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo. As the official NaNoWriMo website says:
National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to creative writing. On November 1, participants begin working towards the goal of writing a 50,000-word novel by 11:59 p.m. on November 30. Valuing enthusiasm, determination, and a deadline, NaNoWriMo is for anyone who has ever thought fleetingly about writing a novel.
I have never participated in this (though it seems like it could be fun), mainly because I have never thought even “fleetingly” about writing a novel.
You may recall, however, from my New Year’s post, that I am interested in reading novels. Some of you gave me suggestions back then, which I have read and enjoyed. And in that same spirit, I would like to declare this November to be National Novel Reading Month.
NaNoReMo, if you will.
So, what novel(s) will you put on your list? Post them in the comments, so I can put them on my list too!
Hi, Melanie! I’m a NaNoWriMo’er this month, first time ever. It helped me make a bit more of a time sensitive commitment (to finishing a rewrite of my novel, not starting a new one, so I’m already breaking rule).
As far as reading, I am looking forward to the third (Allegiant) in the YA Divergent series. I just finished a fun read and classic pirate story, Cinnamon and Gunpowder. We bought it b/c of the nice cover…and we dig pirates.
Congratulations, Amanda! So, in order to reach your 50,000-word goal, are you trying to write (or rewrite) a certain number of words each day? How’s that working?
I am going to add Cinnamon and Gunpowder to the Books to Read list I keep on my iPhone. Thanks!
I didn’t set a word count as much as I wanted to institute a habit of working on this important project every day. Days I miss, I forget, and move on. So basically implementing a system before a goal. (See this interesting article for more on that concept: http://blog.bufferapp.com/why-having-no-goals-in-our-lives-might-make-us-happier-and-more-successful#more-6685) and it’s working. I am moving forward and will finish because I’m looking at November as a time for forming a habit rather than reaching a word count.
Hey, wait, is that a cop out?
That’s an interesting article you’ve linked to, Amanda. The thing that has me questioning whether it’s true or not is this: It seems like focusing on systems rather than goals has the potential to keep people busy without ever accomplishing much. Now, I agree, there is also a tendency to over-value “accomplishment,” so maybe focusing on systems is a good counteraction to that.
Anyway, good for you! I’m glad you’re writing consistently, and I’m glad you’re enjoying it!
That crossed my mind, too. No matter what, you obviously have to have some goal in mind but focus on how you get there rather than the destination itself.
Aahh, you speak truth, my friend.