Anybody want a first draft of 50,000 words by December 1? NaNoWriMo is coming. And if you need a translation, that’s National Novel Writing Month, during which thousands of writers all over the world bang out 1,500 words a day, come hell, high water, or any other conceivable obstruction. Is there a “winner?” No. Does it matter if the resulting mass of narrative is any good? No. There are no demands, no possible ways to fail. Except one–you just don’t get it done. Not even with “bunny rabbit, bunny rabbit” or “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” over and over to top off your day’s work. So why not throw myself in?
Every year I toy with the idea–after all, it’s been well over 10 years since I published a novel. Time to ring the bell again if I’m serious, right?
The thing is (this will sound odd) even to produce that much CRAP takes a leap of faith in oneself. I mean, for years I’ve gone on unsuccessful quests to lose 5 pounds, but I just can’t tolerate a diet of nonfattening foods for more than 3 days. Is it reasonable to think that I’ll stick to a “diet” of 1,500 words a day FOR 30 DAYS?
Well, maybe it is. Maybe it’s more than reasonable, maybe it’s smart! Maybe total immersion is really the way to get things DONE, dammit!
Then again, I’m awfully busy (ever heard that one?). There are a number of hungry animals in my life, including my dog, my cats, this blog, and my lemon dessert passion, that must be fed first…or must they?
Well, you see what I’m going through over NaNoWriMo, and I go through it every year. Am I in or am I out? Stay tuned.
What about you?
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