Thursday, October 31, 2013

No NaNoWriMo for Me This Year

As much as I enjoyed participating in National Novel Writing Month -- NaNoWriMo -- last November, I won't be taking part this time around.

Thousands of writers around the world will take up the challenge on Nov. 1, and I salute them because it's not easy taking part in a daily writing marathon that has a goal of producing a minimum of 50,000 words.

My effort last year was fruitful because it did result in a young adult novel -- "The Bully List." The first draft was very raw, but I did get down the basics of what I wanted to say, and after six rewrites and three edits by others, it became a book.

So why don't I delve into another NaNoWri? It's simple. I have too much going on in November. I'm involved with the Kentucky Book Fair as marketing chair and a panel moderator. Then there's Thanksgiving holiday, promoting "The Bully List," and my regular daytime job. 

I do think that NaNoWriMo is a great way to jumpstart your writing. It worked for me last year. When I write a novel, I put down words every day until I'm finished. So next year I may have a personal writing month, or more, to produce another novel.

I also have plans to write another short-story collection so that will take up valuable time as well. And while I love to write, I also want to enjoy life by spending time with family and friends, taking trips, and playing with a few hobbies such as photography. 

So if you're thinking about doing NaNoWriMo, I encourage you to jump in and see it to the end. You won't regret it -- if you have the time.

Until the next time...

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