Deadlines are powerful things. With only a month to write your novel, you’ve got to get 1,667 words written per day. There’s no time for an inner-editor, you’ve just got to write, write, and write some more. This is the perfect chance to throw up words. It’s fun.
No turning back!
I’m standing atop a cliff, looking at the bottomless abyss that makes my stomach turn inside-out and my brain gasp for air. The last time I felt like this was October 2007 when I had two weeks to write three MAJOR research compositions for my comprehensive exam to earn my M.Ed. in literacy.
Why has this nauseating feeling of fear and trepidation returned? Because I have committed myself to jumping into the NaNoWriMo frenzy. This is SO creeping me out, but I know I decided a LONG time ago to do it – as in a year ago after I participated in NaBloPoMo.
Posting a blog every day was an exhilarating experience but NO WHERE as challenging as writing a novel in a month. After I pledged myself to the effort AND registered, I realized the obstacles I would have to overcome to make it to 50,000 words: a week-long trip to a conference in Boston AND Thanksgiving AND Mom’s 85th birthday party! Yikes! And I’m not even counting family, church, and work obligations! WHAT AM I DOING?
My first thought was to BAG IT, but then I decided to read up on WriMo tips, start thinking of ideas, and just dive off or in or under and start swimming. I won’t cheat and work on my WIP, but I’m contemplating writing to prequel novel to the one I’ve started.
As I’ve pondered, I’ve wondered: Can I do anything historical without the temptation of stopping to do research? Can I play around with formats without delving into various novels to check out various and unique layouts? Will I be FORCED to write about something I know?
I guess we’ll find out.
I HAVE to DO this because I need to KNOW I can start and finish a novel. I know it’ll be C.R.A.P., but it needs to be done. Right? And if there is anything redeemable from the pile of poo, I’ll adopt the John Green plan: revise over the next 3 (or more) years and MAYBE come out with something worth reading!
Wish me luck, and check in after November 1st to find very BRIEF updates as to how I’m surviving. Feel free to cheer me on, too.
Sign me CRAZYWOMAN!
P.S. Check out my latest UTAH WRITER review of Mistborn.
The Write Groove 
I went through the same emotions, the problem was, I did write a bunch of #$@. I wound up dumping the whole thing. I learned a lot about me as a writer so I’m eagerly entering it again this year. But this time I will have done a lot of prep work and I’m not going to try and win. I want to finish a decent first draft.
Catherine, I SO agree with you. In fact, I’ve been thinking of creating my own contest: MiNoWriMo – Mini Novel Writing Month – wherein the objective is to write SOMETHING every day versus 1600+ words per day.
I am trying to figure out how to hold myself and any others accountable. Any ideas?