Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Constructive Insanity: National Novel Writing Month!

NaNoWriMo.

For those who are wondering what on earth that is (like me last September) here's a link that sums it up: http://www.nanowrimo.com/

As I'm warming up for this year's NaNo, I'm struck again by how many people think NaNo is silly scribbling by a bunch of people who only think they're writers. At best, a waste of time.

I'll admit it--I thought the same thing last September! Why was time and energy, quality and sanity, cramming 50,000 words into a measly 3o days?

But I did try it, and found to my surprise that it is indeed possible to write 50,000 words in a month! And it's a library full of fun. And one of the best 101 writing courses out there.

First, as is so often stated, the need to write shuts up that Evil Editor (not the blunt-but-helpful little guy but the wizened vulture with a sharpened pencil for poking). Which, if you're inclined to perfection, might just save your mind. (So, perhaps, the only way to save your sanity to is lose it for 30 days...)

Second, whether you make 50,000 or not (see paragraph 5) you will have written. A lot. You'll have something to show, something to tear and rip and edit, something to terrorize the relatives with at Christmas. Whatever you end up with, it's worth it.

And it's fun! There's something theraputic about going insane in tandem with several million people around the globe.

Personally, I can't wait for November.

8 comments:

Alyosha said...

"There's something therapeutic about going insane in tandem with several million people around the globe."

That's the only reason I do it, I don't mind saying. :P

I would say how much I am looking forward to reading yours and how the SS5 thing sounds brilliant and I'm so glad you're doing it, but it would be repetitive. Still true though. ;)

Ruth Rockafield said...

Gotta love NaNo. I'm really looking forward to it this year, honestly. :D

Kate said...

Spits: Goody!
Aly: (Can NOT get over your name being Kelsey...)How can an introvert like doing a mad frenzy-ish thing like that? Just couriouse.... ;)

I demand to read the NaNo novel! LOL And tell you if it makes me want to chuck your Inner Editor into a brick wall. ;)

"(So, perhaps, the only way to save your sanity to is lose it for 30 days...)" That's the way Script Frenzy was. :P

Anonymous said...

I'm right there with you on National Novel Writing Month. This is my first year and I'm looking forward to it with a mixture of trepidation and enthusiasm. I can't wait for November, either.

The Evil Editor. So that's who's sitting behind me, reading over my shoulder all the time!

So I'm getting geared up for November, too. Maybe we can swap at the end of the month and see what we each came up with!

Nina Hansen said...

What a great suggestion, Carrie! :) That would be fun!

Anonymous said...

Well, Nina, I'm in!

We'll have to get together in December (or maybe January) for a manuscript exchange.

Nina Hansen said...

Yes! Grand!! Can't wait!

RebeccaPMinor said...

Good luck with NaNo! You guys who are doing it are awesome. Life won't allow me this year, but maybe I'll join the insanity...someday.

Blog looks great, BTW. :)

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