November has arrived which can only mean one thing – it’s time for NaNoWriMo 2021. For those of you not in the know, NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month.
For one month each year, this non-profit organisation encourages people to get in touch with their creativity and write a novel (non-fiction books are fine too). The goal is to write 50,000 words in November – this may be a complete novel for some or just the beginning for others. But the idea is that through November you build up a writing practice, one that may mark the start of a beautiful, creative journey.
NaNoWriMo and me
I first discovered NaNoWriMo in 2014 when I stumbled upon the website. It was only a few days before the start of the challenge and as I’d always wanted to write a novel, I decided to jump straight in. Yes, I’m very impulsive like that. My magpie nature is drawn to new, exciting things!
I had no idea what I was going to write about, I only knew that I enjoyed writing and aspired to be a published author. Side note…I’d already published a book in my 20’s, but this time, I wanted to write a novel.
As I sat down on the 1st of November and started to type, I had no idea what would unfold. From the forums, I discovered that some participants had plans and had prepped in advance. Others, like me, just decided to show up and write. And that’s the thing I love about NaNoWriMo, there really is no right or wrong way to go about it.
I found that showing up daily worked for me. So each evening I’d sit and write until I’d hit my word count for the day. I refused to let myself edit my work. Instead, I trusted my muse and knew that I could chop and change my manuscript at the end of the challenge. That was a key lesson for me and one I took forward when writing my most recent book, Seasons of Change and it’s something I’d recommend to any aspiring writer – write now, edit later.
Interestingly, I never published the book. A combination of not knowing how to publish it, fear of rejection and general life busyness all got in the way. However, I have recently dusted off the manuscript and started to re-edit, so it may see the light of day yet.
NaNoWriMo 2021
I decided not to take part in NaNoWriMo this year. I really wanted to and was on the cusp of signing up, but I’d already started a new writing project earlier in October and wanted to dedicate my time to that. I’m slowly learning that sometimes you have to say no to yourself, especially as a serial over committer (is that even a phrase?).
So this month, as part of my Year of Letting Go challenge, I’m letting go of overcommitting – and that starts with my decision not to do NaNoWriMo. I’d like to think that next year, I’ll be in a place where I have the time and space to sign-up and fully commit but this year doesn’t feel right.
Don’t get me wrong, I’d have loved to have joined in but that would have meant I’d have been trying to edit a novel, complete my current writing project and start a new one especially for NaNoWriMo – oh and grow my business too. Just the thought of it makes my head swirl.
So, I had to have a firm chat with my inner muse, reassure her that there’s still plenty of time to write all the exciting stories that she’ll whisper in my ear once my current project is finished.
It’s just about taking one step at a time.
Tips for writing
Sometimes the idea of writing is easier than the act of writing. We’ve all been there – you have an amazing idea in your head, sit down to write and poof, the words don’t come and there’s an endless stream of distractions around you. It can be so frustrating. But there are a few things that work for me, and they may work for you too. If they do, feel free to use them:
- Write daily – even if you can only squeeze in 10 minutes on some days, do whatever you need to keep those words flowing.
- Show up at the same time – ok, this might not be possible 7 days a week, but be as consistent as you can with your writing time. 7.00-8.00am is my time of choice. It works for me and a productive start to the day feels incredible.
- Create a writing space – this may be your dining room table, your bedroom, favourite cafe or office. Wherever you choose, try to stick to it. You’re training your brain (and imagination) to switch on. Your muse won’t come knocking if she doesn’t know where to find you.
- Don’t censor or edit yourself – let those words flow. Editing can come later.
- If the words aren’t flowing, just write. You may think it’s rubbish, you may feel like you’re wasting your time, but instead of being stuck, just write down whatever comes into your head. Who knows what may unfold before you.
- Have fun! Yes, really. Writing can be hard and frustrating but creativity is not a linear process and cannot be forced. All you can do is show up. If the words don’t come then lighten up, have fun and take the pressure off yourself. Write about something funny or bizarre. Recall some jokes. Just get those words flowing.
Now get started
So if you have a dream or a burning desire that you’ve buried beneath the business, take this as your signal to unearth it. Dig it out, take a good, hard look at it and decide whether you can create a tiny nook of space for it in your life. Be truly honest with yourself, we can’t do everything after all. But maybe you can start in a small way.
As with my response to this year’s NaNoWriMo challenge, there isn’t always space to do everything we want to, but in your own way and in your own time, you can create your own rules and carve out a life that you truly love. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and make it happen!
Image courtesy of Markus Winkler