This is my NaNoversary: my 10th year participating! Such a landmark event has me reflecting on the phenomenon of NaNoWriMo, and what brings me back year after year. Of the many benefits I’ve found in taking part, I’ve found there are four top reasons why I love NaNoWriMo.
Top Four Reasons I Love NaNoWriMo:
1. NaNoWriMo Gives Me the Chutzpah to Write an Entire Book in 1 Month.
The idea of writing so quickly was daunting to me at first, but just shouting from the rooftops that I wanted to try brought my mindset to a new level. Sure, naysayers claim “But you’re writing crap!” No, you’re WRITING. What ever else follows that 2-word statement doesn’t matter.
2. NaNoWriMo Gives Me The Actual Ability to Write a Book in 1 month.
My first novel took me close to two years to finish. Which was frustrating because I had so many ideas, yet I lacked the ability to write them all. I took a fast drafting workshop and got my next novel down to a 3-month turnaround, a good deal of it done during NaNo. NaNo was the thing that got me running at a pace my writer’s idea mill could live with.
3. NaNoWriMo Gives Me The camaraderie of People With the Exact Same Goal.
Sure, there are always folks writing a book. Yes, I’m “connected” to some of them via social media. But there’s a difference during NaNo, when so many people from all walks are all sprinting toward the exact same goal. That camaraderie has given me a push in years when motivation was low, when I was filled with self-doubt about trying to call myself an “author”. And it’s just darn fun.
4. NaNoWriMo Gives Me The Fun and Friendship of Write-ins.
As a writer, I often find myself a solitary creature, locked away with a good book–either the latest manuscript I’m working on or else a captivating read by another author. (Because writers are often avid readers as well.) NaNo write-ins have been a great way to bring me out of my shell, get me out in the world among other like-minded souls for some fellowship and furious typing. I’ve met so many local writers this way, and it’s always nice to see that I’m not alone in my little microcosm of the writing world.
What are your reasons for loving NaNo?