Oct 28 2008
Novel Ideas: Is NaNoWriMo Worth It?
After another blogger was kind enough to refer me to the NaNoWriMo website recently, I decided to check it out. Last night, I looked through all the rules, regulations and FAQ’s.
For anyone who doesn’t know what it’s all about, NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) is basically a “contest” you can join that encourages you to write a 50 000 word novel in one calendar month. You are permitted to have an outline and plot notes ready before the start of the contest, but you are discouraged from using a piece that’s already started.
At the end of the month, you upload your 50 000 words to their word counter. If you meet the minimum word count, you are a winner. There are no prizes, but I think you get an e-certificate to link to your blog. There is no entry fee. Basically, it all comes down to self-motivation and the enjoyment of putting yourself through torture purely for your love of writing.
Sounds like fun, doesn’t it?
To be honest, I’ve been tossing the idea around in my head. I’d like to try it, but there are very good reasons on the website for why you shouldn’t use something that’s already in progress. If I were to take my current project and try to expand another 40 000 words on it in 30 days, it would either come out being absolute crud, or it just wouldn’t happen. They suggest you also care too much about what you’ve already written to throw caution to the wind and just write like mad. Probably very good points.
And the thought of abandoning my current piece for a month and writing something totally different—Well, I haven’t totally made up my mind yet. I’ll probably give it a try. There’s nothing to lose, I suppose.
In any case, if you haven’t already, check out the NaNoWriMo website and see for yourself. They have a long list of people who have had their novels published after taking part.
If you’re someone who is taking part in this insanity, please leave a message!
