Thursday, October 18, 2012

Thursday Review—To NaNo or Not? NaNoWriMo Decoded


NaNoWriMo Celebrates Writing & Writers!

In the month of October, among those whose heart’s desire is to write a novel, thoughts turn to November and the dilemma of NaNoWriMo. For the uneducated, November has long become know as National Novel Writing Month—NaNoWriMo.

NaNoWriMo is an idea that has exploded in popularity. The idea is that you write the first draft (minimum of 50,000 words) of a novel in one month. At first this may sound ridiculous, but many writing instructors advocate writing your first draft quickly, without editing. James Scott Bell encourages this in his book, The Art of War for Writers. I highly recommend this book, by the way and it was the very first book reviewed on this blog. Curious to learn more? Click here to read the review.

So how do you get involved with NaNoWriMo?

  • First, visit their website and set up an account.
  • Second, familiarize yourself with their site and the many things they offer.
  • Third, start brainstorming ideas.  

Yep, I’ve found it helps me to have an idea of where I’m going with my novel. I don’t want to get into the whole, plotter or pantster debate, but I highly recommend at least a glimmer of an idea before you start.

And I have the perfect place to help you get ready—My BookTherapy. This group, started by award winning author Susan May Warren, is dedicated to help writers succeed. Last year, MBT began MBTWriMo, a smaller group of NaNoWriMo writers and the result was phenomenal. They had contests, help groups, everything a manic novelist could need (except chocolate—and I urge you to stock up on that).

Click on the Picture to go directly to the My Book Therapy Site!
This year they will continue with the contests and fellowship and I’ve also heard rumors of special MBTWriMo recipes, organization techniques and lots of other fun. I strongly urge everyone pop over and see what My Book Therapy has to offer this year. You will need to register and become a voice. But there's no fee involved for general access.

Still unconvinced it’s for you? Consider this, people participate in NaNo for many reasons—many of them good—here are just a few to consider. 
  • For Fun: maybe you’ve been toying with the idea of writing a novel. Here’s your time to give it a try.
  • To Jumpstart Your Next Book: if you write professionally, the work of writing can sometimes get in the way of actual writing. NaNo can help you get back on track.
  • An Accountability Group: Some of us just do better when we have to report on our progress. NaNoWriMo actually requires that.
  • A Deadline and Goal: I don’t know about you, but I can do almost anything for a month—give up chocolate, start an exercise program, get familiar with a new routine. Why not try writing a novel?
  • Company in a Lonely Endeavor: writing is a solitary pursuit and can often be intimidating and discouraging. Aligning with a group that has a shared goal and purpose helps alleviate the loneliness and helps keep us motivated.
  • To Win: yes, I admit it. I’m highly competitive and just thinking about NaNoWriMo gets my adrenalin pumping.  

MBTWriMo Gives You a Tribe to Help You Succeed!
I’d love to keep up with all of you who are doing NaNoWriMo, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know your NaNoWriMo name (you choose it when you register). Mine is easy to remember:
EdieMelson

Also, if you’ve participated in NaNoWriMo previously, we’d like your suggestions and comments on the experience.


So, don’t forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie

16 comments:

  1. I am so in! I have been registered at NaNoWriMo for going on three years now. My name there is also easy to remember: AlyciaMorales. I'd love some new NaNo writing buddies!

    The first year I participated, I wrote down every every memory I could call up, in preparation to write a memoir one day. I know this was non-fiction, but I succeeded in writing around 47,000 words. Not enough to win, but plenty to start.

    This year, I'll be working on the first novel in a three-part series I have in mind. I'm anxious to get started, but I'm taking this time before to research the main issue my protagonist's daughter is suffering from. Since it's a medical condition, I have to know how she will respond, so I'm getting ready to write a realistic and believable subplot.

    I'm signed up for MBTWriMo, too! :)

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    1. Alycia, I'm glad you signed up for MBTWriMo! That's where I spend most of my time as well. Thanks so much for dropping by! Blessings, E

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  2. Hi Edie,
    Thanks for this post! I found out about NaNoWriMo just last year, and this year I have already registered. I am a bit overwhelmed, though -- kind of don't know where to begin as far as being part of community. Any tips for this mom of 3? I am planning on working on a YA novel. I am excited! I love a good goal like this.

    Also - so glad to see you registered under your name - I did, too, but got a little nervous when I saw other people with names like "seaurchin" and "pastryeater." I was afraid I was supposed to have come up with something more clever than my Twitter name ElizaBElliott.

    Thanks for all the great topics you cover on your blog!

    Elizabeth B Elliott

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    1. Elisabeth, I highly recommend you join the MBTWriMo. This will give you step-by-step help with plugging in and it's not such a HUGE group. It's where my buddies and I will spend most of our time hanging out. MBTWriMo is free, there's no charge to join. They'll also be doing some special online, live chats to help people get started. Thanks so much for the kind words about my blog! Blessings, E

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  3. I love NaNoWriMo - it's how I get a book done each year. (I continue through December to do at least another 40,000 words so it is a complete first draft.)

    My tip: If you're stuck on a scene/detail/plot bump --- skip it and keep writing! It is only a first draft. Fill in the blanks later. If I'm feeling uninspired or bored by a scene, I imagine the reader will be too, so I eliminate it and get to a scene I "want" to write. :-)

    I'm at: http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/participants/nmiller

    Looking forward to writing along with you all! Let's crank it out!

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    1. Nicole, great advice! Thanks for chiming in! Blessings, E

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  4. I'm taking a writing class in Greenville, SC and our eight members are talking about doing NaNoWriMo. Wouldn't it be fun to participate with a group who's met in person? As it gets closer, it feels overwhelming, but I'd like to give it a shot. Thanks for the post. Each time I see the topic, I feel a tug.

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    1. Kim, there are also a lot of NaNo meet ups around Greenville SC. I've participated in several in the past years and they're always a blast. Go ahead and take the plunge - you won't regret it! Blessings, E

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  5. I loved NaNo and finished my first novel in a month doing it. I would just give one MAJOR caveat--if you're writing adult fiction (not shorter specialty lines like Love Inspired or YA), 50,000 words will not be a COMPLETE book. For adult fiction, you have to shoot for at least 75,000 words. I learned this the HARD way--my book was complete at 50,000 words and adding 30,000 more would've been very difficult--something I'm still putting off till this day, as a matter of fact! But all the best to you all!

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    1. Heather, good advice. I always write really tight and my first draft of any of my books is usually about 30,000-40,000 words short. I've been able to solve that by going back and adding some subplots and lots more scene settings. Thanks so much for dropping by! Blessings, E

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  7. Just realized this is for fiction.....I am a non-fiction-girl
    Jeanne

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    1. Jeanne, it's not just for fiction. You're welcome to write non-fiction and still participate, especially in MBTWriMo. Creative non-fiction uses a LOT of the same skills as writing a novel. Go ahead, take the plunge - what have you got to lose? Blessings, E

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    2. Thanks for that info, Edie. I have signed up to participate. I also went to Book therapy to sign up there, but the link isn't functioning so will try again another time. I sent an email to them to let themknow.

      Jeanne

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  8. I won't be participating, but will be cheering for all of you!

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  9. This'll be my third time for actual NaNo, plus one summertime Camp Nano. I'm excited! (I'm also kawyle for NaNo purposes.)

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