After years of hesitation, I am doing it. #NaNoWriMo
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I must be absolutely, undeniably crazy. Will #NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) help me escape this plaguing writer’s block that has remain stagnant in my mind for the past.. I don’t know – 4 or 5 years? Words used to come easily to me and now, I second guess every word I put down on paper (with the intention of publication). I want to change the world. I want a best-seller. I want Oprah to say, “This is the best book I’ve read in a long time.”
The Secret says I should keep saying those things, putting them out in the universe bound to listen. However, for any writer – the pressure is just too much and writer’s block is the end result. Because I truly want to move beyond this (I have so much to get out onto paper – so many ideas racked up in this brain of mine) I have decided – I am just going to do it. I will join #NaNoWriMo and will finish my novel (at least the first draft)
In preparation for the big event that starts on November 1st, I have been doing my research on how to overcome writer’s block. Here are some good tips I have found and hopefully they will help you too (if you are anything like me!)
- Just write – Don’t focus too much on what you’re writing. Just write to get your thoughts out onto paper. It doesn’t have to be perfect.
- Don’t edit as you go – Sentence Structure? Spelling? Past and present text mix up? Don’t worry about it. First drafts are meant to be choppy. If you edit as you go, then you’ll always second guess how something appears and never move beyond the first chapter.
- Have No Fear – Don’t be worried about what the critics may say about what you’re writing. Fear only births hesitation – and there is no room for fear here.
- Write about what you know – Write about the people you know, or the situations you or they have experienced. Do your research. Knowing creates confidence and confidence demolishes fear.
- Take a break – After you have followed the “just write” and “no edit” rule and have finished your future masterpiece.. take a break from it. (Give it a week, or two!) This allows you to clear all initial judgments or insecurities you may have about your piece, allowing you to go back and begin cleaning it up with a clear mind.
I hope the above helps anyone participating in #NaNoWriMo this upcoming month of November! It starts on the 1st and ends on November 30th. Good luck and happy writing to everyone who is participating in it this year! If you feel like befriending someone else on #NaNoWriMo, do a search for username: ALifeUnpublished and that’ll be me. I’ll add you back.
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I am doing NaNo this year, too! It’s my first time.
Anyway, I am off to add you to my buddy list – my username there is “Amynta”, just so you know.
Catherine´s last blog ..Hush, Hush, by Becca Fitzpatrick
Twitter: WellReadReviews
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That’s awesome!!! I added you to my buddies and will encourage you to meet your goals next month!
I usually do NaNoWriMo but this year I’ve decided to take a break from it. I will be cheering you on.Good luck.
Vasilly´s last blog ..Sunday Salon: Thoughts
Twitter: WellReadReviews
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Awe, thanks!
What did you end up doing with your NaNo stories?
Twitter: shebabutterfly
says:
i “won” 1 year and have attempted unsuccessfully many other years. last year i got some interesting short stories out of my attempt.
she´s last blog ..Week of 10/18 Giveaways!
Twitter: WellReadReviews
says:
That’s awesome though.. I think even if you didn’t win, you still won – walking away with some interesting short stories.
Congrats on deciding to do NaNo this year. I’m not doing it but I have set some pretty strong daily goals like 3k/daily (or more) since I’d like to complete Book II in my current series by a certain date. I think setting personal goals and having encouragement from others is SOOOO important. Just remember, write every day, even if it’s a blog post, poetry or has nothing to do with your book. Write every day and YES-tweets count.
Good luck-Georgia
Georgia McBride´s last blog ..Display Your Photos In Style
I’m just finally doing some research on NaNo and I’m thinking about joining in! Sounds intersting. I’ve been writing for years but it’s never gone anywhere (I’ve never finished a thing) Could be fun!
Twitter: WellReadReviews
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Oh you should! I’ve been thinking of joining in on it for years.. but have always forgotten about it when November hits. This year I am ready for it!
Twitter: shebabutterfly
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here’s a link to some of my stories. they’re odd and not my usual writing style. i’m considering entering “I’m Not Who I Am” in some contests.
http://www.shebecameabutterfly.net/?page_id=263
she´s last blog ..Volunteer: Be an Elf to a Sick Child this Holiday Season!
Yep, I am doing it too…this won’t be my first year and I won’t be signing up officially.
I am! I am! I participated in ’07 and I was a winner in ’08. I’m still not sure what I’m going to write about but I am getting so excited.
Petunia´s last blog ..It’s Tuesday…Where are you?
Twitter: WellReadReviews
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That is SO awesome, Petunia! Yay for joining!
Twitter: shebabutterfly
says:
alright. i joined. friend me people!! i’m: pookielocks
she´s last blog ..Shoot Me Now
Twitter: WellReadReviews
says:
SWEET! I am adding you