Did you know that less than 20 percent of people who have begun the NaNoWriMo Challenge have actually completed it? If you know what NaNoWriMo is and plan to participate in it, that is a sobering statistic.
You may even doubt your ability to do NaNoWriMo and wonder if it’s even worth trying. If you have a blank stare right about now and are wondering, what is NaNoWriMo? Stick with me, we’ll explore that.
Whether you know what NaNoWriMo is or not, this is a challenge I have chosen to take on this year. Keep reading to learn what you want to know about NaNoWriMo and my plans.
What Is NaNoWriMo?
For my friends with blank stares, NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writers Month. It is a challenge to write 50,000 or more words during the month of November.
Yes, yes, insanity.
Why NaNoWriMo?
Different people have a variety of reasons for participating in NaNoWriMo. Whether it’s the challenge or they have been convinced by a friend to join in, it is a month of a lot of writing and a goal that can at times feel impossible.
For me, I am choosing to do NaNoWriMo to help me learn how to shut my inner editor up. For years I have talked about writing a book and occasionally I begin to write and then within a couple of chapters I am stuck.
I am not just stuck, I am tearing my work apart and rewriting it over and over. My inner critic tells me that my work is not good enough and I get stuck in a pattern of aiming for perfection.
With NaNoWriMo, there is no time for perfection. You are doing a lot of writing in a short amount of time. This year I am participating in NaNoWriMo to grow as a writer and shut my inner critic up.
Cin’s NaNoWriMo Writing Adventure
As I jump into this journey I want to ask my community for help. Hold me accountable. Help me shut up my inner critic.
I would also love to share my progress with all of you. I have not yet decided if I will be posting excerpts or my full manuscript here. I would love to hear from all of you about what you would like to see.
My NaNoWriMo Project
My project is going to be a children’s novel. My audience will be pre-teens and other young children who are reading chapter books.
The theme of my book will be, “what makes you different, makes you beautiful.” My main character, Ella has quite the story to tell.
Join My Writing Adventure
If you’re interested in getting continued updates about my NaNoWriMo adventure make sure you sign up for updates and subscribe to my blog. Also, be sure to leave a comment to let me know what you would like to see.
Excerpts from my story or the full text? Looking forward to this adventure with all of you!
Love Cin
Gamer Girl 