So about a month ago, I was challenged by a family member to participate in this year's NaNoWriMo In a nutshell, this is a writing challenge. One has to commit to writing 50,000 words in one month's time. Wow!!! I've dabbled in the writing world before, but I'm not sure I've ever written 50,000 words in 30 days---until now. I'm proud to share that as of this afternoon, I have indeed completed this remarkable feat. (You may hold the applause for later.) ;) [Kidding!]
I have to say this challenge was just that---a challenge! And yet it was a refreshing way to break through writer's block. I used a storyline that has been rattling around in my head for a couple of years. Now it's finally down on paper . . . actually typed up on a word processor on my laptop, but I digress. True, it needs a bit of polishing and such, but it has morphed into a workable manuscript, complete with a plot-line.
Would I have completed the story without this little nudge from NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month)? I'm not sure. All I know is despite all of this past month's adventures, which included feeding 23 people for Thanksgiving dinner, I squeaked in under the wire to finish. What a feeling of accomplishment. Even if this story never succeeds in getting published, what a rush to know I completed what I had pledged to do.
Will I tackle this challenge next year? That remains to be seen, but at this point in time I wouldn't be at all surprised. After all, my future bestseller will possibly be in need of a sequel. ;)
3 comments:
I love this post! I hosted two of my daughter's Kenyon College writing major friends on their way home for Thanksgiving. Apparently, they had a wonderful time at our home.
Their noses were pointed toward their keyboards as they worked toward their 50,000 the entire time that they were here!
It just made me laugh that I can be a terrific host by just offering plugs for their computers and a home cooked meal. I look forward to hosting aspiring writers next November. Life should always be so complicated.
Betsey
Well done, what an acheivement! Are you going to finish the complete book, polish it and submit it?
Hi Betsey. It sounds like you were a perfect hostess for those who were participating in this event. Way cool. I hope both girls will achieve their goals. Definitely a worthwhile endeavor! =)
Hi Anna. Thanks for the positive feedback. And yes, I'm planning to finish this one. After extensive polishing, I may even send it somewhere. I'll keep you posted. ;)
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