What is National Novel Writing Month? Every November Writers across the world participate in what is known as NaNoWriMo, where within one month each writer is to write a 50,000 manuscript. To accomplish this task, the writer must write at least 1,667 words per day for 30 days. The NaNoWriMo website is set up where the writers have their own page, a short synopsis of their manuscript, a chance to meet other writers and buddy up, and a slew of other capabilities to support the writer during the project. This way each writer, as the month progresses can update their word count and keep track of their buddies online.
What have I learned by participating?
First I learned the value of a program like this. I think it is a marvelous way for other writers, a very solitary job, to connect with other writers and check on their progress and be encouraged.
Second I learned the value of discipline and what it takes to be a writer. It takes discipline to set your behind down and to place your fingers on the keyboard and to continue a story where you have no idea where it’s going to go. It takes faith in your abilities to allow the process to come forth. To give into the unknown and to watch as your fingers type, the story unfolds much to you as to the reader who reads it for the first time. In sitting everyday for one month, I became so enthralled with how and which way the story was going to go that it kept my interest. After the month is over and I have my manuscript my mind is continuing the story. Filling out the details of each characters and will continue during the editing process.
I have stated before, to be a writer is more than just putting words on a page. It means to persevere even when you are tired, it means to develop a story from start to finish, and put your heart and soul in the project for that month. It means to lovingly take a name and shape it into a character that the reader will come to know, care about and root for. It means to draw the reader in and entertain them, to cause them to turn each page in anticipation of the next scene. It means to convey a message of value, such as moral, good verses evil, ext…
When I first decided to participate I was unsure if I had the courage to start and finish a project. The project I had in mind I had for quite some time. I had written a manuscript, and while doing the back story for the world in which this manuscript is set in, I realize that two important characters within that story had their own story to tell. So I wrote their story. Plus in telling their story, I was steeped into their world with even greater intimacy. This knowledge will allow me to do a better job at the editing part of the manuscript. To delve deeper into the psyche of each character and to really make the story and all it intricacies well rounded.
In conclusion in participating has given me more than I ever expected. It is a journey that I plan to continue. I am a National Novel Writing Winner and I am proud.
What is next for me and my story? Lots and lots of editing.
Did you participate? If you did share you story with us and enjoy the moment. You are a winner. For all writers in the world, you are all winners. Until next time.
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