7 Reasons Why I Love NaNoWriMo

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group

The question for this month is: November is National Novel Writing Month. Have you ever participated? If not, why not?

7 Reasons Why I Love NaNoWriMo

The first year I participated in the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo or Nano) was in 2013.

I didn’t participate in 2014, but I’ve participated every year since 2015. Only in the last two years have I been able to meet the goal of writing 50,000 words, because I discovered a secret about Nano that isn’t highly advertised—my #1 reason for loving Nano.

 My 7 Reasons

  1. I can edit for 50 hours instead of writing 50,000 new words. One hour of editing is the equivalent of writing 1,000 words.
  2. I’m forced to concentrate on just one project rather than my usual 2, 3, or 4 projects.
  3. Forced to concentrate on only one project, it’s likely to be finished and published soon.
  4. My daily writing habits are reinforced.
  5. I work best with deadlines and since I’m an indie author, I have only self-determined deadlines… rarely met. Weekly and monthly deadlines I can handle, but end-date deadlines, I blow right past them. Participating in Nano provides that 50 hours/50,000 words deadline.
  6. I know that thousands of other writers are huddled over the keyboard, doing the same as I am. It’s comforting knowing that.
  7. I enjoy seeing projects I started years ago come to the forefront again and become published books or screenplays.

*****

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds.

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting.

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About Diana Stout

Screenwriter, author, former English professor
This entry was posted in #IWSG and tagged , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

5 Responses to 7 Reasons Why I Love NaNoWriMo

  1. That’s great that NaNo works so well for you. I try to write or revise more in November, but I’m too busy to try to commit to the NaNo goals.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Nancy Gideon says:

    I’m with you, Di! I don’t actively participate but I put the charmic energy to good use. This year I’ll be doing a first read thru edit of a just completed 80K Rom Susp. That’ll be a BIG win for me.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. leodfitz says:

    It’s nice to see someone enjoying nano so thoroughly. I only participate periodically, but I think some your comments might help me out this year. Good luck to you in your writing!

    Liked by 1 person

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