Thursday, November 6, 2014

NaYes or NaNo?

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It's that time again...National November Writing Month. I've never participated...until now. Sorta.

The older I get, the more I realize I HATE competition. That's why I've never signed up. I couldn't bear the thought of comparing my progress with thousands of other writers who work faster than me. As it is, my feed in inundated by daunting posts from fellow writers, whose impressive dizzying numbers put mine to shame.

So I didn't register. I DID, however set some personal goals. I promised to write 1000 words a day in my new novella set in Egypt.

     It's working! I am so excited! I'm the kind of writer who goes in spurts. Sometimes I can barely squeak out 100 words, sometimes I can write all day. I don't know if it's the excitement of brand new material, or if it's just the sparkling determination that comes with pushing oneself. Either way, I'm enjoying it!

To be honest, I'm bagged. I sleep like a rented donkey and my days are filled with a sense of satisfaction. My mind feels like I'm running a marathon rather than retreating to the couch for a bag of popcorn or a nap. At this rate, the novella will be finished by months end.

Part of me wishes I wasn't announcing that in public, because I worry I can't fulfill that promise. Part of me knows that owning these statements will keep me from slacking off.

Wish me luck. I have a lot of work to do.

4 comments:

  1. Yes, luck--but even more, continued determination.

    I actually don't see NaNo as a competition, but rather a big community activity where we all push each other forward. That being said, I'm probably not doing it this year (she said on Nov. 6)...though I may join in late next week.

    Onward!

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    1. That's a great way to look at it, Mj! I wish you determination with your projects too, NaNo or NaNot <3

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