Why Bother With NaNoWriMo?


You're probably tired of seeing posts about NaNo, especially if you're not interested in participating. You have zero interest/time to write 50k in a month. I get it. And that's absolutely fine. But I want to tell you something that I learned. It might just even change your mind about participating.

It's not about the 50k. It never was.

If you ever read any of the founders' stories about the first few NaNos, it had nothing really to do with writing 50k words in a month. It was about stretching yourself as a writer. Learning about yourself.

Somewhere along the way, a lot of folks have lost that perspective and discouraged themselves from even trying because they're so wrapped up in a number.

I read so many posts last year about discouraged writers who have chosen to not continue with NaNo because they had such a difficult time that month. That saddens me because they've blown past something so important.

It's about learning what kind of writer you are. A journey of self-discovery.

There's something about the struggle of trying to reach 50k in a month that brings out defining characteristics in a person, be they good or bad. What did your struggle show you?

Maybe in your struggle to find time to write in your busy life, you discovered several time-wasters that you could minimize or cut out entirely. You learned how to value your time.

Or you were in school and had a lot of demands on your time, so you used the little scraps of time to write. You learned how to make time for the things you love, even if it's just a little bit.

Or you battled with illnesses during the time and had to fight for every writing session. You learned that strength is so much more than physical.

Or you struggled with getting yourself motivated and had to give yourself kicks in the pants to put in the work. You learned self-discipline.

Maybe you don't reach 50k, but I am certain you will walk away having learned something about yourself. And I promise it'll be worth it.

Onto y'all. Have you participated in NaNo? What lessons have you learned about yourself? How have they applied to your writing life throughout the year? If you're giving NaNo a shot this year, what do you think you'll learn about yourself?

Comments

  1. Beautiful reminder that I definitely need approaching my first NaNo! NaNo is about trying to write 50k, yes, but it's also SO much more than that and it isn't good to get so caught up in the numbers we forget what's even more important. Thanks for encouraging us in this perspective!

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    1. I'm so thrilled that you're giving NaNo a shot!! That's so exciting!

      You're very welcome. It's something that I care deeply about. Life's about more than numbers. NaNo is no exception.

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  2. Very true! Try not to lose the spirit of NaNo for the technical side. Definitely something to keep in mind. Super helpful post. I still haven't made up my mind about whether or not to join this year. I've got a lot of art related commitments, and I'm not sure if I can get them all finished up by end Oct. I'll probably make up my mind day-of.

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    1. You have a very similar experience, I think, with Inktober. I mean, it's a similar concept and a lot of people could easily get caught up in the struggle to post something every day, when really it's more about stretching yourself as an artist and learning about who you are as a person.

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  3. Exactly! I learn something new every year - whether that's a trick or just how much time I actually waste...

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    1. Yes! It's so fun to learn new things about ourselves !

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  4. Ahh, I love how you say it's about learning how to stretch ourselves as a write, not about a number. And that's why I need to take a break, because I've been so focuses on stretching I haven't rested from writing in forever. Not to mention being surrounded by German ;D My brain is exploding in all directions, and while I still love words and writing, I need to focus on getting some things ready for publication now ;D

    Good luck to all of you who participate ;D

    MB> keturahskorner.blogspot.com
    PB> thegirlwhodoesntexist.com

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    1. Resting is so important to a writer. Sometimes it's not about going all the time, but taking a few steps back and distancing yourself from your work for a little while.

      Thanks! I can't wait!

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  5. I have yet to participate in NaNo because of how busy I generally am, but I *might* try this year if I can figure out a project. Great post, I think you've got a great point, it's not about the number, it's about the journey.

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    1. Oh! You should definitely give it a shot! If you do, feel free to send me a buddy request. My username is *shocker* Sarah Rodecker.

      It really is more about the journey. The number is just an afterthought.

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  6. I love this post, Sarah. When our writerly minds are so distracted by writing this novel, planning it, getting it done and not running out of time, it's hard to remember what this is really for. Thank you for pointing it out.
    Looking forward to doing this NaNo thing with you!!

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    1. I'm glad you were able to get a lot out of it!!

      I can't wait until it starts! I'm so excited for this year!

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