So, it's November. A month known for bringing the fresh, cool winter chill, colorful leaves so vivid they'll take your breath away, unforgettable sunsets, and... NaNoWriMo.
Yes, National Novel Writing Month begins. I've mentioned this before, but it always astonishes me how divided writers are when it comes to the value of this event. Some think it promotes shotty writing and messy plots, that it encourages hacks to fancy themselves writers, that it is yet another tool in the overflowing toolbox of poor writing practice. Others, though, (and I count myself among this lot) find that it encourages writers to get past their own self-defeating writer's block, to develop regular writing habits, to complete a very rough first draft, to - in fact - become better writers by the act of actually - gasp - writing.
And so, with those goals in mind, I gleefully participate each year. Because besides the reasons I listed above, the event is ridiculously fun. Stressful and challenging, yes, but also fun. The deadline, the forced creativity, the knowledge that so many other writers out there are also world building and word crafting - it's great to be part of something like that. And in general, most writers I know don't really think the pieces we create during NaNoWriMo are finished works, but works in progress, nearer to completion than before the month begun.
For me, some pieces I've created during this event will never see the light of day, and others have undergone so much editing they are barely recognizable. But that doesn't mean NaNoWriMo was a waste of time - it means it was an opportunity for a beautiful start, as well as a great way to experiment with my craft. And beyond that, I love writing, so any event that forces me to do something I love for an extended period of time is A-Okay in my books.
This year, I'm starting the event with a completely mapped-out story. I've planned my characters, my plot, my conclusion. When it comes to my normal writing, I do like to plan all details, but I'm usually a semi-planner when it comes to NaNoWriMo; I go in with a general idea of what will happen, but the how is always a bit murky. This time, I've gone into full-out planner mode for this event. We'll see if that helps. I'm also writing in different genre. Normally I'm a spec-fic girl, but I'm making the leap to contemporary sweet-romance. We shall see how it goes. Hopefully nobody turns out to be an alien, but sometimes, despite the planning, my characters surprise me.
Anyway, wish me luck! If you're participating (and writers, I recommend it) - luck to you too.
May the force be with you. (Annnnd that was my last spec-fic reference of the month.)
At last, December has arrived. More specifically, December has arrived and is in full swing. Amid the beauty of the winter snow lies the hectic rush that the season always brings. Time blurs by, filled with Christmas shopping, family gatherings, staff parties, piano recitals, outerwear shopping and, of course, the desperate rush to finish student marking before the two-week break. It's a wonderful time of the year, but also an insanely full one. And this on the heels of National Novel Writing Month in November.
If you've never heard of NaNoWriMo, here's a quick summary: it's an international, not-for-profit event, where writers sign up and attempt to complete a 50,000 word novel in a month. Now, I use the word "complete" loosely. The novel is no more completed at the end of the month than, say, a house is once you finish the frame. I don't know about house building, so perhaps the metaphor doesn't quite work, but you get the idea. The 50,000 words, at least for most writers I know, works as the starting point. It is a very rough first draft, subject to months or, for some, years, of tweaking and revision. But it is, at least, a start. And, for me, a thrilling, exciting, exhilarating, emotionally fulfilling start at that. Now, you have those writers who, of course, frown upon the month of writing. They say it encourages bad writing. They say it rushes the process. They say you should be writing every day so why make a month dedicated to it. But I say to those critics... "Nay!" Listen, everyone, people engage in NaNoWriMo for a number of reasons. A number of valid reasons, I might add.
For instance, writing 50,000 words of anything is challenging. When you're creating worlds and characters and conversations in a coherent fictional story within the time frame of a month, I dare say, it can be exceedingly challenging. But some people enjoy a good writing challenge, especially if you're literary minded. For that reason alone, I'd encourage anyone who loves writing to give it a go. It is, frankly, fun. Moreover, though, NaNoWriMo also allows you to set a writing goal - publicly if you wish - and gives you a deadline to meet. It provides a structured opportunity to write and a way to convince friends and family to give you space to do said writing - some people need that. It encourages you to connect with other writers (through forums, local write-ins, etc.), and gives you a designated place to talk about your work. It provides the opportunity to work through writer's block by forcing you to keep going, to keep writing, to make your word count. Sometimes the only way to get over writer's block is to write. When you're trying to write 50,000 words in 30 days, you are forced to write, even amid your writer's block. And let's not forget that it gives you an opportunity to create that first draft you've been waiting to create. As I tell my students on a regular basis, you can't edit what you don't have. Finally, there have been a number of very successful books published that had their start in NaNoWriMo. Ever heard of "Water for Elephants"?
The problem with NaNoWriMo, of course, and maybe a reason the critics dislike it, is that some people think that a month is all it takes to create a literary masterpiece. Unfortunately, unless you are some kind of writing genius, that is not the case. But sometimes, a month is all you need to get a good start.
Anyway, this November I wrote 50,000 words of my next novel. The novel is finished, in that it has rising action, a climax, falling action, and a resolution. But it's not actually even close to finished, in that I have about 50+ notes along the margins of scenes to add, details to change, and items to revise. And that's not even including the editing that needs to take place, from mechanics to structure to word choices. The novel won't actually be finished for a very long time. But boy was it a fun way to start it.
Now, we're onto December. And life is so full I can barely breath. Marking and shopping, mostly. And prepping for classes. And planning Christmas activities for my Sunday School kiddies. And attending social gatherings, which I'm not complaining about. Actually, I'm not complaining about any of it really. Life is full, but it is good. The tree is up, the lights are on, and the Christmas music is playing. I have my novel patiently waiting for me on my laptop, a cup of coffee in my hand, and a stack of marking on my desk. I am blessed with work, blessed with family, blessed with the beautiful snow. And of course, with the ability to procrastinate.
My essay marking calls now, I must answer. Happy second week of December, everyone!
