We want our creative work to be fast and easy. Inspiration is the word we use for the magical shortcut. But is it worth the wait?
Waiting for Inspiration: A Bad Idea
NaNoWriMo: Impossible Fun
November is almost here, and that means it's time for National Novel Writing Month. This year will be my 13th NaNoWriMo, my 13th try to write 50,000 words in 30 days. Since thirteen is actually a lucky number for me, I am trying to come up with something fun to write, and drawing a blank.... Continue Reading →
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The Unknown Rules to Novel Writing
I finished NaNoWriMo in record time this year. I had written 50,000 words by November 23rd and finished my story on November 24th. I had five days to do other things at the end of the month, and one of the things I did was look back over November to figure out why my novel... Continue Reading →
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NaNoWriMo: The End of the Line
November 30th is here, and around the world, those who aren't finished yet are writing like the wind to complete their novels for National Novel Writing Month. For those who finished early: Congratulations! There is nothing like taking on an impossible task with an intimidating deadline and hitting your goal before you needed to. You... Continue Reading →
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Writing After November: Building a Habit Despite the Finish Line
Many people take on the challenge of National Novel Writing Month in the hopes of building a habit of writing daily. The event seems perfect for this since success requires writing at least 1667 words a day for 30 days. Years of participating in NaNoWriMo has taught me my first reaction to having written 50,000 words... Continue Reading →
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With NaNoWriMo, Everyone Wins
Writers participating in NaNoWriMo are heading into the home stretch. While there are eight days left for writing, I wanted to encourage everyone who signed up, no matter if they've written their 50,000 words already or only managed 50 words all month. Look at you! You took on a big bad challenge and you took a... Continue Reading →
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The Secret to Being A Writer? Keep Writing!
November is halfway over and by now, many people despair of finishing their NaNoWriMo challenge. I'm here to remind you that there is no magic. There is only determination. Over the years I've noticed that the most significant difference between the people who keep writing and the people who stop writing is no more and... Continue Reading →
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To Write More, You Must Write
One week into NaNoWriMo, and I am reminded that if I want to write more, I need to write more. OK. That sounds crazy. William Hazlitt said it (somewhat) better: The more a man writes, the more he can write. My word count for the last week shows this. Not only did I write more... Continue Reading →
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Truths About Creativity: Anything Beats Nothing
It's the first day of November, and along with nearly half a million other crazy people, I will be writing a 50,000-word novel in the next thirty days. Welcome to NaNoWriMo. This month, I'll be sharing quotes to cheer on my colleagues (and myself!) as we fly and slog our way through this creative marathon.... Continue Reading →
