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 →
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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To Create Art, We Must Show Up
I love starting a new project. It's one of the reasons I'm such a NaNoWriMo fan. I get to write a whole new book in November, meet new characters, discover new worlds. Starting a new quilt is always a buzz, and I sew like crazy, inspired by the unfamiliar colors and fabrics. New projects are... 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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No Talent or Patience? You Can Still Make Great Art
Not long ago, I asked a friend if she was interested in writing a book. I was gearing up for NaNoWriMo and hoping she might join in the fun. She loves to read, she's articulate and smart, and I was pretty sure she would be interested in writing. I asked her if she had ever done... 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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Important NaNoWriMo Reminders
In the whirlwind of November, when I am busy writing for NaNoWriMo*, it's easy to forget things I've learned in previous years. I start asking myself questions and am too tired to remember the answers. I forget basic things I once knew. This year I've made a list to refer to and I'm sharing it... 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 →
