NaNoWriMo. It could be every writer's favourite time of the year, or their worst nightmare. For me it was kind of in the middle, so I decided to make this post offering some (hopefully helpful) tips to all those participating this year, and my overall thoughts on the program.
Now I am no NaNo veteran, I only participated last year, but my experience is still pretty vivid that I thought it was worth telling. For starters, it was not as easy as I thought it was going to be. For me, I just thought that I would definitely be able to finish way before November ended and that I wouldn't need to prepare. Boy was I wrong! I went in with no rhyme or reason to my story whatsoever, that I suffered about five boughts of writer's block and left so many plot holes. I would advise, DO SOME PLANNING! Definitely sort your story out.
I also was kind of intimidated by it? I saw all of these older 20-something people on the website that were on their fourth year participating, all with published books and projects, and I just missed my teen blog buddies more than ever. I didn't really find any YA writers to connect with, which left me kind of overwhelmed, so I would say to definitely go out of your way to find other people participating that you're comfortable with talking to, it makes the experience a whole lot more enjoyable.
It seems like I'm making it out to look like I hated most of it, but I actually really took a lot of positive things from it! It's such a great motivator to look at your word count, update your progress, and meet your goal. If you're someone like me who is completely unmotivated all the time, setting a goal on a website like this really helps you to sit your ass down and write!
Once you complete your goal, you also get a lot of cool perks that make the hard work really worth it. You get all of these discounts on publishing websites, plus t-shirts, a certificate and more! Again, if you like the idea of rewards for your accomplishments, this really keeps you going.
Overall NaNoWriMo is a great way for you to practice your writing. It's an amazing tool for aspiring writers to complete a challenge, and kickstart their careers through publishing perks. However it was very overwhelming for me and also quite stressful, that for me, I definitely needed a year's break. However if you're up for the challenge, it can really pay off.
Have you participated in NaNoWriMo? What did you think about it?
Emily @ Paperback Princess
Great post! As you know, I'm doing it this year, and while it's definitely a struggle somedays, it is SO rewarding when you get the day's writing down and just see the words on the page :) That's how I feel, anyway!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely! Good luck in your writing!
DeleteGreat advice! And totally important to get the balance right between stress and motivation (that's why I don't do it!)
ReplyDeleteHaha yes! I think I needed a break more than ever this year!
DeleteAs someone who's just starting NaNo this year, this has actually really motivated me to start! I haven't started yet because of uni exams and all...whoops! But NOW IM FREE, and I'm so motivated to start!
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned being on a year's break - does that mean you're not doing NaNo this year?
Good luck with your writing! Yes, i'm not doing it this year because I've been crazy busy with school, so I'll just be a motivator for everyone else this year!
DeleteThat's some great advice, Emily! I've personally never felt I had what it takes for NaNoWriMo, but I totes root for you- you're amaziiiing! I hope you feel up to it the next time around!
ReplyDeleteIf you ever decide to do it, I'm sure you've got what it takes! Thanks Ruzaika :)
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