Today is the first day of NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing
Month. All over the world, prospective novelists are beginning their writing
goal for the month of November, of 50,000 words. The gargantuan goal of writing
a first draft of a novel in one month is motivating and exciting!! In the past
weeks, I asked myself if I should join in the fun. I do want to write a YA
novel, after all.
I discovered by questioning myself about my writing goals is
that NaNoWriMo is not for me this time around in it’s true form. As much as I
want to write a novel, I will not be conquering a novel 2,000 words a day (25
days, 30 minus Sundays and Thanksgiving Day). There are other stories in my
head that need to come to life first!
I will be adjusting NaNoWriMo to fit the goals I have! I
want to write more children’s stories! I want to submit my completed Toilet
Monster story! I want to update my blog on a regular basis with helpful,
hopefully inspiring, and enjoyable information! I decided my “NaNoWriMo” time
should help get me to where I want to be. Also, my very first responsibility is
to my family. Some may insist that it’s only one month, but I’ve had enough
pull me away in the last six months or so. More about that later.
After all the considerations of time and goals, I have
decided on my personalized NaNoWriMo. It will still motivate and stretch me. My
overall goal is to create my regular working routine. It will require
dedication and sacrifice. I am a busy woman with many responsibilities! Early mornings
will by my ally. Here’s what’s going to happen. There are 30 days in November. I
don’t work on Sundays, so we’ll subtract those 4 out, 26. I’ll also let myself
enjoy Thanksgiving Day, so I’ve got 25 days. I will write 500 words every
working day. 500 x 25 = 12,500 words! My stories, submissions and blog articles
are included in the word count. I will update my blog at least twice a week. I
will write at least 4 new children’s picture books. I would love to make my
goal higher, but I don’t want it out of reach. If I’m plodding along on 500
words and I can increase it, I will! Mark my words, this is the beginning of
something beautiful.
Is NaNoWriMo for you this month? Is it what you need to stay
motivated to get that fantastic novel idea out to the world?? Or do you need to
adjust it? Don’t let this be an excuse not to accomplish 50,000 words! That is
not the point. If you’re going for those 50,000, stick to it! It’s a fantastic
goal and many great novels have been printed from this awesome NaNoWriMo month!
If it’s not for you, find what goals will stretch you this month, and get to
it!! Make sure your ladder is against the right wall!
