November is coming up, and so is NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month. The goal is to complete an entire novel (the word count is 50,000 words) in one month.
This contest is about speed and productivity, word count and a firm deadline.
Some writers thrive on this, but for some people, it's a nightmare. Too much pressure. Causes anxiety. No joy in the writing.
To be honest, the whole concept of cranking out an entire novel in one month is extreme. I've done it in the past, with a holiday novella. Written in the fall, published for that Christmas season.
The job got done, but I was a machine. Not a lot of joy there.
I'd like to propose an anti-NaNoWriMo option for folks looking for something a little bit different, a little less stressful.
WATSON JOYFUL WRITING MONTH
WATSON JOWRIMO
What are the rules of this game?
There are no rules! Hee hee.
If your word count at the end of November is zero, that's okay.
If you get a couple of chapters done, that's okay.
If you spend a lot of time thinking and percolating about your next book project, that's great!
If you spend time with your family and/or traveling and/or going on hikes and/or visiting a museum...or any activity that "fills the well" of your creativity and inspiration, that's fabulous!
If you need some support, reach out.
If you are super proud of one sentence you wrote, share it.
If you write an entire novel in one month and don't lose your mind, fantastic.
Anything goes. No judgment, no prizes. Just a shared love of writing.
Also, puppy pics are an added bonus! *wink*
I will be posting sporadically on my Facebook page to check in with my writer friends. You can also add comments here with updates. Share your progress, your setbacks, your joy. Be proud of yourself!
Or, if you're an introvert and not into sharing, keep a private journal.
I give myself STARS on my daily planner when I have a good writing day or a good diet day or just a good all-around day! ✯✯✯
This is the ultimate low-stress, only-fun, be-joyful-about-your-creativity event.
Also, I would like to invite all creatives to join in, not just writers. Artists and crafters and musicians. Anyone turning their creative muse into magic.
WE GOT THIS!
Keep in touch,
Penny/Nina
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