Thursday, October 27, 2011

Getting Psyched

This morning I spent some time reading some helpful links and watching some writing-related videos in preparation for my second attempt at completing NaNoWriMo.  During the entire month of November writers, novice and published, will embark on the quick journey to creating a 50,000 word novel during National Novel Writing Month.  Last year I got as far as signing up and writing the title of my novel.

This year I plan to get a little farther.  Perhaps, I may even make the goal.  This averages to about 1,667 words per day.  Innocently, I thought I could just free-form and write what came naturally during those 30 days.  But, come to find out, people (writers) actually will plan the story!  They may even use huge, intimidating white boards with many ideas for plot and characters scribbled in each corner.  Some writers will use index cards, one for each day of the month, as an outline to their story development.  Even the well-organized writer will have a calendar that will keep them on track to when they should be finishing the beginning of the story, deep in crisis-mode, and reaching the climax.  All of this planning is a little intimidating.

Thoughts are already surfacing like, "What if my idea is not good enough?" or "Do I even know what the fuck I'm doing?" and the worst, "I'm not a writer, am I?".  I hate that destructive self-talk.  It's part of the reason why I never seem to accomplish my goals.  Goals that have been lingering on my list for years.  But, I've got to step away from that negative thinking.

There are writers out there that appeal to everyone, from all walks of life.  Some writers soar with their literary finesse.  Some authors get published because of their media presence.  Some people become authors just by luck.  Not all writers have a degree in English literature.  Some writers never went to university or maybe, barely, got their high school diploma.  Some of the best writers have worked at their craft for years and sent out many a manuscript only to receive countless rejections.  But, they kept at it.  Bottom line is you may not be the best wordsmith or you may struggle to execute your ideas.  Writing comes from the heart and is open to every single person.

There is an audience for every word.  So, you've proclaimed to be a writer.  I have too.  Join me for the month of November and participate in NaNoWriMo.  You never know unless you try!

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