In conclusion, writing a novel isn’t easy. Writing a novel of 50,000 words or more in one month: almost impossible. But you can do it. The first thought I had when I finished this year’s NaNoWriMo was, “If I can do something this hard and stressful and actually complete it, what's stopping me from doing other seemingly impossible things and completing them as well?” Take just a moment and re-read that last sentence. Think of the power of that statement.
For me personally, these "seemingly impossible things" included losing weight, finishing other projects I had trouble completing, or, heck, writing another novel, for goodness’ sake. Not only that, but I'm one step—one huge step, let’s not forget that—closer to getting published. I anticipate the revision process will be exciting as well from what all the writing books say.
The work’s not completely finished by any means; there’s still a lot of patience to be learned, but isn’t everything about this a learning process? You didn’t come to the word processor to get paid after all. If you did, you’re going to be sorely disappointed. The wages are in the words. And the wages are always in the words. If you get absolutely nothing else out of this, I hope that previous statement registers and resonates with you throughout your entire writing life and/or career.
So good luck and good writing. I’m glad you decided to join us. Don’t quit, don’t make excuses, and don’t be a perfectionist. Do write, do write, and (oh, did I mention?) DO WRITE! You can do it, cliché as that sounds thanks to all those Adam Sandler movies. All you have to do (courtesy of Nike) is “Just do it.” Nothing more, nothing less.
So go ahead, fellow NaNoWrimite. I did it on my first try. As Jesus would say, “Go and do thou likewise,” (Luke 10:37).
YOU ARE READING
How to WIN at NaNoWriMo: A Month in the Life of A NaNoWriMo Participant
Non-FictionDoes the term NaNoWriMo mean anything to you? If you're a writer-especially a young writer-who's been online for the past 15 years, then it probably does. In 2009, I set out to finally achieve my goal of writing a novel. The premise behind Nationa...
