Why I won’t be joining NaNoWriMo
I’m one of those authors who thrives on pressure. Unlike many, I like deadlines. They motivate me to work and get words down, no matter how much I might want to avoid writing on a particular day. But deadlines only work for me when they’re imposed by someone else — someone with authority. Like an editor.
I’ve never been able to hold myself accountable in the same way. It’s as though my subconscious mind won’t be fooled by anything that doesn’t come with very real consequences. Can’t meet an editor given deadline? There are real consequences to that. I might not get another contract. I’ll ruin my relationship with the publisher. My book might never see the light of day elsewhere.
But if I miss a deadline I impose on myself? Eh. No big deal. I can push it back a day. Or two. Or a week. Or a month. Before I know it, I’m twiddling my thumbs six months later because I’ve pushed that “deadline” back so many times I lost count.
According to its Wikipedia page, NaNoWriMo is “a creative writing project held annually in November in which participants attempt to write a 50,000 word novel in one month.” It’s a great way for writers to engage in a community of authors all attempting to do the same thing. And that’s commendable.
But there are no consequences for not meeting the 1,667 word daily goal. And instead of acting as a driving incentive, it’ll simply be pressure… for the sake of pressure. That has the opposite effect on me. It makes me stress out, wallow in guilt when I don’t make the word count (and that’s pretty much inevitable), and generally hate every moment of what’s likely to be an interminable month.
No thanks. For me, the best approach — aside from an editor-imposed deadline — is steady progress. A little bit of progress, every day. 500 words is great. 1000, even better. 1500? I love those days.
I won’t be writing an entire novel in the month of November. But you know what? That’s okay. I will be writing, and that’s all that matters.
(NaNoWriMo image by: mpclemens)
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October 29th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
*hugs* I completely understand! NaNo is a tradition for me. One I’ve failed more often than not, but I always have a productive November. If it burns you out or stresses you out, definitely don’t do it!
October 29th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Good luck in November, Dawn! I totally understand tradition, and I think it’s important to keep up anything that helps you stay productive.
October 29th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
I did NaNo two years–one of those books is published now, the other sitting on my floor. Haven’t been able to do it since then. I definitely understand your reasons for not participating and I’m thinking I can relate to that.
October 29th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
You make a good point, Adri. We change over the years. Our process changes, too, and what worked once may not work again. We just need to recognize what helps us and do more of that, while staying away from what hinders our forward momentum.
October 30th, 2009 at 9:30 am
Hi Lacey! I know, they need to include a shocker into the writer’s house that applies a punishment if you don’t make the word count, eh? lol. I’ve never heard of this challenge until this year, but it sounds like it either works for you or doesn’t. I agree completely about change, as well. What works for you one year may not the next. Writers are works in progress, just like their art.
October 31st, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Hi Beth! Thanks for dropping by!
I’d probably buy that shocker, you know. And then I’d apply it to other things… like making sure I get my 30 minutes on the treadmill, and stay away from chocolate. *g*