NaNoWriMo

I am planning to participate in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) this November. For those of you unfamiliar with this, it is a yearly event that dares you to write a 50,000 word novel in a month (which comes out to 1667 words a day). It is solely to get your first draft down in a timely manner. After November you can take all the time you like editing and revising. Visit the website for more info: NaNoWriMo

I am particularly pleased to try it because my sister, Noreen, has agreed to give it a try as well. It will be great to have her along on this crazy writing ride. Plus, I know Noreen has it in her to be a great writer. She is a fantastic verbal storyteller so if she can train herself to convey it to paper, there will be no stopping her.

Our reasons for doing this differ. Noreen leads a very full life between work, volunteer activities, running, biking, and the occassional yoga class, but now she is seeking to put some creative activity back into her life. Way to go, Noreen!!! I am looking to become a more disciplined writer and develop a better daily habit. I find that I only write in spurts and it is too easy for me to let other stuff distract me from writing. So I want to overcome that.

And I am not waiting for NaNoWriMo to start working on the discipline angle. I have written out a schedule for next week, starting Monday, that will hopefully keep me on track with my writing activities. I seem to do better when I have a written list. I am a lifelong procrastinator and that seems to be an even harder habit to quit than smoking, but I will keep trying!!

So wish me and Noreen luck. And if you feel adventurous, go sign up for NaNoWriMo and join in the fun!!