Today marks the end of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo.) During NaNoWriMo, writers around the world pound on their keyboards in a just-for-fun race to complete a 50,000 word novel in 30 days. The purpose? Quantity not Quality. You’ll find this on the NaNoWriMo website:
“Make no mistake: You will be writing a lot of crap. And that’s a good thing. By forcing yourself to write so intensely, you are giving yourself permission to make mistakes. To forgo the endless tweaking and editing and just create. To build without tearing down.”
I didn’t participate in NaNoWriMo but now I’m asking myself, why not? One of the main purposes of this blog is to take you along on my journey of writing a book. I have a couple of chapters roughed out, but that’s as far as it’s gotten. Okay, I did have a baby this summer so I’m not going to beat myself up about it. But here are some other reasons I haven’t been working on the book:
Perfectionism (what if I write it and it sucks?) Fear (what if I write it and it sucks?)
Did you think I was going to say lack of time? Sure, my hands are plenty full. But each time I sit down to work on the book, here’s what I do:
Check email. Check Facebook. Check Twitter. Go to the fridge and grab a Diet Coke. Think of a cute little blog post and write that instead.
The truth is, I love blogging and writing short essays. I get instant gratification. Many times, I can see the story and the point I want to make before I even begin typing. I love the clarity and certainty of it.
There’s a book inside me. But the story is messy. Writing it is going to require a little more risk. A little more faith. And I have no idea where it’s going to lead. But here’s the real truth about me: If I don’t give myself a deadline, I will never know. Without a deadline, “Write Book” will remain at the bottom of my long list of things to do.
So here’s the deal: I have declared December MyMeWriMo. My Memoir Writing Month. For the next 31 days, I’m committing myself to the rough draft. I’m giving myself permission to write a lot of crap.
I’ll keep you posted.
Whew! I thought I was the only one constantly checking tweets and reading Facebook instead of actually writing. I do make myself work on the novel for 15 minutes. I usually end up doing more once I get going, but must do at least 15.
In between all that we do, let’s collaborate on a book of inspirational tidbits. Remember I can only successfully do 5 things at one time!
Well, I for one look forward to reading your “crap”! Please don’t feel alone, facebook, blogs and twitter are always at the top of my priority list when I sit down at the computer.
Congrats on conquering the first challenge: permission to write crap.
Seriously, you are a talented writer and I look forward to reading MyMeWriMo updates. Kick some major butt, my friend. 
I’m looking forward to reading more of this story! You go, girl!