Yes, yes, Nanowrimo is for crazy
people. That’s why I am tackling it for the fourth time this year. Nanowrimo- a
challenge to pump out 50, 000 words in thirty days. What kind of lunatic would
create such an overwhelming, temper testing, irrational, exciting, fun and
addictive challenge? A lovable one of course!
I first took the challenge in
2010 and won but didn’t get around to submitting the story (I was probably
passed out from exhaustion). In 2011 I was again successful and officially
validated my entry.
I do not know how I pulled it off
in 2011 while studying and working. In 20 days my story was at 52,000 words. Last year I again demonstrated my
masochistic tendencies and took up the challenge- sort of. It was more like Octowrimo; I began writing in October because attempting it in November was not quite possible due to prior engagements. By the end of day
thirty I was barely past halfway at 28,000 words; however those 28,000 words
went on to become my first published works ( a novella series complete at about 59,000
words).
To all you Wrimos out there I
have three words of wisdom that were imparted on me in 2011 by a colleague whom
I recruited to give me a push throughout that blistering thirty day writing
period. Suck it up! If you were braced for a string of sweet inspirational
words........I am sorry to have disappointed you.
Suck it up, keep writing and
most important, have fun, please, it’s necessary. You need to laugh and berate
yourself over the fact that you have completely lost your mind to take on such
a feat. And you will be amazed at the stuff that actually comes out of that
creative brain of yours, even if it makes no sense whatsoever. It
is noble and admirable to even consider Nanowrimo.
So suit up and head out into that
battlefield and hopefully you will return with that coveted badge but even if
you don’t win the war, take great pride in being a Wrimo soldier.
Good luck guys!
Olivia
