Every year I get geared up for NaNoWriMo and every year, I choose not to participate. It's not that I don't think NaNoWriMo is awesome because I do. In fact, I admire those people who sit down and actually participate. Several of my author friends are doing it, several of the students I've taught are doing it, but I just can't seem to pull the trigger and join in the fun. So, I thought I'd explore my NaNoWriMo hangups.
The first thing that puts the brakes on my participation is the deadline. There is something about a deadline that makes my brain freeze and my fingers turn into jelly. I wrote how-to articles for years and had to face deadlines several times a week. I HATED it. It is so constricting; however, deadlines are great for some people, and sometimes I even work well with them.
Several of my ladies class books like Lessons from the Book of Ruth, and Rejoice! Sister, You Have Every Reason were written on a deadline. Deadlines can work, but I haven't decided what I think about forcing a deadline on myself. Perhaps that's the procrastinator in me. It might even be a reason why I should join the crowd! I'm not sure but it may be one of NaNoWriMo's greatest appeals.
Another thing that is a major roadblock is the amount of time it takes to write so many words and meet a deadline. I can't help but think I might miss something. I have kids running around, even if they are mostly adults now. I have a disabled husband who needs my attention, and so many more obligations that I'm afraid I just don't have the time to commit to such an undertaking. With that said, I spend most days writing anyway, so what's the harm in a few days writing something else?
Okay, so maybe this is a stupid hang-up, but I don't want to exhaust my writing energy. I'm not sure I could write like crazy in November and have the energy to do it again the next month. I might wake to find I've expended too much creativity and the well has gone dry, or I have the dreaded writer's block. I want to spread my writing around so I can publish all year long. After all, I write not only as myself but have several pseudonyms in different genres. I can't imagine not being able to tackle that next book project!
Those are the three most pressing things that keep me from committing to NaNoWriMo. Have you ever participated? What are the pros and cons you found? Would you recommend it to your friends?
--Susan
Deadlines
The first thing that puts the brakes on my participation is the deadline. There is something about a deadline that makes my brain freeze and my fingers turn into jelly. I wrote how-to articles for years and had to face deadlines several times a week. I HATED it. It is so constricting; however, deadlines are great for some people, and sometimes I even work well with them.
Several of my ladies class books like Lessons from the Book of Ruth, and Rejoice! Sister, You Have Every Reason were written on a deadline. Deadlines can work, but I haven't decided what I think about forcing a deadline on myself. Perhaps that's the procrastinator in me. It might even be a reason why I should join the crowd! I'm not sure but it may be one of NaNoWriMo's greatest appeals.
Time Constraints
Another thing that is a major roadblock is the amount of time it takes to write so many words and meet a deadline. I can't help but think I might miss something. I have kids running around, even if they are mostly adults now. I have a disabled husband who needs my attention, and so many more obligations that I'm afraid I just don't have the time to commit to such an undertaking. With that said, I spend most days writing anyway, so what's the harm in a few days writing something else?
Exhausting
Okay, so maybe this is a stupid hang-up, but I don't want to exhaust my writing energy. I'm not sure I could write like crazy in November and have the energy to do it again the next month. I might wake to find I've expended too much creativity and the well has gone dry, or I have the dreaded writer's block. I want to spread my writing around so I can publish all year long. After all, I write not only as myself but have several pseudonyms in different genres. I can't imagine not being able to tackle that next book project!
Those are the three most pressing things that keep me from committing to NaNoWriMo. Have you ever participated? What are the pros and cons you found? Would you recommend it to your friends?
--Susan
