In for a Penny…Throw in 30 Days With That

By -- B J Keltz | October 31, 2008

Tomorrow is a big day for an estimated 110,000 people. It is the launch of the 10th Annual National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). Each participant has committed to writing a 50,000 word novel in 30 days. To reach this goal, the daily word count is 1,667. That’s a lot of words, particularly for the people who have always wanted to write a novel but have not done much writing until this annual event. For disciplined daily writers, the effort is still something to be reckoned with.

NaNoWriMo experts warn the participants that the second week is the toughest, and the fourth week the easiest. There is a lot of humor on the NaNoWriMo web site, and earnest support for the monthly event.

To “win,” a writer needs to upload their novel for word count verification no later than midnight, November 30th. There is no cash reward, no special recognition for the first to complete or the largest word count. There are electronic badges for web sites and the personal satisfaction of meeting goal and deadline. Most importantly, there is a completed rough draft!

There is much helpful information on the web site for beginners and first time participants. Established veterans are putting extra pages and areas on their web sites for the duration. The party atmosphere is apparent…along with nervousness and self-doubt.

I had determined earlier in October that I had too many commitments in November to participate. I was upset, because the 10th Anniversary Year would have been a great year to begin NaNoWriMo. I’ve been following along with bloggers who used the entire month of October to plot, plan, and prepare for tomorrow’s kick off.

I know there are writers and bloggers out there who think NaNoWriMo is counterproductive, useless, and that binge writing is crap. I only have one thing to say. Some of us just do it for fun. Of course everyone is entitled to their opinion. This is my first year. I’ll be better informed on the topic on December 1.

I signed up Tuesday night. I couldn’t resist. I want to try my hand at pure production without concern for anything but getting the story on paper. A 50,000 word rough draft can easily become a 90,000 word novel by early 2009. Mostly, it was the camaraderie and excitement evident in the veterans that got me hooked. I’m on NaNoWriMo as bjkeltz. Add me to your writing buddies list if you like.

I had a plot by lunchtime yesterday and basic character notes by bedtime last night. That’s all I’m going to do other than work in and around the month’s schedule. I will start fresh Saturday, about mid-morning, and write my heart out with the other 110,000 writers brave and crazy enough to accept the challenge.

The blog will have a new page, titled the NaNoWriMo Diary. I will update November’s information there rather than the main posting area.

I have a plan to combat arthritic hands, bad joints, firm commitments on other projects, and an ugly schedule. Though I am prepared to fail, I’ll be working diligently to complete the goal. I intend to do my best and hope to succeed.