Last year I created a blog post that was pretty much me just hating on NaNo. (Omg so embarrassing plz don’t go search for it.) You see, I thought it was fairly non-sensical for a person to word vomit out a novel in 30 days. My pretentious writerly self thought that sounded like the worst idea in the history of ideas, because I thought that people should write when writing came about, when they felt inspired, when they could write words with MEANING and not under pressure.
It was wrong of me to cast those one-sided opinions on you. I feel that many writers have certain feelings about NaNo, but I’m learning that it’s actually not all negative. Like last year a part of me thought,you know, oh look at all these wannabe writers who think they can attempt doing something we writers do all year round. Like, that was so ostentatious of me. But I’m sure a lot of you think or thought that, too.
However, I decided to give it a try this year. Mainly because my finished work is out of my hands right now and my brain full of ideas and blank pages to start a whole new concept on. Also, if some people only wrote when they felt inspired, it would take them years to complete a book. I think inspiration can come it you just sit your butt down, emerse yourself in the world, and WRITE. Speaking of inspiration, though, YA Highway is doing this cool thing where they’re encouraging and motivating people to write. Check it out.
Also, I am very big on telling people they are not allowed to hate on something unless they’ve tried it. Like, if you make fun of Harry Potter because you’ve read or seen the movies, then I’ll allow you to make fun of it. But if you haven’t read or seen any Harry Potter films, then you ABSOLUTELY are not allowed to hate on HP. Remove and insert Harry Potter with just about anything [goat cheese, swing dancing, iPhones, whatever]. The point is: I was being a hypocrite, and I’m sorry. I’m still young and learning and growing and sometimes saying things I don’t mean or whatnot, so sometimes you just have to ignore me or talk some sense into me.
At the end of November, I’m going to be compiling a list of things I’ve learned from NaNo. Honestly, right now? I’ve learned about three—and November hasn’t even started. (No, I’m not cheating by writing a head start, but I AM outlining—something I hardly ever do). Maybe I can change my own mind as well as the minds of others that NaNo is okay, or maybe I’ll just end up absolutely hating it. Who knows?
Anyway, if you want to follow my NaNo adventures, click this link right here to head overto my NaNo profile. It’s pretty empty right now, but I’ll be adding some things when November rolls around. Let’s support and encourage each other!
Also, y’all know Stephanie Perkins? WELL. She is one of my favorite authors. But did you know ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS was a NaNo novel? Srsly. So, I mean, amazing things DO come from NaNo.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on NaNo! Happy writing.
