As a writer, I know how frustrating it can be to set a writing goal and then fall behind. It can seem like you’ll never catch up and that all the effort you’ve put in is for nothing. But when it comes to NaNoWriMo, falling behind doesn’t mean falling short.
This year I took part in NoNoWriMo and only achieved 21,044 words. It’s the first time I’ve taken up the challenge, and although I was disappointed in myself, I did well on reflection. In fact, it’s a common experience for many participants, and there are strategies you can use to get back on track.
NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month, is a yearly challenge that takes place every November. The goal is to write 50,000 words in 30 days, which averages out to about 1,667 words per day. It’s a daunting task, but one that can inspire creativity, build writing habits, and connect you with a community of fellow writers.
The 50,000 word goal
The 50,000 word goal can be both motivating and intimidating. On the one hand, it’s exciting to think about reaching such a significant milestone in such a short amount of time. On the other hand, it can be overwhelming to think about producing so much content in just 30 days. But it’s essential to remember that NaNoWriMo is not about producing a perfect draft or even a complete story. It’s about challenging yourself to write consistently and make progress towards your writing goals.
Falling behind in NaNoWriMo
No matter how dedicated you are to the challenge, falling behind is a common experience. Life happens, and sometimes finding the time or energy to write can be challenging. But falling behind doesn’t mean you’re failing. It’s essential to be gentle with yourself and remember that NaNoWriMo is a challenge, not a competition.
Why incomplete stories are okay
One of the most significant benefits of NaNoWriMo is how it encourages writers to embrace imperfection. You don’t need to produce a perfect story by the end of the month. In fact, many NaNoWriMo writers end up with incomplete stories or rough drafts that need significant revision. But that’s okay. The goal is to keep writing, keep trying, and keep pushing yourself.
Strategies for catching up
If you find yourself falling behind in NaNoWriMo, there are strategies you can use to get back on track. Some writers find it helpful to set aside specific writing times each day and prioritise their writing. Others might try writing sprints or setting a smaller word count goal for each writing session. The key is to find a strategy that works for you and helps you make progress towards your goal.
The importance of persistence
One of the most valuable lessons NaNoWriMo teaches writers is the importance of persistence. Writing a novel is a long, challenging process, and it’s easy to get discouraged along the way. But if you keep showing up, keep putting in the work, and keep pushing yourself, you’ll make progress. NaNoWriMo is an excellent opportunity to practice persistence and build the writing habits that will serve you well throughout your writing career.
NaNoWriMo community support
Another significant benefit of NaNoWriMo is the community support it provides. Writing can be a solitary activity, and it’s easy to feel isolated or discouraged. But NaNoWriMo connects you with a vast network of writers who are all working towards the same goal. You can find support, encouragement, and accountability through online forums, local write-ins, and other events.
Celebrating small wins
As you work towards your 50,000-word goal, it’s essential to celebrate small wins along the way. Maybe you hit your daily word count goal, as I did several times before falling behind. Or you wrote a particularly compelling scene. Whatever it is, take time to acknowledge your progress and feel proud of yourself. Celebrating small wins can keep you motivated and build momentum towards your larger goal.
The benefits of participating in NaNoWriMo
Participating in NaNoWriMo can have numerous benefits beyond just reaching your 50,000-word goal. It can help you build writing habits, connect with a community of writers, and practice persistence. It can also help you develop your writing skills and explore new ideas and genres. Even if you don’t reach your goal or end up with an incomplete story, NaNoWriMo can be a valuable experience for any writer.
Falling behind in NaNoWriMo can be discouraging, but it doesn’t mean you’re falling short. Remember that NaNoWriMo is a challenge, not a competition and that the goal is to make progress towards your writing goals. Use strategies like setting writing times, celebrating small wins, and finding support in the NaNoWriMo community to help you catch up and stay motivated. And most importantly, remember to be gentle with yourself and keep trying. Writing is a long, challenging process, but you can achieve your goals with persistence and dedication.
Did you participate in NaNoWriMo this year? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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