A Scenic Route
  • Welcome Back
  • Blog
  • About
  • Other Projects
    • Feathers In A Blender
    • From My Drawing Board
    • Backstage At The Blog
  • Privacy Policy

IWSG: The Siren Call of NaNoWriMo

  • Coffee
  • First Draft
  • NaNoWriMo
  • Revision
  • The Tempest's Serenade

Participant-2014-Web-BannerWait. IWSG? And NaNoWriMo?

I know you’re staring at your screen thinking, “What’s with all the acronyms? She’s really lost it now. Things haven’t been the same at A Scenic Route since the A to Z challenge.”

Let me explain.InsecureWritersSupportGroup

I’ll start with the IWSG, short for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. We’re a bunch of writers, three hundred and counting, who meet on the first Wednesday of every month to discuss our fears and doubts without worries about appearing foolish or weak. Want to join us? Click the linky to be whisked to founder Alex J. Cavanaugh’s site, where you can add your name to some of the nicest writers you’ll ever meet on the worldwide web.

Now about this NaNoWriMo thing. You might have heard of it: Fifty thousand words, one month, lots of coffee? So why would an insecure writer like me undertake such a monumental challenge, not just once but every single year?

I’ll tell you why.

Image courtesy of 'Winner' at StockFresh.comFirst off, there’s literary abandon. At last I can set aside the burden of wondering if what I’m writing has any merit whatsoever. I don’t have to edit; I don’t have to debate whether my structure works or not; I don’t have to vacillate about whether my characters have any business being in my story. I’m free to experiment and I’m free to turn back around and try something different. All that matters is that I keep adding to the almighty word count.

Second let’s talk about camaraderie. National Novel Writing Month seems to have become an annual rite for all writers who have ever considered trying their hand at writing a novel, from beginners to multi-published authors. Here we have a chance to work side by side, at least in a virtual sense, on a crazy project that is equally intimidating to all but the most seasoned storytellers. Together we share the challenge of getting words on the screen. What a boost it is for me to be just another nervous writer, instead of working away on my own as self-doubt perches on my shoulder, pecking at my self-esteem with every opportunity.Image courtesy of 'Winner' at StockFresh.com

And, this might sound odd in a challenge where the daily word quota is 1667 words, but stopping and calling it a day is really encouraging for an insecure writer like me. I suffer from the uncontrollable urge to compare myself with other writers, so looking at my word count and seeing that it measures up is a huge boost for my confidence. Image courtesy of 'magicmarie' @ stock.xchng

Or it could also boil down to the simple fact that writing at this pace leaves no time to be insecure! Falling into bed exhausted, and doing it all over again the next day is a great way to stop worrying about whether my story is any good and just letting it flow onto the page the way it wants to.

I know there are doubters out there— writers who claim that careful outlining and meticulous wordsmithing are the only way to write a novel worthy of publication. Perhaps that is true, but my contention is that there are many ways to write a story, and drafting at this speed is an incredible rush for me. Just look at my word count and you’ll see: I’m soaring.

How about you? Does NaNoWriMo make you more secure about your writing? Or are you a fan of more leisurely story crafting?

Test tube and book images courtesy of ‘Winner’ at StockFresh.com, clock image courtesy of ‘magicmarie’ @ stock.xchng

Save

Alex J. Cavanaugh Insecure Writer's Support Group Insecure Writers Literary Abandon national novel writing month
November 5, 2014 Kirsten

Post navigation

IWSG: Why Can't I Write Like Everyone Else? → ← Stories and Trees

29 thoughts on “IWSG: The Siren Call of NaNoWriMo”

  1. Juneta says:
    November 5, 2014 at 6:23 am

    I love NaNo. I did my first one in 2013. I then did Camp NaNo April & July 2014. I won the last two, but the 50000 still eludes. I am not a fast writer. I signed Nov 2014, but have not put any words on page yet, but I will keep at to try to get something. I probably won’t win this year either, but it does inspire me. It also encourages me to “try” to push myself. It’s fun and I am accountable to no one, but myself really. The goal is to word and if you make that word count Wahoo!.

    I enjoy your post.
    Juneta at Writer’s Gambit

    1. Kirsten says:
      November 5, 2014 at 6:56 pm

      Thanks, Juneta!
      I think I might be a fast writer … but a slow reviser. I’m glad you’ve joined the fun at NaNo, and challenging yourself is what it’s all about. 🙂

  2. Alex J. Cavanaugh says:
    November 5, 2014 at 6:59 am

    When you’re writing that much, you are too busy to be worried!

    1. Kirsten says:
      November 5, 2014 at 6:57 pm

      Exactly, Alex! I’ve made a lot of progress– both in word count and confidence at NaNo. 🙂

  3. Will says:
    November 5, 2014 at 7:11 am

    I’ve never done NaNo, Kirsten, and I have nothing bad to say about it. In my current lifestyle- day-job dilettante- I’m the complete opposite of the way NaNo works. I’m not even comfortable committing to a publication schedule with my new micro-publisher (Kat), though I know full well that self-setting those deadlines was the only reason I published before our agreement. I’m just so ridiculously deliberate AND I write so infrequently- weeks off at a time, and then when the wheels start again it has to be THIS chapter, only from THAT PoV, no exceptions.
    I feel sure that if I won the lotto and could take full time to chronicle, I would try NaNo in a heartbeat just to see how it changed me. Probably improve me, no question in terms of output I’d do better. But I’m on a not-broke jag (given my professional goals are so modest), so not until then I’m guessing. But you go, girl.

    1. Kirsten says:
      November 5, 2014 at 7:00 pm

      I like that: Day-job dilettante! (Although having published as much as you have probably makes you more than a mere dilettante. 🙂 )
      NaNo is certainly not for everyone, but for me it has prodded me to write faster and more freely. I absolutely adore taking part in this mad dash to a finished draft. 🙂

  4. Lori L MacLaughlin says:
    November 5, 2014 at 7:44 am

    I’ve never done NaNoWriMo — too many other obligations, but I’m hoping to try Camp NaNo next year. Good luck with your goals! Write on!

    1. Kirsten says:
      November 5, 2014 at 7:02 pm

      Thanks, Lori! I’m glad there are so many more noveling events available throughout the year now since November seems to be a non starter for some folks.

  5. woolda1 says:
    November 5, 2014 at 8:23 am

    Every now and then I nearly nano but still haven’t taken the plunge, this year I decided I had too much else going on. Good luck with your goals 🙂

    1. Kirsten says:
      November 5, 2014 at 7:03 pm

      Thanks, Angela! It’s a scary commitment to make, but it’s fun because we’re not alone in giving it a shot. 🙂

  6. Loni Townsend says:
    November 5, 2014 at 8:49 am

    I’m a NaNo participant! I added you as a buddy. 🙂

    I debated whether or not to do it this year because I struggled so much last year. I’m happy I joined. The words have started rolling and it’s so freeing! Like you, NaNo gives me a much needed confidence boost. My family even toasted to a successful month hours before it began.

    Best of luck with your writing. Keep on rocking it!

    1. Kirsten says:
      November 5, 2014 at 7:07 pm

      Yay! I found you over there and, wow, you are kicking some NaNoWriMo butt this year! I love just writing for word count, and every year I think I should skip it but end up doing it anyway. 🙂

  7. nancyrae4 says:
    November 5, 2014 at 8:52 am

    I’ve never really considered NANO due to time (and other constraints) but, the more I think about it, NANO could be a really good chance to blow out the cobwebs, just write, and throw caution to the winds! May the winds find your words, Kirsten!

    1. Kirsten says:
      November 5, 2014 at 7:10 pm

      Absolutely, Nancy! It is so liberating to let the screen fill with words and not be allowed to look back at them. And it’s amazing how much really usable stuff comes out despite all that literary abandon.
      Speaking of words, I should really write some today … (aaack!!)

  8. Sammy D. says:
    November 5, 2014 at 10:37 am

    Rock it, Kirsten! You obviously have figured out tangible, positive benefits of this worthwhile venture, and I hope each day brings you that satisfaction. I imagine it must feel like a giant team, each pulling your weight and knowing that your accomplishment is part of the success for others. Someone is reading your words and thinking, “If Kirsten can take this on, so can I.” You might never known if you’ve launched a budding bestseller’s career in addition to your own!

    You are an amazing wordsmith!

    1. Kirsten says:
      November 5, 2014 at 7:12 pm

      Aww, thanks Sammy. 🙂 I would love to think that I’ve inspired someone to take up writing stories, even if it’s just for the fun of it. More books to read can only be a good thing!

  9. dksalerni says:
    November 5, 2014 at 11:01 am

    You make a good point. I struggle so much through every first draft that maybe it would be different if I just blew through one at superspeed without caring. It won’t be this year, since I’m expecting an edit letter any day now (any day for months and months, but that’s a different insecurity). Maybe one of these Novembers I’ll try it!

    1. Kirsten says:
      November 5, 2014 at 7:17 pm

      What always surprises me is that some good stuff lands on the page/screen when I’m tearing through a draft at superspeed. Seeing that happen has a way of reinforcing my faith in myself as a ‘writer’. 🙂

  10. Shell Flower says:
    November 5, 2014 at 7:47 pm

    Nano is awesome for the literary abandon. Last year I even outlined, but I haven’t so much as read my last year’s novel once in a year. This year, I’m finishing a draft in my P&P world and it is so fun. Also, I love the stats you get and seeing my buddies progress. You are so right!

    1. Kirsten says:
      November 5, 2014 at 7:53 pm

      I admit that I’ve only glanced at last year’s NaNo too. I liked what I saw, but I’ve got a plateful of revisions already! So this one’s just for fun. Again … 🙂

  11. Cherie Colyer says:
    November 5, 2014 at 8:24 pm

    I haven’t done NaNo. Mainly because I always seem to be in the middle of a project by the time November hits, but I think it’s great motivation. Good luck!

    1. Kirsten says:
      November 8, 2014 at 3:54 pm

      Hi Cherie,
      Thanks and welcome to A Scenic Route!
      Lots of writers work on whatever project they’ve got going. They call themselves NaNo Rebels! I’ve done that too actually, and it worked out great. 🙂

  12. Melissa Maygrove says:
    November 6, 2014 at 10:04 am

    I don’t NaNo, but I’ve been trying to go easier on myself and push through my initial draft without being so picky. I have made progress. 🙂

    1. Kirsten says:
      November 8, 2014 at 3:55 pm

      Doing NaNo taught me exactly that, and I can push through drafts (even blog posts) just to get things down much faster now.
      It’s the editing that kills me.
      I’m glad you’re making progress! 🙂

  13. Pingback: How does your writing grow? | jean's writing
  14. Rena (@Renathewriter) says:
    November 6, 2014 at 9:21 pm

    I love the literary abandon of NaNo. It’s my favorite part. If there weren’t for the wild way I write at NaNo, I’d never get anything done. Though, I admit, I have a hard time applying that sort of wonderful crazy to my writing for the rest of the year.

    1. Kirsten says:
      November 8, 2014 at 3:58 pm

      Lots of writers, including me, swear by NaNoWriMo. Although I’m one of those writers who loved it so much that I kept right on going! (maybe cutting back on the word count a bit but I’m all about the literary abandon. 😉 )

  15. Gina says:
    November 11, 2014 at 8:03 pm

    I’ve never done Nano, and unfortunately I don’t think I will for some time because of scheduling conflicts.

    1. Kirsten says:
      November 15, 2014 at 4:00 pm

      Hi Gina,
      Fortunately, the folks at NaNoWriMo now offer alternative months to explore literary madness! That said though, it’s not for everyone. 🙂

Comments are closed.

Calendar

May 2022
M T W T F S S
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031  
« Mar    

Recent Posts

Dearest Novel

Dearest Novel

Hopping on board the blog again, and look! It’s like riding a bicycle … just gotta get the rust out of my fingers. Not that I’ve been neglecting my writing, […]

More Info
IWSG: Fear, Love, and Writing

IWSG: Fear, Love, and Writing

It’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group, again. I know, don’t remind me– I was insecure two months ago, and haven’t been here since! But it’s the first Wednesday of the month […]

More Info
IWSG: Why Can't I Write Like Everyone Else?

IWSG: Why Can't I Write Like Everyone Else?

Welcome to this month’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group post, which you’ll notice is the only post on this blog since last month’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group post. I know. I […]

More Info
Stories and Trees

Stories and Trees

The arrival of fall got me thinking … Since I love walking in the woods, I find it often feels as if my Muse is wandering in a forest full […]

More Info
Infinity Edge

Infinity Edge

Since when do Muses need vacations? Apparently mine does, which is why he’s been suspiciously absent from the blog. Oh, wait, here he is … I brush aside the palmetto […]

More Info
IWSG: Enjoying the View

IWSG: Enjoying the View

Warning: This will not be the usual Insecure Writer’s Support Group post. Believe it or not, this month I’m actually a secure writer. Shocking, I know, but it’s true! I’ll […]

More Info
The Meet My Character Blog Hop-Nick Moore

The Meet My Character Blog Hop-Nick Moore

The cold wind gives me goose bumps as climb the front steps to Nick Moore’s beach house, gripping my laptop to my chest like a lover. I knock on the […]

More Info
IWSG: It’s Alive!

IWSG: It’s Alive!

It lives. It breathes, and it’s ready to take on the world. Or is it? No, I’m not talking about my lifeless blog–although I can see why you might think […]

More Info
Powered by WordPress theme Stained Glass