This is my first year participating in this wacky month of write-until-you-drop insanity. And I am dreading it and looking forward to it.
Why I Haven’t Participated Before
I was leery of spending a month creating “junk” that would be tossed out at the end of the month. I thought why waste my time with that when November is already so busy and I could be writing “real” stuff. Bah! I am not writing all that much. In fact I spend more time writing about wanting to write than writing and that has to stop. Which brings me to the second reason I haven’t participated before.
Depression. Boy, I can get so depressed at the littlest thing and I didn’t want to set myself up for failure and get myself down again. You know what? I am already feeling that and this at least gives me something to work towards. Something tangible to point at and say “I am doing something about my whacky habit of not finishing the things I start.”
My schedule. I work retail, I have four kids, and a lot of extended family locally. November is when the holidays are gearing up and everything becomes more hectic and busy at that time and I didn’t want to add another commitment. However, I realize I spend a good portion of my time at the computer even on busy days and if I used even half of that time writing, I should be golden.
Why I Chose to Participate
I am tired of my constant procrastination with my writing. The stories in my head haunt me and sometimes die a quiet death without ever seeing the light of day. And I mourn each one that passes on. And yet I always find an excuse or reason not to write. This must stop.
Another reason is that snarky, rude, overly-critical voice in my head. The one that speaks louder and louder as I get further into my story. The one that drowns out the voices of my characters and shoves them into the grave before they are ready to die. I hope NaNoWriMo will give that voice a well deserved slap and teach her to know her place.
Finally, I hope to have fun. This post I read this morning epitomizes the energy and fun I hope to experience in November. So bring on the bulls!
CLNorman is my handle and I hope to see you there.
