I considered doing Nano many times in the past, but the website seemed confusing and the entire competition was daunting to me. This year, they re-did the website to make it more user-friendly. It's really cool how you can go there and update your word count each day, and their analog tells you all of your averages and how long it will take to finish. This year it came at just the right time – when I really needed something to energize me and my writing project. Here are some other things I have observed from my Nano experience so far:
-It's ok to join a competition like this and to do it “imperfectly.” I am not putting pressure on myself to finish 50,00 words by Nov.30th. I have, however, been challenging myself to write 1000 words per day, which is still a nice chunk of writing. It adds up nicely, and after I finish, I feel that delicious sense of accomplishment.
-Writing 1000 words each day makes me feel like a real writer, instead of just a dilly dallier. This book is actually coming together after years of talking, marinating and planning.
-Now that I am writing each day, my mind is “on the job” searching for new ideas to put into my book all the time. I often seem to get inspired while driving and have to pull over to write an idea down so I don't lose it. Yes, I sometimes even write them on my hand when I can't find any paper!
-Everyday I just write as much and as fast as possible. I can always worry about editing later.
-I have opened up and told people about writing my book, and they are being supportive to me in various ways. (Especially Bill Charlebois ~ Thank you, my friend!)
-I am establishing a writing routine that feels really good to me.
-Best of all: I can't wait to get to my writing each day.