For many people, November (the phonetic word for N) is the National Novel Writing Month, NaNoWriMo.
When I first started writing and blogging, I saw these references to NaNoWriMo and wondered what on earth it meant. Three years on I’ve done two Camp NaNos – ‘lesser’ events that happen in the early and mid-summer (northern hemisphere) replicating the idea of summer camps. In 2012 that was in August, and last year it was July, and I’ve finished a Princelings book on both occasions (although the second time it was really a rewrite of an unfinished one). The November NaNo is the official one, the big one, but as it’s a really bad month for me to be thinking of writing a 50,000 word book, I’ll leave it to other people.
What I noticed last November was the increase of awareness worldwide of the process. It seemed to have moved from a literary project to a commercial organisation. I don’t know whether other people saw that. I wonder whether the rise in self-publishing is bringing more people onto the bandwagon, seeing people who want to write as being an opportunity for exploitation. I know I’m a cynic, but I think it’s a trend that might need watching.
Have you done NaNoWriMo? Camp NaNo? What do you think?
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Haven’t done it yet, but I’m signed up for this year.
Are you doing Camp in July or the November one, Keith?
Have not done this yet, although a friend of mine participates every year and writes prodigiously. I wonder whether I could manage it…..
Like most things, if you really decide to do it and plan so that you aren’t troubled by pesky everydaylife interferences, than I’m sure you could. They now modify the target so you can set your goals yourself, to suit whatever you are wiritng. Good luck 🙂
I’ve done – and won – NaNo for a number of years. Same with a few Camp Sessions. I’m usually happy with the fact that I accomplished so much during that time…even if I’m not always happy with the work itself. 🙂
Madeline @ The Shellshank Redemption
Minion, Capt. Alex’s Ninja Minion Army
The 2014 Blogging from A-Z Challenge
I think it’s the proof of the write loose-edit tight idea. Get the words down and sort them out later! Thanks for visiting, Madeline 🙂
I have not heard of it but, as with everything that gains more notice, it can gravitate to becoming commercial and lose what brought people there in the first place. I also think that if one sticks it out the true blue stay and the others eventually go
Good points, Birgit 🙂
I did it once–it was back in the 00s sometime. It’s a great idea! I’ve never done the mini-events.
Visiting you from the A to Z challenge sign-up page. Great to meet you!
Stephanie Faris, author
30 Days of No Gossip
http://stephie5741.blogspot.com
Good to meet you too, Stephanie! Thanks for visiting 🙂
I have a novel I wrote out in rough draft form, but I have yet to finish it. Part of me wants to, but another part of me does not want to deal with all the demanding aspects that go into editing a novel. I am okay with writing, but a lot the grammar gate-keepers can be a little harsh. Not like I can hire an editor to go over it, so I would have to do it myself. These are all reasons I have not finished it, which might not be good excuses, but I finding blogging and working on art projects have results I can deal with myself, which is probably why I continue to focus on these.
Well, I think editing it to the stage where you think it is your best possible work is part of being a writer. Only then should it go to an editor! But it depends on whether you want to write a novel. It’s not the only form of writing, as you’ve indicated.
Well I wrote the novel and enjoyed the process, and I do want to publish it one day. It is simply in rough draft form and needs to be edited. I think my plot is more languid than some novels, except for intense verbal interaction among the the characters, so it might not appeal to a general audience.
I tried Nano once, never finished it. 🙁
Damyanti, Co-host A to Z Challenge April 2014, My Latest post
I’ve participated in NaNoWriMo for years! I will say it’s hugely improved my ability to write. I can write ALMOST any day in ALMOST any environment. Writing a chapter a day is easy-peasy. Unless I’m exhausted. Then? Not so much.
I would write a lot more if I didnt have to blog 🙂 It’s one of the reasons I enjoy ‘going’ to Camp – I don’t blog that month. I pre-post the essentials and then send a weekly postcard form Camp 🙂
I got to know about NanoWrimo last month…couldn’t complete my 50k but it was quite an experience!
Oops last Nov…is what I meant to say 🙂
There is always next time, Aditi 😉
Yes! Finally someone writes about dragon city guide
in breeding.