It’s the first week of National Novel Writing Month, and November seems full of promise. But if you missed your first day’s word count goal like I did, the thought of sitting back down at your laptop may leave a sour taste in your mouth.
Luckily, friend of WA Denise N. Wheatley was kind enough to share some words of wisdom to writers participating in NaNoWriMo. Even if you aren’t bearing the label of Wrimo this year, you may still find her advice applicable to your situation if you’re struggling with staying inspired mid-story.
From the Desk of Denise N. Wheatley:
Happy NaNoWriMo, friends! I love how motivated we are to hit our goals and get in all the words this month. I’ve seen many authors pick unfinished manuscripts back up they’d put down years ago, determined to finish them this go round. Others start dream projects they’ve always wanted to write but never found the time to begin. So the inspiration is there.
But for some, that inspo may fizzle as the month wears on. Self-doubt, impostor syndrome, fatigue, etc. sets in, clouding our heads. If that happens, I encourage you to fight through it and keep writing! Push past the burnout, second-guessing, and lack of confidence. Resist the urge to question whether your writing is good enough, or if anyone would want to read your work. Write freely, with an open heart and positive mindset, and don’t look back. The pride you’ll feel once you’re done will be worth it, because you will have done something for yourself by putting your dream in motion.
I challenge you to see this month through to the end. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Happy writing!
— Denise N. Wheatley, Author
About the Author
Denise N. Wheatley is a lover of happily-ever-afters and the art of storytelling. Her first novel, I Wish I Never Met You, was published by Simon & Schuster in 2004. She has since written (and ghostwritten) over twenty novels and novellas, including suspense, contemporary, paranormal, and steamy romance. Denise currently writes for Harlequin Intrigue, with her fifth book, Backcountry Cover-up, on shelves now and four more releasing in the coming months. A few of those suspense titles include Cold Case—True Crime, Bayou Christmas Disappearance, and The Heart-Shaped Murders. Her Tule Publishing novel, Christmas in Full Bloom, has been optioned for film.
Denise earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Illinois at Chicago, the city where she was born and raised. When she isn’t sitting behind her computer, you can find her in a movie theater, on a tennis court, watching true crime television, or chatting on social media.
We were so happy to have Denise’s workshop, Writing Riveting Romantic Suspense: Simple Steps to Help Pen a Nail-Biting Book, back in September. Sorry you missed it? The replay is now available exclusively through our private network!
