I wanted to write something that would inspire all the writers participating in National Novel Writing Month this year. Some of us are going to cross the finish line on time, pens waving in there and maybe the theme from Rocky playing in the background. Some of us are not going to finish and maybe we’re off in a corner crying over cookie dough ice cream. But I often wonder if there ever really is a loser during NaNoWriMo. If you wrote even one word on the page then doesn’t that mean that you’ve won in some way? One word on the page is still more than what you started with.
I thought it would be a good time to let you all know that you are doing just fine. I know that National Novel Writing Month can seem like you’re failing. Especially if you’re on social media, it can feel like everyone else is celebrating their victories. This is the downside of social media, it can seem like everyone is winning—except you. One thing to keep in mind is that social media is literally everyone’s highlight reel. And I’m not trying to diminish anyone’s success, but just remember that things aren’t always as they appear.
Something else to keep in mind is that you have done something extraordinary. You have made the decision to start your novel. You also made the decision to participate in a public and National workshop. Even if you don’t finish this month, you made the decision to start. Essentially, you are putting yourself out there. As we all know, the odds are fifty fifty. But you are writing a story. Nothing else really matters, so keep working on the plan.
The last thing I want to remind you about is how brave you are. If you were not brave, you wouldn’t be doing NaNoWriMo. So pat yourself on the back for that and remember to celebrate. No matter what anyone says, if you are making advancements to your writing, then you are doing the right thing. Do not for one second think you can’t finish NaNoWrMo. You most certainly can. You are more than brave just for beginning. The statistic of people who actually start a project is very small. You are light years ahead. I hope you remember this the next time you feel like beating yourself up.
Relax, breathe. You’re doing just fine.
