Re: Adopt-a-Day ToNaNo PEP TALKS!

Day 15 Pep Talk


So let me start by saying something that may sound as though it is coming a little bit out of left field…

I’m proud of you!

I may know you, I may not have met you yet, but regardless I’m proud of you.

Now, let me provide context, or at least an explanation for why I’m proud of you.

Of course I’m extremely proud of anyone who endures this (possibly masochistic) endeavor we’re all taking part in this month and overcomes it – those who write 50k! You’re awesome.

But here’s the thing: If at the end of this month all you’ve written is 10k, 1k or 500 words, I’m proud of you!
If you’re new to Nanowrimo, this challenge may seem impossibly daunting – that’s okay! This is my sixth year doing it and I still find it daunting.

I’ve never won Nano before, though not for lack of trying. November has tended (for the past few years at least) to be a bad month for me (deaths and post-secondary school in particular). The closest I’ve managed to come to 50k is only 27,500 words.

But again, here’s the thing: I come back every year and try again and I don’t see that changing any time soon. I’ve kept everything I can from Nanos past – things like post-it notes I scribbled on when a story idea insisted on making itself known and notebooks with names, places, characters and general observations about the world around me. I also have collected a plethora of research and images. This collection has become a huge repository of ideas/inspiration. Even if you don’t “win” Nano this year (though I really hope you do!), keep what you’ve written and be proud of the time and energy you put into however many words you did manage to write!

If all you did this year was sign up, come back next year! If you only write 15k, come back next year! If you “win” – come back next year! You might have another 50k hidden away somewhere.

So keep writing. And remember: I’m proud of you. ;)