I guess the big news is that I passed the 50,000 word goal yesterday. I’m pleased I reached that goal, but for me nano is not over because the story is still unfolding in my head, and it’s the story that really matters, not the word count. Sadly a lot of people lose sight of that bigger goal in the hunt for the numerical one.
Every time I go on the nano forums I see threads about discouraged people giving up because they know they can’t hit the target of 50,000 words. The goal posts are too far and time is too short. The dream of writing a book and becoming a real author is fading.
I understand the disappointment, but I really wish I could reach out and tell all these unhappy people that word count is not what nano is really about. The word count, the time limit, and even the sense of competition generated by the hype, all of these things are just motivators to help us learn the most vital lesson about writing – that it’s hard word and requires both dedication and self-discipline.
The creative part of writing is important, I’m not denying that, but as Albert Einstein said, “Genius is 1% talent and 99% percent hard work”. And he should know.
You can be the most talented, creative person alive, but your talent will mean nothing if you don’t put in the hard work to translate your ideas into…Β something. Be it a novel, a painting, a piece of sculpture, a song, an invention, or just a new way of doing something better, none of these things will be real until they get out of your head and become something tangible.
When I first did nano back in 2004, I had been writing a science fiction story off and on for about three years and I could not see an end to it. So I felt very disillusioned with myself. Doing nano was an attempt to see if I could actually finish something.
At the end of November 2004, I had a story I liked so much I kept on working at it for another seven years. It changed from a simple, stand-alone story into a bit of a monster many volumes long and now there is very little of the original writing left, which is probably a very good thing Β as I was still learning how to write. The most important thing that came out of that first nano however, was not the story but the self-discipline I learned. Writing is like a job and should be treated with the same work ethic.
I still haven’t published anything, but in October of this year I did cross another hurdle; I submitted to a publisher. I haven’t heard anything back from the publisher and I don’t expect to, but in January of next year I will give myself an extraordinary birthday present – I will self publish Vokhtah and then the apprenticeship I began in 2004 will finally be finished.
Becoming a real, honest-to-god writer was a journey that only beganΒ with nano. To all those who are just starting that journey I say, “Don’t give up! The dream is worth the effort”.
cheers
Meeks
November 22nd, 2012 at 6:25 am
so so so happy for you…. π π π π
you know im buying your book … no way m missing on it
and i am going to follow your every word and finish my story…even if it means finishing it after NaNo is over,..i will write and write…less or more..slow or fast…but i will not quit on the story.. Meeka i was very sad about but now (Thanks to you) im actually less stressed and enjoying the every day’s few words that i add to my story…
You are a rockstar…. π π
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November 22nd, 2012 at 3:53 pm
Yes! You are on your way Little. π
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November 21st, 2012 at 3:33 pm
What great achievement. Erm what date did you say you’d release the book in January?
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November 21st, 2012 at 7:38 pm
To be announced. π mwahahahaha!
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November 21st, 2012 at 11:33 am
Congratulations on reaching the goal. Your words are inspiring. When you self publish let us all know. I for one would love to read your writing. If I can get my cover idea to fruition soon, I hope to submit the first of the year in hopes of having my book done in time for National MCS Awareness in May.
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November 21st, 2012 at 7:41 pm
Oh I hope that works out for you! I haven’t even started on the cover side of things yet. I’m trying to rope the Daughter in with offers of food and my undying devotion. I’ll try money next week. π
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November 22nd, 2012 at 3:13 am
Yes, it is one thing to have the idea – another thing to get it to fruition. My daughter’s boyfriend has been trying. Another option is other daughter’s friend who is working on my web page (can’t finish until book cover designed). I may ask her for ideas and see if she can design something. I thought the writing was hard – this seems much harder. I am creative and crafty but not this kind of creative and crafty.
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November 22nd, 2012 at 3:52 pm
Sounds like you have a good support network though so I’m sure it will turn out really well.
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November 21st, 2012 at 11:17 am
Hey NaNo Buddy!! You are a super nova rock star. Congrats!! And I love that the story is still unfolding in your head.
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November 21st, 2012 at 7:42 pm
Thanks Honie. π The creative juices aren’t flowing quite as fast as a week ago but they’re still ticking along.
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November 21st, 2012 at 11:11 am
how awesome are you??? seriously, such a huge accomplishment. i’ll be writing about my nanowrimo failure shortly. looool. xoxo, sm
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November 21st, 2012 at 7:43 pm
lmao – have you noticed how diplomatic I’ve been? -ducks and runs-
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November 22nd, 2012 at 3:00 am
looooool. i had to call it quits on that one. i had a week writing for joan rivers and that just put the nail in the nano coffin. loool. but, i will talk about it… soon… you, i am very proud of. π sm
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November 22nd, 2012 at 3:51 pm
…for Joan Rivers? Gawd Mum… how soon is soon? I’m dying of curiosity!
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November 21st, 2012 at 11:04 am
Marvellous work! Life has kept interrupting me this November, and I’m only 4,000 words in, but I’ll keep plugging away …
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November 21st, 2012 at 7:47 pm
I had a great run so I’ve been very lucky. Hopefully your nano idea will blossom into a third book somewhere along the line. π
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November 21st, 2012 at 11:00 am
I am very much looking forward to seeing the results of your dream, and the hard work. Waiting for January now! Although I am very happy to be entertained by your story about Miira in the meantime, hint hint π
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November 21st, 2012 at 7:52 pm
lol – a wink is as good as a nod to a blind horse. π Seriously, there’s a big sci-fi-ish chapter coming up so I may bore you all silly with back to back posts over the weekend. π
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November 21st, 2012 at 10:58 am
Congratulations on reaching your mark! You have far exceeded my productivity. π
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November 21st, 2012 at 7:53 pm
Are you doing nano too??? And thank you.
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November 22nd, 2012 at 12:46 am
No, but I was referring to my own personal progress. This marketing thing takes a lot of time.
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November 22nd, 2012 at 3:50 pm
I haven’t had to do it yet but I know online friends who have, and… you have my heartfelt sympathy!
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