For most people, November is nothing more than a month of bearable weather and anticipation for the week-long Thanksgiving break. But for those participating in NaNoWriMo, November becomes a month of blood, sweat, and tears… and 40,000 words.
National Novel Writing Month is just about exactly what it sounds like.
Within the given thirty days, participants strive to meet the goal of 40-50 thousand words. According to NaNoWriMo’s official website, “National Novel Writing Month believes in the transformational power of creativity. We provide the structure, community, and encouragement to help people find their voices, achieve creative goals, and build new worlds—on and off the page.” The website has many resources to aid participants, such as personal achievement badges that are awarded when certain milestones are hit, and pep talks from published authors.
However, the title does not accurately describe how difficult this feat really is.
Everyone has experienced writer’s block in some way. It is a common obstacle that occurs when writing any piece, but the frustration practically increases tenfold while attempting to write a novel.
“You will get stuck in writer’s block very often, and it can be over the stupidest things, like a transition sentence,” says senior Samuel Ake.
But sitting down to actually write the novel is not the only hurdle. Generating plots, characters (and accounting for their development) is also tough, not to mention having to work around other obligations from school and outside life. Time management skills and excessive amounts of motivation are essential to meet the deadline, but despite this, people enjoy the challenge and the thrill of completing a novel. With the increasing chances of getting a novel published, those who are passionate about writing have never had a path more clearly set out for them.
Kelyn Goff// Staff Writer
