Wendy Coneybeer

I wasn’t going to participate in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) this year, nor had I really planned to do it any year. I disagree with the general principle of cramming all of that writing work into a single month, mostly. I believe in slow and steady perfectionism (though I still make mistakes, and they just wear on me more because I think that it’s perfect, so don’t do what I do if you can help it), and NaNoWriMo is a goal of writing at least 50,000 words in a matter of 30 days. That’s 1667 (actually 1666.66… See? It’s evil.) words per day.

Now, that’s not a huge amount of writing for a day. I used do that on a daily basis, and sometimes still do, but my muscles and joints make it hard to sit at a computer all day and do my paying gigs then sit and write a novel in a month. (Why? I’m not sure yet, but I see the rheumatologist again on Friday. More to come on that…)

That is why I didn’t officially sign up for NaNoWriMo. I want to write a book about my experiences. Married 3 times (the latest for 10 years and no end in sight, so SUCK IT, critics), a former tractor trailer driver, and I have lots of weird dating stories and other interesting tales that feel like they need to come out of my head. I just don’t see myself doing it all in a month, especially if I’m going to keep up with my paid work and not get completely burned out.

I do, however, completely support those who choose to participate, and I’m here for any support that you might need. I plan on attending some of the local NaNoWriMo groups, particularly the Write Outs held at Gangplank throughout November on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings. I hope to see you there!

Happy writing to all of you who are officially signed up and making this a very serious goal for yourselves. And remember, it’s not a race, but a personal journey. It only matters what is on your own page.