It's just the beginning
November 3, 2011 * * * * * Posted by: Anyes 
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I have officially started NaNoWriMo yesterday and being part of this exciting creative journey is both unnerving and exciting at the same time. Sunday evening as I was looking over Darling Daughter's shoulders I saw she had just finished registering herself. A bit curious I asked her what it was all about. Very matter-of-factly she replied it was a challenge inviting whoever wanted, to write 50,000 words during the month of November. She had always wanted to do it and that I should also think about giving it a try. In that precise moment in time I was confronted with the opportunity to "walk my talk", to experience for the first time what writing with purpose would feel like.This was the push I needed to go forward.
This experience is giving me much to think about. The night before it all started I had but a wink of sleep, too much excitement for one and fear of the unknown for the other were both responsible for the state of my nerves. Yesterday felt much better as I started building the foundation of what will be my "novel". I made a rough outline of who my main character was. The other participants, the location and the plot were also part of this construction plan. I have to say that now that I know where I am going, even if the amount of work is still quite overwhelming I feel much better about it all.
Accepting this challenge is for me an opportunity to see if my love of words and everything written will be enough to carry me through the change in direction of my life. My mind is racing with excitement and fear, high emotions are ruling me now (as if I needed it). A whole month of writing, of living in my head even more than usual and of giving light to something which was only the shadow of a distant dream. I'd say November feels like Christmas for me ;-)
Oh and before I forget, I am also having a 500th post giveaway on my blog, go and have a look and comment if you like to participate.
NaNoWriMo, beginnings, inner whisper, passion
Reader Comments (19)
NaNoWrimo is great. I stumpled upon it a couple of years ago. My first year I only got half way but it was such an accomplishment! Last year I finished and it was even an even bigger accomplishment. Good Luck! It is a great experince!
WOW, Anyes. DOUBLE WOW. A novel in one month! I'm totally impressed and wish you all the success in the world. You and Darling Daughter will encourage each other all along the way, which I'm sure will be half the fun and excitement...let alone challenge. Just do it! And let us read it when you're done??
What an excellent way to challenge yourself!!! Can't wait to hear/read all about it! And - what a perfect way to spend the month of November - really!
Wow, what a challenge, what a goal. I can't wait to hear how this goes and wish you a month filled with many words and the time and peace to put them in order.
what a great Buddha saying, and so true, I will have to post this on FB to share it.
The part of this post that 'knocked my socks off'' -- "She had always wanted to do it and that I should also think about giving it a try. " Maybe I am easily blown over by mothers and daughters that have good relationships!
Best of luck with your challenge. Finish or not you will have grown by accepting the challenge.
I'm doing NaNoWriMo for the first time too. Here's to completing our goals and permission to focus on the stories in our dreams.
That is a great challenge, good luck with it. I know I couldn't right that many words in that space of time.
bravo! I thought we were being impressive by doing a blog post every day this month!!! I want to read your novel ;-)
xo
The quote hits home and is nagging at some unfulfilled "starts". Good luck with NaNoWriMo. I've tried it a couple times and did not do so well. Having your daughter doing it too may help keep you going. I've been wanting to write a book with my son but am having trouble getting him interested. The biggest thing to get out of NaNoWriMo is not so much a finished novel but the habit of writing daily that hopefully, you carry on all the months after November.
Good for you! I seriously thoght about it, and a friend really tried to talk me into it, but I just don't think I can fit in in this year. Maybe next year...
I'm sure you will enjoy the process, what fun it will be!
Good for you! I seriously thoght about it, and a friend really tried to talk me into it, but I just don't think I can fit in in this year. Maybe next year...
I'm sure you will enjoy the process, what fun it will be!
This sounds so exciting! Wishing lots of fun with your novel! Too bad there's nothing like NaNoWrimo here in Italy: I could even think of taking up writing again, after so many years... Ciao!
one of the many reasons i love starting a day with coffee and this blog is the learning....i never heard of this challenge, and while fascinating, YOU are the most fascinating, as i hope you will share the results. have fun with all that will percolate from within.
Anyes, I love that your daughter encouraged you to take up the challenge. It was no "coincidence" that you were looking over her shoulder when you did...you were ready for the challenge and I'm eager to keep up with you as you progress through the month. I smiled at your excitement the night before you were to begin...we forget too often to give ourselves the gift of excitement and something to look forward to. Well done for taking the first step -- and the Buddha quote is "perfect" for this!!
i was just in your blog, saw that you were doing this. i'm so excited for you :) - i went to the website and thought wow. but i'm not going to give it a go right now, time isn't right for me. but i can't wait to hear of how you get on x
Anyes, this is such a huge challenge, but it looks you're up for it. And you do it with your daughter, which I really like. I've read and heard so often about NaNoWriMo that I am tempted to try it next year - there was no way I caould have found the time for it this year. But as someone before me said here, perhaps next year...
I had never heard of nanowrimo, I checked it out and there is a Dutch site too. Cool ! I hope you succeed, good luck
Go, go, go and all the best to you! You can do it!