Hi, all! Jennifer here. As you may have seen on my personal Blog and/or Twitter, I joined NaNoWriMo!
**Cue the menacing music**
This is a huge deal for me because it’s the first time I’ve decided to join. I’ve balked at NaNo before because I’m basically a slow writer by nature and also because I can’t think of a worse time to have to commit to writing regularly. I mean, November? Right before the holidays?
Really?
Why can’t it be in the winter, when I have absolutely nothing to do but sit and try to stay warm? Oh well. I am but one mere mortal and cannot change things, so autumn it still is.
It’s only been about a week into this thing, but I can tell you I’ve already learned some things about myself as a writer.
What are they? I’m glad you asked!!
1) I am still slow writer, but not that slow. Meaning, I can definitely get in a good amount of writing in a short amount of time. The only difference is I’m not going back and rewriting sentences like I normally would.
2) Having buddies really helps. The first thing I do before I start writing is check on my buddies’ progress. When I see that their word counter meter has moved, I think, “If they can do, so can I.” And then I get right down to work. Then nothing feels as good as being able to post my own progress.
3) Life doesn’t have to stop. I personally have the time (and prefer) to write in the mornings. I can always get what I need to get written in that time frame and then I have the rest of the day to get on with other things in my life. And yes, that means, nobody in my household is suffering or not having dinner because I’ve committed to NaNo.
I like the pep talks and emails I get from the NaNo site too. Everyone there is so supportive and it’s all so very motivating.
So far so good!
In the meantime, have a great November and see you in December! (Hopefully with my book complete!)
Don’t forget: The blog swag this month is a $10 Amazon gift E-card and a copy of Letters from Home courtesy of Bethanne Strasser! Comment on any post in November to be entered to win.
If you’re a writer, are you doing NaNoWriMo? If not, what helps you to stay motivated to write every day?
About Jennifer Shirk
Jennifer Shirk is a USA Today bestselling sweet romance author for Montlake and Entangled Publishing who also happens to be a mom, pharmacist, Red Sox fan, P90x grad, and overall nice person. Check out her latest sweet romance: CATCH HIM IF YOU CAN