Today is day 7 (I’m writing this on Wednesday evening) of NaNoWriMo. Here’s my thoughts to date….
The Upside:
First, I’m happy to report that I’m glad I’m participating. I recently read a blog post from Jane Friedman on the upside of doing NaNoWriMo. She says that it can lead to commitment and practice, both of which I have to found to be true. I love this quote she shares:
“The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating – in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life.”
I’m enjoying working toward a routine. I’ve heard many times that it takes 21 days to create a new habit. I’m not sure about the accuracy of this, but I’m pleased to be trying. I’ve written each of the last 7 days, and have arrived at 11,741 words from 0 and not working on this project at all. The possibilities that become tangible when you try are so much more exciting that the dread when you feel when you avoid trying.
The Downside:
Despite my commitment, I haven’t escaped my own criticism. In fact, I’m acutely aware of my internal judge. My brain seems to default to near constant questioning and judgment. When it happens, which is only about every third word, I try to remember the goal is only a first draft. A start. And, as first drafts are allowed and encouraged to be, my draft should be crappy. Sometimes I do as my yoga teacher suggests, to simply acknowledge the thoughts in my monkey brain and then move on, not engaging with them. But mostly, I tell my brain to shove it and get back to work.
So far, so good. Carry on, nanowrimo writers! Enjoy the possibilities that await…
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