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Many thanks to the creative co-hosts for the November 2 posting of the IWSG: Diedre Knight, Douglas Thomas Greening, Nick Wilford, and Diane Burton!
November 2’s optional question – November is National Novel Writing Month. Have you ever participated? If not, why not?
While NaNoWriMo intrigues me, I have yet to participate. A big reason why is that it’s a busy time of year in my day job. It’s also true that writing every day hasn’t been my style.
I think that writing 50K words in one month is a cool concept, and I would like to try it one year.
For those who have participated in NaNo, what were the best and worst aspects for you?
Jennifer Lane Books 
I haven’t been able to participate for that reason too. And even now that I only work part-time, I’m still too busy with other commitments.
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Sounds like your part-time job feels full-time at some times of the year, Natalie!
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Hopefully one day you can give it a go.
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Maybe in retirement, Alex! 😀
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Hi,
The first time I participated the idea of having to write 50K overwhelmed me. I didn’t reach my goal. But a year or two later, I found a way that was best for me.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
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Great persistence, Pat. 🙂
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I think November maybe isn’t the best month in the run up to the holidays. I did enjoy the energy and sense of competition with others.
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That makes sense, Nick. I think it would be particularly challenging to write during the Thanksgiving weekend since I typically travel.
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I’ve done it several times (while working a day job.) Sometimes I made the goal, sometimes I didn’t. But it forced me to concentrate on putting words on paper instead of being distracted by everything else – like the internet, and that was good for me.
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Yes the internet is SO distracting. That’s great that NaNo helped you focus better, PJ.
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If you ever try it, you learn a few things about yourself. 😉
Anna from elements of emaginette
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You’ve intrigued me, Anna!
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Cannot really share what participating in NaNoWriMo is like; I’ve never participated in it. I got excited about it a few times, but then just as quickly chickened out. That said, I would never discourage anyone else from giving it a shot. Anything that requires that much time, effort, and focus, has got to provide a lesson or two to be learned, even if just some self-awareness of something you do well or that may need practice.
Thanks for sharing.
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I agree with your post that 1700 words every day seems daunting, Douglas!
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