I have taken the option to enter NaNoWriMo 2015 in serious consideration since the year started.
After struggling with mental health for most of the last year, I found it difficult to stick to a definite schedule to get my novel drafts complete — and hitting 50,000 words minimum.
My previous novels are still incomplete. Mental illness often means I will completely disconnect with my characters and their worlds, so I will shut down and wind up being unable to continue the character development writing process.
That doesn’t mean I will surrender, however.
It might take another two years, another four, maybe ten — but I will get there eventually. I will get to complete my novels for good and to indie publish them. It might take some psychotherapy to help with my issues, but it can be done.
So I have many drafts still in progress. Should I still enter NaNoWriMo this year?
I guess NOT. Here’s why:
1. Incomplete drafts pile up
I have collected five novel drafts plus several incomplete short story collections over the years, so if I have to get back to do something creative, it’s my current drafts that I should finish, not start a new one.
2. I will not be home the last week of November to work on my NaNo
I will be elsewhere to see a relative and I will not be able to work on my novel.
Besides, I want to enjoy my time there without other things — for how cool and enjoyable — occupying my mind.
3. Work has priority
Well, it’s work.
It pays the bills.
Need I say anything else?
4. I burnout easily this year
In addition to other mental health issues, I find myself constantly on the verge of burnout of late.
Stress levels are still high, so adding more work to my already packed schedule doesn’t sound like a good idea.
5. No ideas on what write about (honestly)
Yes, I wouldn’t know what to write about.
My genre is always Sci-Fi and my stories always include robots, but I haven’t worked on a list of story ideas like the past years, no brainstorming nor anything else, so I would start my NaNo without proper prior character development.
Not really something I’m willing to do.
To anyone who’s entering NaNoWriMo 2015, GOOD LUCK!
