NaNoWriMo,  On Writing

NaNoWriMo 2015? Five reasons I might not enter

NaNoWriMo Day 8: Seclusion
by mpclemens (cc)

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!

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Booklover. Hobby artist. Author of the Rolamaton the Robocity webseries. Also author of short stories and novels for upcoming publication. Countryside demigirl who works as an artisan in her daily life. Currently in a happy relationship. Come say hi on Twitter @dospetti and Instagram @liabooklover

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