Nov. 1: Time to Set Some Writing Goals

You might think of January 1, New Year’s Day, as a time for making new goals. New Year’s resolutions are a big part of our culture and tradition. But in the writing community, November 1 also has meaning. For years (25 to be exact) November has been associated with the #NaNoWriMo movement, short for National Novel Writing Month. It started out as a challenge by a few people to write 50,000 words in 30 days. In 2006 it became a nonprofit organization, and since then it has grown to be a worldwide movement.

Have I ever participated in NaNoWriMo? The sad fact is no. Last year I gave it some hard thought and almost jumped in and registered, and then I got scared and chickened out. But the reason I came so close to making the commitment was because I’ve always told myself I would write a romance novel one day. And how will that day ever come if I don’t just make myself write? I realized the allure of NaNoWriMo is that by registering, you’re committing yourself to a goal, and you’re doing it within a community of other writers, so there is support and encouragement along the way.

Late this summer, NaNoWriMo faced some controversy. They put out a statement on the use of generative AI, basically taking a neutral position. Then they faced a lot of backlash from some in the writing community, horrified at the neutrality. In the end, they stuck to their guns. Personally, I agree with NaNoWriMo’s neutrality. AI is out there, and we need to learn how to live with it. As an editor and writer, I don’t want bots doing the work that I currently get paid for. But as a mom of a kid who is very interested in computers and coding and yes, AI, I’ve seen some of the really cool things it can be used for even in the creative fields.

However, we are in the early stages of learning to use AI. And I don’t want to offend anyone at all in the writing community. So this year, I haven’t put much thought into jumping on the NaNoWriMo bandwagon myself. And I’m not going to share it on my social media as a suggestion for other writers. Instead, I’m taking to heart what drove me to consider it in the first place –writing goals and a sense of community – and creating my own.

Here are a few ways I’ve found to help step up my writing game, that might work for you as well.

1. Enter contests. One thing I’ve learned about me is that when I have a deadline, I get my work done. But when it comes to writing my own personal writing? It’s too easy to go out in the garden or watch the next episode of whatever show I’m currently fixated on, rather than making my brain concentrate on getting words on the page. Entering contests is a way to give myself a deadline.

2. Take a class or sign up for a writer’s conference. Same as the above, you now have a deadline. I love attending the NCWN’s Spring Conference every year.

3. Join a writer’s group. You know how they say to exercise with a friend, because that way you’re more likely to make it to the gym? The same is true for writing. When you meet up with others you don’t be the one coming without new writing to share. I’ve been in a couple over the years, and am currently working on a new one. You can find groups through your local library or book store.

4. Use a writing tracker. Right now I’m writing essays, not novels. But when I do start something big, I might look at one of these. Sure, you can see how many words you’ve written in the bottom left-hand corner of your Word document. But doesn’t it feel nice to see how much progress you’ve made over time? Write Track and My Write Club are a couple of options.

Last year I chickened out on NaNoWriMo. I told myself November was just too busy. So in January I made a goal/resolution: Enter a writing contest each month. I started out strong, with the NYCMidnight short story challenge in January. Then I did a contest in February and March. And then …. no more. Life got busy, I came up with excuses, contests came and went and nothing got written.

Today I’m recommitting myself, at least to a small monthly writing goal. And hopefully by making it public on the blog, I’ll do a better job of keeping my goals!

Writing journal with pen.
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Blending it Up

Every blog has a different theme or purpose. For years I put off blogging because I couldn't find a theme. Then I decided on one: Write about whatever I want. And that’s what you’ll find here. Whether it’s an update on how my garden’s doing, goings on with my family, or thoughts on writing, editing, and working from home, this blog is where I share my views on life.