We're right at the half way mark (ok a bit short) of NaNoWriMo, that annual marathon sprint for writers across the globe.
This is my fifth or so NaNo and every year I'm shocked by other writers reactions.
There is a lot of vitriol flung at NaNo out there and I just don't get it. Yes, I agree that agents and editors have reason to fear it- I'm sure they get slammed in December by folks sending in NaNo works that are still raw and bleeding from November. But for every over excited clueless one who does that, there are probably a few hundred who don't.
Some folks slam it because they feel it is too rushed, an emotional burden in an already too fast industry. Ummm, yeah. No one was forced to sign up, and bailing on it won't destroy anyone's future career. I admit I was a bit perplexed by that one. I think the post writer was trying to make a point and just threw in anti-NaNo statements to make it catchy.
Others attack it because it is "encouraging mediocre or worse writing". Many writers are dirty draft writers- aka we write fast and messy and clean it up as we go along but mostly on the back end. I personally only know ONE writer who writes an almost clean draft the first round. They are a serious plotter, and polish each sentence before moving on. Most writers, even plotters, aren't like that. Multiple drafts are part of the game. So why should it matter if my rough draft was born over one month or three? No matter how slow I write, I will need to edit and do revisions galore.
I don't understand why people feel the need to bash something others are enjoying and might actually be getting their writing kicked up a notch. The only thing I can figure is these naysayers need to feel involved somehow since there is so much talk about NaNo in the writing community. They are trying to show their moral and professional superiority to us shlebs out there doing this crazy (and in their mind useless) thing.
I have one thing to say to those people- Bite me. Not professional nor morally superior, I know. But it does get the point across. If you don't like something- DON'T DO IT. You don't need to mock, slam, or insult the people who do like it to make you feel superior.
If you are doing NaNo this month- WRITE ON!
If you are not doing NaNo this month- STILL WRITE ON!
Writing is a tough and oft times lonely field- we should be supporting each other, not passing judgement and bashing each other. *diving off the soap box now*
Thanks Marie,
ReplyDeleteYour posts are always so great. I can never seem to complete a NanN but I have tried. How's this as a friendly, caring joke for NaNo haters, they can form anti-NaNo and write absolutely nothing during the month of November. Some work very hard to accomplish this, I've heard.
Bob
Thanks, Bob! That would be a great anti-NaNo- sit there and do nothing! ;)
DeleteThanks for coming by and commenting!
THANK YOU! I've been wanting to say this for years!!
ReplyDeleteLOL!! You are most welcome! :) I'm glad I could give voice to something many have felt ;).
DeleteThanks for coming by and commenting!
Great post! Couldn't agree more.
ReplyDeleteThank you! :)
DeleteThanks for coming by and commenting!
It is either wonderful or horrible and sometimes both at the same time.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, Jackie :) but it's something we have chosen to and others can chose not to :).
DeleteThanks for coming by and commenting!
Okay, I give. Where is this slamming being done? Did I miss something while sitting freezing in the snow. Yes, it snowed today and two days ago and the day before that. Maybe I missed it when my nose was to the NaNo grindstone. I don't understand where you're seeing these things. Drop me a message or email and fill me in.
ReplyDeleteSharon,
DeleteOne was on one of the blogs in my blog roll and another was forwarded on a writing group- but they've been popping up all over. LOL_ you need to blog hop more! Not this month though you need to write this month. SNOW?!!!! I want snow!!! WAAAA!!
Thanks for coming by and commenting!
This is my first attempt at NaNo. Yes, it's a challenge. But it has also given me the kick start I needed to reorganize my day and make sure I sit at my computer and take the time to do what I love ~ WRITE! I'm a pantser all the way, so I know I will edit and edit and...thanks Marie, love your post. ;)
ReplyDeleteGo, Joanne, GO! NaNo is a wild ride, but one I think is worth it :). I agree about the kickstart, I'd fallen into a slump, but it was too easy to be too tired after the evil day job to write- so I turned it around and always try to get some writing in before work- even when that means a 5am alarm clock :).
DeleteThanks for coming by and good luck on NaNo!
Well said. This is my eleventh NaNo. I've completed at least 50K for each one. Some drafts are great, some not so great, and some just okay, but each gives me something to work with. Some drafts have ended as novellas, others as huge novels. One has won second place in a very prestigious contest, might even have come in first if the synopsis page hadn't been lost when copies were made for the final round judges. I'm primarily a short story write, so what does NaNo do for me. Proved I can write and finish a novel, improved my typing speed, forced me to write every day, establishes a pattern of reaching a daily word count, and meeting a deadline. All these are skills a writer needs to succeed in his/her professional. I don't understand what can be said on the negative side. Rock on NaNo.
ReplyDeletePat Marin aka Pat Marinelli
Very well put, Pat! You are a poster child for NaNo success :).
DeleteThank you for coming by and commenting- and keep on NaNoing!
"I have one thing to say to those people- Bite me. Not professional nor morally superior, I know. But it does get the point across. If you don't like something- DON'T DO IT. You don't need to mock, slam, or insult the people who do like it to make you feel superior."
ReplyDeleteTHIS. My critique partners have sneered at me more than once for doing NaNo. One can never remember what it's called and thinks that's funny. I've had several sneering comments about "*I* could never write in tht way." Well, then take what you need from all the advice and do it your way.
On the other hand, I have always been able to find a small community of friends and writers, some of whom use November as a kick in the pants to work every day that they can to write whatever they are working on: some know they are slow writers and don't commit to the word count, just to the discipline. A couple of people I know are writing non-fiction and need a deadline.
Well put, Phyllis! Although, I'd have trouble having CP's who sneer at something--anything-- that worked for me. Pretty much, the older I get the less tolerant I am of sneering in general. But I'm glad you have found some folks who think like you do :)
DeleteThanks for coming by and commenting!
I am having fun doing Nano this year. It's help me kickstart a project I have been wanting to try...and one month to focus just on my writing is nice. 50K I may not make, but I'm doing well. I work part time and have a small child, so I don't get the luxury of hours a day to sit in time; or set mornings to type; or a writer's retreat. I'm lucky to get 10 minutes locked in the laundry room with an iPad. November is my time to let myself indulge. To hire childcare a day or so and do all that writing.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're enjoying it, Echo :). I think NaNo is a great time to really push ourselves and remind ourselves what we have to do for our craft :).
DeleteThanks for coming by and commenting!