NaNoInspo — Who’s Your Writing Cheerleader?

It’s one week into National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), and I hope everyone is off to a wonderful start to this challenge. For more information on NaNoWriMo and the project NaNoInspo check out the first post NaNoInspo — Getting Started. Head to the NaNoInspo landing page to sign up for the mailing list and learn about prizes you could win when you complete the NaNoWriMo challenge.

I’ve been thinking about my experiences participating in NaNoWriMo. I have two under my belt. One was the biggest disaster. Seriously. I wrote a little over 1,000 words that November and that was it. I couldn’t handle the pressure or something. And once I fell behind, I couldn’t even face getting back to writing until the month was over. That’s the opposite intent of NaNoWriMo. Sure, it’s a challenge, but the intent is to get writers to write daily.

The second attempt came the next year and was a huge success. It was such a different experience. Ever since, I’ve tried to determine what was so different between those two attempts so I could use that to help other writers. The other day, as I was thinking about it again, one of the differences dawned on me. It was a subtle thing that escaped my notice in my previous posts about NaNoWriMo.

The second year, when NaNoWriMo started, I was visiting my parents. I let them know before I arrived that this challenge would start while I was there, and I’d have to write until I reached my goal for that day. As they always have been, they were very supportive of my writing and allowed me that time.

So the difference between that year and the previous? I’d entered the first year without telling anyone I was participating. I slunk into the challenge and when I felt I’d failed, I slunk right back out, unnoticed.

For some people, accountability is very important to their success. I hear this all the time when people are starting an exercise routine, and the same applies to many writers. For me, that doesn’t work the best. But I know enough writers who preach this, so I know it is very effective for other people. However, I work well when I get to share my writing and experiences with other people. I bring my writing to my writing group because I’m excited to share it with them, not because we agreed to complete something by that meeting. But if you know accountability works for you, tell some people who will hold you accountable for getting your words in.

Encouragement works for everyone though, and this is why it’s important to let people know you’re writing. This is true for NaNoWriMo and throughout the rest of the year too. It allows you to let people know that for a certain period of time every day, you have to write without disruption. This allows them to know your expectations too. One, that you expect yourself to get the writing done. And two, that you need them to allow you to have that time.

And having a writing cheerleader is incredible. When you feel discouraged, you have someone to pump you back up. When you’re overwhelmed by fear and self-doubt, your cheerleader can assure you that your fears are unfounded.

A lot of writers tend to isolate themselves in their writing process. Although I understand the desire to do that, I also know the harm you’re doing to your chances of success. Let people in. As authors, the NaNoInspo team understands the value of encouraging each other. The building up and encouragement of writers is so valuable. And you need your own cheerleaders in your personal life. A lot of writing is solitary, but don’t make the mistake of making it all an isolated experience. There are plenty of people out there who will be excited to hear you’re writing and willing to encourage you. I’m one of them, and I know there are others who you can find around you who will do the same.

I’m excited for everyone who has taken on this challenge this year. If you have a minute, I’d love to hear how it’s going so far and a little about what you’re working on. Happy writing! You’ve got this.