If you’re a writer, you probably already know all about NaNoWriMo, the annual challenge for writers to hit 50,000 in a month. But if you’re not a writer or you want to know a little bit more about the month that’s in it, you can check out this article for a little more detail.
A yearly failure
I’ve tried to commit to NaNoWriMo every November when it comes around. Every single year I announce a project and hope that this will be the year that I actually manage to hit 50,000 words. I almost got there once during Camp NaNoWriMo, but at 47,000 words I still didn’t fulfil my NaNo dreams. This year, like every other, I’m going to attempt the same improbable feat.
In many ways, this year is the perfect year for me to finally triumph and get that certificate. I’m on a break from work and focusing entirely on my mental health, which incidentally has involved a lot of writing my way through depression. I have nothing but time to explore my feelings and daydreams through fiction.
But. Also. My energy and mood have been fluctuating wildly and it seems utterly impossible that I’ll be able to write 1,667 words every single day.
A well-being roller-coaster
For instance, the last three or four days have been wonderful. My energy levels have been in what I would deem ‘normal’ territory (as in normal for me, pre-depressive spell) and I’ve been on a definite upswing. I’ve been enjoying myself, feeling hopeful again, invested in taking care of myself and my body. But today, I’m staying in bed. I feel really weak and sore and, needless to say, my energy has entirely left the building.
Sure, writing is something that can be done from bed so it’s possible for me to write on days like today, but I also don’t want to put myself under that kind of pressure. Sometimes I just need time to heal.
What a win looks like
So, yeah, I’ll try NaNoWriMo again this year. Will I win? It’s possible, but it’s also not crucial.
If I make any progress on any WIP then that will be a win, even if I don’t make it to 50K words. This year more than ever I have to be kind to myself and keep that in mind. Wins come in all shapes and sizes and word-counts.
