Why Take the National Novel Writing Month Challenge? by Rochelle Melander

The first appearance of pumpkin lattes heralds not only cooler temps, but the advent of National Novel Writing Month, that annual wordfest of crazy people who decide that they will write a novel of 50,000 in the month of November. I've done it in the past, and usually quit long before Thanksgiving. The one time I was successful, it was through "cheating" (I co-wrote a novel with friend and fellow Boswellian, Sharon Nagel). But I plan to give NaNoWriMo another go this year, partly due to the encouragement of today's guest poster, Rochelle Melander.

Rochelle is any writer's dream coach: smart, inspirational, well-organized…with just a touch of cigar-chomping editor (hey, those deadlines won't impose themselves!). She was kind enough to write the following post for those of you who are considering the NaNo plunge. I have to say, after reading it myself, my excitement level for NaNo spiked.

I think you'll like it too, so please read on for Rochelle's take on NaNo...

Why Take the National Novel Writing Month Challenge? by Rochelle Melander

“You’re not going to do that crazy NaNo thing again, are you?” asked my husband, who is also a writer. “You’ve already proved that you can do it.”

I’ve tackled NaNoWriMo five times since 2007 and finished each of the last three years. My husband misses the point of NaNoWriMo—it’s not so much about proving that I can write 50,000 words in a month (or in 26 days—as I did for my Write-A-Thon book). It’s not only about the words.

Well, it’s a little about the words. I’ll admit—NaNoWriMo is a great way to write a lot in a month. I write every day but National Novel Writing Month will kick me into high gear and ensure that I write that novel I’ve been tossing around in my head all year. So yes, I will do NaNoWriMo to amass a crazy amount of words fast. But there are other reasons to take the National Novel Writing Month challenge. Here are three of them:

1. Connect with writers. Writing is a lonely profession, and this is one of the few times each year that I can easily commiserate with other writers. I spend more than half of my life alone, in front of a computer or walking around in a daze, imagining what people are saying in a fictional world. The rest of the time I try to remember how to talk to real people—and often I do that from behind a computer via email or social media. During National Novel Writing Month, I get to hang out with real people who write—both in person and online. We kvetch about the same problems: I can’t figure out what happens next, my protagonist needs more zest, I need a massage. Honestly, writing with friends is better than therapy.
2. Work out one’s issues. Speaking of therapy, psychologists have proven that writing has all sorts of health benefits. Most of the studies examine the power of journaling, but I imagine that writing about one’s nasty ex boss or a bad break up might be just as therapeutic. Actually, I know it is. During one November, I worked out my political frustrations by having my characters protest budget cuts at the state capitol (this was before my state became famous in the occupy movement). This year, I’m writing a murder mystery. I’m already feeling healthier just imagining who I will cast as the villains! But don’t take my word for it—use the month to work out your own demons through your story.
3. Try a new genre. National Novel Writing Month presents the perfect opportunity to experiment with our writing. It’s hard to justify writing a novel when I need to write to earn a living. (You know, to pay the mortgage and feed the kids.) During NaNoWriMo, I can write something frivolous in addition to the daily grind. Yeah, I could do this in say, July, but I’d be doing it on my own, and it wouldn’t be much fun. Why not take the National Novel Writing Month challenge to try something new to you? The worst that can happen is that you’ll hate writing fantasy or romance. Big deal. If the genre you choose doesn’t work, choose again.

I have to admit, after talking with my husband I was on the fence about doing NaNoWriMo again this year. It’s a lot of work, we’re hosting Thanksgiving, and I have other deadlines to meet. But then I realized: I need this. National Novel Writing Month opens up space for me to play with writing in a way that I rarely get to do these days. I get to fall in love with words and story without the pressure of having to turn in a good draft by the end of the month. Who knew that writing the rotten first draft could feel so freeing?

Your turn: Why do you do National Novel Writing Month? If you haven’t done it, why haven’t you?

Rochelle Melander is an author, speaker, and certified professional coach. She is the author of ten books, including the National Novel Writing Month guide Write-A-Thon: Write Your Book in 26 Days (and Live to Tell About It). Rochelle teaches professionals how to write good books fast, use writing to transform their lives, navigate the publishing world, and get published! For more tips and a complimentary download of the first two chapters of Write-A-Thon, visit her online at www.writenowcoach.com

Inspired yet? Excited, but need a little help with the detail? No worries, because Rochelle has also offered to give away one copy of her how-to guide Write-A-Thon: Write Your Book in 26 Days (and Live to Tell About It).

To be entered to win, all you have to do is tweet me at @jocelynk414 by October 17th (2012, obviously). Tell me the plot the novel you're aching to write in 140 characters or less. No Twitter? You can also post your idea on my Facebook wall, or email me at jk at teamblood dot org.

One lucky winner will get a spanking new copy of Write-a-Thon mailed anywhere in the United States, just in time for November!