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It occurs to me that NaNoWriMo is roughly six weeks away.

Are you nervous?

So you should be! It’s bloody difficult. But, it is also a pretty rewarding experience, especially if you make it to the finish line. I will be attempting it again this year (though, whether that is wise given that it is my final year of uni, I’m not entirely sure), and I thought I would wish everybody luck now before I forget.

Go in with a concept. That’s what I’d suggest. First time I tried it, I went in blind, and dropped out after the first couple of days. The next time? All I knew is that I wanted it to start in a library, but 4 weeks and 50,000 words later, I had my place in the winner’s circle.

What are your NaNo tips, successes, failures, and general musings? Is it a good idea, or a pointless waste of time?

If I have one major shortcoming, it is that I often avoid the things I know I am bad at. Or that I can’t stand doing. I run with what I think I am good at, and what I enjoy, and end up with glaring holes in my abilities.

First person narratives and present tense narratives are good examples of this. I avoid them like the plague. So, in an attempt to face my demons, I’ve attempted something that is both! I don’t know what to make of it, but I hope you enjoy it.

What are your writing demons? My challenge to you: choose a couple of them, then write a couple of paragraphs using them. Maybe you’ll surprise yourself.

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