Do you need the stress of NaNoWriMo? (Self-care for writers)

Oct 05, 2020 7:26 pm

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Hello, writers!


Iiiiit’s October! Which means the whole writingsphere online is considering whether or not to attempt NaNoWriMo this year. I’m a big proponent of the benefits of NaNo, and was a Municipal Liaison back in New Jersey. But I’m not sure what I plan to do this year! 


On the one hand, I’ve got plenty to work on. On the other, I’m not in the right point of any particular project for it to be a traditional NaNo. I have some options, but whatever I choose to do it’ll probably be a lot more casual than past years. 


See, my guiding principle this year is to not put undue pressure on myself. Things are too stressful generally to add anything extra on the pile. But, NaNo has traditionally been a source of a lot of fun for me--I like accomplishing things, I like the interaction, and I like the sense of purpose. Those are all positives, and if I can find a way to have those without a heaping side dish of anxiety, I’m going to make the attempt. 


For those of you who do want to participate this year I have a guide to self-care during NaNoWriMo over on my blog. With 8 solid wins under my belt--and a bunch of incompletes--I’ve learned that taking care of yourself during NaNoWriMo is vital. 


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I’ve had years where winning was taken away from me by external circumstances (pain medication from a car accident one year, Hurricane Sandy the next). If that happens to you this year--and it might well, this is 2020--please, please, please be kind to yourself. You are so much more as a writer than whether or not you can win this one challenge. 


I hope you’re finding new ways to get excited about your writing, but if you’re not that’s okay, too. You’re doing the best you can. 


Take care, writers.


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PS: If you’re an American, have you made a plan to vote? My ballot is already safe with the Board of Elections in NJ. Deadlines are coming up, and if you plan to mail your ballot you want it postmarked early!


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