How Do You Want to Feel During NaNoWriMo?

In order to win NaNoWriMo, you have to write 50,000 words. Sometimes, this is an excellent way to power through drafting a new story. Other times, it’s a recipe for disaster.

It takes a lot of preparation, energy, and support to write 1,667 words every day of November, and sometimes, it’s just not possible. 

When life derails our lofty writer goals, it’s easy to feel like a failure, but that’s just super unhelpful, so I want to invite you to think about NaNoWriMo differently. 

Instead of focusing on a word count goal, focus on your feelings.

• How do you want to move through this month? 

• How do you want to feel while you’re writing? 

• How do you want to feel when the month ends? 

• How do you NOT want to feel?

What if NaNoWriMo were an experiment in writing?

What if you celebrated every daily word count? What if you happy-danced each time you showed up for your story?

Good books don’t happen in 30 days. They take time, intentionality, and tenderness, so please, remove the burden of 50,000 words and embrace the invitation to discovery, curiosity, and slow, steady progress.

If you’re up for it, I’d love to hear how you want to feel this month. Let me know in the comments!