Taylor Students Take Part in National Novel Writing Month! Read Clara Elffers’ full article on theechonews.com to learn more about NaNoWriMo.
Social science student Stephanie Wadsworth has worlds in mind that she needs to get out of.
Last November, she was able to write her fantasy world in reality using a challenge called NaNoWriMo.
National Novel Writing Month, abbreviated as NaNoWriMo, is a challenge where writers around the world strive to write 50,000 words during the month of November. If the challenge is met, the authors receive recognition and a small prize from the non-profit organization NaNoWriMo. Even more gratifying is the inspiration that NaNoWriMo gives authors to create working manuscripts of their novels.
Wadsworth has been participating in NaNoWriMo for six years. Last year, she wrote 68,000 words in three weeks, completing the first draft of the first book in her high fantasy trilogy. The manuscript is currently undergoing its third round of edits, as Wadsworth prepares for self-publication.
Throughout the process, Wadsworth is motivated by the prospect of the end result. Seeing such success last year will undoubtedly serve as a reminder of what is possible in November. During the upcoming NaNoWriMo 2021, Wadsworth plans to work on the sequel to last year’s project.
However, individuals do not have to commit to the 50,000 words to participate in NaNoWriMo. Kharis Rutherford, a junior creative writing student, can’t wait to participate in her first NaNoWriMo challenge by writing 400-600 words a day in November, fleshing out a fantastic concept she’s been eager to write for over a year.
Like Rutherford, second-year professional writing student Anna Molendorp is also considering committing to her own version of NaNoWriMo to help her progress on a fantastic concept. She is familiar with the challenge of years past and although she never achieved the goal, she still appreciates NaNoWriMo as a tool to help her put ideas on paper.
All participants agree that college is a tough season to maintain NaNoWriMo’s 1,667 words per day average. But Molendorp doesn’t just measure success in written words.
“We all try to write as much as we can,” Molendorp said. “And that in itself is exciting.”
Completing any of the NaNoWriMo variations, especially as a student, is a huge accomplishment. But the work doesn’t stop there.
Drafts will inevitably need to be edited and reworked when completed. However, in November, the authors of NaNoWriMo have the option to forgo editing and write freely without guessing how it reads.
“Don’t edit,” Wadsworth said. “If you edit, you’ll regret it and it’s a waste of time. That’s what December is for.
Rutherford also encourages writers to correct the draft later. Most importantly, she hopes that people who engage in NaNoWriMo remain as carefree as possible.
NaNoWriMo is a beneficial tool that inspires authors to bring their ideas to life. Yet doing anything beyond what’s physically or mentally healthy defeats the very purpose of the challenge: to have fun.
“The challenge is meant to be fun in the first place,” Rutherford said. “Don’t take the joy out of this by being so hard on yourself.”
Ultimately, NaNoWriMo is an opportunity to have fun using the gifts God has given you, creating something tangible that you can share with others.
“God is your inspiration,” Rutherford said. “He’s going to keep feeding you, he’s going to keep giving you that inspiration and you’re just the vessel through which ideas flow.”
NaNoWriMo is not just for novelists. God sustains and inspires all believers, giving everyone something to write about.
Whether you are passionate about writing stories, articles, blogs, or research papers, there is an opportunity within NaNoWriMo to take any idea that God pours into your head and put it into action. paper.
In Molendorp’s words, “If you have any idea that you might want to do it, do it.”