“Writing can be a pretty desperate endeavor, because it is about some of our deepest needs: our need to be visible, to be heard, our need to make sense of our lives, to wake up and grow and belong.” - Anne Lamont, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life
For the past month or so, I have been toying with the idea of committing to National Novel Writing Month, better known as NaNoWriMo. Writing 50,000 words by the end of November isn’t easy but I’m choosing to give this challenge my absolute best shot.
Although I’ve written short stories and news stories as a former reporter, I’ve never attempted to write a novel. To dream about writing a book is one thing, but having the confidence to commit to it is something else. What if I get distracted and lose interest after 3,000 words? What if my novel ends up being subpar drivel and just a waste of time?
I am simultaneously scared of failure and thrilled by the idea of finally tackling such a daunting yet personally meaningful endeavor. And I was fortunate enough to talk to Merrill Medansky, a library patron who is going on her fourth NaNoWriMo challenge.
In November 2015, her first NaNoWriMo, Merrill “had no idea what I was getting into. I thought the process started on November 1. What I didn't realize was that most people began November with a clear idea of their topic, or at least a starting point. I needed to practice just writing.”
She ended up writing short personal anecdotes, or scenarios, related to crochet, one of her hobbies. Each anecdote related to a real-life experience or a situation, “sometimes about people I crocheted with, sometimes about an item I was making.
“It ended up to be quite an introspective experience, but nowhere near 50,000 words.”
The following year, with a fairly well-defined idea of her topic, and hip surgery scheduled the first week of NaNoWriMo, she thought she would have plenty of time to write while recuperating.
“What I didn't count on was the effect of pain and painkillers on my ability to think and concentrate. I did try to write, and my son drove me to the library on Sundays so I could participate, me hobbling in with my cane and carrying a shoulder bag with my Chromebook. I actually got farther than the first year, word-count-wise, but only hit about 30,000.”
Then last year, Merrill was ready again.
“I had my topic, I had my energy, and I had my goal to hit 50,000 words.”
Her third NaNoWriMo was a charm. She hit 50,000 words by the end of the month.
“It was a fabulous feeling of accomplishment, even if the "novel" wasn't one that I felt comfortable sharing in its current form.”
Thanks to Merrill’s generous and useful insights, the lesson for me is to do my best and not let the fear of failure stop me from even trying. I’m feeling pretty inspired by her persistence and will to create.
Gathering with other writers at the weekly write-ins has offers a big boost.
“I really appreciate the library hosting this program. I never would have embarked on this challenge on my own. Kate Hall has been a wonderful supporter of the program, and I have found the group (the membership of which changes somewhat week-to-week) to be encouraging as well. It's like being at the gym and having the other participants cheer you on when you finally succeed at one small movement!”
As a first-time NaNoWriMo writer, that’s exactly what I needed to hear.
–Jane Huh, Content Specialist at Northbrook Public Library
