NaNoWriMo 2020 at Rhubarb Writing Shed
National Novel Writing Month (NaNo) is on the horizon. Actually, it's not on the horizon - it's rushing towards us at a clip.
This year's a bit different thanks to the obvious impediment, and I know many people are questioning the wisdom of putting themselves through a writing endurance test at this point in time. Yet there are three good reasons why I'm choosing to participate in NaNoWriMo this year:
1. I need something to focus on. There's no denying this year has taken its toll on my concentration levels and ability to finish projects, so having a focus of 50,000 words in a month might help.
2. I want a new draft in progress. I work best by writing a first draft and leaving it for several years while I go back to the ones I finished several years earlier. This year, I haven't delved into a first draft as such - I've been trying to focus on editing and writing the third novel in the Valerie Series. I need new characters to play with.
3. I miss the social experience of writing. While writing is necessarily a solitary activity, I'm used to writing in public places (more about that here), and maybe there's a chance I can recreate the joy of public writing by delving deep into a NaNoWriMo community.
Another reason, related to that last point, is that I'm hoping to use NaNo to further develop Rhubarb Writing Shed, the writing community I've recently launched.
While I've enjoyed the NaNo forums in the past, I didn't feel as though they're exactly right for me. I'm not sure 2020 is going to be the year that changes my mind on that score so I'm designating Rhubarb Writing Shed as my own NaNo forum - we've got a dedicated NaNo Shed that keeps NaNo discussions in their own little ecosystem.
Anyone can join RWS, but my major aim is to make it an inclusive location for LGBTQIA+ writers to develop their craft. That's why the only real hurdle you have to jump to join the free RWS community is to confirm you're fully tolerant of everyone's sexuality and gender identity.
If that sounds like something you'd enjoy, visit this link and join Rhubarb Writing Shed for free. As well as being a web-based network, there are also mobile apps to help keep you up to date wherever you are - perfect if you need a NaNo rant or want to ask a quick question.
If you'd like to be my buddy on the official NaNoWriMo website, my user name is CharmedLassie.
What are your writing plans for November?
