NaNoWriMo participant. Present!

So its seems almost everyone is either blogging, tweeting, and/or facebooking about NaNoWriMo. Apparently, IT'S AN EPIDEMIC! Hehe. Just kidding.

Having only heard about NaNoWriMo a few months ago I have to tell you there is something very exciting, yet totally FREAKING ME OUT about this whole crazy writing process. *sigh* I love it!

Oh, and if you haven't guessed yet, yes, I am a first year participant in NaNoWriMo.

Though by this point I have read TONS of blogs and tweets about how great some have found NaNo to be vs. those who feel very strongly about how awful they find NaNo to be.  And I have to admit there is always something in me that tends to rise up when I feel like someone is attempting to advise me that THEIR WAY is the best way for me to explore MY passions and MY art, by criticizing or bad-mouthing the alternative options.  And my response to that, without trying to give offense to anyone is simply this...STEP OFF!  Honestly, I have nothing against constructive criticism, but I am not a supporter of any form of bad-mouthing or giving bad reviews (friend, family, or other). Even when there have been times when I've VERY much wanted to do just that.

I'm of the opinion, if you don't have something nice to say then say NOTHING.  Of course this is simply a motto I try to live by, especially as a writer (not saying I always succeed, but I try). But I do realize that not all will agree with me on this nor will they find this to be a realistic or an effective philosophy to live by. 

But when it comes to MY writing I've always sort of rolled with the opinion that how I choose to write is MY choice, just how the way you or anyone chooses to write is THEIR choice.  The whole debate of NaNo being some trend or fad, may to some be a relevant opinion...BUT SO WHAT! I could argue that a lot of these arguments sound more like a few traditional mentalities clashing against something that they view as far too fun and a bit chaotic (aka. immature and amateurish) to be "real writing", and therefore believe it can't really offer any credible work to the literary world, so (in their opinion) has no place being associated with it.

I'd of course have to disagree. But hey, that's only my opinion. 

But from what I understand and am experiencing, NaNoWriMo has nothing to do with critics, publishing, profits, shareholders, mergers or best sellers lists or anything that gives or takes credibility from any of these things listed above. For me it's purely about a community of people, writers mostly, who get a chance to participate in something they love to do most with others who feel the same. Writing!  So maybe I'm missing the boat on this one, or I'm just over simplifying it.  But for me, the only objective I have in doing NaNo is simply to do something I love to do. Write.

So with that being said...I'm off to write!!!  Good luck to all my fellow NaNo'ers! May the force be with you.

For more information on NaNoWriMo you can visit the website.

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!

Goodbye October

Whew! I can hardly believe another month has already come and gone.  And while it's with a bit of sadness that I say, "Goodbye October!" *waves*, it's also with a healthy gulp of excitement *quickly turns with open arms* that I also say, "Hellooooo November!" *winks*

I know! It's totally wrong of me to talk about the months like they were some old recurring fling who comes in and out of my life on an annual basis, like some winter cold, or bronchitis. But don't judge me, because in my defense they ALL know the score well beforehand. (And Tawna, if you're reading this...NO SNICKERING!)

But I have to admit that October definitely gave me a run for my money, the little stinker. Let's just say it was pretty crazy around here, with the opening of the Texas State Fair (which was a BLAST by the way), Octoberfest, Fall festivals, the first cool front and for some of you first snows, the World Series (which I DON'T want to talk about, let's just say I'm still a little sore about it) and now, finally...  

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!  

BOOOOoooooOOOOOOooooo!

So with the last day of October on the cusp of flinging us ruthlessly into November, I can't help but dwell on a few very exciting events that await me in November.  Of course there's Thanksgiving, which is always a pleasant given this time of year and a thoroughly anticipated holiday in my household. There's also the birthday of my baby brother (Nov. 1st), Happy (early) Birthday Josiah!!! But what makes this year's November even more special, is that it brings something completely new and unexplored for me...NaNoWriMo!!!

That's right readers, this will be my FIRST year participating in the craziness that is NaNoWriMo.  And I have to admit that while I'm not all that sure what to expect, I'm pretty positive that this will be both an interesting and unforgettable experience for me as a writer.  Not to mention I'm a little on the petrified side at the idea of trying to write 50k words, basically an entire novel in one months time, I definitely feel a rush of adrenaline at stepping up to the plate and accepting this challenge.

After reading numerous blogs about how best to approach this, I'm still unsure of what the best method of going about this may actually be that will gain me actual success in reaching the 50k mark.  But I did at least make it a point to think about and flesh out my story plot and character in advance with hopes of making this as smooth an experience as possible.  So after all the brainstorming and tweaking I did manage to squeeze in over the last week or so, I think, if nothing else, this will be a very revealing process for me as a writer.

For those who have never heard of NaNoWriMo and would be interested in learning more or possibly participating please visit the NaNoWriMo website: http://www.nanowrimo.org/.

And to all the 2011 NaNoWriMo participants, GOOD LUCK & let the writing begin!!!

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!!!