NaNoWriMo - 3 Important Facts!

What is NaNoWriMo?

NaNoWriMo is National Novel Writing Month.It is the month of November personified.The concept behind NaNoWriMo is to commit to a word count and strive to meet that goal.I’ve decided to accept the challenge to write 50,000 words in the month of November.In fact, I’ve just now committed to exceeding that goal, because I’m typing this blog instead of working on the novel that I started on November 1st.If you are wondering, yes, accepting a project of this magnitude is a daunting task.Guess what, so is starting your own website.I’m drawing a lot of parallels here, so I had to stop and blog, on the off chance that perhaps someone else might benefit from this project I’ve started.

Some might see this new project as a distraction from what I’ve been working on lately, but I think it will serve to enhance and hone my abilities rather than prove a detriment to my goals.I have committed to myself that the end of this year is where I try new things, get a bit out of my comfort zone, and find my happy place in life.I’ve never believed that life is all about happiness or that every day should be full of sunshine and roses, but it certainly can’t hurt to commit to following your dreams rather than trudging through life slogging it out in the trenches day after day.

In order to write 50,000 words in the month of November, I’ll have to average a word count of 1,667 words per day.There are prizes for winning, a community to join, (You can Google NaNoWriMo if you want to find it or just tack a .org at the end in your address bar.)There is a local chapter of NaNoWriMo writers here in Fairbanks, Alaska who encourage each other to stay on track and get together to help each other to collectively achieve their goals.Right about now I’m thinking I should change the title of this article to, “What Are the Parallels between NaNoWriMo and Wealthy Affiliate?”Ok, that was too wordy, now you know why I went with NaNoWriMo – 3 Important Facts!

Fact #1

There is one way to achieve the goal of 50,000 words in one month.It is that simple.There is only one thing you have to do, but you have to do it every day and make it become part of your daily routine.Have you guessed what it is yet?Who said all you have to do is write?Well, you are RIGHT!You have to commit to writing each and every day.And what do the proverbial “they” say you have to do to develop a new habit?You need to commit to it for thirty days, then it truly becomes your routine.I see a huge benefit to the structure of NaNoWriMo and what it will help me achieve in conjunction with my other goals.

For starters, I have always wanted to write a novel.That is such a huge task though, so how does one possibly make it less overwhelming?Have you all heard the mantra, “How do you eat an elephant?”The answer is, just like you do anything else, one bite at a time!That is how I plan to achieve my goal and write this novel in thirty days.1,667 words a day.(More if I can manage it!Since I’m writing this, I’ll have to push myself to exceed that goal!)

There will be a celebration at the end of the month.This is HUGE!One big item to cross off my bucket list!Imagine how it will feel to be able to say, “I’m an author.I wrote a book.”I can’t wait!

Benefit #1 I Wrote a Novel!

I’ll have proven that I could stick to my goal for thirty days and have something tangible for my efforts.

Fact # 2

This discipline will be excellent when applied to blogging for my website.NaNoWriMo will have helped me two-fold, first by proving to myself that I can commit to writing every day and make that a daily achievement.Second, my blog will flourish because I’ll have learned the value of updating (Posting) on a consistent basis.We all know that is a huge consideration in the world of SEO.The fact of the matter is, the more you write, the easier it is, and the more you post, the better your blog will be.There are very few people who know about my project at this moment, but I just published my biggest secret, right here.Now what I have is accountability.I have people wanting an update.Am I keeping my word count?Better yet, they want to read what I have written!

What is our fundamental goal at Wealthy Affiliate?It is to build a website and get traffic to that website.For me, that is today’s lesson.I had 4 people come back to me today because they were waiting for the next chapter in my story.At this very moment, I have exceeded 5,000 words and it feels great!I WILL achieve this goal!The best thing is that the people who are asking to read what I am writing are willing to give feedback, and while the goal of NaNo is to write this month and begin editing in December, I’m able to listen to what they are saying and make small tweaks along the way.

Benefit #2 I’m Developing a Following!

I’m learning the value of interacting with others and listening to what they have to say to help me become better at honing my craft.I’ve piqued their interest and they are eager to follow me every step of the way.

Fact #3

My end result will yield a finished product.With dedication to this process I will be able to convert my passion for writing into a viable revenue stream.Today there are so many opportunities for those who apply themselves to a writing career.Yes, I said career.There may not be a time clock, a commute, or “boss” involved in this process, but there are many people out there earning an excellent income by self-publishing to Kindle and Amazon.

While I may never make it on the Best Sellers List, I will have the satisfaction of following my dream and turning the lessons I learn on this project into important puzzle pieces to achieve future success.Guess what?There is something to be learned here by everyone.

The month of November has just begun and I’ve already achieved a huge goal.I’ve taken the first step toward going after what I want.Without the commitment to a goal, that step would never be taken.I know it may sound trite, but the proof is in the truth.You will FAIL at 100% of the things that you don’t try.

Benefit #3

Once I prove that this works to myself, (and you), I will be able to share my experience and help you all establish and earn your goals, too!

I hope 50,000 words in November will be enough to achieve what I’ve set out to do!

Wish me luck!

Kim