NaNoWriMo is only step 1.

I recently read a post of someone bemoaning NaNoWriMo. According to the complainant, NaNoWriMo encourages people to think they can write. I think his concern was that said NaNo participants are under the illusion that writing the last line of draft 1 is actually the end of a complete novel primed for publication. However, many new writers slaving away outside of the pressure cooker of NaNoWriMo are also unaware that the novels they buy in book shops have been drafted many times and subject to the skills of multiple editors.

If NaNoWriMo encourages people to think they can write, I'm all for it. What follows this learning process of establishing a writing habit, is drafting and editing skills--if the writer is keen for commercial publication. Many established writers groan over their earlier works and given their time again, might not have pitched their projects so early. Practicing writers all get better in time simply because they are writing, drafting, editing and continually pursuing more powerful and effective ways to tell their stories. If NoNoWriMo moves people to take the first step in their writing journey, I'm all for it. I'm also all for it if it's a one-off dare that proved to be fun.

Water for Elephants is one narrative/film that began life as a NaNoWriMo project and I'm sure there are others just as successful but lesser known out there. My first go at NaNoWriMo in 2013 resulted in The Third Moon. After November was up, I redrafted and edited for four more months. It is now contracted to #SatalytePublishing and I'm expecting further editing will be required on its journey into print. I am presently redrafting my 2014 NaNoWriMo project and expect to be doing so for the next few months.

Anyone with a story in their head they don't have time to write, I'd encourage to jump into NaNoWriMo this year. You have absolutely nothing to lose.