8 Things You Learn by Writing a Novel in 30 Days

Everyone has a different NaNoWriMo experience. We’ve asked some wonderful NaNoWriMo writers to share theirs. Today, Marquessa Matthews, NaNoWriMo participant, shares what she learned from writing a novel in 30 days:

Though it’s over and put to bed, I’m still on the topic of NaNoWriMo. Like so many other writers post-NaNoWriMo, I wanted to share what I learned from the experience.

So here we go! I learned that:

I love the writing process so much that I saw it through to the end, even after deciding to give up on Day 29;Writing 1667 words a day is difficult but it is achievable. I’ll be using 800 words as my daily goal after I perform “surgery” on all of my storyline inconsistencies that resulted from creating content so fast;Even if I hadn’t succeeded in the 50K challenge, I still would have been happy because it was more about trying to achieving the goal than not trying at all;It’s futile to discuss “writing” with non-writers. They just don’t understand my interest and semi-obsession with main characters, potential tropes and daily word counts; The support of the writing forums and community were important to keep my motivation going… and providing support to others definitely led to feel-good moments;NaNoWriMo’s Virtual Write-In sessions were amazing for creating jump-off points. When I had no ideas for next scenes, I used their prompts and massaged them into a usable scene in my storyline. It was pretty interesting to write and chat in “real-time” with others online;If I really want to find time to write, I can find creative ways to squeeze it in. Buying an inexpensive wireless Bluetooth keyboard to use with my smartphone allowed me to access my Evernote and write in some unusual places;What writers say about characters taking on a “life of their own” and the characters telling you what they want to do is absolutely 100% true. My main characters have been taking me on a ride I had not planned on since the beginning of November. And they haven’t stopped!

If you’ve never done NaNoWriMo, I strongly encourage you to give a go. And if you tried and didn’t make it to November 30, there’s always next November or Camp NaNoWriMo in April and July.

It’s all about acquiring a daily writing habit and putting time aside for what you love to do!

See you next year!

A born and bred Montrealer, Marquessa Matthews works as a project consultant but has always had a passion for writing fiction. She put her pen aside for many years, but is now returning to what she still loves. A smooth pen, a crisp new notebook and a little imagination… there’s nothing better!

Top photo by Anne Davis 773.