National Novel Writing Month

Hey friends!

So this is another, non-book review post, but I wanted to share this with you. November is National Novel Writing Month. Better known as NaNoWriMo! This is an event that  challenges writers to write 50,000 words within the 30 days of November. That's about 1,667 words per day. Sounds crazy right? Well...I signed up for it.

Granted, I have no delusions that this particular story will be the next American novel. Nope. I actually have no plan, or structure when writing this story. I'm kind of flying by the seat of my pants. (And if you know me this is VERY unusual. What can I say? I'm a planner.) But I have to admit, that it is almost freeing. My creativity is flowing and I feel good.

Now, I don't really like to advertise that I want to be a published writer. I feel like anyone who reads as much as I do, or has graduated with an English degree, has at least thought of becoming a writer. I have this fear that people will just look at me and think 'A writer? Yeah, get in line!' Looking at the statistics of the NaNoWriMo is terrifying. There are millions of writers out there, hundreds in my small town, all hoping to be published. It's a daunting thought that they are my competition. They are sending in query letters to agents, while I'm just trying to think of something to write about.

But I feel like this competition is a good thing. It gives people like me a kick in the rear to get things going. This past semester I've written more than I have in years, and I'm realizing that this is what I want to do. Of course I'm going to keep my day job because I like to play it safe, but I've started coming out of my shell. I enjoy writing! I talk more about it to friends instead of letting my husband brag for me. Writing keeps me sane when I have hours of desk time at my job. I like coming up with stories and sharing stories. It's scary to put yourself out there to be critiqued, but at the same time it helps you grow.

Anyway, back to NaNoWriMo...Although it's been a little less than a week since it's started, I would encourage you to try it. There's no harm or foul if you don't finish. I mean Patrick Rothfuss (one of my favorite authors) gave it a go and only wrote 35,000 words within the time limit. So if there is no consequence for failing and only the satisfaction that you conquered NaNoWriMo if you succeed, why not give it a try?

So go sign up and let me know how you do! I'll probably do a follow-up blog at the end of the month to show off how many words I wrote...or didn't write.

P.S. Here is a list from Barnes and Noble of bestselling novels that started from NaNoWriMo:

1. Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen
2. The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern
3. Fangirl, by Rainbow Rowell
4.Wool, by Hugh Howey
5.The Darwin Elevator, by Jason M. Hough
6. Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress by Marissa Meyer

Now get writing!!

The Slow Regard for Silent Things by Patrick Rothfuss

I'm going to do something a little different for this post because this book was a little different. Okay it is very different. Instead of pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of this book, I'm just going to talk. Not very many people read this anyway so it really shouldn't matter, but those who do read it, I hope you'll understand.

Firstly, you have to read Rothfuss's previous books in order to read this one. He currently has two out: The Name of the Wind and A Wise Man's Fear. They are huge tomes, but trust me they are worth it. (I plan to re-read them and will do a review then) But without at least the first book's background and introduction into the world, this book will be very confusing and probably not very enjoyable.

Like I said before, this is a sweet but strange story. In Rothfuss's words, "it doesn't do things a normal story is supposed to do." And this is true. It can be hard to follow at times and there is no dialogue. But there is a strange sweetness that comes from the main character Auri. She lives under the university and has a different way of viewing the world. She is mysterious and has her own way of doing things. But she is so sweet, and selfless that, if you weren't already in love with her, you will fall hard for her.

I don't want to ruin this book for you, but I will warn you that it is not for everyone. It is only 150 pages, but it is filled with art and beauty. As I read, I was sucked into the rhythm and flow of the story. It took me a little over two days to read because, although it's short, it is rich. Take your time with it, enjoy it, and tell me what you think!