NaNoWriMo: Taking the Plunge

First week of November

Social media reminds me of NaNoWriMo

Fall scented candle burning

House is quiet

Decaf coffee poured

Idea brewing in my mind

Logged into NaNoWriMo

Determined to write a novel... 

I'm scared, yet determined. Each time I've written a book, I've faced fear. It begins with fear of actually admitting that I'm writing a book. I wonder things like: Who am I to think my idea is good enough? Why should I think I have the skill to write something people will want to read? I like writing non-fiction.

Overcoming fear is a key step in the process. I wrote a chapter on facing your writing fears and overcoming them in Write Your Story: Straightforward Steps for (Finally) Writing and Publishing Your Book.

Then I went digging into my files and this same story line is one I have jotted down for YEARS. I've wondered how I can write a novel without the main character being a reflection of myself. I've doubted that I'd be good at making up a story. Oh well, it's time to give it a try.

I remember that I've read countless novels - and I've loved them - and I've felt relaxed, refreshed, and renewed after reading them. I learn from reading novels.

My real-life friend Suzanne Whang tackled a tough subject with story when she wrote I Belong.

My Instagram friend Natasha Metzler amazed me with her debut novel about Emma and the Reasons this year.

If they can write stories and share them, I can too! Because my story idea won't go away. And as my NaNoWriMo account reminded me, I first logged in YEARS ago. They're ready to provide encouragement and accountability - I just need to sit down and write now that it's November and I'm not too busy.

So here goes... 

PS NaNoWriMo is National Novel Writing Month. Learn more here. If  you feel overwhelmed when you think about writing & publishing, Write Your Story is a quick, motivational read!