I’ve just joined Alex Cavanaugh’s Insecure Writers Support Group (the link takes you to details on what that means and how to join. You’ll also find a list of bloggers signed up to the challenge – do check them out). On the first Wednesday of every month, we all post our thoughts, fears or words of encouragement for fellow writers.
NaNoWriMo – or any other variation thereof. I’ve not done it this year. In actual fact, I’ve never done it. Every year, there’s aways a good reason not to, but that seemed a tad convenient, so I decided to take a good look to identify why that was.
The easy answer is that it’s a busy time of year. And I could stop there. In fact I recently commented on a blog post that I think it would be better doing it in January or February – January ‘cos most of us are poor from our excess seasonal spend and could really do with staying in, and February ‘cos it’s a bit blah weather-wise.
I allowed that idea to percolate away for a while on the basis that there was no reason I couldn’t set myself a challenge to write like mad for a month – just a better one than November – and that’s probably when I started to come up with the real reasons why I’ve not participated in NaNoWriMo yet.
- I’m a people pleaser, so I spend a lot of my time in doing stuff for the people I love which has absolutely zero benefit to me, or in spending time with the people I love doing stuff that they’re interested in. I struggle with erecting (let alone protecting) boundaries around time and space to focus on what matters to me.
- I’m afraid of failing, but the particular twist in this one is that on those rare occasions I’ve made a song ‘n dance around something being all about me, it’s blown up spectacularly in my face … each and every time. So the real reason may be that I’m avoiding trying as I’m afraid that karma might be telling me something.
- I’m scared I might find out I can’t write well enough – just that, no explanation required. Oddly, if I’m being honest – of the three, this one is holding me back the least.
Writing this has been surprisingly useful. Nothing like a bit of clarity and a problem (or two) to fix, rather than excuses …
PS: I know the group wrote about this last month, but I joined too late, and this is what’s been on my mind – a lot. So, if you’re still with me … thank you!
© Debra Carey, 2017
debsdespatches.com 
NaNo is hard during the best, easiest of times, even when you have support. Working through what’s stopping you is huge. Maybe you try Camp NaNo in the spring/summer. Maybe you try NaNo in 2018. Maybe you do your own thing. Just don’t give up on yourself. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You know…you can pretend any month is NaNo. That’s what I’m doing for December. But whatever month is easier for you, you can dedicate to writing every day and reaching a goal, which doesn’t even have to be 50,000 words. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Madeline, thank you. This was one of those posts I wrote never intending to post. It’s often useful as an alternative to a journal. But then I remembered I’d just signed up to ISWG … and I knew it was time to be brave.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My Chrys, I’m impressed that you’re going for it alone. I’ve found the accountability of April A-Z really helpful and hoped that I’d feel the same with NaNo, except that there’s no advance scheduling possible with that one! I agree though, I’ve been faffing around and not setting myself goals around writing … and I need to knuckle down to doing just that. Thank you!
LikeLike
I’ve seen Insecure Writers Support Group around but had no idea what it was all about. Thanks for explaining. I’ve never done NaNoWriMo because I have no desire to write a novel. However, I did NaBloPoMo a few times, and found it to challenge me in ways I hadn’t expected. I believe that any structured online writing event is what you make of it. Good luck!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Anyone that gives the writing challenge a try is awesome. It’s not easy.
Keep moving forward!
Thank you for participating!
Heather
Co-host, IWSG
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s really sad that whenever you’ve tried to make your own goals a priority, it’s blown up in your face. High time for that to change. You deserve to be happy, and to follow your dreams, whether that’s NaNoWriMo or writing in some other capacity.
Good luck, Deb. I hope you find the support and encouragement you need, and that joining our group helps cheer you on.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I’ve not come across NaBloPoMo before (probably a damn good thing as it might turn into another stick to beat myself with!) My pal @breakerofthings has got an idea going with a colleague of his @FunsizeSuze to do a week in Jan/Feb on any type of writing project – fictional or academic – and to set entirely personal goals/structures. A week feels more do-able so I’m going to give it a go. Just need to set my goal now! Thanks for the good luck wishes Ally, I may well need them 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the encouragement (and the visit) Heather. I shall do just that!
LikeLike
Thank you, thank you so much for commenting on the painfully scary bit of my admission, and for being such a huge encouragement. I find it so easy to coach others to find and follow their dreams, need to channel some of that for myself. I am already finding the group cheering and supportive. So glad I took the plunge.
LikeLike