I think one of the reasons that I love NaNoWriMo, in its many incarnations, the most is the "just try" atmosphere they provide. They're not demanding perfection, they're not demanding that you write this story in this way, or anything...they just want you to "try" and write a novel.
And if that one doesn't work out, then try again. And you know what? They won't all work out. Most authors have files full of novel drafts that they wrote, got passed around, and set aside. Novels that just weren't right for the time, needed more work or just weren't their best. It happens. Not every novel is going to be a best-seller. I have two manuscripts sitting on a shelf in my closet (one of which is being re-written right now for Camp NaNoWriMo) that have helped me to learn a lot about the process but I know aren't ready for the general public yet. They were baby steps. A learning exercise if you will.
The one I'm working on right now? The re-write? I'm about half-way through the NaNoWriMo month and I'm already realizing, that while improved from the last draft, it still isn't quite right. Either the POV isn't fitting or the timeline. Which means another rewrite. Does that suck? Yeah, kind of. Okay. Yeah. It sucks. But I learned something. Something that I wouldn't have if I hadn't given it another try. I also learned from this that I do better with an outline, I need to plan out my stories and not just jump right in. Two things learned from one novel. Not too bad.
So I'm going to set aside this draft, mull it over, and try again at some point. But I'm not going to give up on it. I know there is a story there worth telling, I just haven't found the right way to tell it yet. Or maybe I don't have the skills necessary quite yet. But I'm working on it.
How?
By not giving up.
Every time I think about giving up on my writing I reread a favorite novel or look over my bookshelves, none of those books would be here today if those authors had quit on them. If they had decided it was too hard or impossible.
And I'm not going to either. Someday I'll nail it. But until then, I'm just not going to give up.
This was such a lovely and inspiring post, Ash! <3 I love how you're not going to give up. By being a frequent reader on your blog, I already know that you have writing talent. So I'm so happy to hear that you're planning to keep trying and trying. Good luck, Ash!
ReplyDelete-Aneeqah @ My Not So Real Life
I also forgot to mention: I went to a book singing, in January, for the fabulous Jodi Meadows, who wrote INCARNATE. And you know what she told all of us? That Incarnate was her 17th finished novel. 17th!!! She wrote and wrote and wrote and never gave up, which is so inspiring. And she finally published something at number 17! So just a little tidbit there. You know. For some inspiration for you. <3
ReplyDeleteAneeqah, you're comments have seriously made my day. You are the sweetest girl in the universe. Thank you for your unwavering enthusiasm, your faith in me and your friendship. All of which mean so very much to me.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing Jodi Meadows story with me. Its exactly the kind of inspiration I need. <3