And They’re Off!

All the NaNo WriMos are off and writing! Even those who started late, who had busy weekends or weekdays and have struggled and scraped for every writing minute have written something on their NaNo novel. I’m sure of it. You have, too, haven’t you? Haven’t you?

What? You aren’t sure you can do this? Sure you can! Just keep writing. Write. Write. Write! Write anything. Delete nothing! That’s right. Do not delete. Do not edit. Leave it all in your document. Every word you write, even if you know it is trash. Even if you know you don’t want to use it. The goal this month is to write 50,000 words on your story. The goal is NOT to write a polished story. The goal is not to finish, edit or revise scenes. That will all come later. Now is the time to rack up those words. So . . . Write. Write! WRITE!!!

         In the NaNo publicity, that part of you that wants to edit and change and polish is called the Inner Editor. You are encouraged to shove that editor into a box. This is good advice. I know that doesn’t seem so to many of you. It bothers you too much to totally get rid of that editor. I understand. And I agree. It isn’t good to not have any sane input, is it? It isn’t good to write long, run-on sentences and excess verbiage. We need to pay attention to grammar, syntax, plot and other issues. If we don’t the story won’t . . .

         Stop! Think about it! Remember the goal for this month. Now is not the time to edit. Now is the time to rush through your story landscape, dropping scenes, pitching dialogue and strewing description willy-nilly through your manuscript. Now is the time to accumulate those words. 50000 of them!

         I have a suggestion about that part of you that wants to edit and polish. That part of you that gets stressed just thinking of the rough pages of words accumulating on your computer or in your notebook. That part of you that is important, necessary, even crucial to creating a good story. Instead of calling it Editor, let’s rename it. Let’s call it Watcher. And let’s make a deal with Watcher. Watcher can watch all s/he wants this month, make mental notes and even cringe at your overuse of adverbs. Watcher cannot disturb you with those notes, thoughts or, most especially, not with those cringes. Watcher must be quiet and watch. That is Watcher’s job this month. Watcher does not have access to your computer, your pen or your notebook. (Unless s/he can be satisfied with you writing a quick note to yourself about his/her observations to add to the wordcount.) All Watcher can do is watch. Then when December (or January or May) arrives, Watcher can re-enter the office, put on that Editor hat and help you turn your diamond-in-the-rough into a beautiful, multi-faceted jewel that both of you will be thrilled to see published.

         This could be the start of a grand, symbiotic relationship. Watcher, Writer and Editor. November is the month for Writer/Watcher. So give Editor the month off and don’t invite him back until after December 1.