It’s National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). Most of my friends aren’t writers. Not in the sense of “let me sit down and write a 50,000 word novel in a month.” I get that. However, NaNoWriMo to me is simply about writing. Getting thoughts down on paper. Yes, technically it’s a goal of getting a full novel done. Yes it helps upcoming writers learn discipline, to plan out their time more deliberately, as well as keep a writer focused. Let alone the simple fact that writing takes practice and it’s a great opportunity for lots of that. All good things, even if you write just for yourself as a hobby. That being said, I think perhaps some of my non writer friends gloss over this occasion. May I make a suggestion? This would be a beautiful time to buckle down and write down some of your childhood memories. Or about a trip you took. Or your favorite memories with loved ones. Or advice you want to make sure your kids have as they get older. Or write down what you are grateful for. Or how about a struggle you’ve experienced and feel like others would benefit from the lessons learned? The possibilities are endless. It doesn’t have to be written elegantly, or with perfect prose (seriously, no one’s work will look like that after only a month – even the serious authors out there) but seeing your experiences and thoughts on paper I think will move you more than you realize. Perhaps give you relief that they are finally recorded, making it so those things won’t be lost. I hope you take up the challenge. Everyone has a personal story to tell. Go ahead and put yours down. It’ll be rewarding and your family and friends will be happy you did.
Welcome to the NaNoWriMo club. Happy writing my friends!
Lorna Jane Hansmann 