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This year I am participating in NaNoWriMo and at Day 25 of the 30 Day challenge I feel inspired to put down some thoughts about what I’m learning for the first time, realising, or experiencing.

So here we go!

Things I am learning etc from NaNoWriMo

In no particular order

I can consistently write over 1000 words in an hour, and do it every day. 

I can overcome, even on the days I really don’t feel like doing it, and can achieve my word count (1700).

I can catch up a day’s amount of words in a few days.

My brain is stepping up to the word count challenge and find creative ways to write new things when I feel stuck.

I can write two lots of 1700 words in a day, and not just be filling up the word count with fluff.

I can make up a plan and generally stick to it.

I can write a novel length story draft in a month.

It took me three weeks to get the most basic hang of writing in first person.

Reading non fiction, but related to the topic, gives me ideas.

My drafting is very basic, but I can live with it.

I’m not a naturally detailed writer.

I do enjoy writing. I’ve enjoyed writing every day.

I can overcome writers block, scene block or character and plot block.

The staring into space thinking during the day helps. Even if all I get is a rough idea to begin writing with.

Our emotions can distract us from writing. But I have been able to channel those days into writing the sad, tired, angry, upset parts of the story. I just have to get the feeling to a point where it’s not overwhelming me, so I can feel it, and write.

I’m surprised that I can actually do this. Yes really I’m surprised every day.

Having a support team makes such a difference. Having other people you know trying to write more than they have before helps a lot. Having people to talk about your story difficulties with, helps a lot. Celebrating your milestones helps a lot. Having a spouse who nags you to write, helps a lot.

Keep listening to yourself, if something is telling you it’s wrong, listen.

Don’t be afraid to put stuff in your book because you know it will be taken the wrong way. There is a reason why you added it, and it’s giving people an opportunity to discuss something they might not otherwise.

Writing a novel helps you uncover your thoughts, or beliefs.

Writing a story can be cathartic. You have the opportunity to put some of your experiences into words. Sometimes you don’t even have to resolve them or explain them neatly, the characters can be in the same place as you in these things.

I write best with a routine. Things I do first, things I do after, where I am, what I am writing on/with.

My grammar needs improvement.

I can write at night or during the day, but I need time to myself.

I can write a story and then have enough brain power to write a semi understandable blog post.

I am not brave enough to write my own novel while reading someone else’s romance or adventure novels. The books are sitting there waiting for the 1st of Dec.

I want to expand my vocabulary and my knowledge of body language.

Even something simple can be engaging.

I felt like a teenager who wanted to jump up and down and scream excitely when I got to 25000 words.

Sometimes you need the learning from the first try to be able to make it. This is my second attempt at NaNoWriMo and I was much better prepared for success.

You can do things every day.

Finishing things is awesome.

Hopefully I’ve got a few more things to learn in the next 5 days, but happy writing everyone, and don’t forget to celebrate what you have done, because you are one step closer to finishing your story than you were before!

Well done!