3 Writer Truths for the NaNoWriMo Slump

If the internet is to be trusted*, this is the week when everyone participating in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is going to decide this whole writing thing was a horrible idea and quit.

This makes me sad.

Not only because I don’t want you to give up, but also because the slump is normal.

I’m going to let you in on a few Writer Truths.

Writer Truth No. 1: Sticking with it isn’t easy. If it were, everyone would write a book.

At Thanksgiving your aunt is going to tell you about how she has this great idea for a book, and someday she’s going to write it. Your dad will tell you about the first chapter he’s been playing with for the last twenty years. We all have stories. Coming up with the ideas is the easy part. Executing them is where writers make their money** so to speak.

NaNoWriMo can help you here. Learning to stay with your work even when it gets complicated is a valuable skill. NaNo isn’t going to get you a “complete” novel, but if you keep with it, you may have a solid base to build a strong story.

Writer Truth No. 2: There’s a writing version of the Black Moment.

Writing comes with emotional peaks and valleys, too. Authors don’t typically love their book throughout the entire writing process. It’s normal to realize you (and your plot) aren’t perfect. It’s also okay. If you keep writing, you’ll have the chance to fix it. You’ll close those plot holes, and you’ll deepen character motivations. You can’t correct what isn’t on the page.

I actually ride an emotional roller coaster while writing a novel. It’s something like this:

• 15,000 words: This book is the best idea I’ve ever had. These characters are my favorites.

• 30,000 words: What was I thinking? No one will want to read this.

• 52,000 words: This might actually be good. (Also: Wow! I crossed 50K and didn’t notice.)

• 70,000 words: I can see the end, but am I ready? Can I do justice in tying up all these plots? *Eats three handfuls of peanut butter M&Ms. Does not tell trailer*

• 80,000 words: This might be good…

Then I re-read and am surprised it’s not a hot mess.

Writer Truth No. 3: There’s a reason we do revisions.

Whether you finish your novel and are completely enamored or want to set it on fire, revisions are in your future. Set the book aside for a few weeks (more time if you need it), and return to it with fresh eyes.

Don’t be discouraged that your book needs edits. It will. Revisions are where we hone our craft and really have the time to make sure our prose is tight and we’re telling the story we want to tell—both thematically and with the straightforward plot.

Remember that even your favorite author deals with feedback on their writing. Hers just comes with deadlines attached.

The important part to remember is not to give up because your plot has gone awry or because the dialogue isn’t strong enough. Give yourself something to work with, and you’ll be able to edit and practice with it.

We all have to start somewhere.

*It generally isn’t to be trusted.

** Writers aren’t really rollin’ in it.