Oct 28 2008
Maybe No NaNo
Ok kids, this is a more personal post than my usual ones. Why? Because I’m a bit perplexed at the moment. I don’t know if I’m going to be able to do the NaNoWriMo thing this year. I’ve been all geared up to do it again this year, even had my story line all ready to go. Then, the unthinkable happened. I had a bunch of people contact me wanting me to do some writing for them. And the kicker, is that they all want to give me money to do so.
It’s kind of weird for me to think that someone else out there would pay me to write for them. Why? Because in my mind, I’m a total goober. I’m not complaining, just freaking out. And at the rate things are coming at me, it doesn’t look like I’ll have time to do my NaNo thing. That’s not a bad thing, it’s just strange that all this should come at this point in my life. With Christmas coming so fast, I can really use the money. My dilemma is that I’m afraid that it will all come to a halt about half way through the month of November and then it will be too late for me to work on my book and still make the 50K mark.
It was actually through this site that this all started happening for me. Check out the comments in my about page. I freaked when I saw them, and couldn’t wait to get started. To date, I’ve finished 3 gigs and have 3 more waiting for me to finish. If this keeps up, I’ll be a happy camper and my family will have a very merry Christmas.
So, what should I do? Should I keep writing for these other people and throw out the plans for NaNo, or should I try to do the NaNo thing on top of these paid gigs? I’m so confused. LOL. I mean, giving up the gigs is NOT an option, but giving up the NaNo thing is breaking my heart. I love doing the NaNoWriMo thing each November. I get excited about it, I get giddy about it, I make my family cook their own meals during it. Give me your opinions, I totally value them.
Personally I’d do the gigs, and see if you can squash the nano time in somewhere else. That’s my normal game plan anyway - it’s not proven to work, but at least you get to take part.
I agree with Katie. Giving up the paid gigs means those people will probably never ask you again. Get as much NaNo in as you have time and energy for. Just don’t beat yourself up if you don’t make it through. It’s supposed to be fun. And who knows — you might surprise yourself.
And congrats on the writing gigs.
Thanks to you both. You’re right, and as I said, losing the paid gigs wasn’t an option. LOL
And you’re very right, Catana, it is supposed to be fun. I have to keep reminding myself of that. And I am going to go ahead and give it a shot. If I make it, far out. If not, that’s ok too.
I appreciate the comments. You helped me a bunch.
Hmmm…I’d try to do both if possible, especially if you are that passionate about nano. I don’t know what it is but if you’ll be sad to lose it, then don’t. I know one person that will still buy articles from you in the future even if you suddenly take a break to work on nano.
Awww, thanks. I think I’m going to go ahead and do the NaNo thing (National Novel Writing Month), but am going about it with a calmer view.
Catana reminded me that writing a novel in a month is supposed to be a fun thing to do, not manditory. Thanks Catana, I needed to be reminded of that.
And thanks Keith, but I’m just as passionate about being able to help others. You have nothing to worry about.
Christine,
I would like to discuss a writing project with you.
Please contact me by email.
Rich Hill
What’s your nano username? You can PMB me at the Forum if you don’t want to put it here. Add a hypen to my name and you’ve got mine!