Most probably do not know but I cut my teeth in a competition called Nanowrimo.  For those unfamiliar with it, it is a writing competition where a bunch of crazy people try to write 50,000 words in one month.  It was a goal that, once upon a time, seemed completely unachievable.

To achieve it you have to write 1,666 words per day, every day, for 30 days.  When I first started this was a massive mountain that seemed impossible to climb.  I slaved away at writing and failing for years before I was able to actually finish anything.

But eventually Nanowrimo was the thing that pushed it all over the edge for me.  It gave me a goal.  It gave me statistics.  (which I am obsessed with) And it taught me that it could be done and that writing was not for other people but for me.

If you’ve ever had a story you wanted to tell you should take this opportunity and join up.  It’s free.  Simple.  And will hopefully change your life like it did mine.

Oh, and today I wrote 2,004 words.  So, I’m ahead for now.  That’ll change I’m sure…

My advice if you undertake this:

1. Always get ahead whenever you can.  You will have bad days.  Write more on your good days.
2. It’s a challenge.  But for fun.  Don’t be too hard on yourself if you do not make it.
3. Don’t stop because you fell behind.  Not being able to make it in time is not an excuse.  Words need to be written year ’round… not just in November! 🙂

That’s what I got!  Join up here: Nanowrimo

-Cliff