Christine Kohler

Dec 01, 2015 5:23 PM EST

I agree!!!
I tried to make my book effort (part of a series) fit into the Nano format one year. With great struggle, it worked. At the end of the month I had no more useful manuscript art and writing than if I'd just worked on my own schedule.
Nanowrimo doesn't intrigue me anymore.

- Ruth Barshaw

Dec 01, 2015 5:41 PM EST

Thanks for sharing your experience, Ruth. btw, I'm a fan of your books and artwork!

I've heard testimonies where it does work for some writers. But as a former writing instructor for nearly a decade, I'm concerned about all of the frustrated writers who feel like failures, as if this is the BIG TEST to becoming a professional (i.e. published and paid) writer. Nonsense! One month doesn't make or break a long-term career writing. And, in my experience, November through January are the worst months to put this pressure on writers and families.

- Christine Kohler

Dec 02, 2015 6:34 AM EST

Thank you, Christine. :)
You're right. Nano is not a true test of ability to manage the writing life.
Now, if they came up with a five month revisions challenge, that's something I could get behind.

- Ruth Barshaw

Dec 02, 2015 7:12 AM EST

Ruth, if you hear of a five-month revision challenge, let me know. I'll sign up for that one, too.

- Christine Kohler