NaNoWriMo Update: Plagued by Inspiration, Exhausted by Time?

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A problem that plagued me last year during NaNoWriMo has come back to haunt me again: the sudden, burning desire to work on another project.

6e4935827fd32cb66a15d72af336d89cLast year it had more to do with my incomplete novel than anything, but this year it is for a completely new idea. Well, new as in I haven’t worked on it, so far it’s only been keeping the back of my brain company.

Unfortunately I think it’s because I’m getting tired of writing the book I’m working on for NaNoWriMo. I’ve been working on this story for almost a year, and it’s not as exciting anymore. Usually I write in breaks and starts, rewriting scenes and revamping specific ideas, which give me momentum to continue on my colossal-sized manuscripts. This is coupled with large dose of writer-doubt, which is making me second-guess every emotion, character reaction, and style choice I’m writing. It’s exhausting.

Screen shot 2015-11-23 at 1.10.33 PMI’m actually starting to worry I will not be able to complete NaNoWriMo this year. I’m over 3k words behind as of today, and while I still have a week left with not too much planned over Thanksgiving, I’m feeling very intimidated.

For the first time in a long time, I really feel the need for a break. I’m going to blame some of that on the changing light and the lack of energy I feel during this time of year. But it’s saddening.

How about all of you? How are you doing starting up the final stretch of NaNoWriMo (or not, and laughing at all of us poor suckers who are)? Do you have any tips on how to rid yourself of exhaustion?

7 responses to “NaNoWriMo Update: Plagued by Inspiration, Exhausted by Time?”

  1. Ah, the nano blues. I got them too- but it was coupled with hearing back from an acquisition editor who loved my book but wants a complete rewrite. Exit nano novel. Enter re-envisioning my current work in progress.
    It sounds like you’re still committed to finishing nano. Hopefully you’ll find something to pull you forward. I think it’s pretty common to second guess your writing- but remember it’s nano. It’s supposed to be messy, sloppy and silly in places. First drafts should have lots of telling, not showing. That’s for later!
    I wish you all the best. And for what’s it’s worth, I’m rooting for you!

    • I’m trying! I also wrote a post where I be funny and sarcastic with turning all my writer-self-loathingness into positivity. I haven’t posted it yet, but it was great therapy. Ha.

      Thanks for the luck!

  3. I have been fighting tooth and nail to get it finished, though I doubt I’ll be able to make it. I’ve been doing NaNo since 2012, and this is the first year that the goal is just out of reach.

    • Ack I didn’t see your comment until now! Sorry!

      You know what, that is okay. You will have extra motivation for next year – and you still have so many words this year! I keep telling myself and others: NaNoWriMo is about instilling good habits and getting support for a huge chunk of words out. You still did awesome. 🙂

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