Write a Novel in Just 30 Days

I'm thinking of participating in National Novel Writing Month, aka NaNoWriMo. If you click on the badge it will take you to the website and the description of this event.

And why would I participate? Why would I attempt to write a novel in 30 days? Why would I attempt 50,000 words during the month of November, especially when there is no big prize for the accomplishment. No monetary award. No publishing contract.

Because the one thing I find most difficult as a writer is just getting it on the page. All of it. I tend to write 4-5 pages, then read them, make some revisions, delete, start over...   I can never just let it all spew forth. Get it out first, worry about content, grammar, sentence structure, and continuity later.

My short story collection will be completed by November 1st, and I have an idea for a novel. So, why not spend November writing that idea. Getting it on paper. In 30 days having it in my hands to begin revision.

I'll be studying for comps on Nov. 21st, but surely I can punch out six pages a day. Surely. And if not, who cares. I don't flunk out of school. There's no penalty in missing the deadline.

And just think of the party I'll throw when I do meet that deadline. A novel in 30 days. Just think of it.