Aftereffects of #NaNoWriMo2023

Aftereffect (noun)

an effect that follows after the primary action of something.

NaNoWriMo is the gift that keeps on giving. To be more accurate, it’s the write that keeps on writing… Every year that I participate in NaNoWriMo, I find there are several marvelous aftereffects, regardless of whether I’ve actually penned 50,000 words during the month of November, or not. This year, my post NaNo buzz words are: Accountability, Access, Activation and Answers. These words allow me to continue to write well beyond the month of November, and have inspired in me a newfound practice this year. My writing partner and I have decided to continue our National November Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) experience by initiating Every Month Writing Month, or “EmoWriMo”, if you will. Hopefully, these NaNo aftereffects will continue to inspire many in the same ways they have me.

Accountability has become the backbone of my newly-inspired urge to write. My writing buddy and I have already begun concocting a schedule that spans the entire year. We plan to write together once a week (at the very least) while also working on our own, and meeting up to check each other’s progress and give some encouragement. We do not view this schedule as a chore, but instead have discovered a newfound joy—a renewed zest—for writing, thanks to #NaNoWriMo2023!

Access to both old and new ideas, my previous writing process, and additional resources have provided me with the material to support this new zeal for putting word to paper. The flexibility of the NaNoWriMo experience encourages delving into these very topics while simultaneously tracking word count. Also, continuity is a given when November 30^th arrives, and participants are better prepared to proliferate new behaviors (or renewed behaviors) having taken part in this month-long adventure.

Activation is essential to NaNoWriMo success. Again, this applies whether one achieves the 50,000-word goal or not. If a writer participates in the event, they are at the very least, hoping to reignite those instincts that lead them to become an author in the first place. Ideally, once activated, this pathway will remain open and writers will continue on their quest to share their stories with the world through written word.

Answers are perhaps the loveliest aftereffect of NaNoWriMo. When writing is your schtick, questions constantly abound. Am I good enough? Will people read this? Could I use a better word here? Is an Oxford comma the same thing as a serial comma? On and on and on…

To be honest, all of these questions aren’t actually answered, but participating in NaNoWriMo has given me the courage to forge onward in my writing endeavors nonetheless. The answers I receive in their stead comprise the very emotions needed to propel me in this crazy, gut-wrenching, absolutely fabulous pursuit—getting my words into the precious hands of an avid reader who can be inspired by what I have to say. I am now bold and courageous in my quest, and I have NaNoWriMo to thank!

It is my ardent hope that all my fellow #NaNoWriMo2023 participants are spurred on in their writing pursuits and better equipped to carry on this experience clear through 2024!