2017, pre-NaNo madness!
Next week starts the annual tradition of NaNoWriMo (NaNo for short.) You may ask what this nonsensical word means. Or maybe you know someone who is busily stocking up on caffeine, and you are wondering what’s up with them.
Well, let me give a quick definition of the writerly madness that takes place every November:
Starting at 12:00 am on November 1st, millions of writers around the world embark upon the journey of writing a 50,000-word novel in thirty days or fewer. These quirky folk are called WriMos, and they need your help. Here are a few ways you can support the WriMo in your life:
- Give them the silent treatment.
The WriMo, in its natural habitat, is easily distracted. If you’re coming and going, making all sorts of remarks on the weather, or generally just being talkative this month, your writerly friend will not appreciate it. So before tomorrow’s word frenzy begins, sit them down and ask for times it’s okay for you to communicate.
- Provide snacks.
Preferably something that won’t make the keyboard all sticky and crusty. You might even get your WriMo to eat – le gasp! – veggies. Hey, they’re writing so fast, I doubt they’re paying much attention to what they’re putting in their mouth.
- Caffeinate!
WriMos will stay up into the wee hours of the morning, trying to get ahead of that day’s word count goal. They need fuel to fool their brains into thinking they’re awake and can do ALL THE THINGS. So a nice cuppa coffee or tea will be much appreciated.
- Steal their phone.
…unless they are writing on it. They seriously do not need to check texts or post pics of their unshowered self on the ‘Gram. Enough said.
- Remind them to eat.
If you don’t want to disturb them, slip a note under the door.
- Buy air freshener.
This month, showering is optional. Prepare for BO like nobody’s ever known.
And the biggest, bestest thing you can do for your WriMo:
- Be there for them.
At some point, they will emerge from their writing den to cry on your shoulders and bemoan the fact that they are twenty-thousand words behind. Ignore their stench, and pass them a tissue. Then tell them to get their butt back in that seat and kick NaNo’s hiney. The world needs their novel, and it ain’t gonna write itself, slacker!
Tough love, my friends, is what a WriMo needs.
Are you doing NaNo this year? What are some words of wisdom you have for fellow WriMos and their support systems?
Keep your nose in a book,
Beth
Beth Overmyer 