Beware the Ides of November

November 15, 2011

We’re halfway through National Novel Writing Month with, hopefully, somewhere around 25,000 words already tucked under our literary belts. Now, normal people—you know, non-writers—might think that since you have already accomplished a huge goal and written 25,000 words in just 15 days that you would be on a leisurely downhill coast to the 50k finishing line. Not so. That’s a lot of momentum pushing you forward, my fellow Wrimos, but beware the Ides of November.

The Ides of November are small invisible creatures who only speak in whispers. They assault novelists midway through a writing project with slick, soothing words. They try to convince writers that since they have made it halfway, they can take a break. A long break. "You’ve proven your point," they say, "so there’s no need to crank out the remaining 25,000 words. That’s just a formality." Many writers succumb to these persuasions and never return to the Noveling Lands.

So let me offer some subtle advice: Drop-kick those nasty friends as soon as you can! You’re not finished until you’re finished, and there’s still a lot of race to write. So get moving. The world needs your complete novel.

Brian M.
Wrimo
Boardwalk Branch