Nano is over. Some have made it; others have not, but everyone feels as if they’ve come away undefeated. We accomplished something. It’s important that some of us even attempted, since our lives are too filled up with this, that, and everything besides. For instance, my life was filled with work, work, work. I had to get up bright and early every morning and type until I reached my goal. If I didn’t, I had to spend most of my weekend typing away. So, no matter which way you look at it, Nano is over. You may rest, if you so choose. The question now is, “What’s next?”
Well, for those of you who accomplished this task, you can do one of two things: the first, spend December editing; or the second, don’t worry about your Nano at all. Some of us wanted merely to show that we could do it. Some of us wanted to write a novel and, looking back at our arduous journey, say, “The journey has just begun.” Either way, it’s cool. Trust me. Last year, I didn’t fool with editing my story. This year, I believe I shall do differently.
As you edit, don’t forget your friends on Storywrite, who would like to help you in any way possible. I plan to post parts of mine as I go, and always appreciate feedback so that I can improve my craft. My brother is doing the same thing. We’re also reading each other’s. It should be fun. Reading through mine last night, I noticed a few things already—not necessarily grammatical, thank goodness. More like…factual. Yeah. What does one expect when he/she writes a novel in 30 days? Nothing. Stephen King said that a novel (depending on the amount of research, of course) shouldn’t take more than six months to write. I believe this, even though I don’t read King.
After you edit, which takes far longer than a month, if you ask me, you can begin to look for someone to publish your work, if you choose. If you look at the Nano site, there are great examples of what to do next. But, if you ask me, you truly don’t have to do anything for anyone else’s pleasure. Just for your own. If you don’t want to get published yet (co-workers keep insisting I do so, but I know I’m not ready), you don’t have to get published. You are the one who wrote your story; be the one who controls its fate.
Writing is sometimes a process; other times, it’s like a dream. I know that I felt both ways at different times during my Nano writing. Afterwards, I was merely relieved that it was over. I am glad to have been able to share this process (or this dream) with my fellow writers on SW. It doesn’t matter whether you won or lost (though the certificates do look nice that they give on Nano, and there is a sense of accomplishment come December 1); what matters is that you attempted. Life gets in the way sometimes. I understand. Who knows? Next year, those who completed may be the ones who don’t get completed, and vice versa. I am proud of every single one of you. Truly. Honestly.
Nano is over. What now?
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I never really understood what this was, but since I never get anything done, I'll definately join in next year!
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I did nano...and I won!!! Thanks for postin this thouh...loved it and was most helpful!!
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I didn't get to join, because I learned about it too late... I would love to know when the next NaNo is though!
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Congrats on NaNo dear! 
This was also my first attempt on NaNo, and I made it a little over over 22, 000 words before giving up
But one thing I am truly happy about is that I actually know what I'm gonna write now that NaNo has ended and the pressure is gone. It would be sucky if I was caught in a terrible writer's block =_=
Anyways, now that the pressure is off and I have the time, I'm gonna be headstrong and continue my novel
Good luck with your writing!
~*Princess*~ -
Nano
This was my first time on NaNoWriMo. I agree with you; I didn't win but I did achieve 34171 words of something that I had been wanting to get started for a long while. NaNoWriMo gave me the incentive to just go for it and though I didn't win a purple bar I now have a direction. I think Nano is a great idea and great fun, too.
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