I want to “win” NaNoWriMo this year despite my “disability.” Writer’s block is not, in my view, simply not feeling like writing; it is the inner critic running amuck. It is the certainty that I am a lightweight, only capable of producing mundane stories. That I’m not a wordsmith; rather, I’m a random thought dumper. As I’ve written many times, word sprints of 20 or 25 minutes have allowed me to write anyway. Actually, I hope to get through the editing process the same way. For now, here are two more thoughts I’ve had to help me, and I hope others, write anyway, no matter whether the obstacle is a full-time job, children, or just plan laziness.
The first idea is to set small goals: this sprint of 200 to 250 words, for example. Ride the exercycle during a short break. Then repeat, followed perhaps by a podcast during the break. By never even looking at the 1667 – 2000 word goal for the day, let alone the 50,000 words for the month, maybe I can bypass my fear, doubt, and feelings of inadequacy.
Idea number two is to act as though I’m some other person with confidence and determination. Maybe another version of me without all the baggage I carry around. I’m not Candy today; I’m Candace (pronounced kondahsay, as they say here, not kandis). I suppose this means tricking myself into believing I can write well. Or perhaps convincing this other self–this inner author–to take my place for a while.
The first thought is, of course, not my original idea at all, but simply a reminder of a strategy that works for me. Just a few minutes, and then I can surf the Web. Over and over. Pretending to be someone else is my crazy idea, though, and I like it. Please share your thoughts.
