Comments on: NaNoWriMo

By: Morgan

Morgan — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 05:23:40 +0000

Not really important,but I found this right after i finished writing an essay on how people don't read as much anymore. Coincidence much?

Anyway. I am a first time NaNoWriMo participant, and an avid reader. As in, right now i have at least five different books within arms reach, anywhere from 10-20 books on my floor, under my bed, in my drawers, IN my bed, ect, ect. This isn't counting the 200-300 books i have in my bookshelves.
I love to read. Any genre, as long as it interests me from the very beginning i will sit down and read it from start to finish.

Probably because of this, from an early age i have been a good writer. Not great, but decent.
Only recently have i started writing short stories and the occasional novel. I honestly don't think my writing would be half as good as it is if i didn't read as much as i do.

NaNoWriMo has been such an inspiration to me. I never would have sat down and written as much as i have in these last few weeks without the push NaNoWriMo has given me.

By: Natasha Fondren

Natasha Fondren — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 15:24:49 +0000

I've met plenty of non-reading writers, even ones who have successful writing careers. Blows my mind, but whatever. Doesn't seem to have any correlation whatsoever with NaNo.

Me? I read.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 16:13:36 +0000

I hadn't read a fiction book in years, then decided to particpate in Nano just so I could say I wrote a novel.

Now I read fiction all the time, I spend tons of money buying books, and I read waaaaay too many agent blogs. So, Nano turned me into someone who loves books. Goody.

By: Jac Urist

Jac Urist — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:51:50 +0000

The only thing I wish Miller had added: writers need to read critically. I'm always shocked, not only at people who say they are writing a novel and don't read, but also by those who say they read but don't seem to be doing so actively. I've always believed, if you want to write well, you have to read like a writer. Say, English class for the rest of your life.

By: Amy Tripp

Amy Tripp — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:28:48 +0000

I think it's kind of funny when people get mad at what other people are doing when it really has no bearing on them.

People who don't read want to write - who cares? They'll learn soon enough they're at a terrible disadvantage.

People want to write a genre they don't read? Yes... and? Can't someone love to read fantasy and then craft their own novel that is fantasy with a love story and call it romance? Where's the problem? How does it hurt others if they do so?

I'd rather save my fighting for something that actually affects me.

By: Em-Musing

Em-Musing — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 10:37:45 +0000

Stephen King said it best, “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.” 'nuff said.

By: Draven Ames

Draven Ames — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 09:02:28 +0000

NaNoWriMo is a great idea for people who need the push. With the influx of unemployed Americans, I wonder how many more people will try this year? Will there be a rise in violent books? Depressing? I wonder what trends will form.

How many vampire novels can we get?

I would have never dreamed of writing, if I never loved to read. There are times in life, when I was down, that I never could have breathed. But with a book, behind closed doors, I see everything so well. The movies never feel like they are directed well enough; their stories are predictable in such short, flash fiction.

Reading is a must for any writer. I learn more from reading than anything else.

By: Vodka Mom

Vodka Mom — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 23:35:55 +0000

As you might know, I call myself a reading wh*&$, I have a gazillion books on my nightstand, and magazines strewn across my coffee table. When I meet writers or bloggers who claim they don't read, I am SHOCKED and stunned. I simply shake my head and move on.

(Stephen King in his "On Writing" – one of my top ten reads – says the same. If you want to write? Read, read, read, read. And now, so does MIchael B. )

By: Melissa J. Cunningham

Melissa J. Cunningham — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 23:07:14 +0000

I just found your blog from your website, and loved your post. I totally agree. I've been a reader my whole life. How does one know what a good book is if they don't read? Good grief.

I am participating in nanowrimo for the first time this year and I've really enjoyed it. I think it's a great way to practice the discipline of keeping your behind in the chair.

Happy writing!

By: R. Anderson

R. Anderson — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 22:51:05 +0000

They don't make me angry. Everyone has the right to pursue whatever waste of time they so desire. And who knows! Perhaps for one of those NaNoWriMos it's the first step to writing a best seller.

I think it's a great way for writers to feel "connected" to a community, a great way to feel "part" of something on a big scale. Do I participate? No. Will I ever? I highly doubt it. But, I also don't think there's anything wrong with it.

Is chilling on facebook or twitter for a couple hours a waste of time? NaNoWriMos are networking with others and building a huge support system. When writing is such a solitary task, the social aspect of NaNoWriMo seems really nice!!

That's all I have to say!