It’s Preptober, guys. And even though I’m not participating in NaNoWriMo, I know a lot of writers still are, so I thought this post would be helpful.

I, uh…hope it’s not too late to do a Preptober post. Ya know…with NaNoWriMo starting in a week…

I’m not participating in NaNoWriMo (you can read about that here), but a lot of writers still are, or joining in other challenges. And I still want to be able to help all the awesome writers taking on these challenges.

NaNoWriMo is a great challenge. I had fun the two years I participated. But it’s not without its faults. There are things I came away with in December that I didn’t like very much. My hope is that with this post, listing the pros and cons of NaNo, you will be able to be more prepared going into November, especially if it’s your first time.

|Pros|

01. It pushes you

If you need a motivation boost, something to get you planted in your chair and typing away those words, then a challenge like this is great. Writers around the world are working towards the same goal, and it’s super motivating to know that as you wildly craft your story.

02. It will teach you a demanding productive lifestyle

Always wanted to learn how to cultivate a productive lifestyle? Well, NaNo will force you to. A challenge like this will require careful planning and time-management.

03. Community

Like I mentioned in Pro 01, writers ACROSS THE GLOBE are participating in this challenge, working towards the same goal as you are. Considering how writing can feel like a lonely endeavor, it’s awesome to think that there are writers all over the world typing away at their computers just like you are. This event can be a great way to connect and find new writer friends as you commiserate over writer’s block and stubborn characters.

04. Make more progress than you would’ve without the challenge

The first time I participated in NaNo, I didn’t meet the goal. Or even halfway. That’s okay though, because I wrote more in that month than I would have otherwise without the challenge. Even if you don’t meet the goal of 50k words, you’ll most likely have written way more than an average month.

|Cons|

01. Disrupts your usual creative flow

Whether you’re a speedy writer or a slower-paced one, most likely NaNo will push you past your natural creative flow. This challenge won’t allow you to go at your preferred pace, and sometimes those disruptions in your flow can result in burnout or writer’s block.

02. Lesser quality draft

Considering the frantic pace you have to punch out this novel for NaNo, it doesn’t always allow for careful word-crafting and detail-checking. It’s almost like you have to throw some quality out the window in place of quantity. Sure, you can edit later. But you might be working with a draft that’s a tad messier than you might like.

03. More stress (like, a lot)

Participating in NaNoWriMo is very demanding, especially if you already have a busy life of school, work, or college. On top of managing all your usual day-to-day responsibilities and activities, here is thrown is a challenge to write 50k in 30 days. Crazy, right? (well, I guess we are a bit crazy 😛 ). This challenge will dump more stress on your schedule.

04. Possible burnout

The frantic pace of writing, the constant demand to work, work, and work some more, could put you in a bad spot. Burnout. *shudders* No one likes that. Of course, it’s not guaranteed you’ll contract this Disease of the Artists, but the demanding pace of NaNo makes it a possibility.

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I hope with this insight from a Professional Challenge-Taker (just kidding), you’ll be able to better prepare (mentally, too) for this November challenge.

On October 31st, as writers around the world are frantically gathering notebooks, pens and pencils, character sheets, outlines, and favorite beverages, I will be sending out an email with a bundle of helpful articles and tips to set you up for a successful month of storytelling. This won’t be posted on my blog; it’s only for the email club. So if you’re not on the list, click here to join the fun. 🙂

I wish you all a happy NaNoWriMo (or whatever challenge you’re doing)! 😉

What challenge are you participating in this year?