It’s complicated and sometimes you have to break the rules

One of the nice things about NaNo is that even if you are a socially awkward wannabe writer dealing with medical issues, you can still meet cool people that you have at least something in common with. Topics of conversation are built right in! What are you working on? How many words? How many NaNos? Even I can’t screw it up much!

For me, NaNo is a bunch of positives. I get to focus on a creative project for myself! But I also use this time to focus on what writing skills I need to improve on. Totally against the NaNo code! Such a rebel! 

I have found that lots of people use this time the way that they need to. Finishing up stories, starting new ones, and even *gasp* editing. Last year I focused on creating dialogue as that was something I was not comfortable with. 

You know how it goes. As you are writing, you become painfully aware of how many times you have used the words “she/he/they said” but if you try and become too creative with your dialogue, your writing becomes almost incoherent. I also spent time that year noticing how other favorite writers compose their dialogue while I read. That helped me to find balance. 

This year I am facing a bigger fear. Blogging. I have a hard time writing posts and putting them out there. 

I am not sure what my fear is. Ok, that is a lie, I know exactly what my fear is and I will spare you the deep introspective for now. Being a follower of the lizard brain theory I know that when the primitive section of my brain tells me not to do something because of a vague fear, then it is probably something I should face and culture. 

So here I am. Facing fear and forcing myself to grow. By blogging….  I guess it sounds really silly when it is put that way. But that is what happens when we don’t face the issues that hold us back. Forcing yourself to deal with your lizard brain (but be kind) will put the issue in perspective. 

A little tough self love is all it takes but I do suggest if you are interested to google the “lizard brain”. Very interesting reading.  

PS If you NaNo and want to connect search for Paula1849.