Many people believe they have a novel in them, but they fail to ever write it. They sit on the dream for years and a word never reaches the page. What they don’t realize is getting started is easier than they think.
Last week, after five years of writing non-fiction, I began working on my first novel. The process of becoming a student again has been eye-opening and thrilling.
After signing up through National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), one of my favorite observations is the power of community to propel a creative in their pursuit. Everyone is chasing a common goal and encouraging each other along the way.
This week on The Portfolio Life, the Executive Director of NaNoWriMo, Grant Faulkner, and I talk about leveraging collaboration to fuel creative output, growing to over half a million members, and why writing a novel is like running a marathon.
Listen in as we talk about preparing for a new writing project, how to conduct a “time hunt”, and the life-changing impact of writing a novel in a month.
Listen to the podcast
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Show highlights
In this episode, Grant and I discuss:
- The accidental beginning of a worldwide creative phenomenon
- Why community creates powerful momentum for writers
- How accountability drives productive writing
- Which unconventional trick is the best writing incentive
- The parallels between overcoming addiction and creative work
Quotes and takeaways
- “Creativity flourishes with other people and in collaboration.” —Grant Faulkner
- “Everyone has a story to tell. And everyone’s story matters.” —Grant Faulkner
- “Writing a novel is the prize unto itself. That’s the gift you’re giving yourself and the world.” —Grant Faulkner
- “Our stories connect us as human beings. They are what make our life rich.” —Grant Faulkner
- “Novel writing is largely about building a big structure through small increments.” —Grant Faulkner
[share-quote author=”Grant Faulkner” via=”JeffGoins”]Writing a novel is the prize unto itself. That’s the gift you’re giving yourself and the world.
Resources
- NaNoWriMo.org
- No Plot? No Problem! by Chris Baty (NaNoWriMo founder)
- Download the full interview transcript here.
What do you love about new writing projects? Are you doing NaNoWriMo this year? Share in the comments.
