Competitive Atmosphere.
Writing Beyond Limits:
Fostering Inclusivity and Diversity during NaNoWriMo
In the intricacy of good storytelling, every writer brings a unique set of experiences, perspectives, and voices to the stage. National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) stands as a grand theater, welcoming authors from every corner of the literary world to step into the spotlight and create. As we begin the intense journey we unravel a tapestry of inclusivity, where the rich blending of culture, background, and identity of the writer intermingle with the universal language of storytelling. It’s a celebration of countless narratives that enrich our literary landscape and a testament to NaNoWriMo’s commitment to providing a platform for anyone to shine. How does NaNoWriMo accommodate and celebrate the vibrant mosaic of voices in the world of diverse writing?
There are positives and negatives to the landscape of writing a novel in 30 days.
One negative element of this self-imposed challenge is there is a competitive atmosphere. Some writers may feel compelled to compete with others, which can create a sense of rivalry rather than a supportive writing community. This competition can detract from the cooperative spirit of writing. The challenge involves intense writing with a high word count goal which can also be seen as writers who prioritize quantity over the quality of the writing. And writers who prioritize word count goals may be doing it at the expense of self-care, neglecting their physical and mental well-being.
Are there positive aspects? You betcha!
All Genres Welcome.
NaNoWriMo is a global outreach with regional chapters and events worldwide. It’s open to all Genres to allow writers to explore diverse storytelling forms. There is no discrimination. Writers are encouraged to set their own goals, making the process accessible, and to write about diverse interests and themes. NaNoWriMo supports underrepresented voices through programs like “NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program” and “NaNoWriMo for Libraries”. The challenge encourages writers to form affinity groups based on shared interests, backgrounds, or writing themes. These groups foster a sense of community among writers with similar experiences. For inclusivity, NaNoWriMo has publicly stated its commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and equity through its policies and community guidelines. While NaNoWriMo has made efforts to be more inclusive and accommodate diverse voices and experiences, it’s essential to acknowledge that there is always room for improvement and ongoing discussions about diversity in the writing community. The organization continually seeks feedback from participants to make the event more accessible and welcoming to all writers.
Just don’t stop writing, even if you feel NaNoWriMo is not for you. It’s high stress and deep commitment, yes, but so exciting to see those words appear on the page day after day, too. Writing a book allows you to connect with your audience on a deeper level. By sharing your stories and experiences, you create an emotional connection. This helps your reader relate, stay engaged, and become a fan of your work. Most of all your voice is important.
I also want to give a quick shout-out to PLOTTR software which is very intuitive. My new favorite writing aid. This plotting software is da bomb. Use any of my affiliate links below and I might get a small commission. Thanks.
Check out my Youtube channel for PLOTTR videos @jlnichauthorsff
Joseph Michael’s Learn Scrivener Fast e-course
Please read and review my serial publishing novel, Sparrow’s Legacy, on Kindle Vella. You can read the first three chapters free on Amazon by searching for “Sparrows Legacy Kindle Vella” or clicking here. I. Please subscribe to my website if you want to be notified when I’ll be publishing or to get free samples of my work.
JLNich, Science Fiction Fantasy Author
