NaNoWriMo is Defunct–let’s write anyway!
I was surprised when I went to update my NaNoWriMo page and there was no NaNoWriMo. I did know there was a debate about the allowance of AI in NaNoWriMo. Probably better for the founders to have said, “No Way, Jose.” And I agree. The process of spinning a tale from your mind is not only creative, it is important for brain function. Fellow writers, we need to keep exercising our brains. There are so many things now that don’t require us to exercise our brains. Writing, especially a daily writing practice, will keep your mind lively. Writing by hand is also important to the brain/body connection.
I will be 75 in five months. This is astounding to me, as I think of myself as still in my 60s, or maybe even in 50s. I feel a youthfulness in my body, though not always in my mind. To keep my mind sharp; I study Spanish, make art, play the piano, and write. I have decided to work on the book I started some time back. I’m about 6000 words in on a story about healing from abuse, and at the same time, living in a haunted house. It was absolutely haunted. I didn’t imagine it. Promise! And, as a beginner medium now, I know what constitutes talking to spirits. I talked to spirits in that house then. I was 33 at the time. And I talk to spirits now!
Would all of you who know me, or if you are reading this and don’t know me, check out my books and accompany me on a NaNoWriMo daily writing practice. You might get a project underway, complete a project, or revise a project during the month of November. I will post on FB periodically, updating you as to where I am at on my journey. And hopefully, I will stick with my intention: 50,000 words during November 2025. That’s writing 1667 words a day. Takes me about an hour. Okay, let’s do it1
And, if you like, sign up for my class, Wild Mind Writing in January. Connect with Whatcom Community College Community Ed and/or Chuckanut writers for more information. It’s totally fun!
Nancy Canyon, MFA, is a widely published artist, author, & teacher. Her work can be read in The Madrona Project, I Sing the Salmon Home, Spring and All, Raven Chronicles, and more. She coaches for The Narrative Project and teaches through Chuckanut Writers. Her memoir, Struck: A Season on a Fire Lookout, as well as Celia’s Heaven (novel) & Saltwater (poetry), are available here at Village Books.
