My last remaining shirt.... ​As you may have heard, NaNoWriMo is ending its run. The organization has decided to shut down, but they plan to keep the websites up for as long as possible. This will allow users to download their information and connect with fellow writers. There are several sources detailing the reasons behind this decision, but I wanted to share my personal reflections on the impact NaNoWriMo has had on my writing journey.

Over the years, I've actively participated in NaNoWriMo, attending in-person Write-Ins and wrap parties. These experiences have always been incredibly positive, providing a wonderful environment to connect with other writers. I even had the pleasure of meeting Chris Baty at a Write-In at Borderland Books.

Both NaNoWriMo and Camp NaNoWriMo served as significant motivators for me. I often used these months to make substantial progress on novels, even if I didn't always reach the 50,000-word goal. On a couple of occasions, I embarked on writing entirely new material without a plan, and I was thrilled by the results. Although I may not pursue those stories further, reaching the 50,000-word mark, usually just hours before the deadline, was an exhilarating experience.

After winning three times, I shifted my approach. While writing 50,000 words in thirty days felt like a significant achievement, the pressure of maintaining the daily word count became overwhelming. I needed writing to remain enjoyable, and the strict word counts were diminishing that joy. In recent years, I've used NaNoWriMo as an opportunity to reset my writing habit and connect with other writers at the local Write-Ins. Even when my goal was just to write a few hundred words a day, or even a single sentence, I found the experience much more fulfilling. Resetting my daily writing habit, alongside thousands of other writers, provided a sense of community and motivation.

I believe the spirit of NaNoWriMo will endure. Writers gotta write. There are numerous writing groups available, many of which can be found on Reddit. I've found that regularly meeting with other writers helps me maintain a consistent writing habit. Whether you're looking for a month-long challenge or an ongoing group, there are plenty of people out there who will join you.

The spirit of NaNoWriMo will live on, I have no doubts about that.