I decided to take a little retreat from editing my longer projects and use camp Nanowrimo to focus on short stories. So far, this has been an EXCELLENT decision in my life. 

Here is the challenge I’m setting for myself in July: I want to write (or at least start) one short story per day. I’m not allowed to plan any of the stories in advance. They cannot be ideas I’ve been holding for a while, or anything I’ve attempted writing before. Also: each story must have an ending; even if it’s only in the form of a rough outline, and even if the ending is cringe-worthy. 

I’ve found I’ve developed a habit of not ending things. See, I try to do regular speed writing exercises, courtesy of the amazing software from Write or Die. Normally 500 words, with absolutely no goals except getting the words written. As a result, I frequently start things with no plot in mind, and then stop as soon as my timer goes off. I need to train myself to end the things I start.

Also, I’m hoping this will get my confidence back for idea generating. I’ve been focusing on novels for a long time now, so when I decide I’d like to write a short piece it takes me forever to find an idea I think is ‘worthy.’ I’m hoping the repetition will make me stop overthinking story ideas and just run with them. 

It’s been magical so far 🙂 I’m thinking it’s probably just a honeymoon period, but I’ve enjoyed all three of the pieces I’ve worked with thus far. I have at least one for sure that I want to revise and send out in the future. I’m realistic enough to know I’m also going to write a bunch of duds this month too, but I keep telling myself that’s okay. I need to stop being so terrified of the stories that fail, and I think camping this month will be a big help in that.