My Nonprofit Reviews

I first took part in National Novel Writing Month in 2006. It was such fun, I've done the same every year since then, only "flaming out" twice. While I did find it incredible fun, I also learned very important lessons from taking part. If only this had existed when I was younger, my life might have been better. As it is, taking part changed my life in profound ways.

Specifically, as someone who did not yet realise I had grown up - undiagnosed - on the autsim spectrum, or how damaged this experience had left me, NaNo taught me confidence. It taught me how to get big things done which were important to me. Of all the experiences I've had in over 60 years of life, this was one of the most profound ones to affect me long term. My life is so much richer, so much happier, because of their programs. Had I been exposed to this while I was younger, it would have made an even greater difference, but nothing like this program existed then. Even those students who are not especially interested in writing could gain a great deal from taking part. It teaches you not only to reach for big goals, but that you can achieve them if you try.

I first participated in NaNoWriMo in 2006. I finished 50,000 words in 30 days, and the shared experience and forums provided by the OLL helped me accomplish that goal. For personal reasons, I was unable to finish in 2007, but I won again in 2008, 2009, and 2010. And every one of us who finishes is truly a winner; we gain a solid sense of accomplishment and the first draft of a novel. For me, as for others, there is a shared sense of purpose, a dedication to reaching 50,000 words or more. I've learned about setting goals, reaching them, planning to avoid pitfalls, and I've improved my writing. I find myself looking forward to November earlier and earlier each year. I have eight months to go - and I can hardly wait!

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