Why I'm Joining NaNoWrimo 2014

Ever since I first read a novel for fun--it was "Carrie" by Stephen King, back when I was in first year high school--I wanted write my own novel. The desire to be a novelist was what inspired me to take up creative writing in college.

But, for practicality's sake, and because lacked confidence, I chose to focus on creative nonfiction instead of fiction. The pivotal moment came when my fiction workshop professor told me to wait until I was 40 years old before attempting to write fiction, even a short story.

It's true that I may have lacked the skill back in college. It's true that many of my block mates are more talented writers than me. However, it's also true that I lacked the commitment to focus on honing my writing craft. That, more than having a late start in reading and writing, was what prevented me from writing good fiction.

I see National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) as an opportunity to make up for lost time and prove to myself that I can write and finish my own novel. I'm committing to NaNoWrimo because I want to achieve my dream of becoming a novelist this November.

Perhaps this will be the start of many more years of novel writing. or maybe it won't. But I'll never find out if I don't do this. So I will write my 50,000-word story  and become a novelist this November. I'll also talk about my writing experiences along the way.