Well how’s this…

Both my books now with Simon &Schuster came from just such online writing challenges. I wrote the first draft of House For All Seasons during NanoWriMo 2010. Another 50,000 words later and it was in the hands of Curtis Brown Lit Agency. To take my mind off what was happening with that submission, I joined up for the June 50k in 30 days program and wrote The Simmering Season.

So do I believe in these programs?

Yes! Because it let me ignore the craft and rules and self-doubt that can slow you down.

For me, writing challenges like these have been the glue I needed to stay in that seat and write and write – fast and carefree. No editing, no revision. Thirty days with all the thrills and spills of a great race: exhilarating and exhausting, dangerous and disheartening, excruciating and enriching. It is a race (and we Aussies love our races!) so I have found something I wrote during a previous challenge and hope it motivates still.

Week 1 – starts just like the Melbourne Cup – horses in the starting gate, excitement and anticipation oozing from every pore like cheap cologne. We (authors) are the jockeys strategizing, our goal in plain and indisputable view. The gates slam open and we’re off and racing, sprinters and pacers soon separating the pack.

At the end of the first straight, we discover this race is not so straightforward after all. It’s now a steeplechase of unexpected hurdles and challenging jumps. As we cross the week one finishing line, we feel slightly overwhelmed but still focussed on one thing – numbers.

Week 2 – is definitely about numbers. It’s like being part of the mad mob in Sydney’s City to Surf fun run.

The elite easily intimidate first-timers (like me) who are over-awed by our own insignificance in those shiny new Kmart joggers. Also among the mob are:

• the serious competitors with starting line honours,

• the don’t-get-in-my-way-or-I’ll-crush-you runners,

• and the I-really-should’ve-gone-home-last-night party animals.

Speaking of animals, you’ll also find the gorilla suit guy – a little crazy for thinking he can do it, but giving it his best shot and having fun – after all, that is the aim of the race. Just do it!

Again, week two starts off strong, although it’s not long before the pack thins.

Some give up.
Some fall over when they realise they’re not serious or prepared enough this time around.

Others hang on until Heartbreak Hill – and oh, the pain!

You set a feverish pace, heart pumping, back aching, such pressure! The mob eggs you on, but they are passing you to the left and to the right. You try The Little Caboose method, “I think I can. I think I can…”
Do you quit?

Never!
Simply let the race go on around you, stay focussed and stay on track.

Week 3 – is like the Bathurst Grand Prix at Mount Panorama. The view is good from here, although still not quite all down hill yet. This is where skill is important – knowing when to accelerate and brake. You are desperate to edit through those chicanes and re-write those hairpin bends out of the story.
Should you?

The race rules say this is a no-no. But do you really have to follow the rules?
Not always. Look at the iconic Beetle. Volkswagen suddenly stopped and switched the engine from the back to the front. Now it’s better than ever. So yes, go crazy. Break a few rules and get back in the race because the best is yet to come.

Week 4 – is the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race (or in RWAus 50ks speak it’s the Plotsville to Happy Ever After Race). You’ve got the wind in your sails (your ballast most likely the result of too much Nano chocolate). But beware the albatross. This last leg can be deceiving. It’s not always smooth sailing and only the prepared will survive.

So if you’re game…

Grab those reins, hold on tight, have fun, keep those revs up and avoid seasickness by keeping an eye on that end-of-the-month horizon.

Most importantly, run your own race, your own way and achieve your own personal best.

Jenn J McLeod