November means one thing to the Flewelling family.
NaNoWriMo!!!
That strange word stands for “National Novel Writing Month”, during which each participant commits to a single goal: write a 50,000 word novel! This amazing international event takes place every November. For my family, this is our seventh year. Timothy, Raewyn and I are the only ones who have done it every single year, but there was one year when six members of our family participated. This year my youngest, Nathaniel, will join us.
How does one add the writing of 2000 words into an already busy day, every day for 30 days? AND act as scribe for Nathaniel, typing his story as he dictates it to me?
Simple, really. This is bonding time, a shared excitement, enthusiasm and competition as we vie with one another to be the first to reach our common goal. There can be NO doubt in our minds that we will reach our goal before midnight on Nov. 30. We will do everything in our power to encourage and challenge one another to stay on task till we meet our daily goals.
Embarking on such a huge venture with a solid deadline in view, calls for many of the principles Napoleon Hill teaches us in this book. A burning desire that propels us toward the finish line, faith to believe we can do it, positive self talk, imagination, persistence… and above all, organized planning so that this doesn’t completely take over our whole lives for the month of November!
Such an endeavour, with its potential for temporary defeats also brings into sharp focus the following truth from this chapter…
** No man is ever whipped, until he QUITS—in his own mind. **
Life’s greatest tragedy consists of men and women who earnestly try, and fail because they “take the count at the first sign of defeat”!
Who determines whether a particular situation spells temporary defeat, or if you are a quitter? YOU do!! You and only you. When you are met with defeat, heed Hill’s counsel:
ACCEPT it as a signal that your plans need adjustment.
REBUILD those plans.
And SET SAIL once more toward your goal.
You are a quitter ONLY if you give up before your goal is reached.
No one knew this better than Thomas Edison, with his now famous 10,000 temporary defeats at perfecting the incandescent light bulb. And I know from past experience that I am going to keep Mr. Edison and Mr. Hill clearly in mind in the coming month as my children and I meet the daily challenge of achieving our writing goals.
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This lesson plan was inspired by Chapter 7 of Think and Grow Rich,
by Napoleon Hill, and was originally posted at 30DayCleanse.info
If you would like to participate in a discussion of several lesson
plans like this one, we would love to have you join with us on the
mental cleanse call every Wednesday afternoon or evening.
Contact me and I’ll be happy to give you the call-in details.
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© Willena Flewelling
Success in 10 Steps
Phone 780-349-7163
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Hi Willena,
Wow, what an awesome concept and great bonding experience. I look forward to hearing that you have completed your goal and great that you announced it in a public forum because I find it helps when we make our goals known to others!
I know what can be done because I wrote a book start to finish in one week last year! I had always wanted to write a book and one of my mastermind partners challenged me when I told the group this, and hey it was done in a week!
Take care and I look forward to hearing the results!
Clare
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WOW, Clare! Anyone who can write a book in a week is WAY ahead of me in the game! My hat’s off to you for sure!
Today is Nov. 16, and I’m at 26,600 words. My 12-year-old son Nathaniel is at 4000.
Hi Willena,
50,000 words? what!!!???
that’s very exciting and impressive. Hope you have a great time tackling that project with your family.
Napolean Hill’s words can be applied to almost everything we experience in life, huh?
Thanks for sharing!
-Kevin
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Hey Kevin, you are so right — EVERYTHING! We’re all pretty much on track with our word count. Timothy (age 18) just informed me that he’s about 5 days ahead, at over 32,000 words. I have no doubt he will cross the finish line early, this year.
Amazing that you take on such a huge challange with all the things that you must do doing the mont. I just have a problem writing a blog post a week let alone 50,000 words.
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Hey Joyce, I have a problem writing a blog post a week too! It’s a different kind of writing. I love writing about daily life events and their effects on people… and that’s the style my novel is being written in.
Hi there Willena! You did a great job on this! I must say that Nanorimo is created to increase your capabiltiy in writing 50,000 word novel. It is a great challenge for you.
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I didn’t even know I could write that much, when I first signed up in 2005. It’s been a great experience… and it gives us something to do during the dark days of November, that keeps our minds off the darkness. We live in northern Alberta, where it’s still dark when our son leaves for school in the morning, and sundown comes shortly after he gets home in the afternoon.
Willena,
That’s really cool.
The task seems so large in such a short amount of time, but with the desire and determination, I know that you can do anything you want too.
Congratulations on your success with this project.
Will you be releasing your book to the public in some way?
-James
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Hi James… I will eventually, but no promises yet.
Hey Willena,
Wow … NaNoWriMo? Not sure on how to pronounce that one! Lol!
It is so awesome that you are able to do this and share the experience with your family. 2000 words a day is no easy task but I can hear the conviction in your writing and I know without doubt that you will succeed.
Enjoy the experience Willena and please keep us updated on how you’re doing.
Kevin
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Today is Nov. 16 and we are all well on our way! Timothy (18) has already passed the 32,000 mark… I’m at 26,600… and Nathaniel (12) is at 4000. His goal is lower than ours and he is behind, but that’s still pretty good!
No man is ever whipped, until he QUITS—in his own mind. I love that. This is an amazing thing you have going here Willena. 50,000 words, one novel… What a peculiar yet brilliantly meaningful idea! I truly hope for the success of this endeavor.
My novel won’t be complete at 50,000 words, but this is a great opportunity to get it well under way!
Willena,
That is truly an inspiring feat that you and your family has taken on! I can see the bond that it is sure to create and also your influence you have on their minds. This is one of the greatest gifts a parent can give to their child. Time and the importance of reading and writing!
You are a true inspiration and Dawn and I wish you the best at accomplishing this daunting, but positive objective.
Dave and (Dawn)
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Thank you, Dave and Dawn! As you can see from the date of this reply, SOME things have had to be set aside as we pursue our writing goals. But yes, it is a great experience, and one we look forward to every year.
Nathaniel (12) wasn’t going to do it, but I signed him up in the Young Writers Program, with the promise that we would do the typing for him. He’s blossoming before our eyes as a young writer!
Wow! That is a serious challenge that y’all have given yourselves. I absolutely love it! Challenges are what push us to reach the next level.
I remember when I was trying to get over my fear of video, I just gave myself a challenge- 4 videos a week for 6 weeks. I announced my intention on my blog, just so I wouldn’t wimp out! And by golly I got over my fear of video and had a blast along the way.
Love the novel in 30 days idea, I may have to borrow that concept. I’ve got 2 books that must be completed by mid-January. Thanks for the idea!
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Natasha, I remember when you did that first video! And I remember thinking what a great job you did!
A great visual for me, by way of keeping track of my word count, is to make up a calendar with the dates and how far I should be by that day. Perhaps you could do something similar for getting your books done?
Hi Willena, What an amazingly cool idea. I’ve written comic books, but never a novel. I think I am going to do this next Nov (I want some time to think about what I would write as a novel, my brain thinks comics, lol) And you are totally right – you aren’t whipped until you accept defeat or welcome it sometimes in your own mind. I write mine for fun and for the amusement of people I’ve worked with in the restaurant. Sometimes trying to find the time to do all the art and writing of it gets overwhelming and I put it aside for a while and then go back to it. But when it’s put aside, I know that I’ll go back to it, and I do. Finishing an arc or an entire series brings a sense of accomplishment that is very satisfying. Good luck and i’ll be rooting for you and your family to have a successful novel writing month! – Rob
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That is awesome, Rob! I’d love to be able to both, writing and art. Really, my husband and I should get together and write a book, because he is great at sketching!
Two of my daughters work with people too… in an extended care centre. They have all kinds of stories to tell about the elderly residents, without ever breaking confidence by revealing who they are talking about. I have often thought they should write a book about their experiences.
Wow….. that is certainly a big challenge for you all…. have you had your novels published Willena?
Perhaps you could do that on Kindle…..
You use the teachings of Napoleon Hill excellently well and are a great example to home business owners everywhere.
Best wishes
Pete
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Hi Willena,
What a wonderful tradition for a family. Of all the fantastic things that a child can learn, this experience has got to be in the top 5! Plus, you may just create a new novelist in your family. Thanks for sharing this neat story.
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Sounds like a great project Willena! In fact since it’s still early in the month I think I may just check out the information myself. I love that you’re whole family is involved and cheering each other on. I hope you’ll provide periodic updates as your progress through the month. Best wishes for your collective success!
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Willena,
you passion is showing with amazing energy. I love this about you and will be waiting to see the end result.
I understand that this will be the driving force for all of us, persistence. We can shape our lives with imagination and action. Never giving in to weakness of emotional fear. That is the mind destroyer.
Your a great mentor and visionary in our industry. You have always share great adventures and triumphs. We love you and wish you well. I have you in my prayers for victory is yours.
Willena, thank you for caring to share with your readers and I.
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That’s a big challenge! 50,000 words is a huge number. All i can do is just 50,000 letters lol. Well Goodluck to all of you! I’ll be back on your site to see the result.
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I love that. This is an amazing thing you have going here Willena. 50,000 words, one novel… What a peculiar yet brilliantly meaningful idea!
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While I am not ready to write my own book, I love how you have instigated all of the elements of “Think and Grow Rich!” You really will have to have that all in place for sure. Whatever your dream is, you must believe and take the action, and there has to be some serious planning to really make it happen!
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Hello Willena! You did a great job on this! I think that Nanorimo is created to increase your capability in writing over 50,000 word article. This is a big challenge for you.
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I’ve heard a bit about NaNoWriMo but you are the first to mention doing it as a family project. That sounds like so much fun. I bet you can all get into it that way (rather than it pulling you away from the family as it might otherwise do). What kind of stories does Nathaniel enjoy creating?
Kim
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wow.. You really are doing a very amazing job! I am so impressed with you.. Keep it up!
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Hi Willena,
What an inspirational challenge! I think the most incredible part of your challenge is the fact that you are doing this as a family. This project substitutes cell phones, television, and computers with basic fundamental family quality time! The bonding created by this type of activity is priceless and I can see it as a tradition that will be carried over to your children’s families!
Since this has been a tradition in your family, I know all of you will reach their goals through determination and persistence. The key here is, “There can be NO doubt in our minds that we will reach our goal before midnight on Nov. 30. We will do everything in our power to encourage and challenge one another to stay on task till we meet our daily goals.” You’ve set up daily goals to reach to the ultimate goal of writing a 50,000 word novel! Incredible! I can see joy and success! Thanks for sharing this with us.
Raena Lynn
You know, Thomas Edison’s story might just be the greatest story to reflect on whenever faced with the most difficult of times. I don’t think anyone in the history of the planet has ever tried harder than him, it’s just astounding how he never gave up on his goal considering the trials that he has faced on his way to success. It is simply amazing.
Anyway, you guys are starting a nice project. Good luck with that.
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I think I may just check out the information myself. I love that you’re whole family is involved and cheering each other on.
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I look forward to hearing that you have completed your goal and great that you announced it in a public forum because I find it helps when we make our goals known to others! Thank you for sharing and take care always..
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This is an amazing thing you have going here Willena. 50,000 words, one novel… What a peculiar yet brilliantly meaningful idea!
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