NaNo Newbie Update

As I’ve mentioned before, I have adopted a couple of newbie authors to mentor during the NaNo experience. Newbies are first-time NaNo novelists, and when I realized I could offer my mentoring services to a few of these new novelists I jumped at the chance. I want everyone to succeed all the time at whatever they’re attempting but I especially want everyone to do well during NaNo. So of course I was thrilled to think I might be able to help these novelists finish their challenges.

I’ve got to tell you, my new friends are all doing really, really well. They’re telling some great stories, some with plot points and characters I never, ever could have dreamed up. They’ve each committed to fitting novel writing into their schedules and are all moving steadily toward reaching their goals. I am honored to be part of their first-NaNo experiences.

Honestly, I thought my new noveling friends would need me more than they have. I’ve had nice chats with them, have encouraged, nudged and prodded a bit but more than that? Nope. They’re all working well on their own. And actually I’ve learned—or relearned—just how fabulously exhilarating the first NaNo can be. I feel like I’ve gone back to my first NaNo through their shared experiences and enthusiasm.

My newbies are halfway through November and I’m so pleased for them! I’ve got a feeling they’re all going to look back on this first challenge and smile. At least I hope they will.

Mentoring continues to be a joy for me. Next year I plan to offer my services again with new first-time novelists. I hope others will consider doing the same. This year there were more who asked for help than there were those able to assist. I don’t know why that was; the only thing I can think is that prospective mentors feared helping would be a time drain. I can attest that it hasn’t been. My investment has been small, my satisfaction enormous.

Helping someone else achieve their dream? Priceless.