I am always write!

So…The rules for NanoWrimo are comparatively simple.  Write 50,000 words in a month which works out at about 1600+ per day.  The snag is that you cannot start to plan your novel (If that is what you intend to do) until a week before the competition begins, which begs the question; What do you do whilst you wait?  The idea may be reasonably well formed you head or it may not be formed and you are leaving that bit of last minute inspiration in the lap of the Gods which means at this stage in October there would appear to be little that you can do before the November 1st kick off.  

Having accepted that the obvious answer to this is read!  I have seen many and various reports, advice columns, blogs, graffiti that suggest that excellent writing can be accomplished  by complimenting it with some equally excellent reading.  I am not suggesting that if you read the classics, you are going to become the next J.K. Rowling, but it does stand up to scrutiny on a number of levels.  Surely, the art of writing is bred from what we read and our styles or chosen genres are based upon what we enjoy as reading material?  If the choice is to read the ‘Daily Rag’ which may include little in the way of literary talent then it is safe to assume that the type of writing you produce will be of a similar style and standard.  I except that this is a wide assumption, and it is only an opinion, but I think I am still allowed one of those!  However, should you choose to up your game, pick up some good quality literature and read it properly, I would argue that there is a significant chance that some of that literary brilliance, will rub off.  One would certainly hope so.

In conclusion, during this difficult time when your writing ardour needs to be contained, pick up a book!