*Today’s post comes from Lori Franklin of Jane Be Nimble–blogger and first-time novelist. Here’s the story of her physical and emotional healing experience participating in NaNoWriMo this year.
If you haven’t seen my face before, the first thing I should tell you is that I’m a molecular biologist by training.
The last fifteen years of my life have been defined by experimental trial and error―it’s how I process information. If I had a scientific question about how something worked, I could set up an experiment with the proper controls to give me an informative answer.
The other thing you should know is that I came out of remission from my MS (multiple sclerosis) in November of 2008, which really threw me for a loop.
As a result I lost my job as I could no longer perform my responsibilities. To make a long story short, my docs suspect I may have crossed over from relapsing-remitting to secondary progressive MS, which means that there’s a good chance I may not go back into the remitting stage of MS.
Yeah, it’s a bummer, but wishing it away isn’t an effective strategy.
Part of my training as a scientist included studying neurology. As I was finishing graduate school a lot of new information was being discovered about neuroplasticity―the tremendous ability of the mind to form new connections and effectively re-wire itself.
What does all this have to do with NaNoWriMo?
Well, I believe, as do a lot of other scientists out there, that the more we use the brain for varied functions, the stronger the connections we make in the brain. I have over a dozen lesions (areas of nonfunctional scar tissue) in my brain and spinal cord at this point, but scientists are discovering that basically the brain can re-route around the damage with new connections. This is one reason I started my blog―to stimulate my brain.
So, I started an experiment.
I first learned about NaNoWriMo, the contest to draft a 50,000-word novel in 30 days, from Suzannah’s post (thank you, Suzannah!) and I decided to enter as an activity to help stimulate my brain. It made good sense since I’ve always enjoyed writing, have always wanted to write a book, and I thought this may be the ticket to try to prepare a first draft.
I’m plagued with crushing fatigue and dizzy spells, so I had to make a plan of attack that could be amenable to my uninvited guest, Ms. MS. I decided to write first thing in the morning, for at least an hour, then twice more during the day―once in the afternoon and once in the early evening. I aimed for 2,500 words a day to be done by the 25th of November. This also gave me padding for the days when I couldn’t write at all because of Ms. MS.
It was a wild ride; I finished! But, the peak of my satisfaction was the last few days. I had taken Suzannah’s advice to outline my story prior to the starting line, which is acceptable by NaNoWriMo’s rules. Defining the plot points ahead of time made all the difference! Now I know now that I am not a ‘pantser.’
I outlined the entire novel, but during the first couple of weeks of NaNoWriMo I was torn about how I had planned to finish the novel. In the final days, with pressure to finish, staring at my last few scenes, it hit me like a flash of lightning! Why hadn’t I thought of this before? Of course, of course–the heroine must do x, y, and z! I love it!
My writing experiment proved to be an utterly moving experience.
- I experienced several profound flashes of inspiration!
- I wrote a 50,414-word draft in 19 days!
- I was shocked when I realized that I finished my novel on the very same day that I came out of remission last year. It wasn’t my plan―it just happened almost like it was pre-destined! There was no way I could’ve done this a year ago!
I have hope. I have hope that I can continue to connect my wires.
NaNoWriMo may be about writing a novel in one month, but for me, my NaNoWriMo writing experiment gave me hope for better days ahead. 2010 is looking good―maybe you’ll learn something about yourself if you try NaNoWriMo next year; it is a powerful experience that I highly recommend―even if a novel is the last thing on your mind.
Lori Franklin is the author of Jane Be Nimble, a blog about striving for an agile body and mind. The author wishes to thank Suzannah for her blog and helping her heal. Lori can be contacted at lori [at] janebenimble [dot] com. Sign up for Lori’s feed via RSS or delivery into your email inbox.
Lori,
It is so good to read about your experience with NaNoWriMo. You are such a source of inspiration for me, and this is just one more example of you inspiring me to "be" more. And…connect your wires? Lori, you are so much more connected than so many out there who go through life … just going through the motions. You are out there, living your life as you can, believing in what can be, and shining beauty in all that you do. That is a gift you give to the world…a gift you give to me.
Wow! 50K+ in less than 3 weeks…talk about a marathon…congratulations, Lori!
My question for you is, did your brain hurt after this incredible feat? Seriously! Sometimes thinking too much makes my brain hurt, I can feel it kind of throbbing. It might be out of shape, though. I admit I've never stretched it as far as you have.
And Suzannah, I finished reading Wide Sargasso Sea last night and would like to thank you again for bringing the book to my attention. As far as story goes, I think Ms. Rhys could have written the exact same character without it being Bertha Mason. And the Rochester POV was certainly interesting but a little weak. Did you notice that although Antoinette says names are important. Edward Rochester is never given his name? There seems to be an agenda in there…or two! 😮 But altogether a fascinating read and even if I didn't feel Jane Eyre was done justice, it was well-written and held my attention nonetheless. I've often thought about writing a sequel following Adele's life (another one of Rochester's cast-off's, lol).
Maureen,
So glad you got a chance to read Wide Sargasso Sea, and thanks for sharing your thoughts on it. It’s not easy to live up to Jane Eyre, is it? I, too, prefer Miss Bronte’s version, but WSS is an interesting take on the whole thing. Thanks!
Hi Maureen,
Thanks for your kind comment. I appreciate it! And, yeah, it really was like a marathon in many aspects! Just like NaNoWriMo, the hardest part was preparing for the event (before my MS became more advanced, I ran six marathons and was a swimmer and triathlete, too).
But, just like athletic endeavors, the better the preparation, the less painful the actual event! 🙂 I think that made all the difference.
Oh yeah, and I agree with you. By the end of the contest, not only was my mind feeling fatugued, but also my hands and shoulders from sitting so much in my writing chair.
Thanks for taking the time to comment, Maureen. Have a great day!
~Lori
19 days, huh? I got my pilot's license in 19 days. I think it would be MUCH harder for me to crank out 50K reasonably cohesive words. Maybe there's something magical about 19 days. If you plan for 18, you won't finish. If you go past the 19, you're screwed. Yup. I believe the answer to any major challenge is to accomplish it in 19 days.
What do you think of my new scientific theory? 😉
(When you're awesome and you know it, write 50 thousand words!!)
Hi Lance,
Thanks for your comment here. You inspire me, too, with all you do, with your blog, and with your heart. Thank you!
About ten years ago, I met a guy who was about to retire from the fire department and I'll never forget what he used to tell me often, "It's either time to start living or time to start dying."
That pretty much says it all. It's not over until it's OVER. So, I better make the best with what I still have while I'm still on this side of the dirt. 🙂
Have a great day, Lance, and thanks for taking the time to comment here at Suzannah's blog.
~Lori
Hi Lori! I can't say enough about how proud I am of you – AND what an inspiration you are to me! I'm not a scientist but I have researched much about the brain and its power to over-ride things, build new connectors etc. so boy oh boy, using it like you just did is fantastic! You found the key to taping into the power you have and that is soooo exciting! YAY! I'll betcha this is only the beginning!
Hi Lisis,
I had no idea you got your pilot's license in 19 days! Maybe it IS a magic number, after all. How cool is that? Yes, I like your new scientific theory – now, we need to think about the 'n' and proper controls.
Hey, thanks for visiting me over at Suzannah's site. She runs a great writing blog here; I've discovered so many tips, helpful links, and lots of great advice. See you around the 'sphere!
~xo
Hi Suzannah,
Hey, thanks for having me over here at Write It Sideways! It is an honor for me to post as your site.
I hope all is well after your important weekend – I'll be looking forward to hearing how you're doing. Let me know what I can do, if anything, to help you. And, thanks for all the advice you've given me along the way!
Cheers!
Lori
Hi Lori,
Thanks again for doing this post for me. I can see from all the wonderful comments that others find your story just as inspiring as I have.
We are now the proud parents of second son, so our weekend was very … productive! I’ll email you the details later.
Thanks again!
What an inspiration, Lori. Thanks so much for sharing this process. It took me nearly 3 years to complete the "first" draft (the first 6 drafts were not editable) of my memoir, and now it's time to get the 8th draft ready for editing. With your story in mind, instead of another two months, I'm officially setting my goal for January 7th.
Thank you.
Hi Dian (did I spell your first name correctly? Apologies if I didn't…)
You know, I LOVE memoirs. The story I wrote for NaNoWriMo is actually in the creative non-fiction genre (like the movie 'based on a true story') based on my life and my struggles with MS – but with an added plot to carry the story forward. So, how great that you're writing a memoir, too! Please let me know when it's ready for eyes, I'd love to read it!
Your comment is also great for me to read. I had a feeling that the contest was only the tip of the iceberg, now the real work starts, right? I FIRMLY believe you can do this, Dian! You absolutely can. I believe in you, I believe in the power of the human spirit, I believe you can reach your goal!
Stop by my blog and leave me a comment or visit my Contact Me tab, I'm serious about wanting to root you on in any way I can!
You go, girl!
🙂
Hi Suzen,
Thanks so much for coming to Write It Sideways! Suzannah runs a wonderful, helpful site – she was such a peach for inviting me here. I'm thankful to her.
Your comment inspires me, too, Suzen. Thank you! Yes, I think the contest really put me into overdrive and gave me massive hope for even better days on the horizon. Thanks for your support, Suzen, it really means a lot to me! Thank you!
~xo! Lori
You are an inspiration. I am planning on participating in the January version of NaNoWriMo. I hope I can do it. Thanks for the outline suggestion. Way to go!!!!!!
Hi Margaret,
If you build it, it will come.
You've already done the hardest part, which is to decide to do it. YAY!
Yes, outline and then set goals for each day at least the night before; you'll wake up raring to go!
I know you can do this, Margaret. I'll be rooting for you all the way! Erase doubts and put fingers to keys. You'll get there!
Go for it!
~Lori
Amazing, Lori!! You are truly a role model of what it’s like to conquer your inner demons and strive for a goal (and accomplish it) in spite of adversity!! It gives me the courage and inspiration to continue writing, despite having had cancer and the harmful aftermath of various treatments.
I am luckily in remission and feel so blessed to be able to continue writing.
I hope you are as healthy as possible and congratulations again for hitting your writing goal in just 19 days!!
.-= Read Beth L. Gainer´s last article ..Advocacy When Sick, Part II: Quality Control =-.