NaNoWriMo–Preregretting It

I do a lot of stupid things, but I’m not stupid enough to discredit the NaNoWriMo program or the good that it does for writers and education. That point is not arguable. It’s a fine program and many people benefit from it.

I’m trying it this November for one reason, and one reason only: it’s a method I haven’t tried.

Best Case Scenario:

• Whether or not I meet the word quotas, I’ll have a big chunk of something new at the end of November.
• I’ll have empathy for fellow writers who measure their productivity in word numbers (I have never done this).
• My tendency to meet self-imposed deadlines may actually work in my favor, depending on my mood.
• The experience will carry over into December and beyond and I’ll be more prolific overall.

Worst Case Scenario:

• I won’t meet the quotas and get so far behind that I’ll give it up. Automatic sense of failure.
• I’ll meet the quotas but most of it will be useless. Even as I’m writing it, I’ll be dreading the huge edits.
• I’ll complete it, but decide the new idea isn’t worth editing.
• My best intentions will be crushed by an overwhelming need to write short stories instead.
• I’ll realize what I knew all along–that meeting a word quota reminds me of school. I hate school. This is why I’ve never made word count goals as a writer.

I have four days to get psyched up. Someone wish me luck.