October Writing Challenge

Discipline.

Chances are that when you read that word your initial thoughts ran to some sort of punishment. It seems that while we are intellectually aware that discipline can mean a number of things it’s often thought of in terms of punishment.

But there is another side to discipline.

“Control gained by enforcing obedience or order,” is another way to look at discipline. To be a disciple means to follow a particular path. To make ones self stronger and in some sense more whole.

Most people do not just go out and run a marathon. They train. They discipline themselves in order to push beyond the bounds of normal performance.

In November I am running a literary marathon by participating in the National Novel Writing Month (www.NanoWrimo.org). I’ve talked about writing a book for some time, and have even made a few weak attempts. November is the time. I can no longer call myself a writer if I don't write for public consumption. So it's time to take the plunge. A few weeks ago I heard Jonathan Rand speak and his advice to writers was to keep writing. Every day. No more excuses.

So I'm in. November is it.

In preparation for Nanowrimo, I am committing to writing every day from now until the end of October. So when November starts, I’ll be ready for a marathon writing experience. As part of my training I’ll be playing with all different forms of writing, some of which I’ll post here.

If you have ideas or inspiration to share, send it my way.